1. Atomic Flying Fish Seafood Taco Grill
City: Neptune Beach, FL
Category: Restaurants
Telephone: (904) 444-8862
Address: 120 Third St. South
Description: Atomic’s fabulous made-to-order fish tacos are the stuff of seaside-taco-shop dreams. In the realm of cheap eats, this place earns the crown. Abiding by the motto: “Food that’s out of this world at down-to-earth prices,” Atomic’s owner has a rep for being earnest and friendly. By all means, order the Super Grouper and Marvelous Mahi, and don’t pass on the black beans (with the topping). You’ve never had anything like them!
2. Caribbee Key Island Grille & Cruzan Rum Bar
City: Neptune Beach, FL
Category: Restaurants
Telephone: (904) 270-8940
Address: 100 First St.
Description: Catch a little of the island flavor at Caribbee Key where specialties include conch fritters, Cruz Bay mussels, and seafood platters galore. For dessert try the Key lime pie. The upstairs bar is open until 12:30 a.m. daily, but the kitchen closes at 10 p.m. Lunch and dinner are served every day. Come out for live music and dancing on the weekends. Call ahead for dinner reservations.
3. Mezza Luna
City: Neptune Beach, FL
Category: Restaurants
Telephone: (904) 249-5573
Address: 110 North First St.
Description: Located in the heart of Neptune and Atlantic Beaches’ restaurant row, Mezza Luna embodies casual relaxation. Owner Gianni Recupito is an old hand at running popular restaurants in the Jacksonville area. The chicken and veal specialties are popular choices, as are the seafood specials and wood-burning oven pizzas. For dessert, try the tiramisu-tini or the bread pudding with Irish whiskey sauce. There’s a full-service bar with a weekday happy hour and an extensive wine list. Open Monday through Saturday for dinner.
City: Neptune Beach, FL
Category: Restaurants
Address: 218 First St.
5. Sun Dog Diner
City: Neptune Beach, FL
Category: Restaurants
Telephone: (904) 241-8221
Address: 207 Atlantic Blvd.
Description: Proud of their “no one is a stranger” policy, this Art Deco restaurant has 1950s counter stools and cozy booths separated by glass and chrome. The emphasis is on steak, seafood, and pasta dishes. Entrees include ahi tuna sashimi alongside grilled meatloaf and crab cake sandwiches, Caesar salad, and Southwestern Mahi salad. The grill tempts carnivores with half-pound hamburgers, and don’t pass on the bleu chips!For dessert try the upside-down apple crisp and Oreo cheesecake. The weekend brunch offers steak and eggs, plus huevos rancheros, and seafood frittata. There’s entertainment—from live music to trivia—nightly. Open for lunch and dinner daily with brunch on Sunday.