Balkan Cafe

4.9 (147 reviews)

InexpensiveModern European

Closed • 11:00 am - 5:00 pm

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Balkan Cafe - Delicious Bite - Modern European Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

Balkan Cafe - a group of people sitting at a table - Modern European Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

Balkan Cafe - Cevapi - Modern European Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

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Balkan Cafe - Outside View - Modern European Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

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BALKAN CAFE ATMOSPHERE

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Casual

Quiet

Good for kids

Outdoor seating

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Jen C.

Wow. What a great place for Balkan cuisine. I've been searching for an authentic experience and this place is it! We ordered a small Cevapi and Pljeskavica "the burger" and a Sopska salad. The stars are definitely the meat. So juicy and flavorful and especially when you eat it with the raw onions. The owner (I think) was very warm and friendly. The restaurant was small and quaint and clean enough. This will be our go-to for delicious Balkan meat! Can't wait to go back. Also, they closed the doors to customers while we were eating (around 2:30pm) because they used up their ingredients for the day! So make sure you get there before they sell out of food! You could tell lots of locals and Balkan folks came regularly. Definitely a sign of great authentic food. What a find!

Linds O.

Checked out Balkan Cafe on Beach Blvd. You take one bite and quickly see why this place ended up on the list! So let's get right to it! Food - 10/10 First off a fair warning. Don't think of getting the Balkan Mix alone and finishing it. If you're ordering that, you better have backup. I went with my best friend and we both ordered a dish and got far more than we could have ever anticipated. And considering the heavy focus on meat, you really get a bang for your buck. Pljeskavica (burger) was huge. It comes in the most amazing bread which is a soft, pillowy marvel that is made locally apparently. They call it a ciabatta but it's somewhere between that and a pita and I could eat it forever and be happy. The meat is amazing and comes with this fantastic cheese spread that we both raved over. You also get a peppery veggie spread that I didn't get to try because of the peppers but my companion said was as great as the cheese spread. While I ate half of my meal, my companion didn't come close to half. His Balkan Mix could have easily fed 3-4 people. A couple of ladies also dining next to us also ordered the same thing and were laughing with us about how little of a dent they too put in their meal. The dish consists of the Cevapi and sudzuka sausages as well as beef strips in onions and peppers. Everything was delightful. We were nudged into trying the dessert which while I was incredibly full, I managed to take two bites and absolutely loved the layered cake with its mixed flavors and textures. I missed the name of that particular cake and my companion dove in so fast I almost missed the picture too. But it's a delightful bite to be sure!! They also carry a fun mix of European beverages and beers. The herbal drink was unusual but tasty and the Czech Pilsner was a great complement to the meal. Atmosphere - 10/10 Nestled in a strip mall that looks recently renovated, parking is ample and accessible. The interior is bright and open and offers tables and a stool at the counter if you want to watch the cooking. While clearly not a sports bar, the TVs are tuned to sports and with the big mix plate and beers available, I'd happily grab a comfy table and settle in to watch a soccer match here with a couple friends. Even on a cold day it's a comfortable place to sit and meander through your meal. Service - 10/10 While clearly a small restaurant and several other table sat, you never felt rushed to finish and depart. Actually who I assum was the proprietor greeted us warmly, happily explained the dishes to us and checked on us often. He was a genuinely joyful and caring person who clearly loves to share his culture and amazing food in our community. This is definitely a hidden gem in Jax.

Alberto G.

Been wanting to check this place out for awhile. Now I know why it' has 5 stars. Food was delicious, trust me you're taking some home. Food came out fast and hot. Owner was really nice as well. I'll definitely be back right after this food coma.

Balkan mix lunch plate. Wayyy too much food for one person

David M.

If we went by portion size alone, this place would get ten stars. I had the Balkan mix lunch plate, which had multiple types of meats, a pita, a lot of raw onions, and two sauces. It was a huge amount of food for one person, way more than I could eat. The food itself was good, but not outstanding, though. The best thing on the plate was the sudzuka sausages, which were skinny but packed with flavor. The beef strips with grilled onions on mushrooms tasted fine, but were definitely on the tough side. The cevapi (think kebab) were definitely underseasoned. The service was very friendly, though could perhaps be a little more intuitive -- the man at the counter asked if I'd been there before as I studied the menu, and when I said no and looked at him expectantly (inviting some guidance), he just walked away. (It was not busy.) Prices are perhaps a little high for a lunch in the area, but again, the portions are huge. I'd go back sometime.

First time trying cevapi and "the burger" with the grilled veggies and tomato salad - all were amazing! Food came out fast and delicious! Am just sad I haven't had Bosnian food before! It took my out of town cousin who visited the country before who found this place and excited to try it! We loved everything!!

Small cevapi with cheese and vegetable sauces with onions

Maisha R.

