J.L.Trent's Seafood & Grill — Restaurant in Jacksonville

Good afternoon Ms Trent. My name is Mrs Randolph I'm hoping that I am contacting the owner of Trent's Seafood in Jacksonville Florida. My husband and I are regular customers at this location because frankly you all have some of the best fried seafood in Jacksonville. We have literally been coming here for years. Today was a little different as far as the service was concerned... food was still delectable. My husband and I ordered fried mushrooms that were so small and not as plentiful as usual. We also ordered the platter for two which is the norm for us. Both my husband and I ordered the cheese grits...which are to die for. I ordered fried okra as my second side and my husband ordered the French fries. When our food came out I asked my husband where our sides were, the French fries and fried okra. I happened to see a french fry under all of the seafood as well as the okra mixed in with the seafood. I asked our host Liz, who was very pleasant if she could get a waitress that we are very familiar with. The manager came over and asked if we needed some help. I then asked why our sides were not separated like they used to be. He first told us that they have never separated the platter for two it's always been this way. We had to let him know that we've been coming here for years he's even served us the platter for two and our four sides were always separated they were never just put in with the seafood that we ordered. Then he proceeded to say that they've been doing that for 2 years now then he proceeded to say they've been doing it for one year. We did ask for it to be taken back to the kitchen and separated like it used to be because at one time you guys were serving your food not in styrofoam containers the styrofoam containers were to go containers they were served in actual plates and bowls. He stated that they could not do that they could not separate our things and of course being a loyal customer I was not happy with that so we decided to leave we paid for the appetizers we ate and I paid for two beers which are only drank one. As we were leaving out of the restaurant of course I want to know the owner's name because the manager was not being compliant as far as serving customers that have been coming here for years and that have actually referred others to your establishment as well. The manager told the hostess at the front register that he does not have that information so immediately I went to Facebook because just about everyone is on social media so I'm hoping that I'm reaching the right person at any rate if I'm not I will continue to reach out until I find out who the owner is . This was a very disheartening situation because we love Trent's so very much but, will not tolerate poor customer service from anyone anywhere. Thanks for the...

Google reviews led us to this little spot as we were passing through the city at the beginning of lunch on a random Friday. Twenty minutes after opening, we were hard pressed to find a parking spot, which is always a great sign! If the locals are beating down the door at opening, that's where we want to be.

First, Michael was an amazing waiter. He immediately put us at ease and answered every question about the menu. I'm rather new to grits, and he told me exactly how theirs were prepared. I know it's only a side item, but sometimes sides make or break a meal. These were the creamiest and richest grits I've ever tasted. He warned me they would ruin me for other grits, and I'm pretty sure that's true. 10/10

The rest of the food we ordered was fried, but you'd have a hard time proving it. If I didn't know what a sin it was, I'd swear our food was air fried. Never did we ever feel, see, smell, or taste the remnants of cooking oil. We started with the fried onions. The portion was HUGE for the two of us and they were perfectly seasoned and battered. We asked for a to go box so we would stop eating them and enjoy our entree.

We ordered and shared the spicy fish fingers for our entree. It filled the two of us, so I'm glad we shared! The fish was lightly battered, fresh, and decently spicy. I had the grits, and hubby had the okra. I'm not a fan of okra, so when I asked him how it was, he said it tasted like okra. He grew up with grits and said mine were some of the best he's ever had.

We ate here after leaving from a cruise. This is by far the best food we had all week, and arguably in the last six months. We live 10 hours away, but I cannot wait...

To start with it was my daughter's birthday. So I let her pick wherever she wanted to go. So she picked J.L. Trent's.

It was our first time there and it was absolutely amazing. A down home seafood restaurant with great ambiance and appeal. Southern charm and seafood at its best.

The staff were very friendly and helpful not to mention attentive. I don't just mean one of them, I mean all, yes ALL of the staff were great. From door greeting and seating, to taking our drink orders, to our waitress Karen and even the bus crew and janitors were all amazing. When Karen was busy other staff helped out. Although Karen was an amazing waitress I must say.

She let us take our time and order so we got exactly what we wanted. We were not ever rushed or pressured about or into anything.

Our food came at it was A LOT and was on point to boot. From the calamari appetizer to our lobster feast for two. There was soooo much food we could not have eaten it all. We did eat until we were full and had plenty of leftovers.

We hadn't noticed, but as my daughter and I were enjoying each other's company as well as our dinner the restaurant was closed. It was only after we were windng down and gettinghigh ready to go the I noticed that we were the only one's there. They had closed their doors 20 minutes or so prior to me noticing them cleaning up and still there was no hush to get us out and everyone was still helpful and as polite as could be.

My daughter and had a great time. They made us feel at home and they made us feel like family. My daughter had a great time and a great experience that neither one of us will ever forget.

Not only have they earned my business, but...