I have never left a review anywhere before, but the service and food was absolutely amazing I had…read moreto go out of my way to write one. The server Daniel that we had was over the top, checking on us very frequently, super friendly and was very knowledgeable on the menu. The hostess was also very friendly and welcoming. As well as the manager who came to our table to ask how everything was. The food left us speechless. The ribeye was by far the best I have ever had. The shrimp and grits had such an amazing flavor. Portions were well worth the money. The setting inside was perfect. I would recommend this place 100X over again. Very reasonably priced for the quality.

It is always a pleasure dining here. The service on Saturday night was fabulous! For drinks, I had…read morethe chefs kiss which is right up my alley because I love a martini with vanilla vodka it is fruity, tangy, and smooth. My boyfriend had a custom make your own old fashioned, which is always fun. You choose what type of liquor, bitters, and smoke you would like so you can tailor your drink to your liking. For appetizers, we had to get the roasted oysters, everything here has the essence of that fire grilled taste which I particularly love on oysters. After we knocked back a dozen of those, we tried the fries with the tender beef, cheese, and pickled jalapeños. They fry them in tallow, which gives the fries a really nice rich flavor! Then my boyfriend has some cornbread, which had a fruit jam and whipped butter, which he enjoyed. I typically get the chimichurri steak which again has that nice fire grilled element and is paired with some delicious vegetables like carrots, green beans, and potatoes. My boyfriend had the red fish over the andouille dirty rice, which was phenomenal! If I didn't get my seafood craving from the oysters, I definitely would've ordered that. Everything was fantastic as always!

Up date March 2006. Woodpecker's is still fantastic!…read moreNice BBQ joint atmosphere, great service, and supreme barbecue. Prices are good. My family, the six of us, most who live very close, my wife and I, visiting from CA, made our usual visit to Woodpecker's during an "around Florida" vacation. We visited many spots of my youth between Jax & St. Petersburg while dining at old favorites and several BBQ joints along the way. Without a doubt, Woodpecker's Backyard Barbecue was the best by far. The last time we were there, the turkey stole a show as it was the best turkey I have ever eaten in a barbecue restaurant. This time the brisket was the number one meat, equalling or bypassing any I have had anywhere, even in the many Texas joints we have tried. It was right up there with Franklin's and other top Texas offerings. All of their meats were extremely good. Their sides are very interesting as well as good tasting utilizing a lot of dátil pepper to flavor several and add a little bite of spice. My only wish is that it was closer than the 2547 miles away that it is. If you are anywhere near woodpecker's backyard, barbecue, go. Go. Go. You will not regret it.

Holy smokes, now this is barbecue! I showed up randomly with a group of 14 other others for lunch…read moreafter a kayaking trip. We opted to eat outside because inside it is a little tight, and they were quite full already. Everything is quite casual, including the hostess stand on the outside and the walk up window on the other. Food is served in a to-go bag from the walk up window and comes with everything you need to land a happy belly and a messy face. I have lived around here for years and wondered if there was a reason why this place is always bursting at the seams on nice days. Now I know, this is some legit bbq. The portions are generous, the chicken was tender, the beef ribs were huge, and the coleslaw is very similar to a fried chicken place (with only three letter letters in its name)... Which was my most favorite coleslaw in the whole wide world. No french fries though. But the coleslaw makes up for it. I told my BF that I would absolutely travel down there (30 min) just to pick up some to-go chicken and coleslaw. He also told me that the datil pepper cornbread was deliciously spicy with a real pepper kick.

We had a wonderful date night here!…read more Our waitress was so proud, she explained all about the restaurant and the chef and really made us excited to try the menu. I loved mine scallops, such a unique twist with the tom yum broth. My husband got the ribs and they were incredible! We got the Hawaii coffee and the lava cake to finish. The ice cream or sorbet with the lava cake was so special. We would definitely come back!

