Location: Jacksonville
Top Restaurants in Jacksonville
Where to Eat in Jacksonville: The Best Restaurants and Bars
Jacksonville (/ˈdʒæksənˌvɪl/) is a city in Onslow County, North Carolina, United States. As of the 2010 United States census, the population stood at 70,145, which makes Jacksonville the 14th largest city in North Carolina. Jacksonville is the principal city of Onslow County and is included in the Jacksonville, North Carolina metropolitan area. In 2014, Forbes magazine ranked Jacksonville as the fifth fastest-growing small city in the United States. Demographically, Jacksonville is the youngest city in the United States with an average age of 22.8 years old, which can be attributed to the large military presence. The low age may also be in part due to the population drastically going up over the past 80 years, from a mere 783 in the 1930 census to 70,145 in the 2010 census.
Things to do in Jacksonville
1. Mission Bbq
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 180 reviews
Reviewed By JimBob2012 - New Bern, North Carolina, United States
Finally got to Mission BBQ on my visit to Jacksonville today. I really liked all the photos and patches. Tables were big and inviting.
I don’t like brisket but decided to give it a try, anyway. It was OK, I’m just not a brisket kind of guy. Had a bite of pulled pork that was excellent, as was the mac and cheese.
The Black Plate special was prime rib, wish I had gone in that direction.
I will be back!!
2. Marrakesh
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 373 reviews
Reviewed By ffoley1048 - North Carolina Coast, North Carolina
Very nice inside, comfy. The menu choices were varied and portions sizes ample for a little taste sharing. Our server was friendly and made great recommendations. We were able to customize a few of our entrees. You can get gyros at dinner even though it appears on the lunch menu. Of course, each of us tried a different dessert. We were never rushed and this made the evening even more enjoyable with the Turkish coffee.
3. Wasabi
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 125 reviews
Reviewed By Teagirl51
One of our favorite restaurants in town. The food is consistently well prepared with generous portions. We last visited New Year's Eve for an early celebration with friends. I was able to make a reservation although we found it wasn't necessary that day at that time. Their Earthquake roll is one of my husband's favorites. Their dumplings and shrimp shumai are delicious. My husband and I both like the ginger dressing on the house salad. We also enjoy their Pad Thai noodle dishes. A must try if passing through Jacksonville or if you live here.
4. Ducks Grille & Bar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 235 reviews
Reviewed By savogan - Richlands, North Carolina
Went here to meet up with family while we were in town. This used to be our “go-to” spot for great food and great service. Both were lacking on this visit. (Husbands fries were soggy, my chicken florentine was dry with thick, dull tasting alfredo) Lunch menu is still reasonably priced. I usually have much to say in a review, however, I’m incredibly disappointed in the lackluster experience we had at what used to be a must stop.
5. The Kettle Diner
Overall Ratings
4 based on 197 reviews
The Kettle Diner specializes in providing a casual, friendly environment to enjoy a delicious meal. Breakfast is served all day long. We offer affordable prices and even have daily specials (posted on facebook) to expand our selection. The Kettle Diner has been a local fav for nearly a decade! Open 24/7 for your convenience-perfect for families or grabbing a bite after being out all night long. We would love to make you a part of "our Kettle Family"
Reviewed By Lab2527
No matter what time I drove by the diner there are always a lot of cars in the parking lot. I had to stop and try the food myself and wasn’t disappointed. I stopped for breakfast. It was quick, hot & delicious. Service was great. Will definitely be back.
6. Texas Roadhouse
Overall Ratings
4 based on 206 reviews
Texas Roadhouse is a steak restaurant providing legendary food with legendary service. Texas Roadhouse specializes in hand-cut steaks, fresh-baked bread, fall-off-the-bone-ribs, and made-from-scratch sides. We also serve ice cold beer and legendary margaritas. Treat your family and friends to a night at Texas Roadhouse.
Reviewed By caloriecounter - Florida, New York
My husband and I ate here. As soon as I walked in I didnt really want to stay. It was crowded and loud. It is a chain restaurant with good food but mostly generic sort of stuff. I didn't like that in the area you waited at, the people preparing the bread bowls for the tables just put the bread on a counter. People were leaning on the counter with their hair right next to the bread, which grossed me out.
our server was great. Very personable and knowlegable about the menu.
It a good place for what it is but I thought it was overpriced for a chain restaurant.
7. Carolina Ale House
Overall Ratings
4 based on 253 reviews
Reviewed By Anne F - New Port Richey, Florida
Cool large aired patio and good place to watch sporting events. Pretty decent food and really good beer selection.Thanks for the review Anne. I hope you'll give us another shot to earn those 4th and 5th stars!
8. Olive Garden
Overall Ratings
4 based on 134 reviews
Reviewed By Geoff F - Liverpool, United Kingdom
Had a good Scampi/Shrimp meal with angel hair pasta with asparagus. My companion had soup and salad and enjoyed both. Service was good and the waitress was very attentive and friendly. Well worth a visit for a good quality meal.
9. Cracker Barrel
Overall Ratings
4 based on 94 reviews
Reviewed By Dawn W - Fredericksburg, Virginia
My grandfather chose to eat here during a recent visit. Our server, Dominique, was very friendly. Food arrived quickly and was plentiful, especially given the reasonable prices. The smaller plates come with a choice of two sides and the larger plates have three sides.
I chose the sampler meal with sugar ham, meatloaf and chicken dumplings. The side salad was fresh lettuce, but had only two tomatoes and two cucumber slices. The carrots were super sweet, but were whole baby carrots. The broccoli came in a small bowl because it was soaked in a buttery sauce, which sort of detracts from it being a healthy option. Grandfather liked his fish meal. Daughter liked her fried shrimp meal.
My favorite was the store, which one could spend an entire afternoon browsing in.
Bathrooms were clean. You pay your bill at one of three cashiers stations set up in the store and can include your tip when paying with credit card...
10. Mi Cabana Mexican Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 129 reviews
Bienvenidos a Mi Cabaña Experience everything Mexico has to offer right here in Jacksonville, NC when you dine with Mi Cabaña Mexican Restaurant. In December 2001 they opened their first store in this military town and have since grown to open two more, extending their delicious food and friendly services across town! These charming Mexican restaurants offer all of your favorite Mexican dishes, using only the freshest ingredients and homemade cooking style. You will enjoy complimentary chips and fresh homemade salsa upon your arrival. Try one of our authentic drinks such as El Cantarito or Mi Cabana Happiness that is served in a pineapple! Select from any of our savory entrees such as Chicken or Steak Fajitas, Carnitas (fried pork), Pollo Loco (grilled chicken), Camarones Rancheros (shrimp), and much more. Hot sauce will be served on the side for you to season your food to your own taste. The whole family will enjoy a delightful dinner and the traditional Mexican décor will make you feel the splendor and excitement of Mexico at Mi Cabaña. Open in three locations daily from 11:00 am and offering the best Mexican lunch and dinner in town.
Reviewed By carbird
This was our first visit to this beautiful colorful restaurant. The food was delicious and freshly prepared. The service was friendly and observant. I liked the decor which showed a lot of thought had gone into providing a beautiful, and comfortable hacienda type feeling. I...MoreGracias for the great review! Thank you for visiting us and write about our place! We are looking foward to see you here again with your son and family!
