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5 Favorite Local Coffee Shops in and Around Jacksonville, FL

There are so many phenomenal places to grab a coffee in Jacksonville these days. Check out five of our favorite local coffee shops in and around Jacksonville, FL. more 5 Favorite Local Coffee Shops in and Around Jacksonville, FL 1. Bold Bean Bold Bean is part of the Riverside neighborhood and its thriving mix of restaurants, boutique shops, and bars. Located on Stockton Street, Bold Bean was founded in 2011 and focuses on sustainably sourced, specialty coffees. They source the best coffees available and roast them on site. Bold Bean has been lucky over the years to have attracted such a loyal following of regulars from nearby. If you're looking for a place to hang out each week or just looking for something different other than your routine, check them out soon! 2. Bold Bean Jacksonville Beach If you want a hot brew while smelling the sea breeze, then check out their Jacksonville Beach location. Enjoying a cup of coffee at the Bold Bean Jax Beach location is like taking a vacation right at home. Located within walking distance from the beach, you'll find a busy cafe where locals just like you gather for freshly roasted java. Fans rave about the unique coffee flavors, knowledgeable staff, and relaxed vibe. 3. Vagabond Coffee Vagabond Coffee is a community gathering place with great coffee guaranteed to satisfy any palate. You'll find everything you need to get your day started or to kick back and relax.  This Murray Hill shop serves fantastic coffee and freshly-baked pastries. The Murray Hill roastery produces coffee in small batches with unusual flavors. They also roast their beans several days per week so they can serve some of the freshest coffee in town! 4. Social Grounds Coffee Company Social Grounds Coffee Company is a veteran-owned coffee company with a social mission. Social Grounds offers good, high-quality coffee while supporting Vets transitioning out of homelessness or returning from active duty. Located on N. Main Street, Social Grounds donates a portion of each purchase to vets needing support in Jacksonville. This small relaxing cafe brews a great cup of java while empowering vets throughout the region.  Try the Warrior Blend while you're there, a wonderful caramel, chocolate, and cherry blend which benefits the Wounded Warrior Project. 5. The Coffee Grinder Funky and laid-back, the Coffee Grinder is your go-to establishment for getting great food and coffee in a lively atmosphere. Whether you're starting your day with an espresso or winding it up over a Chai Tea Latte, this Southside Jacksonville café is the place to be. Electronic music sets the tone several nights a week, with the help of local DJs from the area. Located on the corner of Baymeadows Road and Southside Boulevard, The Coffee Grinder offers a  welcoming atmosphere where all can come to enjoy good conversation, tasty food, and great java! Jacksonville residents have many great coffee spots to explore! While you're out, stop by Tom Bush BMW and check out our brand new cars. We'd be happy to answer your questions and schedule a test drive.