We had been wanting to check out Rustica since we walked by them a few months ago and we decided to…read morefinally come check them out for our anniversary. We made an early reservation since we saw they do Happy Hour 4PM to 5:00PM everyday so we had to get in on that. We walked and and were seated at our table. They made sure to let us know you can sit anywhere during Happy Hour and still get the specials where many restaurants limit it to a bar area. Rustica does a great job of Happy Hour. They have appetizers, cocktails, beer, Sake, wine, and even main course happy hour entrees too. I started off with a cocktail going for the Liliko Martini which I really enjoyed. I have really been into my Passion Fruit drinks lately. We of course had to get some of the Happy Hour appetizers too and we might have gone a little overboard but for sure worth it. We got: The Naan Bread Yellow Beet Salad Crispy Tofu Roasted Pork Belly Bao Crispy Pork and Shrimp Lumpia Japanese Style Fried Chicken These were a great way to start off dinner and not one of them were $8 or less. If I had to pick favorites the best was for sure the Roasted Pork Belly Bao. I think it might have been the best Pork Belly Bao I had ever had. I was a large thick piece of Pork Belly but it just melted you your mouth and had so much flavor. We also very much enjoyed the Crispy Pork and Shrimp Lumpia which were much bigger then expected. The Japanese Style Fried Chicken was great too and the BBQ Ranch took it to the next level. For my entree I went with the Basil Crusted Roasted Monkfish which came with Vietnamese Yellow Curry, Crispy Shrimp and veggies. The Monkfish was cooked perfectly. I had a great sear on it too which gave it a bit of a crunch. I know Monkfish can sometimes be intimidated people because it was pretty ugly looking but let me tell you if it's prepared like this you're going to love it. Some of the best fish I have had. The Vietnamese Yellow Curry paired very well with it too. Wasn't too heavy and didn't over power the fish but just added an extra boost of flavor. I know what you're thinking who could was possibly be hungry for dessert but it sounded good so we ordered the Thai Milk Tea Creme Brulee and the Yuzu Cheesecake. Both were light enough that we could still really enjoy them after all we had eaten. We really like that the Thai Milk Tea Creme Brulee also had bubble boba in it which we didn't expect. We had an amazing meal and for sure be coming back sooner rather then later.

food was perfect! and the atmosphere was so calm and wonderful! The one thing I do have to say that…read morebrought the rating down was a server named Allison, she was okay with making sure the food got out at a decent time but her attitude was real off :(

I love this restaurant for several reasons. First, the service is consistently superb -- the…read morewaitstaff are attentive without being intrusive and always seem genuinely invested in making sure I'm having a great experience. Second, the ambiance strikes the perfect balance: it feels elevated and polished, but never stuffy or overly formal. It's the kind of place where you feel comfortable whether you're dressed up or just coming in for a relaxed night out. Most importantly, the food is excellent -- and consistently so. That reliability matters. While I personally tend to prefer red sauces that are a little less acidic, I can absolutely get behind Poppy's marinara because the dish as a whole just works. Everything comes together beautifully. And the bread? Dangerous. I could happily eat it until I slip into a full carb coma.

Go bartender Matty! Queso and Margs are !…read more If you are a local or visiting you've got to check this place out!