When I visited a gym that I don't frequent, I saw this cafe in the same complex. I waited a few minutes for them to open and went in to see what they had. I met the owner, who was very welcoming, and made a recommendation to me as a first timer. I ended up trying the cevapi and the cake of the day. The cevapi reminded me a lot of kofta. The small beef sausages were very well seasoned and the pita bread encasing them was soft, light, and beautifully grilled. The only thing that made it better was dipping the sausage into the cheese and vegetable sauces. The cake was light and tasty with an amaretto cream layer and layers of whipped cream. The food was so good that I went back two days later to try something else. This time I got the Greek salad with chicken. Unlike many salads, the chicken was actually seasoned! The portion was huge, and to my delight, it came with their grilled cheese pita bread! I love the fact that this is a small, family owned business that cooks food to order and that serves high quality flavorful food at a good value. I will definitely be back!

The Balkan Mix was amazing and enough for two to share. The meats were expertly cooked, the bread is delicious and owners fun to talk to.

This cafe is a must visit. The Balkan Mix with tasty meats and incredible pita bread was truly delicious and enough for two. The owners are talented cooks and fun to talk to. Highly recommend.

Keto K.

Went to Florida on vacation & ate at this place with my friends. It was amazing. Beautiful atmosphere. The staff was friendly. The food was very authentic & came out hot & fresh with the most awesome smell. The best Bosnian food I have ever eaten! A must try if you visit Jacksonville, Florida!!!

Robert F.

The great reviews have it right. This is a little gem in Jacksonville. The food is excellent and the owners and staff are friendly and very engaged to make sure you enjoy your visit. The beer selection is exactly what you would hope for...a wide selection of Eastern European and German beers. I had the Warsteiner. We also ordered wine. For lunch we shared the Balkan mix. A plate of mixed meats and grilled veggies with pita bread. The meats were outstanding. The cevapi, sudzuka, and the sliced beef were seasoned and cooled to perfection. The dipping sauces were delicious and a perfect compliment. The desserts looked delicious but the meal, even shared, didn't allow.

Cevapi Traditional balkan recipe grilled rolls of minced beef served with chopped fresh onions and pita bread "lepina"

Jessica V.

Great Eastern European little joint here. Ordered take out and was delicious. Not a large menu of options but what we had was so good! We wanted to try more items but arrived later in the afternoon and ordered what they had remaining. Once they sell out for the day you are out of luck. I suggest you call in the morning to reserve your order...it's worth it! Owner is so friendly. Let him explain the proper way to enjoy the food (tear a little bread, eat with the meat and onion... and peppers if you like spicy). I love spicy so will request extra peppers next time. Get the sides of both sauces. They cost 50 cents each I believe, but worth it. Excited to try more next time!

Kristine S.

Easy 5 star for Balkan Cafe! One of the best places I've had since moving to Jax! Hubby and I stopped in on a Sunday afternoon. We were unsure of what to order so the kind gentleman behind the counter explained the menu and gave us much needed recommendations. Hubby ordered the Balkan Mix which came with ćevapi (minced beef rolls), sudzuka (grilled beef link sausage) and beef strip with grilled mushrooms and grilled onions). I ordered just the ćevapi. Both meals came with grilled pita, chopped fresh onions and 2 spreads (an eggplant based vegetable spread and a feta based melted spread). As the gentleman had explained to us, pieces of pita are used that as a vehicle for meat, fresh onions and spread. These meals are meant to be eaten with your hands! Everything was served "off the grill" and was absolutely delicious! The ćevapi was my favorite item - meaty, grilled and juicy. The sudzuka was awesome, too. I really enjoyed the vegetable spread and of course, the feta spread was fabulous. All the flavors just worked so well together. If you are looking for something different, check out Balkan Cafe!

Full portion of cevapi wiyh onion, kajmak and ajvar

Scarlat M.

Full portion of cevapi with onion, kajmak and ajvar. The food was not only amazing but quickly delivered! The bread was soft and extremely edible. The meat was soft and succulent. Would recommend 10/10

Angela D.

Balkan Café has my heart! A coworker first told me about this restaurant over a year ago and each time I tried to go on the weekend, they were already closed. So to solve this problem, we started ordering lunch and going to pick it up! The first time I tried it, I was in love. Balkan Café is a wonderful, small, family owned restaurant that puts a lot of love into their food. You can taste the time they take to make the wonderful goodness that comes out of here. I absolutely love the Balkan mix. I tell myself I will try something new but when it comes time to order, I always get the Balkan Mix because it is just so simply tasty. It has a wonderful soft bread topped with chopped meat with grilled onions and mushrooms (also comes with peppers but I get it without) it is then topped with chevapi which are little meaty goodnesses and a sausage which is absolutely wonderful! I am so glad I get it to go because it takes me a good hour to two hours to eat it all and I rarely want dinner that night. I have also had the dessert cakes which are wonderful but the meat dishes are truly one of a kind and are worth the drive from any part of town. The staff is wonderful. Whether I order for 3 or for 10, they always have our order ready to go and they have been great with paying in one lump sum or if I am splitting out payments which I know is a pain. I would definitely suggest you give Balkan Café a try. You will be hooked. Once you have tried it you will keep going back and you will dream of the meaty goodness within. Try the white sauce and roasted veggie spread with your meal. It costs a little extra but adds so much flavor to the meal. I have no idea what the sauces are called but they will know what you are talking about! Please try it, you will not be disappointed!

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M C.