Seafood Platter

5 Great Seafood Restaurants in and Around Jacksonville, FL

Jacksonville, FL is an ideal travel destination with a surplus of sun and outdoor and nature activities. The town is also home to a number of great shopping destinations and delicious restaurants that you and your travel companions are sure to enjoy. If you find yourself craving seafood during your trip, make sure to check out the delicious seafood restaurants in and around Jacksonville! more 5 Great Seafood Restaurants In and Around Jacksonville, FL 1. The Blue Fish Restaurant and Oyster Bar The Blue Fish Restaurant and Oyster Bar is located in Jacksonville and is open for lunch and dinner daily. Available lunch menu items include soups, salads, sandwiches, burgers, House specialties, and sides. All House specialties are served with a side salad and available specialties include seared scallops and shrimp white cheddar mac and cheese, lemon caper rainbow trout, blackened chicken, red beans, and rice, and grilled chicken white cheddar mac and cheese. 2. Safe Harbor Seafood Safe Harbor Seafood is located in Atlantic Beach and offers fast and casual dockside dining. The restaurant catches and prepares fresh seafood daily and boasts impressive views and a relaxing atmosphere. The restaurant's menu includes appetizers, salads, soups, tacos, sides, build-your-own Kona bowls, Safe Harbor baskets, sandwiches, and burgers. Available appetizers include fried fish bites, spinach cakes, crab cakes, shrimp nachos, crab dip, and shrimp dip. 3. Southern Coast Seafood Southern Coast Seafood is located in Jacksonville and specializes in locally-caught fresh seafood. The restaurant's menu includes starters, soups, salads, handhelds, mains, seafood platters, and sides. Available mains include pan-seared scallops, bone-in rib chops, poke bowls, so-co shrimp and grits, and Cajun shrimp pasta. Available sides include bacon sherry charred green beans, rosemary brown butter mashed sweet potatoes, and white mac and cheese. 4. Dockside Seafood Restaurant Dockside Seafood Restaurant is located in Neptune Beach and serves relaxing lunches right on the water. The restaurant boasts a casual setting and serves high-quality and fresh seafood dishes. The restaurant's menu includes starters, baskets, dockside combos, salads, tacos, soups, sandwiches, and sides. Baskets are served with fries, slaw, and your choice of sauce, and include choices like fried shrimp, grilled shrimp, fried scallops, clam strips, and oysters. 5. Seafood Island Bar and Grille Seafood Island Bar and Grille is located in Jacksonville and is a friendly and relaxing place to dine. The restaurant's menu includes starters, salads, Seafood Island platters, seaweed pastas, hearty stews, regular sides, premium sides, and desserts. Available starters include wings, fried okra, crab cakes, coconut shrimp, fried calamari, fried green tomatoes, and fried pickles. Available hearty stews include shrimp and grits, tomato basil bisque, and island oyster stew. To find a great car that can take you on all of your future seafood trips, stop by Tom Bush BMW today and browse our inventory of new and pre-owned BMWs! Our vision is to create an innovative environment where we are able to guarantee employee and customer satisfaction through treating everyone with respect, engaging in fair business transactions, and nurturing lasting relationships.

Chocolate cheesecake cut into slices

4 Favorite Bakeries in and Around Jacksonville, FL

With plenty of restaurants, beautiful scenery, and friendly people, Jacksonville, FL is a top destination for tourists and travelers. And if you're looking for delicious, baked sweets while in the area, check out our favorite bakeries and discover something new. more 4 Favorite Bakeries in and Around Jacksonville, FL 1. Sweet By Holly Are you celebrating a special occasion or picking up a cake for a party? You'll find just what you need at Sweet by Holly. This place is an impressive, kid-friendly bakery that offers vegan and gluten-free treats. The shop bakes 30 cake flavors daily and offers customized cakes that you can receive within 24 hours. You won't get enough of their delicious, moist cakes and exciting flavors. 2. The Baker's Son by Valerio's You'll find many types of bread at The Baker's Son by Valerio's, a Filipino bakery in Jacksonville. The shop offers delicious baked goods like ensaymada (sweet yeast dough topped with powdered sugar) and delicacies like bibingka (rice cake) and pan de ube (purple yam bread). For something savory, you can try their chicken pandesal (chicken-filled bread) or chicken siopao (steamed bread stuffed with chicken) and enjoy them with a warm cup of coffee. The Baker's Son by Valerio's is a small bakeshop that will give you a taste of pacific island flavors. So if you're trying something new, going on a bread spree, or grabbing a filling treat for brunch, head over to this bakery and grab a treat. 3. Sweet Theory Baking There's always delicious pastry for you at Sweet Theory Baking, thanks to their allergen-free, organic, vegan, and gluten-free options. Enjoy slices of cake, donuts, and rich cupcakes with flavors that melt in your mouth. Here you can have all your favorite baked treats and satisfy your sweet tooth without sacrificing your dietary preferences. Some of their best-sellers are the pineapple carrot loaf and the coffee cake. Their cinnamon buns are also top-notch and made with just the right sweetness. Sweet Theory Baking is a pleasant surprise for all pastry lovers who want to indulge once in a while. And thanks to their friendly, accommodating staff, you'll find exactly what you're looking for. 4. Ya Ya Sweets Bakery For something out of the ordinary, visit Ya Ya Sweets and have a taste of their delicious and decadent Honey Walnut Baklava or Chocolate Raspberry Baklava. Both layered pastries are made with copious amounts of honey, nuts, and chocolate. At Ya Ya Sweets Bakery, you'll also find plenty of delicious baked goods, including cheesecakes, brownies, cookies, and more. There are also savory options like pastitsio (baked pasta) and spanakopita (spinach pie)—delicacies from the Mediterranean. Jacksonville is a great place to visit if you want to indulge, have fun, and try new things. And if you're excited about getting behind the wheels of a powerful BMW, visit Tom Bush BMW Jacksonville and we'll speed up your shopping experience. Our dealership can take care of your automotive financing needs and offer affordable lease terms with reasonable interest rates.