Some evenings begin with a plan. Others begin with curiosity…read more Our visit to Pepper's Cocina Mexicana & Tequila Bar in St. Johns fell firmly into the second category. We were simply out enjoying the evening and decided to stop in for a drink. What we discovered instead was a lively neighborhood restaurant that blends vibrant Mexican energy with an unexpectedly refined touch. Pepper's Cocina sits on Harper Lane in St. Johns and immediately gives off the feeling that it is more than just another casual Mexican restaurant. From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere felt open, welcoming, and festive, yet polished enough to make the space feel elevated. High ceilings, warm lighting, and a colorful but tasteful décor create an environment that feels equally suited for a relaxed evening cocktail or a lively dinner with friends. Pepper's is a family owned restaurant, and that local pride shows. The concept centers around fresh Mexican cuisine prepared daily, paired with a tequila focused bar program that highlights both traditional favorites and some unique selections. Since this visit began as a spontaneous stop for drinks, we decided to lean into what Pepper's clearly celebrates, tequila. Their tequila list is larger than what most casual restaurants offer, though we did find ourselves wishing the selection was even deeper given the restaurant's tequila bar positioning. That said, the offerings still provide plenty of variety for both casual tequila drinkers and enthusiasts looking to explore. One detail that caught our attention was the restaurant's house tequila. As someone who spends a good portion of his professional life in marketing, Peter immediately noticed the bottle design. The tequila itself was excellent, smooth and enjoyable, though we both felt the bottle label did not quite reflect the quality inside. Presentation matters in the spirits world just as plating matters in the culinary world. Still, the tequila itself impressed us enough that we purchased a bottle to bring home. While enjoying our drinks we decided to try one appetizer that several nearby tables seemed to be ordering. The Flaming Queso Dip arrived with a bit of theatrical flair that immediately turned heads. Served bubbling hot and dramatically finished tableside, the queso had a rich creamy texture with a satisfying depth of flavor. The slight smokiness from the flame preparation added an extra layer that elevated what could have been a simple appetizer into something memorable. It is the kind of dish that naturally brings people together around the table, dipping chips, sharing bites, and enjoying the moment. Service throughout our visit was attentive and friendly. Our server was knowledgeable about the tequila offerings and clearly took pride in the restaurant. Even though we were only there for drinks and an appetizer, we never felt rushed and were made to feel like welcome guests rather than quick turnover customers. Perhaps what stood out most about Pepper's was the energy of the room. There is a vibrant social buzz here that feels authentic and community driven. You could see families enjoying dinner, couples on date night, and groups gathered around margaritas and tequila flights. Restaurants like Pepper's succeed because they create an experience people want to return to. It is not just about the food or the drinks. It is about how the place makes you feel. Our visit was brief, but it left a strong impression. The festive ambiance, solid tequila program, flavorful appetizer, and warm service all combined to create an enjoyable evening. We did not explore the full dinner menu during this visit, which simply means one thing. We will absolutely be back. Star Rating: (4 Stars) Pepper's Cocina Mexicana & Tequila Bar is a lively, locally owned destination that delivers great energy, quality drinks, and a welcoming environment that makes it easy to settle in and stay awhile.

A fun opportunity to get the feel of country club living, all with excellent food and reasonable…read moreprices. We entered the Cimarrone neighborhood, and the security guard at the front gate pointed us right to the restaurant. You don't have to be a member to visit this restaurant, there are different prices for members and non-members. As first time visitors, we were quickly welcomed at the reception area and seated had a very comfortable table with a view of the golf course, and opportunities to watch some sporting events on the handful of TVs that they have surrounding the restaurant / bar. Our server, Ava had a great energy and a bright smile, and delivered excellent service throughout. The menu is vast and diverse, I had some shrimp tacos which were excellent, along with a fresh iced tea - Ava Even brought a carafe of iced tea on the side so we could pour our own refills... Nice touch. Even at the non-member rate, the meal was quite affordable averaging just over $20 per person including meal, tip, tax. Views of the golf course are beautiful, the high ceiling dining room has a modern light fixture, it's just a beautiful spot overall. We visited the pro-shop and bought reasonably priced golf wear. I also noticed a screen that referenced Father's Day specials, so I'd anticipate they offer other specials during holiday times. My wife and I look forward to returning to this wonderful place.

In for late lunch after golf. Wonderful quick service on drink orders as it was hot out! Olivia was…read morequick on the refills and took our lunch orders. Had the club sandwich and it did not disappoint. Stacked with lots of good stuff. And some good hot fries!! Place has nice large tables with lots of seating and separate area that can be closed off for private events. Lots of daily specials and live music. Good spot! Play the golf course was in great shape.

We had an Event on the outside Patio, Outstanding job…read more Service Great Food Great the Entire Experience & the Evening was Great. Thank you to the Manager our staff that took care of our Event. Highly recommended!

