Safe Harbor Seafood Market — Restaurant in Jacksonville

Currently attempting to served . I have been a patron of this business for many years . Before they opened the market across the street. Today as I entered the market I got in line as usual . They female working with a black ball cap called next and I let her know I wanted fish . She waved me around to the fish side . I was under impression they changed they way they did things in the past. As in waiting I noticed the area begin getting crowded . A small older lady yelled out next and I let her know I was next in line. She then told me to get back in line and I explain to her what happened. After being passed up and the fish case getting low I just asked a young man to grab the only fish I wanted out of the case . As I’m patiently waiting I asked for a manager . I was directed to her to which she was speaking to a female who was explaining the same exact thing . The manager rolled her eyes and asked if I was being helped . The young man who grabbed the fish came over. The lady with the black get with missing front teeth then walked over and said I thought you were with the group. I saw it was a black family and was instantly offended . I waited a while longer and the other women with a stroller and toddler was still trying to flag someone down . I asked if she had been help and she said no . I then asked for another manager . The General Manager male was cleaning fish and walked over . Before I could get the words out he stated “ You have to get in line we are busy “. I stopped the conversation and simply said “Thank you “‘ . I have never experienced this service for the many years I’ve shopped here and the restaurant. The dismissive attitude with no remorse to paying patrons. If this had been my first visit it surely wouldn’t been my last. This is one of the best seafood market left In Jacksonville. I am a big advocate and always refer others . I am disgusted with the treatment and attitudes of the employees working today. I hoping I’ve caught them...

Still one of the best and most reasonably priced seafood restaurants in North Florida. Don't believe me, ask any of the people standing in line when you go, because there is always a line. Don't worry, the line moves quickly.

There is a lot to get, so go numerous times and try the menu because it is all well done.

There is parking up front, but it fills up quickly, but there is plenty of room off to the side (dirt lot) or across the street at the seafood market (paved lot). While I am talking about it, stop by the seafood market after lunch to get the freshest seafood this side of the ocean. Crab, lobster, Basa, Grouper, Shrimp (heads on, heads off, shelled, unshelled), Flounder and a host of other things like sauces, desserts, spice mixes and bags of frozen fish.

But what about the food?

Shrimp Nachos - good, nachos with everything but the meat, replaced with shrimp. Good, but I think there are better choices. Harbor Fries - OMG, this is the bomb. Fries top with crab and spices. I challenge you not to eat every scrap in the basket. Shrimp Po Bo - very big sandwich, so it is good but awkward to eat. So much so that awkwardness overcomes to flavor. Banging Shrimp Tacos - really solid choice. Datil peppers add just the right amount of spice. Fish Tacos - build your own, choose your fish and get it fried, grilled or blackened. My choice is always blackened. Basa Basket - my go to, but I switch out twice baked potatoes for the fries. I also get it lightly blackened. Sides - really all of it is good from the cucumber sales to the fried okra to my choice of twice baked potatoes.

Really solid lunch spot, also a cool place to take out of town guests as something ONLY...

My first visit to the Safe Harbor Seafood Market, as well as for my Costa Rican wife and her son, we were immediately greeted by someone offering samples of various food items to try. I'm sure that helps drive more sales, if not just the anticipation for finding Seafood options to purchase and cook at home.

I loved that the kiosks of products were spaced apart, allowing people to get by easily. I had to use the restroom and found it to be very clean and well maintained.

We were very impressed with the wide selection of Seafood and the busyness of preparation behind the counter to provide the front display with fresh fish and other seafood.

They offered tee shirts and other articles of clothing as souvenirs. The parking lot was large enough for many patrons. There's two wheelchair ramps and sturdy rails for ascending and descending the five or six steps directly in front of the market. I'm also impressed that they had at least 2 or 3 cashier stations for checking out. Although the Safe Harbor Restaurant is directly across the street and their food selections are very tasty (see my review), it would be nice if they had a small café or diner in the market for lite bites...