Beachside Seafood Restaurant & Market — Restaurant in Jacksonville Beach

I really wanted this place to be good. I’ve been wanting to go for awhile. I talked my wife into going there last Monday after a rough day at work. When we walked in, and sat at the bar, we were greeted within a minute, and she said she’d be right back. There were (including us) about 10 customers in there. After 10 minutes, and watching her bus a table, look at the server station, and mill around, the other server asked if we had been helped. We haven’t. She got us a couple of drinks and menus, and told us that the other girl would be right with us. She told the other server that she had gotten us a couple of drinks and menus, and we needed to order. I watched her go back to the service station and do some other things. Finally, after another 15 minutes she asked if we were ok… I told her that we were ready to order, and she looked bothered. She came over, took our order, and wrote it down. We ordered an appetizer (fish bites) and our entree’s (the burrito and a fried seafood basket). I told her that we wanted our appetizer first, and she said she was going to ring it in at the same time. I asked her not to, as we wanted the appetizer first, and she said that she’d take care of it . About 10 minutes later, she came back and asked us what our entree’s were again. We re-ordered, thinking our appetizer was already in. It was not. At this point, we’ve been here close to an hour. 20 minutes later, we saw the other server come upstairs with our food, set it down at the service station, and come over to us asking if we had the burrito and the seafood basket. I told her that we were STILL waiting for our appetizer. She, again, talked to our server about our fish bites. My wife and I walked outside to get away, hoping that something, ANYTHING, would be corrected. It was not. When we came back in, our entree’s (that had been sitting on the service station for the past 20 minutes) were now sitting at our seats. Both servers looked at us, and asked if we needed anything else. MY APPETIZER!!!

Our server covered her mouth, and acted surprised!? ( like it was a surprise, and she hasn’t had at least 5 conversations about the appetizer!!!!!!) She asked us if we still wanted it, of course the answer is no. And she did apologize. I told her that we were just really looking forward to our fish bites… and her response was “ look, I’m just trying to tell you that I screwed up”…. REALLY!!! That’s your solution??? A half ass apology, and offended that I’m disappointed? At that point we started eating our entree’s, that have been sitting at the service station for awhile, and of course, it was now cold. I do think that it may have been good if hot, but it wasn’t. I was starving, so I did eat my cold burrito, my wife had two to three bites of hers, and asked for a box.

We gave them every opportunity to try to make it right, or get a manager, or at least do something. Instead, they let the situation get worse and worse. We will never...

FIRST TIME AND LAST

DO NOT BE FOOLED BY THE 4.3 STARS

The ONLY way conceivable this place can have 4.3 stars on google reviews has to be the owner or someone associated with the restaurant is going in and posting 5 star reviews, which seems to be the case because if you notice after every BAD review a couple of 5 star reviews miraculously appear the same day or next day many times with no comments. So if you see good reviews after mine you'll know.

Happening to be at the beach for a doctor's appointment, after we decided to find a seafood restaurant for lunch. This place was close by so we decided to eat there. First thing we noticed was some sort of remodeling going on downstairs. The restaurant is 2nd floor so no big deal. However if you have a physical disability that limits you from using stairs your out of luck. If it's wheelchair accessible I sure didn't see how.

Isn't that a violation of the ADA?(American's with disabilities act) I may contact the state and inquire about that.

Also, there is no restroom in the restaurant, I assume there is one downstairs somewhere amongst the construction. (I'm not even sure that's code compliant)

Walked in and sat down. Noticed the place was all but empty and it was lunch time which isusually a bad sign, which proved to be the case. A not so friendly server brought menus over and took our drink order. Looking over the menu I noticed the cheapest thing were $18 baskets. At that point if I wasn't there with my wife I would've walked out. The food finally came after what seemed like 20 minutes (a little long for an empty restaurant in my estimation). My fish finger basket consisted of 4 fair sized portions, fries and 2 hush puppies. All were no doubt previously frozen and the fish batter was quite oily. Both baskets came with Cole slaw. I'm not a fan but my wife is and she said the cole slaw was completely inedible as it seemed old and had a sour taste like spoiled milk. The server was for the most part unattentive but did get a little friendlier at bill time, no doubt Looking for a tip.

So, two ice teas, a side of something called "onion strings" and two $18 baskets plus tip was right at $60...FOR LUNCH!

At that level of atmosphere, service and food it shouldn't have been MAYBE $40.

Before we got there we discussed just going to a Taco Bell that was also close by....if I would have known then what I know now we would have and saved $45.

Beachside, you have some work to do besides your remodeling project.

I'm afraid I cannot recommend this place...

The Beachside restaurant does not look like much from the outside. But, having written that, the food is very good. This was our first trip to Beachside since the restaurant was remodeled.

We usually sit upstairs. In warmer weather, such as we had today, the windows are open (and screened), and air comes in from the ocean that is about three blocks away.

The ambiance is casual. The recent upgrade has made a difference in the appearance, and it is more comfortable. It appears that the establishment has been in operation for a number of years and has a loyal customer base.

On this occasion, the two of us ordered a basket with two steamed shrimp and fried clams. Both were very good. The shrimp was flavored with Red Bay seasoning (or something like it). I recommend leaving that off as it overpowers the flavor of the shrimp.

The flavor of the clams and the shrimp was excellent. The clams were slightly overcooked but still very good. It was accompanied by corn on the cob, and it was fresh corn, not frozen. The fries also had a good flavor.

There is also a bar right in the upstairs dining area.

Servings are quite large. The food is good. The service was good. Our server, Victoria, was taking payment from customers, waiting on tables, and helping customers asking questions about the seafood for sale. She did it all efficiently and with a smile and pleasant demeanor.

She also provided a free slice of key lime pie if I would leave a review. The pie was excellent and the review is obviously very favorable!

Another item of interest is the seafood market located right beside the downstairs entrance.

The seafood was fresh, well displayed, and the man serving customers was very knowledgeable and friendly. We picked up enough salmon to cook for three people. There were several types of salmon available (as well as other types of fish, clams, scallops, etc).

All in all, Beachside Seafood is a...