Chocolate ice cream being scooped

The Top 3 Ice Cream Places in Jacksonville, FL

There's nothing better than a cup or cone full of cool ice cream on a hot day, and Jacksonville, FL is packed full of incredible spots to grab a frozen treat. Read on to discover our top three favorites that rise above the rest. more The Top 3 Ice Cream Places in Jacksonville, FL 1. Kilwins Kilwins is beloved by Jacksonville locals for its rich and creamy texture that spans a wide variety of flavors. They've been following the same classic recipe since 1985 that features the highest quality of ingredients, such as fresh dairy products supplied by local family farms. All of Kilwins scoops are guaranteed to be Kosher, and you can enjoy them in a freshly made waffle-cone or with hand-crafted caramel and hot fudge for an extra treat. Chocolate lovers should try either the Fudgie Brownie with chocolate flakes or the Sea-Salt Chocolate Caramel with candy swirled in; if you prefer a vanilla base, you're sure to love the All American Two Berry Pie with strawberry and blackberry. Coffee fans can savor the Cappuccino Chocolate Chip, while fruit lovers will enjoy the Traverse City Cherry with brandy sauce. Kids of all ages are sure to smile with the first bite of the multi-colored Superman. 2. Dreamette Dreamette provides a nostalgic trip down memory lane with classic scoops, plentiful flavor choices, sundaes, floats, and more. Soft serve comes in vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, or a swirled combination, and we recommend enjoying it in a dipped cone for a tasty sugar rush. Banana splits are topped with strawberries, pineapples, walnuts, chocolate syrup, and a cherry. If you're extra hungry, treat yourself to a Strawberry Shortcake Waffle Bowl! Turn your single scoop into a sundae with the addition of blueberries, peaches, cherry, Snickers, Reeses, Heath, butterscotch, coconut, peanut butter, cheesecake, and more. If you're in the mood for a sweet drink, try a classic shake or malt. We highly recommend the Cake Batter, the Honeymoon, the Banana Pudding, the Thin Mint, and the Cinnamon Toast Crunch. 3. Mayday Mayday is the place to go for hand-crafted scoops, homemade sprinkles, freshly baked waffle cones, and pints of your favorite flavor to take on the road. Flavors rotate seasonally, so be sure to check back often to try as many as possible. In addition to their dairy-based classics, Mayday also serves up scoops in dairy-free Almond Butter Chocolate, Strawberry Mint Sorbet, Piña Colada, Sweet Lime, Toasted Coconut, and High Dive Melon made from coconut milk. Fans of fruit won't want to miss the Blueberry Toast Crunch with berry compote, the Straight Strawberry with fresh fruit, and the Ice Box Lemon with zest swirled throughout. If you're a caramel lover, the Queen Salted Caramel with pink Himalayan salt is the way to go. In addition, we'll recommend the Coffee + Donuts with bits of glazed donuts, the Cloud 9 with homemade marshmallow fluff, and the Key Lime Pie with a classic Florida flavor to just about anyone. No matter what flavor you ultimately decide on, we guarantee that one of these places is poised to become your new favorite. After savoring every last drop, swing by Tom Bush BMW for the best selection of vehicles in the state!

