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In 2021, Jacksonville’s restaurant scene continues to grow, with new restaurants opening or planning to open in the coming months. Here’s a look at what’s opening or coming soon to Jacksonville’s beaches, including Atlantic, Neptune and Jacksonville Beach, as well as the city’s Intracoastal West areas.
The Baker’s Son by Valerio’s
The Baker’s Son by Valerio’s, a family-owned Filipino opened Jan. 28 at 11957 Atlantic Blvd. in Jacksonville.
Restaurants:What’s new or coming soon to Jacksonville’s downtown, historic neighborhoods
Margaritaville Beach Hotel and LandShark Bar & Grill
Margaritaville Beach Hotel and LandShark Bar & Grill opened to guests on Jan 26. The estimated $50 million resort hotel at 715 1st St. N. in Jacksonville Beach offers a Jimmy Buffet island theme throughout the 202-room complex with tropical decor, Caribbean colors, a two-story LandShark Bar and Grill as well as an outdoor pool for guests that runs down a section of the Beachwalk. | Read more
Wonderbird
Wonderbird opened its first fast-food chicken restaurant Feb. 2 at 528 Beach Blvd. in Jacksonville Beach. The restaurant, from the owners of The Local in Jacksonville and Neptune Beach, specializes in fried and grilled chicken sandwiches, nuggets and tenders. | Read more
The Bearded Pig
Popular Jacksonville barbecue The Bearded Pig opened its second restaurant in March at 1700 3rd St. S. in Jacksonville Beach. The restaurant will serve popular favorites such as the San Marco Platter as well as some new menu items. | Read more
Jeremiah’s Italian Ice
Jeremiah’s Italian Ice opened its newest shop in March at 1500 Beach Blvd. in Jacksonville Beach. It is the fourth in the Jacksonville area. A fifth shop is coming soon to Parkway Place of Durbin, 1195 St. Johns Parkway in the Durbin area. | Read more
Beach Bowl
The iconic Beach Bowl, 818 Beach Blvd. in Jacksonville Beach, is slated for $7.5 million in renovations and upgrades, including the addition of a two-story restaurant with rooftop dining. The landmark bowling alley had closed in November 2019 after about 60 years in business. | Read more
Jax Beach Town Center
Demolition of the former Campeche Bay Cantina and Ruby Beach Brewing Co. will make room for the planned 19,000-square-foot, two-story Jax Beach Town Center in Jacksonville Beach. Plans for the project — which is projected to be completed in 2022 — include at least one restaurant, a rooftop lounge, event space and possibly retail stores. | Read more
Whataburger
Whataburger received a city of Jacksonville building permit April 12 for a new restaurant at 11559 Atlantic Blvd. at Atlantic North where a Cinemark movie theater is already under construction.
Sugarfire Smoke House
Sugarfire Smoke House opened July 26 at 12959 Atlantic Blvd. near Lowe’s, bringing St. Louis-style barbecue to Jacksonville’s busy BBQ scene. In addition to its signature dry-rubbed ribs, brisket and pulled pork, the restaurant is known for its desserts, including a variety of housemade cookies, pies and floats and decadent shakes, including the pie shake, made with a full piece of pie and your choice of shake flavor. | Read more
Burgerfi Neptune Beach
Nationwide gourmet hamburger chain BurgerFi opened its third Jacksonville-area gourmet burger restaurant on June 10 at 630 Atlantic Blvd. in Seminole Shoppes. The Neptune Beach store joins sister restaurants at 108 Riverside Ave. in the Riverside neighborhood of Jacksonville, and at 4890 Big Island Drive near St. Johns Town Center. | Read more
Le Petit Paris Atlantic Beach
Le Petit Paris Atlantic Beach opened June 15 at 363 Atlantic Blvd. in the Shoppes of Northshore. It joins the original restaurant at 9965 San Jose Blvd. in Mandarin.
Crumbl Cookies
Tik Tok social media sensation Crumbl Cookies opened its first Northeast Florida gourmet cookie shop on July 9 at 3267 Hodges Blvd. in Jacksonville’s Beach Haven neighborhood. Crumbl features four specialty cookies each week, along with classic favorites warm chocolate chip and chilled sugar. Its rotating menu numbers more than 120 flavors of cookies. | Read more
The G.O.A.T. Tapas & Bar
Showcasing an eclectic menu of “global cuisine” inspired by the overseas travels of its executive chef George Thomas and owners Farheen Shahbaz and Luke Shinners, The G.O.A.T. Tapas & Bar opened Aug. 11 at 311 Third St. N., in the former Blind Rabbit location in Jacksonville Beach. | Read more
Main Squeeze Juice Co.
Main Squeeze Juice Co., the freshly made juice, smoothies acai bowls and other healthy food shop, celebrated its grand opening in August at 544 Marsh Landing Parkway in Jacksonville Beach. It’s the company’s first store in Florida, the chain’s website shows.