5 years ago

I come here regularly and it's nice to see a lot of new faces. Perhaps the word is getting out. I can't speak for anything on the menu other than the cevapi. It's always so good that I don't feel the need to be adventurous. I know this isn't a coffee shop but the coffee served here is as good as I've had outside of Europe. No joke. If you have questions about the menu, the owner is more than happy to explain. Service is always provided with a smile. read more

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Adela V.

5 years ago

Excellent food and great service ..Pljeskavica.. Cevapi or chicken alfredo.. can't go wrong with any of them.. delicious

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Vincent G.

Elite 19

122

220

9 years ago

Great food and very speedy service. If you are ever on Beach Blvd, stop on in. You will not regret it. I was craving Eastern European food, and Balkan Cafe satisfied my cravings. The establishment was clean and the staff was perfect. read more

Balkan Cafe - The. Balkan Mix. Delicious!!! - Modern European Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

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Romell R.

232

9 years ago

I surprised the wife and kids by bringing them Cevapi from Balkan Cafe. As I walked in they told me they just ate lunch, so I put the plates down and went to the other room to grab something I needed. When I walked back in the kitchen, they were all hovered around the plate almost done and starting on the next plate, then said, we just wanted a bite and couldn't stop eating. Hvala guys for such awesome food!! read more

Balkan Cafe - Modern European Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

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Liz G.

9 years ago

This place was great! Everything we had was super delicious and the man helping us was so friendly and informative about his culture's cuisine. He even made sure that he saved a slice of their homemade cakes for us. My husband and I have never had Balkan cuisine and it is probably best described as Mediterranean and Middle Eastern combined. Be sure to try their sauces, sides and anything they might suggest! It's all amazing and we can't wait to go back. read more

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Steve A.

119

7 years ago

Did lunch with coworkers at this hidden gem. Owner was very friendly and explained the cuisine to us and threw in dipping sauces since it was out first visit. We all had the Balkan mix and it was delicious. Loved it. Will definitely return. read more

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Marlena R.

Elite 19

234

8 years ago

Stopped at this tiny spot on a whim when my friend and I were looking for a quick, affordable spot to grab a bite. This was my first experience having this type of food. The menu can seem a bit intimidating at first, but our server explained the menu and recommended the cevapi for our first Balkan experience. It did not disappoint. There was plenty of flavorful food for such a small price. We really enjoyed the two spreads that came with the pita and beef links. Service was super fast and the food was hot and fresh. I highly recommended if you are looking for something new and delicious! read more

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Tara M.

6 years ago

Omg. Such a wonderful experience. Adnan was the best. Thanks for explaining all. The food is delicious and abundant. The salad was fresh and huge. The meat was so delicious and cooked to perfection. I hate rating so high because I know this is going to take off,lol. Really great food and great staff. read more

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Vitalik B.

334

8 years ago

Two of us shared a Balkan Mix ($11), which included their famous Cevapi and bread, among other things. It was big enough for two. The Cevapi and bread were really tasty. I liked the Melted Spread and my companion preferred the Vegetable Spread; we needed to order extras of the spreads, at ¢50 each. My companion said her espresso was good, and she liked the other drinks I tasted more than me: I wouldn't bother to get the European Fanta and or buttermilk drink (which we got a complimentary taste of) again. Unfortunately, they were out of their famous cakes on this occasion. We spent $25.67 for two, adding a couple of bottles of water to the above. I'd come back for the Cevapi with bread, melted spread, and to try a dessert. read more

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John H.

9 years ago

Amazing Food, the meat is always fresh and everyone here is very friendly. Best European food in Jacksonville! read more

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Troy E.

Elite 19

464

8 years ago

Stopped here for a quick lunch after a long workout with a friend. Super casual with a cool vibe. I had never eaten this type of food and was a bit hesitant when ordering, but the owner was very helpful and gave great suggestions and explained the menu for us! We got the cevapi and it was greattttttt!! Needless to say, I was obsessed from the first bite. On top of that, the prices were very reasonable! Definitely a hidden gem in the JAX metro area. read more

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Lauren B.

8 years ago

My goodness this place is delicious! We had the ćevapi and the Balkan Mix (ćevapi, sudzuka, beef strips, and grilled veggies). Highly recommend! The owner was extremely friendly and described everything for us. We just left and I can't wait to go back! read more

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Heather M.

9 years ago

I've heard they were on vacation, so we will stop by again again and give them a try! ...................................................................... Looks like they have closed. We have gone by twice and they have been closed both times. This evening the chairs are up flipped up on the tables. So sad to see a small business close. read more

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Dado H.

7 years ago

If u visiting Jax and wanna try new things Balkan Cafe is the Answer.. Amazing food.. many thanks from truckers of St Louis.. read more

Balkan Cafe - Čevapi or beef sausage roll in pita bread .. - Modern European Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

Balkan Cafe - Bosnian beef burger in pita bread.. Pljeskavica :) - Modern European Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

Balkan Cafe - Czech pilsner .. amazing beer - Modern European Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

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Nadya N.

9 years ago

Food is amazing - fresh, simple, authentic, and oh so delicious. Service is also great - friendly, courteous, prompt, and the place is clean. Their sodas are imported, which means they don't contain high fructose corn syrup. They also serve coffee, beer and wine. Definitely recommend! read more

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Carlos A.

