Jacksonville is comprised of small neighborhoods, each offering a distinct flavor and attitude. The make-up of these neighborhoods as a whole is what makes Jacksonville unique and charms visitors with warm hospitality. The easiest way to make people feel welcome is by offering a unique dish to welcome them.

Your first stop in town may be close to the airport, whether you arrive by plane or by one of the busy interstates crossing through Jacksonville. Make sure you stop at Jenkins Quality Barbecue for a true taste of the South. This BBQ has been made extra sloppy for more than 50 years with four locations in Jacksonville.  While in the airport neighborhood head to Kings Road, where there are two locations.

Your next stop on a taste of Jacksonville has to be Downtown. Downtown is home to plenty of trendy eateries and established favorites. Benny's Sandwich Shop has been serving up burgers and tasty sandwiches for since 1985. What makes these sandwiches so special? Not only are they delicious but, they're served 15 feet underground. Jacksonville has a colorful past, which includes miles of tunnels under its Downtown. Most tunnels are closed today, but one tunnel under the Atlantic National Bank building remains open and this is where you'll find Benny's.

Another hot lunch spot founded in 1985 is Clara's Tidbits Restaurant.  Clara started this restaurant years ago and probably would have served you tasty sandwiches, fresh cookies and soup herself.  Today, the Tidbits Special salad is a workplace favorite.  Sprinkle a bit of Clara's Special Blend spices over top generous portions of fresh chunks of chicken, avocado, tomato, cheese and more.  Tidbits' menu is also available for catering.  Just tell your guests - it's where the local s go.

San Marco, a historic neighborhood of Downtown, invites you to local favorite, Metro Diner.  Customers line up down the sidewalk to get a table at this weekend breakfast favorite, especially the popular - banana granola pancakes. Other comfort foods, like piled high club sandwiches, meatloaf better than your momma's, chicken pot pie and more are served daily until 2:30 p.m. in this historic 1930s home.

After your big breakfast you'll need to walk off a few of those pancakes. What better way then to wander the "streets" of Avonlea Antique Mall. This antique mall is so large that they've put up street signs to help visitors navigate through trails of treasures. We're sure you'll be hungry soon enough and this antique hideaway has just the thing - Old Florida Café. This little gem is tucked away in the middle of antique heaven. Homemade sandwiches, soups and fresh desserts are sure to hit the spot.

A trip to Jacksonville wouldn't be complete without a visit to the beautiful, unspoiled beaches. Of course the seafood is plentiful and a local favorite is Sliders Oyster Bar. The fish tacos are a popular menu item, as are the oysters, served cheap with ice cold beer.  In the mood for something meaty?  Head to Cruisers Grill for a gut-busting meal, complete with hamburger, cheese fries and the thickest milk-shake.  This is the locals spot for tasty hamburgers and a great diner attitude.

So, for every neighborhood there is a flavor and a favorite hangout spot. Be sure to check out Jacksonville's many neighborhoods and ask a friendly face for their favorite spot.

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