Jacksonville-area restaurant roundup: 6 opened, 3 closed in November
November saw the closure of a longtime Jacksonville-area brewpub as well as the debut of a 100% plant-based pizzeria and the farewell of a restaurant known for its combination of German street food and island-influenced dishes.
Restaurant openings also included a fine-dining fusion restaurant from a celebrated chef and an upscale restaurant featuring live jazz and small plates from husband and wife musicians entrepreneurs. Both are in St. Augustine.
In addition, a much anticipated upscale Mexican restaurant opened in the historic Riverside neighborhood of Jacksonville.
Here's a recap of notable Jacksonville-area restaurant news in November.
Brewer's Pizza
After 14 years of serving up artisan beers and hand-crafted pizzas, Brewer's Pizza, home of Pinglehead Brewing Company, 14B Blanding Blvd. in Orange Park, closed permanently. The popular brewpub was no longer financially sustainable after being hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, the general manager told the Times-Union. The brewpub was known for Pinglehead craft beers on tap as well as signature pies such as the Florida Smacker, an 8-inch deep dish pizza with a light fluffy crust and golden brown, crunchy sides.| Read more
Rustica at Saint Johns
A French-born chef known for regional Hawaiian cooking brought his unique fusion of global flavors such as Japanese-style chicken meatball skewers, braised beef cheeks and poached scallop ravioli to St. Johns County. Chef Jean Marie Josselin opened Rustica at Saint Johns, a fine dining restaurant at 70 Silver Forest Drive, Suite 115, in SilverLeaf Commons near St. Augustine. Josselin is considered among the pioneers of regional Hawaiian cuisine and is the author of "A Taste of Hawaii: New Cooking from the Crossroads of the Pacific." | Read more
Wild Pie
The inaugural 100% plant-based pizzeria in Northeast Florida debuted in Jacksonville and a second plans to open early next year in Gainesville. A year after debuting as a food truck, Wild Pie opened its first brick-and-mortar restaurant at 13500 Beach Blvd., Suite 36 at Hodges Point Plaza in Jacksonville's Intracoastal West area. Wild Pie offers signature classic and innovative pizzas as well as salads, "Nibbles" and desserts.
Cultural Kitchen & Catering
Cultural Kitchen & Catering, 2021 St. Augustine Road planned to close at the end of November. The Southside restaurant was known for its German street fare (bratwurst, schnitzel and spaetzle) and island-inspired dishes (shrimp, plantains, crawfish and more). It opened in March 2021 when two popular food trucks — Wurstburgers and Twisting Roots joined forces. Although the brick-and-mortar restaurant is closing, the two food trucks and catering business remain open. | Read more
Chipotle Mexican Grill
Chipotle Mexican Grill opened its third new restaurant this year at 11901 Atlantic Blvd. in the Academy Sports-anchored Atlantic North retail center. The restaurant is the latest Chipotle in Northeast Florida to feature the “Chipotlane” drive-thru, which allows diners to pick up digital orders without having to leave their vehicles. The Chipotlane made its Florida debut in Jacksonville in 2019 at the chain's 9671 Argyle Forest Blvd. location. | Read more
Chez L'Amour
A love of jazz and a passion for fine food came together in perfect harmony with the opening of Chez L'Amour, 45 San Marco Ave. in the Uptown business district of St. Augustine. Chez L'Amour is an upscale St. Augustine restaurant from husband-and-wife musicians-turned-entrepreneurs. The restaurant offers tapas-style small plates, plant-based cuisine, decadent desserts and a full bar accompanied by "intimate jazz and piano music." | Read more
Don Eduardo Cocina Mexicana
Don Eduardo Cocina Mexicana, an upscale Mexican restaurant offering freshly made cuisine and hand-crafted cocktails opened at 2665 Park St. on the corner at King Street in Jacksonville's historic Riverside neighborhood. The menu reflects the rich flavors and culture of Jalisco, Mexico. One of the signature dishes "Pescado a la Veracruzana, which is seared Snapper with tomatoes, olives, onion, peppers, capers, chilies, mango, garlic, and Mexican oregano. | Read more
Biggby Coffee
Based in Michigan, Biggby Coffee Company, which is known for its specialty lattes, "Bragels," iced teas and fun, family-friendly ambiance debuted at 8587 Beach Blvd., No. 1107 at Jacksonville's Gates of the Promenade shopping center. Franchise owners Natalie and Kevin Clark also plan to focus on helping people with disabilities develop their full potential. The coffee shop is among five Biggby locations either open or coming soon in Florida, the coffee chain's website shows. | Read more
More: Jacksonville-area restaurant roundup: 10 opened, 2 closed in October
Burrito Gallery Jax Beach
After seven years, a fast-casual Mexican restaurant in Jacksonville Beach abruptly closed. Burrito Gallery Jax Beach, 300 Np.1 Beach Blvd. announced its closure Oct. 30 on Facebook. The owners couldn't be reached for comment. No reason for the closure was given in the Facebook post, which thanked customers and the restaurant's staff. The Jacksonville Beach location opened in August 2016. Remaining open are Burrito Gallery locations at 90 Riverside Ave. No. 601 at Brooklyn Station, 21 E, Adams St. in downtown Jacksonville and 5016 Gate Parkway at Town Center.
Teresa Stepzinski is the dining reporter for the Times-Union. Follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, @TeresaStepz or reach her via email at tstepzinski@jacksonville.com.
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This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jacksonville-area restaurants: Wild Pie opens, Brewer's Pizza closes