8 years ago

Hidden little gem. The food the service and the prices are the best. Highly recommend it. My new spot!

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David H.

7 years ago

My wife and I just had the Balkan mix and it was fantastic. Will be frequenting this place. Time was also taken to explain the menu, which we really appreciated. Crazy that this place isn't packed. read more

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James L.

15 years ago

I had quite an adventure at the Balkan Cafe. I just parked my car and saw a woman in the door way of the restaurant saying that some one had stolen from her tip jar. I watched as the owner and other patrons chased thieves across the parking in an outstanding display of bravery. I was impressed by the server's comments. She never said anything negative or cruel about the men who stole from her. She only said that it was sad that it happened and I agree. I am very sorry that such a fine restaurant had to deal with petty crime. I considered leaving at first (only out of respect: I never felt unsafe) but I'm very glad I did not. Even with all the ruckus and the police arriving to take testimony I was still provided with excellent customer service. The food was delicious and she was even kind enough to give me two different types of spread to eat with my cevapi free of charge. I got the small for 4.99. The pita was handmade as far as I could tell. It was very fluffy and delicious. I really cannot think of anything I didn't like about this place. I was delighted to see that they have Eastern European sodas. (2.00) I recommend them highly. They have a more complex and less syrupy flavor than American sodas. I cannot wait to go back and try the spicier cevapi. read more

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Roberto L.

Elite 18

8 years ago

This is a tiny little place but the Bosnian food there is something from another planet. The Cevapi which is a super flavored beef link with pita bread is super delicious. Prices are super cheap for the amount of food served. Everytime that I hit that Beach Boulevard area, this is going to be my go-to place. Service was amazing, the guy explained every single dish and provide a great recommendation. One of my friends told me that they make a super delicious cake, but I have to get it before Sunday since it gets out of stock pretty quickly. I highly recommend this place. read more

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Kristen P.

152

12 years ago

The food was all delicious. My husband got the combo platter with a sampling of different meats along with pita and delicious sauces. I got the Greek salad and cake of the day. The meat was absolutely delicious. Very nice flavor and consistency. Both accompanying sauces were tasty and complimented the meats perfectly. The owner was very nice and hospitable. He was happy to answer any questions and provide suggestions. I would definitely recommend trying this place to expand your palate! read more

Balkan Cafe - Greek salad - fresh and tasty - Modern European Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

Balkan Cafe - Cake of the day - Modern European Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

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Tom D.

9 years ago

I had the Cevapi and Sudzuka combo and thoroughly enjoyed every bite. Staff was very helpful and friendly. I'll definitely be back. read more

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Dzeneta B.

7 years ago

I stopped here on my way back to New York as a road trip and the food is very good but it is very small . And it is very easy to miss. But the service is also good and he makes sure that we have everything we need . I am Balkan and the cévapi we're good but the burger was almost in a way reminded me of a chewy not so burger substance type if that makes sense. And I also think they should expand their menu read more

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Mo T.

10 years ago

We never tried Balkan food before and we really liked it. Food was great, owner suggested items from the menu and they were really good. Imported beer was good. Will definitely come back read more

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A G.

5 years ago

Great Bosnian restaurant. If you eat their homemade "Cevapi," you will not be hungry. Food quality is five-star, the restaurant is clean, you can watch them prepare your food, and the owners are friendly. We will stop here again when coming to Florida for our family vacation. read more

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Dale G.

6 years ago

I've recently moved to Jacksonville from Texas and I Just ate at the Balkan Café. It's a small Unassuming restaurant on Beach Blvd. that I read a review about in Saturday's paper. After talking with the owner who was behind the counter I settled on their Balkan Mix. It's a mixture of several different sausages and meat served on a fluffy homemade pita bread along with onions, bell peppers , mushrooms and onions. All I can say is that the serving was huge, amazing and delicious. If you like or if you've never tried Balkan/Yugoslavian food, you owe it to yourself to try this place. read more

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Teresa D.

8 years ago

Excellent and generous portions! My husband had the Balkan Mix and LOVED IT!! I had the Grilled Chicken Salad with balsamic dressing and the chicken was cooked so tender and DELICIOUS!! First timers here and will definitely be coming back!! Awesome meal!! read more

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Rose M.

Elite 15

174

191

12 years ago

Meat lovers- this place is for you! Amazing meat based dishes, I am in love! Great atmosphere, great service. Good place for both a quick stop and a dinner party. Ask about the cake of the day. Truly epic. The owner was on hand for personal touch and was delighted talk to us about the menu, his home country, and his love of the great food. You can tell he is passionate about his restaurant and that comes through in everything he does. read more

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Kim A.

8 years ago

Oh my Cevapi! How delicious! First time there with our Bosnian friend who goes there a lot. Service was wonderful and the food was extremely delicious! Small, but very cute place! They definitely are proud of their culture and food. Our server who I believe was the son of the owner explained everything we were about to eat and how it was made. We can't wait to be back! read more

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Megan D.

9 years ago

Get the Balkan mix with the white sauce! Been back multiple times and always consistently delicious and a great family owned place! Water bottles are $3 though, other than that, everything is very reasonably priced and great value! read more

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Shawn S.