Banana Pudding in a cup

Where to Get the Best Barbecue in Jacksonville, FL

Jacksonville, FL, AKA Jax, has the largest city by landmass in the continental US, and it's the most populous urban center in Florida. Besides being home to numerous sandy beaches, parks, and museums, the sunshine city is also renowned for drool-worthy barbecues. Let's examine the best barbecue joints to gratify that yearning for a smoked, juicy, fall-off-the-bone rib. more Where to Get the Best Barbecue in Jacksonville, FL The Bearded Pig When you are famished in Jax, the generous food portions served in this Southern barbecue joint will deliver the hunger justice you deserve. The unique menu offers delicious briskets, smoked wings, racks of ribs, chicken, sausage, pork, and turkey. The yummy banana pudding and the Nutella brownie sundae are some of the most famous dessert options at the eatery. ABBQ Meat & Drink Locally owned and run, the ABBQ Meat & Drink restaurant embraces Jax's outdoor dining culture by providing a giant backyard for outdoor events, kids' play, or even a relaxing point as you devour smokehouse favorites. Try out pulled pork, smoked turkey breasts, cab prime brisket, and house sausage. The taste is heavenly, especially when combined with sides such as potato casserole. Berndt Ends BBQ Berndt Ends BBQ has evolved from a food truck to a brick-and-mortar food outlet over the years. The restaurant's appetizing briskets have won numerous awards in the BBQ sector. For an unforgettable treat, try out unique delicacies such as the smoked collards, jalapeno poppers, smoked bacon, and the Crac Mac. Wash down the meal with sweetened Southern tea or their award-winning sauce prepared from scratch. There's always a flavorful recipe for everyone. Mojo Kitchen BBQ Pit & Blues Bar Considering that Mojo Kitchen is located on a beach, the restaurant boasts a wide variety of daily fresh seafood, delicious salads, grilled shrimps, blackened catfish, and flat-iron steak. The BBQ options include smoked chicken, dry-rub spareribs, beef brisket, and turkey breast. Order standout sides such as black-eyed peas, garlic cheddar grits, and smoked yellow corn to impress your friends or date. Gators BBQ Gator is a family-owned quick-service restaurant with an inviting atmosphere. The BBQ is a blend of sweet and savory sauces that are enough to jumpstart your appetite. Try out smoked BBQ favorites such as chicken tenders, turkey breast, pork, baby back ribs, and pork chop san. Banana pudding is Gator's most famous dessert, perhaps because of its sweet tang. Monroe's Smokehouse BBQ & Catering For a Southern hospitality family experience, Monroe's hearty feasts of smoked meat platters, traditional sides, and sandwiches are irresistible. From the Carolina pork to smoked Texas platters, you cannot miss something to gratify your cravings. The best part, order "Monroe's On The Go" for a full buffet catering service at your desired location. Jax's unlimited fun spots, varied eateries, warm beaches, and vibrant city life have many exciting experiences awaiting you. Stop by Tom Bush BMW to test-drive your dream luxury car. We offer irresistible lease and sales deals to clients looking forward to exploring our eclectic neighborhoods in a posh BMW.

