3rd Street (A1A) & 9th Street South

Jacksonville Beach, Florida

(904)270-0080

www.thirdstreetdiner.com

3rd Street Diner

OPA! OPA! OPA!  Yeah! Sorry, I had just got into the Greek spirit. The 3rd Street Diner is a Greek influenced restaurant in the beaches area of Jacksonville, Florida. For years there has been a restaurant in this location either a Chinese place or as in the last few years the 3rd Street Diner. When these guys opened, they were a 24 hour diner, but now they are known as a late night diner. Now instead of around the clock they are opened till 2 am. They also offer a large menu of both American and Greek food, either for dine in or delivery.

Dining Room

On the day that we stopped in, neither one of us had been to the 3rd Street Diner before. This would be a new experience for the both of us. As we were seated we noticed the table was extremely uneven and would wobble back and forth to the point that drinks would spill. Rhonette had to take a small stack of napkins to wipe the old food off of her chair, and we needed the server to wipe down the table that had dried food on it. So the beginning of this visit is taking its toll and we are on very edge of getting up to leave and go to get tacos down the street. We really wanted to give another place a try and so we allowed this beginning flaw to slide for now.

After looking at this menu of 5 full pages and watching other’s food come out we are still at a bit of a loss of what to order. When our server comes we both just go with the first thing that we see on the menu at that time and hope for the best. My order was for the Chicken Rueben but instead of the French fries I asked if they would substitute the roasted Greek potato wedges, to which they were glad to accommodate. Our server took off to put in our order and we were still talking about the place in a manner of negativity. This will always happen to either someone who is writing a review or anyone who has an opinion. Notice it for yourself, the next time that you are with friends at a restaurant, if you start off with a bad experience you will look for every negative aspect of the rest of the time that you are at that place. 

Chicken Rueben

With this in mind we are hoping that we have not made a mistake by not going to the taco place down the street. We are glad we stayed; the 3rd Street Diner hit a home run with our meals. Typically I only talk about my meals in these reviews, but in this case I will mention that both my meal and the potato salad that Rhonette ordered was great. Let me start with the Chicken Ruben, the server gave me a small dish with the Russian dressing to put on the sandwich. This dressing was amazing, so amazing that I asked the waitress to tell me about the recipe that is a specialty of the chef on duty. It was the must have on the Chicken Ruben, and the flavor was so full and not overbearing. The roasted potatoes were in the Greek style, drenched in olive oil and spices on top. These potatoes are not listed on the main menu but on the Greek section near the back. Not having had the French fries at 3rd Street Diner I cannot tell you that you must get the roasted potatoes, but I will tell you that the next time that I am there that I will get the roasted potatoes. 

Rhonette's Potato Salad

If the Chicken Ruben for $8.95 is not your style then you can get a hot dog for $3.95, a club sandwich for under 9 bucks, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, salads, or if you want a seafood dinner they have the option of fried seafood dishes in the $15 range or even broiled selections for just a bit more. For those of you that have little ones, the 3rd Street Diner has several items on the kids menu including pancakes, macaroni and cheese, spaghetti with meatball and more. All the kids’ items include a soda or iced tea and they are willing to substitute fresh veggies for the French fries all for under five dollars.

Desserts

I will let you know that on the way out of the 3rd Street Diner I looked at the desserts that are almost all made on location. The items that are not made there are ordered directly from a bakery in New York. Also, I got a cannoli, typically I do not like a cannoli, however this one was calling my name and boy was it good. 

If you find yourself at the beaches of Jacksonville and are hungry I highly recommend 3rd Street Diner, it is worth the wait and the dirty tables.

Review by Pie, email:  pie@piesplate.com

463797 SR 200

Suite #1

Yulee, Florida 32097

(904) 548-0650

Store Front

There was a time that was not that long ago when people in north Florida made Yulee, Florida the butt of all the redneck & hick jokes. In all reality, Yulee has become a place to shop and not just a punchline. Along with it being a place to shop, the town of Yulee, Florida is starting to acquire a bunch of fast food restaurants. But to break from the fast food trend, there is a new Mexican place that is nice and refreshing. San Jose Mexican Grill is typical of most of the Mexican places with margarita specials, an item called the ‘Speedy Gonzalez’, fajitas, and a Mexican staff member waiting with a basket of chips and a bowl of salsa as soon as you walk into the place. Now before you think that they are boring with nothing special, they have a few items to peak any food fans interest, such as the guacamole salad and the items on the ‘Los Favoritos’ menu.

