Review of Box Seats in Fleming Island, FL

Box Seats Restaurant of Fleming Island

1605 County Road 220 #145

Fleming Island, Florida 32003

(904) 637-0152

Box Seats

Most people who have been in and around the northeast Florida region have at some point either has been to or at least heard of Box Seats. This is an establishment that has many years of history for the sports bar lovers in the Jacksonville area. Even my waitress on this particular day has worked for Box Seats for over a decade. The current location and definitely the best facility that Box Seats has ever had is now in Fleming Island near the Home Depot just off of county road 220. If you live in the Jacksonville, Orange Park, Green Cove, or Fleming Island area you are well aware of the commercial explosion along 220. Box Seats has made this area home and they are a good fit for Fleming Island.

Box Seats Store Front

My server was quick to seat me; actually she let me pick my own seat as to the fact that it was a slow lunch crowd on this day. She gave me the typical sports bar menu and told me her name was Brenda as she went to get my Diet Coke. On my way in I saw the lunch specials that were written on the folding board that was set in front of the door. Included on the board was a double cheeseburger special, 5 wings fries and a drink, even a fried and smothered steak with mashed potatoes. Each of the specials was available for under eight bucks. My interest was to get an appetizer of either the broccoli bites, corn nuggets, or the battered mushrooms, but the biggest drawback was that all of these items were over $7. Either they were overpriced compared to other places or they give you a heaping pile on the starters.  So I decided not to get an appetizer, maybe a salad but again the cost was in the way. Of all the salads that I saw they were all eight dollars or more. The Pecan Cranberry Chicken Salad looked great but it was almost $10.00. So I decided to go with one of the ‘Packer Sandwiches’, my decision was for the Philly Cheese Steak with chicken instead of beef. This item was $7.99 and served with fries.

Meal at Box Seats

After I placed my order Brenda stood at my table and talked for a little while giving me the history of Box Seats. Slowly as customers came in Brenda went to tend the bar and knew many of the customers by name. This is a place that really has a ‘regulars’ feel but allows you to come in without feeling out of place. The inside has (my guesstimation of) 25 televisions some large and some average size but there is definitely a TV in site of every seat. If you are in need of a cigarette with your meal then you should know that there is outdoor seating available too. But do not worry, there are televisions outside as well.

 Not having to wait too long my chicken Philly was ready. This sandwich came as a recommendation from Brenda. The sandwich was very good, my disappointment was in the size. For paying almost eight bucks I would have expected a larger sandwich, or at least a more filled sandwich. Seeming like that was a complaint, I did enjoy the food and I did not leave hungry. My plans are to come back to Box Seats and I think the next time I go will be during a game or at least with some friends. This particular day was just a lunch time stop but I can see where this can be a fun place to go with a group.

Box Seats Patio

Brenda is one of the bartenders and waits on the tables in the bar area. The bar does have full liquor as well as the beer and wine. The menu has a good variety and all the items are in the same price range except for the shrimp or steak. These items will run you in the $15 to $16 range. In one corner they have a few arcade style games, dart boards and in another corner they have a stage for local bands. If they have any trivia tournaments, dart competitions, or live music there were no signs to let you know.

Specials Board

I do look forward to being back at Box Seats in the future. If there is a special event coming there be sure and let me know, I am always looking for a reason to go out.

Review by Pie, email: pie@piesplate.com