Soft taco and a side of salsa

4 Popular Mexican Restaurants in Jacksonville, FL

Mexican food stands out as one of the most beloved cuisines in North America, and in the state of Florida. If you are in the Jacksonville area, there are plenty of excellent options to choose from when you are in the mood for some delicious Mexican food. We are here today to take a detailed look at 4 popular Mexican restaurants in Jacksonville, FL. more 4 Popular Mexican Restaurants in Jacksonville, FL 1. Tequila's Town Mexican Restaurant Tequila's Town Mexican Restaurant has been in operation for over 50 years, which certainly adds to the expertise of this restaurant's staff and the reliable consistency of each one of the dishes on its menu. At Tequila's Town, you can expect only the highest standards in terms of ingredients, preparation, and presentation. The dishes here reflect authentic Mexican cooking and give them a modern twist that is sure to impress even the most regular consumer of Mexican food. To start your meal, some of the appetizers here are memorable, such as the Platano Macho Con Queso Fresco. The Pura Vida Tex Mex Bowl is a great choice for those who are searching for an entree that represents modern Mexican cuisine, as are the Tacos De Rajas. Make sure you enjoy some of the tasty drink specials such as the Prickly Pear Margarita or the Jalapeno Margarita. Alcohol is intended for adults of legal drinking age only. 2. El Potro Mexican Restaurant El Potro has a menu full of classic dishes that are flavorful and bold. We suggest trying out some of the specials, which give you a glimpse into all varieties of Mexican food in the modern world. Tradition is respected here, as reflected in every dish on the menu. We can't conclude our talk of El Potro Mexican Restaurant without mentioning some of their special dishes, such as the Chilaquiles Verdes and Bistec a la Tampiquena. 3. La Nopalera Mexican Restaurant Those who are craving some authentic Mexican dishes will not need to look any further than La Nopalera Mexican Restaurant. At this local favorite, you can find all sorts of classic dishes such as Shrimp Cocktail, Bistec Jalisco, and Pollo Loco. The menu here is vast, so be sure to explore plenty of dishes and options before making a final choice. 4. Casa Maria Authentic Mexican Restaurant Casa Maria rounds our list with its memorable dishes, welcoming atmosphere, and unique take on authentic Mexican food. We have to suggest that you try out some of the special dishes here such as Camarones a la Diabta or the Bistec Ranchero. This restaurant is a staple in Jacksonville, and for good reason. Those who are craving some tasty Mexican food will not have to look far when they are in the Jacksonville area, as the list of restaurants above showcases. We hope that you and the rest of your group are able to locate your new favorite spot the next time you're in town. Contact Tom Bush BMW today for more information about all of the different vehicles and financing options that our dealership has to offer you and your loved ones.

Eggs, bacon, biscuits, and waffles

3 of the Best Breakfast Places in Jacksonville, FL

Nothing beats a delicious breakfast at a top-quality restaurant when it comes to starting your day off  right, and both locals and visitors to Jacksonville, FL can enjoy a morning meal at one of the city's many diners, bakeries, and more. There are hundreds of restaurants that serve morning meals in the area, but we've narrowed it down to the three best breakfast places. Read on to find out what we picked. more 3 of the Best Breakfast Places in Jacksonville, FL 1. Maple Street Biscuit Company Maple Street Biscuit Company is locally owned and committed to serving comfort classics with a modern and flavorful twist. Biscuits are made fresh every morning, and you can choose between sausage gravy and shiitake mushroom gravy for a slightly spicy and tasty addition to any meal. All of the jam and jellies are also made from scratch, so be sure to sample your favorite flavors and experience the high-quality difference. Any of the biscuit meals is a guarantee to a winning breakfast, but we particularly enjoy the Sticky Maple with pecan wood-smoked bacon and Bissell Family Farm maple syrup, the Five and Dime with all-natural chicken breast and cheddar cheese, and the Firebird with tomatoes and house-made buffalo sauce. If you're not a biscuit fan, try the BAM vanilla waffle with bacon and asiago cheese baked in or the Sunshine in the Garden Bowl with feta cheese and basil. 2. Another Broken Egg Cafe Another Broken Egg Cafe sources the ingredients for its extensive menu from local farmers. Treat yourself to a S'mores Hot Chocolate paired with one of the Sweet Temptations such as the Cinnamon Roll French Toast with a rum butter sauce drizzle, the Blackberry Stuffed French Toast topped with mango, or the Lemon Blueberry Goat Cheese Pancakes made with fresh berries and finished with a combination of lemon zest and fresh whipped cream. Egg lovers should try an omelet such as the Mardi Gras Omelet with crawfish, red peppers, and gulf shrimp, while diners who prefer scrambles will enjoy the Southwest Scrambled with chorizo, guacamole, and green chilies. If you prefer your eggs sandwich-style, Another Broken Egg Cafe has a wide range of Benedict options including the Crab Cake Benedict with andouille-infused hollandaise and the Eggs Blackstone Benedict with grilled tomato slices. 3. Cool Moose Cafe Cool Moose Cafe is a family-owned restaurant with a passion for serving tasty handcrafted meals to the Jacksonville area. We're having a hard time choosing between the Cool Moose Favorites such as the Breakfast Portobello filled with sauteed veggies and shaved parmesan, the Irish Hash made from grilled potatoes and Kohlrabi, and the Desayuno Costa Rica that includes scrambled eggs, chorizo, and cheese in a corn tortilla and served with sweet plantains. Fans of egg sandwiches are sure to enjoy the Hemingway Benedict with smoked salmon, the Mexican Benedict with avocado or the Ultimate Breakfast Sandwich of All Breakfast Sammys made with four eggs, bacon, ham, and spicy ghost jack cheese served on a slice of Ciabatta. Stop by the griddle for treats like the Brioche French Toast with walnuts or the Spicy Chicken & Waffles with Vermont maple syrup. Head over to any of these breakfast places to lift your mood and brighten your morning. Once you've savored your meal, stop by Tom Bush BMW to browse Florida's finest collection of cars, trucks, and more!