Chips and Salsas

Shortly after we were seated they had already dropped off the chips and salsa. The chips were warm and the salsa was fresh but common. So we asked for something with a little extra kick to it. At this time they provided us with a green chili salsa and a thicker salsa that was not quite as bright red as the original. When I scooped the last of the salsas onto my chip and tried it my friend asked me if I liked it. I said it was good, and it was, BUT after a few moments in your mouth it has a kick of heat that was not only hot but had flavor. You don’t have to be a good cook to make a hot sauce. But there is a real talent to make a hot sauce that has a rich flavor. This may be the best hot salsa that I have ever had. The waitress saw our affection and appreciation for the salsa and could see us sweating. She giggled and gave us a phrase in Spanish that is loosely translated into ‘It’s painful but I like it’.

Being lunch time and the extensive lunch menu that they have I went with the ‘Lunch #3′. Which consist of two tacos and one cheese quesadilla. Not wanting the ground beef I asked if they would substitute grilled chicken, and they did. After the waitress had left I looked closer at the menu and wished that I had ordered something else. When I saw the ‘Los Favoritos’ , it was then that I started to crave the Camarones Al Mojo De Ajo. This item is sautéed shrimp in garlic and seasonings with rice, flour tortillas, and a salad. Just the sound of it is great. There is also an item with whitefish and garlic shrimp grilled with onions and tortillas that also sounded wonderful. When my food came I will say that the tacos were very, very good, the cheese quesadilla was just that, a cheese quesadilla. There are certain items that even a kid cannot mess up; cheese quesadilla is one of them. I did order a side of sour cream to top off my food. Looking around at other tables that were being served, I will say that I had meal envy. The next time I go to San Jose Mexican Grill (and there will be a next time) I will need to explore the menu a bit more.

Tacos

The restaurant is not too large and so on this being a colder day we needed to sit away from the door. To let you know, there might be only 15 tables in the entire place. The atmosphere is good and not stuffy. I must say that the staff was very kind and all were attentive. Even though you sit at a table and are fully served, you do need to take your bill to the counter when you are done. The lunch menu has items that start at just over $4.00 and go up to $7.99. The most expensive is the fajitas or the rib eye steak. They do offer 20 different items for the lunch with an average cost of just under six bucks. For those of you with the young ones they offer a kids menu as well. The kids menu has 8 different items that are kid friendly not just Mexican. They have everything from tacos to hot dogs. All of the items on the kids menu are priced at $3.99.

 So the next time you are on your way to Amelia Island or Fernadina Beach then be sure to feed your Mexican craving at San Jose Mexican Grill in Yulee, Florida. You might not be able to see the actual building from the road due to the bank that is in the way. If you see the Starbucks you should know that San Jose Mexican Grill is behind them. As of November 2009 they are still a new place. I mention this so you know that the furniture, tables, plates, and the overall feel is still fresh and clean. If you find yourself stopping by you MUST try the variety of salsas, but beware that they have a kick. Swing by and give them a try, as a matter of fact, I might even go out of my way.

Review by Pie, email:  pie@piesplate.com

1605 North Lake Drive

Lexington, SC 29072

(803) 808-0882

DAM Bar& Grill

North Lake Drive in Lexington, South Carolina is a five lane road that was built as a result of the Lake Murray Dam. Lake Murray is a magnificent site and the dam is a man-made marvel. With recently building a retention wall that allows you to drive literally in between the dam on one side and along the top of the dam on the other, you will follow the dam for the almost 2 miles that it spans. Near this midlands landmark is an establishment known as the DAM Bar & Grill. In the past I have been to this place for a few drinks with friends and family, but never to eat.

DAM Bar

On this football Saturday we decided to stop in for lunch. With the estimated 25 television screens playing the in state rivalry, there was a crowd of people pulling for their favorite team. As far as the crowd goes, they were busy but not packed. There was no wait for the booth we grabbed; as a matter of fact we changed our mind of where we wanted to sit and there was no problem finding another table to sit at. They do offer bar seating, high top seating and fat man friendly booths. Some of you may wonder what a fat man friendly booth is, well if you have crossed that threshold of being too fat to ride a roller coaster then you need to be aware of booth seating. If a booth has a stationary table and seats then some of us on the larger end may not fit. Sure it is funny to a thin person to watch us as we struggle to get in, out, or even comfortable in this situation, but we like to have the opportunity to just move the table or the seats.