480

9 years ago

Amazing food. Absolutely amazing. Food quality is superb. The owner is absolutely awesome, super nice and friendly. We have never had balkan food before and not only did he explain each component of the dish and how it was made, he also educated us on the culture . All we can say is wow. What a wonderful experience. Call before you come in though, especially on weekends because they sell out (as everything is made in house from scratch, (try everything you can.... Seriously. The desserts are made by the owners mother!) I have a new favorite place. read more

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Andy J.

147

8 years ago

this place is the best!! try the čevap plate if you are a first timer....authentic quality food at a reasonable price...the people are cool..and the service is like eating with family... read more

Balkan Cafe - THESE GUYS ARE THE BEST!! AND THE FOOD IS EXCELLENT!! - Modern European Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

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Chris C.

Elite 24

229

516

12 years ago

Great food and a fantastic layered poppyseed cake stacked with thick chocolate buttercream that was rich and silky smooth with real whipped cream on top. We had the Balkan mixed plate and the Cevapci plate with grilled fresh mushrooms on the side. They also have a wonderful cheese spread and a mild and creamy red pepper spread on the side. They do have a real flame grill for the meats. You can also get a grilled vegetable plate or grilled chicken Alfredo. Service was welcoming and cheerful. Judgeing by the takeout side they must also have the best fruit smoothies and grilled cheese in town. read more

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Sejla I.

9 years ago

I love coming here! Excellent food, great staff. Lunch here is always good. Najbolji restoran

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Jessie C.

7 years ago

Great environment, great people, great food. Very authentic, my boyfriend took us here and he's European and was very excited with how authentic it was. Definitely coming back. read more

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Veronica G.

7 years ago

My boyfriend & I tried this place 3 months ago & have been coming back ever since. It is absolutely amazing, the little sausages aka cevapi are so delicious. We will most definitely be back for more cevapi. read more

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Tom L.

13 years ago

A very nice place to enjoy fine, simple eats. Easy access and central location. My friend and I enjoyed their signature dish, Cevapi. The folks working hard there are worthy of your patronage. read more

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Jon K.

12 years ago

Tried this cafe based on yelp. Food was great. I'm a vegetarian and my husband eats meat and we both were happy. Cevapi and pita bread for him and grilled cheese on pita with a simple salad for me. We will be back read more

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Marcy S.

12 years ago

This place is delicious! The food is really good. I highly recommend the Balkan Mix. The owners were very accommodating To our party of 18. Dessert was delicious! read more

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A P.

12 years ago

Ignore the location (strip mall) and decor (eek) and this place is a real hidden jem. First time having Bosnian cuisine and it was quite nice. Most of the dishes are meat, meat and more meat on delicious fresh bread. You must try their white dip which I can only describe as "butter, kicked up a notch". Their desserts, unfortunately, were not made yet that day but we will be back to try them soon. Truly friendly, quaint, and very mom n' pop kinda place. Prices are shockingly low, with nothing on the menu over $9! read more

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Sofia C.

11 years ago

Spectacular food! My fiancé had the burger & it was phenomenal & so was their signature dish. Not to mention the cappuccino was delish! Not only was the food awesome but so was the customer service. The gentleman behind the counter was super helpful & patient with explaining the food since it was our first time there. We will go back for sure soon! read more

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Page 3 of 4

8595 Beach Blvd
Ste 305
Jacksonville, FL 32216
Greater Arlington
Directions
(904) 998-9333
Call Now

Hours

What time does Balkan Cafe open?

Balkan Cafe opens at 11:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

What time does Balkan Cafe close?

Balkan Cafe closes at 5:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.Balkan Cafe is closed on Wednesday.Balkan Cafe closes at 4:00 PM on Saturday and Sunday.

Mon-Tue, Thu-Fri 11:00 AM - 5:00 PMWed ClosedSat-Sun 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Payment methods

Does Balkan Cafe take credit cards?

Yes, Balkan Cafe takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Balkan Cafe have catering options?

No, Balkan Cafe does not have catering options.

Does Balkan Cafe serve alcohol?

Yes, Balkan Cafe serves alcohol. Beer & Wine Only

Indoor Amenities

Does Balkan Cafe allow dogs?

Yes, Balkan Cafe allows dogs.

Does Balkan Cafe have TVs?

Yes, Balkan Cafe has TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Balkan Cafe have bike parking?

Yes, Balkan Cafe has bike parking.

Does Balkan Cafe have outdoor seating?

Yes, Balkan Cafe has outdoor seating options.

Does Balkan Cafe have parking?

Yes, Balkan Cafe has parking options. Private Lot Parking, Validated Parking

Other Amenities

Does Balkan Cafe have free WiFi?

No, Balkan Cafe does not have free WiFi.