Hamburger basket with fries

Top 5 Best Burgers in Jacksonville, FL

Is there any better feeling than that moment when you first bite into a juicy burger? We really can't think of anything that compares to it. That's why we wanted to share our favorite spots to grab the best burgers with the good people of Jacksonville, FL. Check out our picks below, and let us know if we're missing out on your place of choice to grab one of these sensational sandwiches. more Top 5 Best Burgers in Jacksonville, FL 1. Epik Burger If you're going to claim your burgers are epic, you better have some delicious sandwiches to back that up. Lucky for us locals, Epik Burger talks the talk and walks the walk. They've got specials that update every month, so you can find a new menu item on each of your visits. Their menu is absolutely massive, but our favorite signature burger has to be the BLT burger. The sundried tomato jam it has on it was an unexpected twist. 2. Lola's Burrito & Burger Joint There aren't many places that can boast some of the best burritos and tastiest burgers in town. Lola's delivers both meals to perfection. Of course, our focus today is on burgers, so we had to ignore all the delicious burritos their menu offers. We loved their ‘The Queen' burger, topped with melty cheddar cheese, grilled onions, a fried egg, and applewood bacon. The fries that come with any of their burgers are the perfect crispy texture. 3. M Shack Peanut butter and jelly; rice and beans; burgers and milkshakes. Some things are just meant to go together, and M Shack delivers some tempting pairings of scrumptious burgers with sweet milkshakes.  Their M Burger keeps things classic, with American cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickle, and their special Shack Sauce. Try it with a pecan pie shake, made with vanilla ice cream and homemade pecan pie crumbled on top. 4. Graffiti Junction The 100% Angus- beef patties they serve up at Graffiti Junction come with just about any topping you can imagine to deliver a burger that is heaven on a bun. They've got specialty burgers that represent many of America's major cities and the toppings they use there. Our favorite has to be the ‘Sin City,' with a patty stuffed with jalapeno and brie cheese, topped with pepper jack and crispy bacon for a spicy and savory sensation. 5. BurgerFi BurgerFi is looking to redefine the way we look at burgers. After tasting one of their delicious sandwiches ourselves, we're all for their new way of doing things. You can get an all-beef patty, a veggie patty, or a mix of the two on your burger. Whatever you go for, don't leave without trying their homemade frozen custards for a sweet treat after your meal. Stop in at any of these local joints for great food and even better service. We hold ourselves to that same standard when it comes to the service we provide our customers. Visit Tom Bush BMW to experience that service for yourself!

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