Wing Chips

Some people will remember in National Lampoons Vacation (also later mocked by Bevis and Butthead) when they toured the Hoover Dam as the guide asked the group if they had any dam questions. The reason I bring this up, is that the DAM Bar & Grill has managed to carry on this tradition by offering the DAM starters for appetizers, the DAM wings, DAM wraps, DAM salads, best DAM burgers in town, DAM baskets and items from the DAM grill. Oh and I cannot forget that they have a special section on the back of the menu for the DAM kids.

We decided to start with a DAM side of wing chips as a starter. They offer them as a ‘raw’ chip (meaning not too well done) or as a crispy chip. In essence this is a thicker than usual potato chip. The server recommended using the salt and malt vinegar on them. Rhonette actually had ordered a salad as well with ranch dressing. I thought I would dip a chip into the ranch, and ohhh buddy, that was good!

For my main item I actually had considered getting the DAM hot wings, but went with the 5 Napkin Philly Cheese Steak sandwich. If you are from Pennsylvania then I know that a southern version of your sandwich is an injustice. However, this is the absolute best Philly Cheese Steak sandwich I have ever tasted. There was nothing super special about the preparation of this sandwich. My belief is the ingredients were fresh and properly made. The 5.N.P.C.S. is described in the DAM menu as shaved hot Angus beef, sautéed onions A& peppers, with provolone on a toasted hoagie roll. When you have a place that offers one of these sandwiches but has their own special sauce or extra ‘thing’ to it, they are just overcompensating for an average sandwich. But these guys make a meal that is worth going out of the way for. My food was served with hushpuppies that were wonderful.

 For my thickly stuffed sandwich the cost was $7.99 and the side of wing chips was a full basket for only $2.75. The sodas are $1.95 with ‘free refills’. I use the quotations in free refills due to the fact that for two bucks it better be refills. This is an area that frustrates me because the margin of profit for a soda is huge. Ok, Ok, Ok I am preaching here…. The food is great and I highly recommend your take yourself to the DAM Bar & Grill. The cost for the quality of food is great considering that it is bar food, really, really good bar food. If you decide to get something for the DAM kids then all the items are $3.95 and you get the options of grilled cheese, corn pups, even varieties of chicken.

 Next time I am in Lexington, South Carolina I will be back at the DAM Bar & Grill, ohhh they even have a late night menu for after 10 pm. I like this place……

Review by Pie, email:  pie@piesplate.com

850 Lane Ave South
Jacksonville, FL 32205-4705
(904) 783-9579 

Cross Creek

We were hungry for something a little different.  We were driving around and decided we wanted some steak, something grilled and meaty.  We came across Cross Creek Steakhouse.  The place doesn’t look like much from the outside.  Wooden building made to look like it was made out of barn wood with a screened in porch.  We entered the restaurant and I was surprised at the décor.  Lots of cool, old and unusual stuff to look at.  There was a corner display of scarecrows and pumpkins for fall.  We were seated way in the back of the restaurant.  This place is huge!  Like I said, it didn’t look like much from the outside, but inside…the place seemed to go on and on forever. 

View of the Bar From the Lobby

Our waitress quickly came over and went over the specials with us and took our drink order.  She came back just as fast with our drinks and we ordered some sweet potato fries for an appetizer.  We were going over the menu and decided on what we wanted to order.  Our waitress came with a huge plate of sweet potato fries and took our dinner order.  I was having the barbecue sampler plate with chicken, pulled pork, beef brisket and ribs with a side of coleslaw and steamed broccoli.  Pie got the endless plate of grilled shrimp with a side of steamed broccoli and a baked potato.  Now that our dinner order was in, we got back to our appetizer.  Let me tell you, these sweet potato fries were amazing!  They didn’t taste greasy even though they were fried.  They were crinklecut and cooked crispy, but not hard and crunchy.  We dipped them in some honey mustard and before we knew it, they were gone.  As we were looking at the empty plate wishing for more, our dinner order came to our table.  Perfect timing! 