First and foremost, we had the very best service from Cassie!!! We were a table of 10 and lots of…read morequestions, preferences, etc. Cassie was on top of it from the first moments, all the way thru dinner, no drinks ever went empty, and she promptly processed our checks. So many things were ordered at our table and I only got a few pictures. The pretzels and beer cheese was amazing. My son and husband shared a meat lovers pizza and a few Blue Moons -they were very pleased with their food. I had some of the spinach artichoke dip - which was very tasty. I did wish it was served with tortilla chips vs bread - but, it was still great. I ordered the Cobb salad was very good - I was not impressed with the ranch dressing tho - that type of salad really needs a creamier buttermilk type ranch dressing. Didn't stop me from eating it with bleu cheese dressing tho My friend had a small pepperoni pizza which she said was great! My gram had a house salad and the kitchen made her a requested Marguerite pizza. Which she loved Again, the service Cassie provided was stellar!!!

Renovations transformed our back yard space with a beautiful patio and fire pit they also…read moreinstalled new rock in the front and back yard and fixed our pavers in the front yard they did exactly what they priced out and will definitely be using them again in the near future.

My wife and I stopped by Island Wing Company to watch a World Cup match, and we ended up staying…read morefor almost three hours with a packed restaurant full of soccer fans. Even with the place completely full, everything was excellent. Our server, Emma, did an outstanding job keeping our drinks refilled the entire time without us ever having to ask. The kitchen was impressively fast despite how busy they were. The food was fantastic. The wings were cooked perfectly, the buffalo chicken dip was delicious, and they have an excellent selection of beers. We finished our meal by sharing the hot cookie with vanilla ice cream, and it was the perfect dessert. Great food, great service, and a fun atmosphere for watching a big sporting event. We'll definitely be back, and hopefully Emma will be our server again!

Can't beat island wing company. All their wings are baked to perfection with a wide array of sauces…read moreto match. Came here for the Knicks game and it was a great atmosphere. Pair the wings with a side of mac and cheese and you can't go wrong! Great place to sit back, relax, eat good food and watch the game!

Let me say that when I receive "above and beyond" service, I try to let everyone know! And, so it…read moreis that I relate my first experience with Burger Barn! They have a nice menu with a variety of burgers, chicken sandwiches and wings, fries and onion rings, and Fountain drinks and milkshakes!! But I am so limited in what I may eat, that I had to ask for a plain hamburger and grilled mushrooms--cooked on a space that that was freshly cleaned off on the grill. I was so wrapped up in explaining this to very patient counterlady McKenzie (I believe) that I forgot to ask for lettuce and tomato. When it arrived at the table--brought singly out by Fernando (I believe)--I realized that I hadn't asked for the lettuce or tomato and I mumbled that to myself. But, I did not ask outright! Lo and behold, not a minute later Fernando appears with a plate of lettuce and tomato. How terrifically caring is that!?!?! And my burger was perfectly cooked and I did not have a bad reaction which means McKenzie got all the instructions exactly right and the chefs did exactly right, too! I thank all the staff very much! My family who was with me enjoyed all their selections, including fries and onion rings. My grandson's milkshake disappeared quickly. (You can get alcohol there, too.) Will definitely be back and will spread the word about how terrific Burger Barn is!!

After church, I decided to take the family out for a quick bite to eat. My grandkids do not eat…read moreeverything so we settle on Burger Barn grill. Service was impeccable from ordering, service and follow up by workers and even the manager. For a burger joint, this is first class. My son is active military so we got a discount. I had the southwest burger which was rich and savory. I would have like my bun toasted that is just me. Also, I ordered fries which had a nice seasoning and were very crisp. I washed it all down with a cookie and cream shake. Our first time at Burger barn. The interior had a old country feel. The menu was a sight for sore eyes. It was big, bold and right in your face. Everyone loved their burgers and the kids did not eat a thing. I have funny grand kids that do not eat hot food. What a treat to have burgers, fries and chicken wings on a wonderful Sunday afternoon.