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Athens Cafe

Being Greek I am absolutely picky when it comes to Greek places and Athens Cafe is officially my…read morefavorite in our city! The atmosphere is welcoming and warm with live music at times. Our server was very efficient and proactive, we didn't have to ask for a thing!! We started with the dolmathes (grape leaves), they were incredible and perfectly cooked. Grape leaves are tricky bc if you don't boil them enough they are rigid and break but if you over boil then they crumble and are too soft. These, incredible! The lemon sauce was absolutely divine, a strong lemon taste but so so good!! I chose the chicken souvlaki, which were grilled to perfect without any charr. The rice was tasty and reminded me of my Yiayia's and the Greek green beans were packed with flavor. My friends chose the gyro, gyro salad, pastitso, and mousakka. Everyone loved their dishes!! We were too stuffed for dessert and too excited to take pictures, haha! I'll definitely be back to try something else on this delicious menu!!

Started off with dolmades and saganaki (flaming cheese) the saganaki normally comes with pita…read morepoints but here it doesn't. We asked for additional bread. Service wasn't bad. Sometimes they needed a little coordination I had famous gyro platter which was really good. Anna had the chicken skewers with a salad. Overall pretty good with a couple gotchas but will be back

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Remodeled front room.

Spanakopita

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Lily FS Restaurant

4.3

(14 reviews)

1.8 mi

Great experience. We were the only customers during mid week lunch time. Chicken kebabs were…read moredelicious.

I am not trying to come out mean about this, but I am not coming back here. The food took to long…read moreto get served and I kid y'all not, the food came out BLAND. There was no kind of seasoning whatsoever to where I was relying on sauce, salt, and pepper to make eating the food tolerable. Lastly, the price I paid for bland food was beyond ridiculous. Only positive thing about this place that it looked nice and clean inside.

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Flaky croissant filled with creamy custard, fresh strawberry slices, and rich chocolate, dusted with powdered sugar.

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Rue Saint Marc

Hands down the best fine dining experience in Jacksonville. If you want huge portions that you…read morecan't finish and basic preparation of dishes common to most restaurants, this isn't the place for you. If you want unusual, creative, innovative, and just plain delicious appetizers, entrees, and desserts, this is the place to go. Our server, Ben, provided us with excellent service. Service overall was exceptional--probably the best service that I've had anywhere.

Rue rightfully falls under the fine dinning in Jacksonville, with both options of a prix fixe menu…read moreand a la carte options. Take into account the prix fixe is a "surprise experience" which will last around 2 hours total. The place has a simple, elegant decoration with an open kitchen which integrates beautifully with the main dining area. The service is impecable as well, as you may expect. Now let's talk about the food, because you have to be prepared to get out of the ordinary and, hopefully, venture into trying new things; some of them outright delicious, yet others simply worth trying once. I'll let you be your own judge for that, but sincerely don't miss out on dinning with them.

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Bar

Bacon wrapped veal tenderloin

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Bitter Mai Tai $14

Sainte-George Restaurant

3.7

(224 reviews)

31.0 mi

The food was amazing, the employees were wonderful and it's a beautiful venue and setting. I had…read morethe short ribs, my husband had the filet and they were both excellent. Don't pass up the mashed potatoes! Try this restaurant, you won't be disappointed.

A Christmas Day with a View to Remember - for sure…read more.. My son now lives in Jacksonville, Florida, and for Christmas Day he wanted to do something fun and festive. After searching around, he snagged a reservation at St. George in St. Augustine, right across from the fort--and honestly, that alone set the stage for a special evening. St. Augustine was packed (as expected for Christmas and Nights of Lights), and the restaurant itself is on the cozy side. There are only a few tables downstairs, which also houses the kitchen and bar, while the main dining area is upstairs along with a balcony. We truly lucked out because we landed what felt like the best table in the house--right in the center of the upstairs balcony, overlooking the fort and the Christmas trolleys rolling by for the Night of Lights parade. That view absolutely made the night magical. Service-wise, our waitress was incredibly kind and welcoming--lots of smiles and great energy. That said, some of the banter felt a bit overdone. For example, we were told there were over 600 reservations that day, which felt a little hard to believe given the restaurant size and table turnover. Still, we did feel lucky to be there, especially on such a busy holiday. Food and drinks were good, though not necessarily standout for the price point. Wine pours and menu pricing were fair, but not what I'd typically expect for a really great glass of wine or a beautifully plated meal. However--the absolute highlight of the night was the prime rib. They had just made a fresh batch, and you could tell. The cut was massive, incredibly fresh, and honestly large enough to share between the three of us, which worked perfectly since we weren't super hungry. We shared an appetizer, enjoyed the prime rib, had a couple glasses of wine, and called it a night--simple and satisfying. Overall, I'd rate this experience between a 3.5 and 4, but I'm giving it a solid 4 stars because it was Christmas Day, incredibly busy, and the staff handled it all with great attitudes and smiles. Would I return? That's still up in the air. It feels a bit pricey for what you get, and I might explore other options next time--but hey, it is St. Augustine. All in all, it was a good night, made special by spending Christmas together and enjoying a truly beautiful, unforgettable view.

