Jacksonville, Florida boasts a vibrant culinary scene, and one dish reigns supreme in comfort food: mac and cheese. From classic creamy concoctions to innovative gourmet versions, the city offers a diverse range of mac and cheese experiences. This guide explores 19 of the best mac and cheese spots in Jacksonville, ensuring your cheesy journey is nothing short of delightful.
Classic Comfort: Traditional Mac & Cheese Havens
This section focuses on restaurants serving up the quintessential mac and cheese experience. These places prioritize quality ingredients and a perfectly balanced cheese sauce.
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The Bold Bean Coffee Roasters: While known for their coffee, their mac and cheese is a surprisingly delicious side that complements their coffee perfectly. It's a simple, classic version that highlights the quality of the ingredients.
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Metro Diner: A Jacksonville staple, Metro Diner offers a hearty portion of creamy, cheesy goodness. Their mac and cheese is a crowd-pleaser, known for its rich, smooth texture.
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The Loop: This gastropub presents a comforting take on mac and cheese, offering a balance of creamy sauce and perfectly cooked pasta. The portion size is generous, making it perfect for sharing (or not!).
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Biscuit's Cafe: A local favorite known for its Southern comfort food, Biscuit's Cafe offers a classic mac and cheese that's both creamy and satisfying. This is the ideal place for a nostalgic mac and cheese fix.
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P.I.G. (Parkway Independent Gastropub): P.I.G. ups the ante with their mac and cheese, making it a standout among the gastropubs in Jacksonville. They often have seasonal variations that incorporate interesting cheeses and additions.
Gourmet Explorations: Elevated Mac & Cheese Experiences
For those seeking a more sophisticated mac and cheese experience, these restaurants offer gourmet twists and creative takes on the classic dish.
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Olio: Known for its upscale Italian cuisine, Olio's mac and cheese is a refined masterpiece. Expect gourmet cheeses, perfectly cooked pasta and attention to detail.
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Black Sheep Restaurant: This restaurant regularly features innovative mac and cheese specials that incorporate unique cheeses and flavor combinations. Check their menu frequently for exciting surprises!
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Burro Bar: This popular spot might be known for its tacos, but its mac and cheese is a hidden gem, often including interesting additions and elevating the classic dish.
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Taverna: This Mediterranean restaurant offers a surprisingly delicious mac and cheese, integrating Mediterranean flavors that create a truly unique experience.
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Vineyard Vine: This restaurant offers a sophisticated mac and cheese that perfectly complements their wine list.
Unique and Unexpected: Mac & Cheese with a Twist
These restaurants offer mac and cheese with a unique twist, incorporating unexpected ingredients or preparation methods for a surprising culinary journey.
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Moxie Kitchen & Cocktails: Moxie offers a frequently rotating mac and cheese menu, always surprising diners with its creative flavor profiles and combinations.
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The Floridian: This restaurant incorporates locally sourced ingredients into their frequently rotating mac and cheese menu. Expect innovative, seasonal flavor combinations.
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Orsay: This sophisticated restaurant may have a more high-end take on the dish, featuring a carefully selected cheese blend and other premium ingredients.
Comfort Food with a Kick: Spicy Mac & Cheese Options
For those who enjoy a little heat with their cheese, these restaurants offer spicy mac and cheese variations.
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Pepe's Cantina: This cantina is well-known for its Mexican-inspired dishes. Their spicy mac and cheese adds a kick to the classic, perfectly balanced between spice and creaminess.
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Southern Soul Barbeque: While primarily a barbeque joint, Southern Soul's mac and cheese is a must-try, often featuring a smoky or spicy twist.
Beyond the Restaurant: DIY Mac & Cheese
If you prefer crafting your mac and cheese masterpiece at home, these local stores provide top-notch ingredients.
- Local grocery stores: Jacksonville has many well-stocked grocery stores, allowing you to select your favorite cheeses and pasta for the ultimate home-cooked experience.
Finding Your Perfect Mac & Cheese Match in Jacksonville
This guide is just a starting point in your Jacksonville mac and cheese adventure. Each restaurant offers a unique take on this beloved dish. Your perfect mac and cheese experience awaits!
Table 1: Quick Comparison of Mac & Cheese Styles
| Restaurant | Style | Spice Level | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metro Diner | Classic | Mild | $ |
| Olio | Gourmet | Mild | $ |
| Moxie Kitchen | Innovative | Varies | $ |
| Pepe's Cantina | Spicy Mexican | Medium | $ |
| Southern Soul BBQ | Smoky/Spicy | Medium | $ |
Note: Price ranges are approximate and may vary. $ represents inexpensive, $ represents moderate, and $$ represents expensive.
Remember to check restaurant websites or call ahead to confirm menus and availability, especially for special or limited-time mac and cheese offerings. Enjoy your culinary adventure through Jacksonville's best mac and cheese!
