The 28 Best Drinks in Jacksonville
After a long day there is nothing more satisfying than sitting down at a local #OnlyinJax bar and sipping on a hand-crafted beverage.
Mandarin
The Mandarin area offers shopping, riverfront outdoor activities and historical sites.
The mostly residential areas of the Mandarin area are brimming with history and nature and boast some of the most stunning river views in Jacksonville.
Named for the Mandarin orange in 1830, this neighborhood on the St. Johns River just south of San Marco was once described as “a tropical paradise” by Harriet Beecher Stowe, the author of Uncle Tom’s Cabin. Both Harriet Beecher Stowe, and painter Lee Adams once lived here. Mandarin is characterized by its magnificent oak trees hung with dramatic Spanish moss and boasts some of the best views of the St. Johns River in greater Jacksonville. Once an important river port for shipping oranges and other citrus fruit northward, today Mandarin is a blend of residential areas and shopping centers. Don't miss the Mandarin Museum and Walter Jones Historical Park. The 10-acre riverfront site is home to an 1876 farm complex with picnic areas as well as a citrus grove.
Eat & Drink
Don’t be fooled, despite the ample presence of nationally known restaurant chains, Mandarin has plenty of locally owned spots to enjoy.
Julington Creek Fish Camp - With fresh, locally caught Mayport shrimp and a white wine butter sauce, Julington Creek Fish Camp’s Shrimp & Grits is a shining example of a local favorite.
Picasso's - At Picasso's food is art and you won't be disappointed with their menu variety.
Enza's - Italian comfort food at its finest right in the Mandarin neighborhood.
Wicked Barley Brewing - This Jax Ale Trail brewery not only serves crisp beer but they have a full food menu as well. Dock your boat outside and enjoy food and drinks in their beer garden.
Le Petit Paris - Take a step into Mandarin’s slice of Parisian cuisine at Le Petit Paris. Their traditional French quiches come highly recommended, along with their decadent breakfast croissant sandwiches.
Blue Bamboo - Asian fare mixed with classic Southern favorites. Jacksonville native Chef Dennis Chan found his love of food in his grandfather’s kitchen as a child and cultivated it at University of Florida, The Culinary Institute of America and Ming Tsai’s restaurant, Blue Ginger.
See & Do
Historically known for its many acres of orange groves, visit one of the many parks in the Mandarin neighborhood.
Walter Anderson Memorial Park (2738 Orange Picker Rd, 32223) – Walter Anderson Memorial Park is located in the Mandarin neighborhood of Jacksonville, near the intersection of Orange Picker and Flynn Roads. In 2019, the park was renamed after Walter W. Anderson, a lifelong Mandarin resident, a retired Civil Servant with 37 years of service, a World War II veteran and a prominent figure in the African-American community.
Alberts Field (12073 Brady Rd, 32223) – The Albert family were local artists who resided in the Mandarin area that later donated their land to the City of Jacksonville for use as a park.
Chuck Rogers Park (11950 San Jose Blvd, 32223) – Dubbed as Mandarin’s first soccer park in 1997, the park is named after Chuck Rogers who worked for the Parks and Recreation Department for 41 years.
Tommy Hazouri Sr. Park (14780 Mandarin Rd, 32223) – Though it was not built on history, the parks offerings is building history in Mandarin. Patrons go to enjoy nature trails, a pier, and a boat ramp.
Walter Jones Historical Park (11964 Mandarin Rd, 32223) – Full of rich Mandarin history, this park is filled with a museum and historical artifacts. Go on the first Saturday of the month from 10 am - 2 pm for free admission.
After leaving the park, enjoy a day at the Mandarin Garden Club learning about horticulture. Or walk back into the early 1900s at the Historic Mandarin Store and Post office.
Aside from being rich in history, Mandarin also offers trendy eateries and a quaint neighborhood night scene. That boast both family-owned and operated mixed with some of your popular chains.
Below are some of the Annual Mandarin Festivals:
Mandarin Art Festival – April – The Mandarin Art Festival, a high-quality juried fine art event, enjoys thousands of visitors who return year after year for their favorite artists or to see the array of creations by artists new to the festival. For many this has become an Easter weekend tradition.
Winter Celebration – December – This event brings 1000 people into the Walter Jones Historical Park to enjoy some old-fashioned fun. We have a great day planned for our visitors, all thanks to about 100 volunteers from MMHS and other non-profit community organizations who will be conducting all kinds of educational and fun activities for all ages.
Miss Aggie Day – Held Annually in March – “Miss Aggie” Day is celebrated, and an award is given annually to a resident who has contributed to the Mandarin community in the areas of business, civic, educational or charitable accomplishment. The candidate’s contributions may be specific deeds or an accumulation of actions over a period of time. Recipients need not be “experts” in any particular area but might be known or recognized for their sense of community, their caring attitude or individual accomplishments.