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Faux plant wall

Wild Mushrooms Toast

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View from balcony table

Woodside

4.7

(35 reviews)

62.8 mi

EXCELLENT EXPERIENCE! Been searching for a decent brunch in…read morethe area and my wife suggested Woodside. My experience is that many places just don't deliver the quality expected and I'm often disappointed. I'll have to say, Woodside delivered! This place is clearly elevated, elegant, and the food is prepared with culinary skill. From the moment we stepped inside, I could tell the atmosphere was classy and quaint. We were greeted by our server Buddy and the bartender. My instincts were that this was going to be good. I was still cautious. Buddy seated us appropriately and brought us menus and filtered water. We both started with coffee and to my surprise Buddy brought a large urn of French press coffee, whole cream and sugar cubes, I absolutely love French Press coffee but rarely see it at a restaurant. I make it at home and it definitely adds to the enjoyment of a good cup of coffee. Definitely a step above here. We looked at the brunch menu and found it hard to decide as there were so many interesting selections that I wanted to try. My wife ordered the Eggs Benedict and I ordered the Croque Madame. As I deliberated, Buddy suggested that I'd stick with my first impression and that I would not be disappointed. I thought it was very classy the way he presented that and it makes sense that sometimes one should go with their first instinct, rather than wonder if they made the right choice later. Again, there were just so many things I wanted to try. When our meals came out, we were both pleasantly surprised at the quality and taste. This was not ordinary breakfast, but I had a good price point for what you get. It was really about the same cost as most breakfast places on the island, but such higher quality and sophistication. I can honestly say this was the best brunch experience I've had in many years and we've frequent a lot of places. The Croque was so tasty, complex and abundant and even the french fries were excellent. My wife's Benedict was also very special as it was rich, fresh, and absolutely clear it was prepared by a chef. The Latkas were a tasty complement. Overall, this was an outstanding experience and I just didn't want to leave. I can't wait to return for dinner to experience it. I believe the menu changes daily and I would definitely recommend Woodside as an elevated dining experience. I am happy to rate this a true 5.0 as it is the best food I've had in the Brunswick/SSI area over the past 6 months. Buddy was great and clearly understands service etiquette. Thanks so much for helping us enjoy a truly nice experience.

Cannot speak highly enough of this excellent establishment. From top to bottom this place is five…read morestar. Every dish we had was exquisite, the wine perfect, cocktails on point, and service second to none. Coming from New York City, we have come to expect a lot from restaurants, and Woodside would stack up against any restaurant in the five boroughs .

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An intimate New York style restaurant in the Golden Isles

All desserts are made by our co-owner and pastry chef Ryanne Carrier

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Sunday Brunch

Happy Chef Bistro And Deli

3.7

(3 reviews)

61.0 mi

Amazing draft beer... Amazing store prices, selection of…read moreitems in the market is okay but could be more and better. The basics of Euro Market can be found.

Food was less than desirable. Would have been better to go eat at McDonald's. Some woman the…read moremanager or owner was not the friendliest. Food felt as if bought prepared or left overs reheated. Not worth the time or money.

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Fogo de Chão

My experience at Fogo de Chão was simply exceptional--undoubtedly one of the best dining…read moreexperiences I have ever had. From the moment we arrived, the elegant yet welcoming atmosphere made us feel special; however, what truly elevated the entire experience was the service. The attention we received was impeccable, with the staff constantly attentive to every detail and ensuring that we lacked absolutely nothing. I would like to give a special shout-out to two individuals who made our visit unforgettable: Luara and Andrew. Their level of professionalism, kindness, and dedication was truly impressive. Luara was incredibly attentive, always wearing a genuine smile and ensuring that everything at our table was perfect. Andrew, for his part, complemented the experience with equally warm and efficient service, demonstrating extensive knowledge of the menu and a constant willingness to assist. Together, they managed to create a personalized experience, making us feel like more than just customers--we felt like special guests. That kind of service is hard to come by, and it truly makes all the difference. The only point for improvement was that the drinks took a little longer than usual to arrive. Aside from that, everything was perfect. Definitely recommended!

I have never been to this style restaurant before, I was very impressed with all the offerings! The…read morewalk up "bar" had so much to offer and choose from, could be a little overwhelming so maybe scope it out before you start loading your plate! The table offerings were so great! The top sir line was definitely my favorite and got it a few times it came around! There wasn't just meat that was offered on the table side. There was also fried cheese, which was amazing with some honey there was also a candied pineapple that was to die for I could've just eaten that alone! Also they bring out mashed potatoes, plantains, yucca, fries, and cheese bread!! again pace yourself you could get full very quickly! I also had a Carijjio here that can be a drink that is hard to make or get right and they did an amazing job. I also asked for decaf and they were accommodating to that as well! I do think that from the perspective of it being tableside with a feel of self serve that you can overindulge too quickly so again pacing yourself is the best bang for your buck here! Definitely excited to try again with a very empty belly

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Blue Orchid Thai Cuisine

The food was 10/10 so flavorful. Service, on point! I'll definitely come back again without a doubt!read more

Made a reservation for Friday night. An emergency led to my needing 3 seats instead of 2. They…read morehappily accommodated us even though it was fairly busy. Our server was Nok and she was an absolute delight. We had the Pad Thai with chicken and Panang Curry with pork. Also tried the fresh summer rolls. Everything was so flavorful and with the perfect amount of heat. Decor in the restaurant is very lovely and I enjoyed all the pictures of various places in Thailand. The high ceilings make the darker decor not feel stuffy. Highly recommend and will return.

