One of the most unique dining spots in Jacksonville is Congaree and Penn where guests can eat just steps away from where their food was grown. The “field to fork” dining experience features seasonal dishes based on what the farm is growing. For smaller groups, opt for dining on the patio, and for groups over 13 people can dine in a field of grapevines. Do not miss its stellar shrimp and grits, which is made with Florida shrimp, Jupiter rice grits, tasso ham, tomato gravy and topped off with pepper jelly.

The Springfield neighborhood in Jacksonville has quickly become the go-to destination for food lovers. One place that has been drawing in guests in The District. The restaurant is known for its outdoor dining space that features lounge tables and plush outdoor sofas. Diners can also rent a private boho yurt complete with a personalized welcome sign, an AC unit, and a bluetooth speaker. Indulge in dishes like beef Wellington and braised short ribs for dinner, or get a brunch charcuterie board for a decadent weekend brunch.

Irish pubs are plentiful in Jacksonville, but one with ample outdoor seating is Culhane’s Irish Pub. Both locations of the restaurant have a spacious deck where guests can enjoy pub classics like fish and chips, bangers and mash, and corned beef and cabbage.

For those looking for authentic German food in Jacksonville look no further than German Schnitzel Haus. Dine in its covered outdoor biergarten for a taste of Oktoberfest right in the heart of Jacksonville, while dining on old country favorites like jäger schnitzel, sauerbraten, and spätzle.

Hoptinger Bier Garden and Sausage House has two locations in town and both have ample outdoor seating. The location on Park Street has a rooftop bar that serves craft beer and sharable plates, and the Jacksonville Beach spot serves its entire menu inside and outside. No matter which location, be sure to try out a few beers by making your own flight and pick a few snacks to share with friends and family.

The Bearded Pig consistently ranks at the top of every barbecue lovers list, with locations in the San Marco neighborhood and in Jacksonville Beach. Both have a spacious outdoor beer gardens serving barbecue right out of the smoker, or order one of the more unique offerings like the Bearded Poutine, which piles burnt ends, cheese curds, and pimento cheese on top of fries for a barbecue feast. 

European Street Cafe has been a Jacksonville classic since the 90’s, offering up towering sandwiches, sharable salads, and ample outdoor dining options. Pro tip: order an “off menu” picklewich, that uses giant pickles in lieu of bread, filled with choice of two meats, cheese, and condiments.

Taverna is best known for its homemade pastas, pizzas, and large assortment of small plates. Scoring a table on the always in demand patio can be hard at times, so make sure to book ahead with the restaurant. And do not leave Taverna without trying their burrata and prosciutto pizza, which is topped with fig, arugula, and truffle. 

Wicked Barley features one of the largest outdoor dining spaces in Jacksonville with a covered back patio, covered beer garden, and boat dock. Be sure to get an order of fried cheese curds for the table, and pair it with one of the beers on tap that rotate weekly. And, yes, guests can take their boat out and dock right at the restaurant to grab a bite to eat, because, Florida.

One of the most popular outdoor dining locations is Cap’s on the Water in St. Augustine. Diners who choose to sit outside on its wooden deck are treated to views of animals exploring the waterway and colorful Florida sunsets, while dining on fish brought in fresh from local sources each morning.