Sweet Potato Fries

Our waitress asked if we needed extra napkins, ketchup, more drinks and basically made sure that we had everything that we needed for our dinner.  The dinner was fabulous.  The ribs were to die for and the chicken was done to perfection.  The pork was pulled and not shredded into a pulp like many restaurants do.  I wasn’t thrilled with the brisket, but only because I am not a fan of that cut of meat…it kind of reminds me of corned beef and corned beef freaks me out.  It’s a texture thing I think.  Pie got 2 more plates of the shrimp.  Our waitress made sure that the next plate was right there when he finished the first one.  Many times when there is all you can eat shrimp, they aren’t that quick to bring you the next plate.  Not here!  He wasn’t a fan of the broccoli, it was seasoned with some spices and it just wasn’t his taste.  I put it with mine and finished it up.  When our dinner was finished, our waitress asked if we would like some dessert.  We settled on sharing a piece of cheese cake.  Great cheesecake!  I ate the top of it to avoid the crust and Pie got to eat all the crust and what was left over.  

Fall Display

We got our check with our dessert and paid our bill.  This was nice since most restaurants can’t get the timing of the check right.  They either bring it without asking about dessert making you feel like they want you out of that table; or they bring it way after you have finished your last bite and just about to slip into nap mode right at the table.  Dinner for both of us was about $35…not bad, not bad at all.  Well worth the money! 

Stuffed Lynx? with a Sucker in it's Mouth

When we were leaving, we asked for a menu to take with us.  They were coming in from the printer the next day the hostess told us.  She went out of her way and asked a couple of the staff if they knew if there were any stashed away somewhere.  They searched high and low to find one and they finally did.  They were so nice and friendly; so was our waitress.  They do have a kid’s menu although I have to admit that we didn’t look it over.  Cross Creek has a great restaurant going on Lane Avenue South.  If you are looking for great food, great service and a great price all at a place that makes you feel right at home and appreciated…go to Cross Creek (but wear some stretchy pants!).

Review by Rhonette, email:  rhonette@piesplate.com

4310 Southside Blvd
Jacksonville, FL 32216-5474
(904) 998-4414

www.copelandsjacksonville.com 

We were looking for somewhere to eat late on a Saturday night.  I say late, but it was around 10pm.  Not much was open, but we came across Copeland’s on Southside Boulevard in Jacksonville, FL.  We are not much into chain restaurants, but we decided to give it a try.  The restaurant wasn’t too busy, a few large parties were finishing up and there were a few couples having dinner.  We were seated in the back of the restaurant and our waitress came to take our drink order.  We were looking at the menu and saw that they had quite a variety of food.  A little something for everyone. 

Burger Without a Bun

It’s tough for me to find something to eat sometimes; I have Celiac Disease which is an allergy to gluten found in wheat, barley and rye.  Basically, I’m allergic to flour.  This menu, as diverse as it was, posed quite a challenge for me.  Everything was breaded, battered and fried.  You will usually see me ordering a salad in a pinch, but I was salad-ed out this evening.  I finally decided on a burger minus a bun with an order of fries.  Pie had shrimp scampi on a bed of pasta.  The appetizers were all things I could not eat, so we also ordered an order of fries for a starter.  Luckily, the fries were good.  Our waitress was tough to find once she brought us our dinners.  It seems that they were beginning to close down the dining room and she was running around filling salt and pepper shakers and polishing tables.  We needed ketchup and some extra napkins.  Another waiter was nice enough to bring these to us.  We finished our dinner and were going to order a dessert.  The waitress was nowhere to be found again.  When we finally got her attention, she put down her cleaning supplies and brought us our check with out asking if we wanted dessert.  Oh well.  We paid our bill and headed towards the door. 

Shrimp Scampi

I must say, I was not impressed with their food.  It was ok and that was about it.  I didn’t find anything special about it at all.  Even though their fries were good, I wouldn’t care if I didn’t ever have them again, they were just ok.  The dinner was a little more than we usually spend, coming to about $45 for the both of us.  I thought it was too much given we had French fries for an appetizer and didn’t have any dessert.  All in all, it was a good experience; it was reinforcement as to why we don’t go to chain restaurants.  On our way out, Pie went to use the rest room.  He said there was graffiti on the walls and the bathroom was basically trashed.  This surprised him since Copeland’s seems to try to be more than an average restaurant.  We asked for a menu (we always do this when we leave so we can reference it later) and they didn’t have one for us.  It took some rummaging around for them to find a take out menu to give us.  We noticed they have a kid’s menu.  It has a variety of choices for the kiddies’ palate and all for under $4.00.  

If you are into overpriced chain restaurants with mediocre food, Copeland’s is the place for you.  However, we won’t be making a return visit any time soon.

 Review by Rhonette, email:  rhonette@piesplate.com