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Spring Fresh Summer Rolls

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Pad Thai lunch special

Midtown Table

Midtown Table - My Second Visit Was Even Better Than the First!…read moreThis was my second time at Midtown Table and I'm officially hooked. The food and drinks are consistently great, and the vibe is perfect for a relaxed night out with friends. I went with four buddies and we basically turned the table into a family-style feast--everything we ordered was spot-on. We started with the meatballs and the Brussels sprouts as apps. Both were fantastic--the meatballs were juicy and packed with flavor, and the Brussels sprouts were perfectly crispy with just the right amount of char and seasoning. For mains we split a couple of pizzas and the lasagna. The lasagna is rich and comforting, but the star for me was the Meats pizza. That thing was loaded and so good I'm still thinking about it. The crust was crisp, the sauce was bright, and the toppings were generous without being greasy. Last but not least, we ended with the house-made ice cream. Holy cow--to die for is an understatement. Creamy, super flavorful, and the perfect sweet note to finish the meal. I'm not even a huge dessert person and I was scraping the bowl. Service was friendly and attentive, the drinks were solid, and the whole evening felt like a win. If you're in the area, do yourself a favor and book a table. Midtown Table is the real deal--can't wait to go back for a third round! Highly recommend.

10/10 this place is very family friendly (even dogs) the ambience is great, they have a green area…read morefor kids to play on the nice days! The food was amazing we had the truffle fries, Margherita and cured meat Pizza and some pasta ( forgot the name), and the banana dessert. All of it had really good flavor and came out pretty fast. Our server was very good.We went on a Saturday night without reservation and didn't have to wait at all

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Hot Pot Korean BBQ

I've seen this place in the Winn-Dixie shopping center for years and I've always wanted to try it…read more My friends and I enjoy Korean BBQ so we stopped by. The tables have the both the BBQ grill and the hot pots. Food - try it all! They have all your meats and stuff in a buffet area. everything we tried was fresh and delicious. We had both the grill and the hot pots. Each of us tried a different base and all of them were good. I would go traditional if I was you. Food conveyor - just like you see in Japan! Alls sorts of items come by your table. If I could say anything bad it would be that I wish some of the portions were smaller - there are so many things to try and I no longer each like a college student. Service - our server never left us wanting for anything. Everyone was friendly and helpful. I look forward to bringing more friends here in the future. The place is large and can accommodate larger groups - I think I saw one group of about 15. It may seem a little pricey for some but you have lots of options and it's worth it.

So yummy! The restaurant was very clean and the food was all fresh!! We were served quickly and our…read morewaitress was attentive. We had a great time doing both hot pot and KBBQ. The conveyor was also nicely packaged (plates came covered with plastic wrap for freshness and sanitary). The hot plates themselves boiled our soups super quick and the BBQ heating element did its job quick as well. Overall a great experience and we would return. When my mom dropped a whole bowl of mushrooms, they wouldn't let her clean it up and appeared out of nowhere to sweep it and then mop right after. The floors were crazy clean and not at all slippery or squeaky. Bathrooms were also clean.

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Hotpot and BBQ for sis-in-laws birthday.

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BREW Five Points

BREW Five Points - after thoughts: while this wasn't my first visit, I was happy to see this local…read morefavorite in the 2026 JAX Java Crawl!!! Staff still continues to be friendly & welcoming. BREW continues to impress with its consistently well-presented atmosphere, unique decorative wall hangings, and a menu filled with plenty of tempting options. My selection, the "Brown Butter Pecan Latte with Oat Milk," was beautifully crafted and delicately balanced. The rich brown butter and pecan flavors were clearly present from the very first sip through the last, creating a smooth and enjoyable coffee experience. It was great returning to this spot, and there's no doubt I'll be back again to sample more of their menu offerings. of 5 (5 of 5). 6-21-2026

The kind of place where they get everything right!…read more the tea, the corn breakfast taco (!!!!!!!!!!), the pastries, the fresh blooms always waiting on the counter. Jacksonville is lucky to have you. I know I am.

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Latte with homemade toasted marshmallow

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Itʻs a good size serving.

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10 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Denis K.

5 years ago

This beautiful small business is probably a synonym for a phenomenal food,excellent atmosphere,friendly staff and much,much more I've been in bigger and more fancier restaurants but none of those can compare to this warm,family owned,mouth watering food served place to be!! I highly recommend this restaurant to all y'all that craving for warm delicious meal of Mediterranean and south-eastern Europe especially Bosnian food !! Hope to see you guys in March read more

Amie S.

Elite 26

135

226

671

3 years ago

This restaurant's setup reminded me of the Greek restaurants in Santorini! It was a small restaurant but had a very homey-comfortable atmosphere. The beef cevapi was delicious, and I really loved the veggie and cheese dip it came with. The chicken Alfredo was also delicious and had the best melted texture and flavor. The chef was so sweet and I wouldn't definitely come back for more authentic food! read more

Matt M.

Elite 25

3 years ago

Checked out this spot in Jacksonville for some Serbian eats, and the cevapi was on point - flavorful and grilled to perfection. The owner is amazing, adding a personal touch to the whole experience. If you're up for a chill vibe and fantastic food, this place is a winner! read more