4 Delicious Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Jax Beach

Jacksonville, Florida, is one of the South’s most notable vacation destinations for a reason. There are plenty of activities for the family to enjoy, the weather is pleasant nearly every day of the year, and you won’t find the huge crowds you’re likely to encounter in Orlando or Miami. If you’ve been considering booking one of our Jacksonville vacation rentals, now is the time!

Even when you’re looking forward to an incredible destination like Jacksonville, leaving your furry friend at home with a pet sitter or with a boarder can be challenging. But now, you don’t have to! Jacksonville is a great place to travel with your furry friend, offering plenty to see and do for dogs and humans alike. While parks and beaches are fantastic places to relax, perhaps one of the best things to look forward to is the cuisine.

Be sure to bring your pup to one of these dog-friendly restaurants in Jacksonville, FL!

A small brown poodle sits on at the table of a restaurant patio
Photo from Unsplash

Mojo Kitchen BBQ Pit and Blues Bar

Mojo has several locations throughout Florida, but the experience you’ll get at Jacksonville’s Mojo Kitchen BBQ Pit and Blues Bar is unlike anywhere else. The staff is extremely welcoming from the moment you walk in the door, and you and your group will love the calm, laid-back atmosphere where you can let your hair down and enjoy a great meal.

You already know that Mojo is pet-friendly, but there are many other benefits to dining here. Even though you can choose from a wide range of craft cocktails, craft beers, and other selections from the whiskey bar, you can rest assured that this eatery is family-friendly. You’ll also enjoy live music from some of the area’s most promising talent as you dine!

On the menu, you’ll find a little something for everyone. As you can probably guess, one of the main attractions here is the barbecue. Try out a mouthwatering option like pulled pork shoulder, St. Louis spareribs, smoked turkey breast, and more. You can also choose from southern platters like the Delta catfish platter, shrimp and grits, or buttermilk fried chicken. No matter what you select as your entrée, be sure to finish your meal with a tempting dessert like the homemade banana pudding. 

Mojo Kitchen BBQ Pit and Blues Bar can be found at 1500 Beach Boulevard. They’re open Sunday and Monday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Salt Life Food Shack

When searching for the best restaurants in Jacksonville Beach, Salt Life Food Shack has to be on the list. You’ve probably seen shirts, car stickers, or other merch with the phrase “Salt Life,” and that simple slogan originated right here in Jacksonville. Whether you’re new to the idea or you’ve been living the Salt Life for years now, you won’t want to miss your chance to check out this eatery.

The idea of Salt Life encourages you to get outside and enjoy the sand and surf, and that same mindset is right here at the restaurant. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, letting you come in for a lengthy lunch or grab a quick bite to eat after hitting the surf for a while. Enjoy your meal in the open-air dining room or on the shaded patio (with plenty of fans to keep you and your pup cool).

To begin your meal, you can indulge in fried calamari, shrimp and chorizo nachos, or spicy seared tuna. Then, enjoy a combination of street tacos however you like them, or go for a mainland option like the skirt steak or the pan-seared chicken pasta. You’ll also find fresh seafood dishes like the Chili Lime Mahi or the Crab Baked Grouper. Just be sure to save room for Key Lime Pie or Pineapple Upside-Down Cake!

You’ll find Salt Life Food Shack at 1018 3rd Street North. They are open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Dockside Seafood Restaurant

Many Jacksonville Beach restaurants try to draw you in with fancy décor and complicated menus, but here at Dockside Seafood Restaurant, you’ll find just the opposite. Dockside offers carefully selected yet understated beach décor and some of the freshest seafood you can imagine in the area. Adults, kids, and dogs will surely enjoy a meal here!

As the restaurant’s name suggests, Dockside is located right near the water, so you can get a gorgeous view while you dine. Watch boats sail out onto the water or see if you can spot any wildlife making its way through the marsh. The beautiful views are a sight to see no matter when you stop in, so you might want to bring your camera with you!

Start your meal at Dockside with shrimp nachos, peel-and-eat shrimp, fried fish bites, or another sumptuous appetizer. You can then move on to baskets with crab cakes, oysters, deviled crabs, clam strips, and more. Can’t pick just one? Go for a Dockside Combo! They also offer sandwiches, tacos, po’boys, and soups to satisfy everyone.

Visit Dockside Seafood Restaurant at 2510 2nd Avenue North every day from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

A closeup of a dog sitting under an outdoor table at a restaurant
Photo from Unsplash

Hoptinger

If you’re looking for some unique global cuisine near our Jacksonville beach vacation rentals, you can find it here at Hoptinger. They call themselves a “modern ‘Baverican’ bier garden,” offering over 60 taps of craft beer and plenty of Bavarian-inspired dishes from which to choose. Everything is prepared fresh and only uses the best local ingredients, so you can rest easy knowing you’re getting the best quality every time. 

At dinner time, you can find an entire menu with one-of-a-kind creations. Start with the beer-battered poutine or brats in a blanket before moving on to entrée options like the Hoptinger Shrimp Po’ Boy, Rocky Balboa burger, classic fish and chips, or spinach alfredo pasta. For the vegetarians and vegans in your group, options like the falafel burger or the cauliflower heads are sure to impress. Don’t miss the blueberry bread pudding for dessert!

Hoptinger welcomes guests into its two locations: 333 1st Street North and 1037 Park Street. Stop in on weekdays from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. or on Saturday and Sunday at 10 a.m. for brunch.

Plan Your Stay!

Contact the team at Lancelot’s Castles today to learn more about our Jacksonville rentals and book your trip!

Book Your Jacksonville Beach Vacation Rental With Lancelot’s Castles

You and your pup can spend the evening enjoying a meal at one of these fabulous restaurants, relaxing in the knowledge that one of our Jacksonville Beach rentals is waiting to welcome you home. Lancelot’s Castles is proud to offer a vast catalog of Jacksonville Beach vacation rentals for all groups, complete with amenities like high-speed internet, HDTVs, fully stocked kitchens, and so much more. On top of that, you’ll have an unmatched location near the city’s top attractions, as well as the helpful service of our team. It’s never been quicker or easier to rent a vacation home in Jacksonville, Florida!