Lemon Bar — Restaurant in Neptune Beach

I knew we were in for a good 4th of July when I walked into Lemon Bar and saw an Olympic Russell Westbrook Jersey, an NC State Dennis Smith Jr. Jersey, and a back tattoo that read "Never Forget Family." Can it get more patriotic?

We were fighting for one of the picnic benches under one of the 20+ white Truly umbrellas in the open air space, but ended up sitting on a high bench towards the back as it was damn near standing room only.

I got us the first round of drinks, a bucket of 5 high noons that was $25. Coming from NYC, I felt like I had just robbed a bank. That's $50 in the city...

I didn't realize until I came back that our bench directly bordered the beach. You could see and smell the ocean. I don't know why that tripped me out so much, but I really started appreciating life:

Does it get better than being at a casual, borderline trashy, beach bar with the wind blowing lightly on your skin surrounded by people you love while a mediocre DJ mix plays in the background?

It was at this point my Big Sis asked if I wanted a Zyn. I'd never had one before, but my nickname in high school was "Mr. I'll Try Anything Once," so I popped a 6mg pouch in.

I realistically probably wouldn't have, but I saw Tucker Carlson talking about how he takes them when he interviews people and I love this arc he's been on lately. Say what you want about ole Tucky but he's a good interviewer, and interviewing Putin is crrraaaaazzzzyyyyyyyyy.

I packed the Zyn high and tight and I totally get the hype tbh. I was LOCKED in right away and felt great. However, after about a minute, my Big Sis was like "Dang 6mg for your first time is a lot lowkey..."

10 seconds after she said that I began to get a little nauseous and lose control of the wheel. I guarantee if she hadn't have told me that I would have been 100% fine. The power of the human mind is so crazy. Choose wisely.

I ended up being okay, but was RIGHT on that line of falling off the deep end. You ever just go too far and feel like you are in a Hunter S. Thompson novel? Yeah, I was looking right at that line.

I don't even remember why, but I hit 22 push ups because somebody said I couldn't. DOUBT ME NOW! That helped work the nausea off too.

We then ordered some food that consisted of Mozzarella sticks, Chicken Tenders, Fried Banana Pepper Rings, and some fries. This meal saved us. We were collectively starting to go downhill as a group, and it was the perfect bar food to bring us back to life. They should bundle this and have it on the menu as “The Phoenix.”

I loved my time here at Lemon Bar and will romanticize it to the day I die, idgaf. Jax beach in general reminds me so much of Hermosa Beach when I was growing up in LA. So much grit, so much character.

In closing, no matter what you do, no matter where you go, no matter who you become: Never Forget Family.

Ig @jnov_ Tiktok...

Overall very bad experience and will not return. Waited patiently in line as the rude front entrance worker (I believe his name may have been Chris working 7/17 around 10 pm) was checking people in. He stopped everyone and bent their ID to check it. I politely asked to not bend my ID and he snapper back that it’s his job, I pointed out that’s why professionals use lights to check IDs not take them into their hand and bend them around. As we proceeded to walk in to meet my sister already seated, a lady was explaining to keep wearing your mask until seater and if you get up from your table, very common knowledge and standard practice in all restaurants/ public areas. The same man from the front yelled over “did you all hear her, you didn't listen to what shes telling you” I stated to him we clearly heard her, we also had our masks on the entire time being there and waiting in line before coming in. Meanwhile the entire time this guy is wearing his mask his nose is out of it but yet he wants to yell down the way to us to acknowledge what’s being said. We thought wow how rude can this man be and asked for the manager after he would not give his name after I politely asked him for it and wanted to know why his behavior was so confrontational. Another party trying to enter at the same time also complained of this mans demeanor . It was very shocking and disappointing to be treated that way trying to enter a business. Will not return, would not trust the inconsiderate, immature staff they have working around...

I once would tell everyone to visit the Lemon Bar. Great location and atmosphere. Very good food and service. Not anymore. You can get this at many of the beach locations, like Sliders Oyster Bar which is only a block away.

Recently, my wife and I took some relatives who were visiting to the Lemon Bar for lunch on a Thursday afternoon before going to the beach. We were met for the first time by a Mr. King, who acted like a bouncer at a rowdy late night bar.

I forgot my wallet that day and when we tried to get in, Mr. King said we were not allowed in without an ID. I’m 60 yrs old. It took several minutes to convince Mr. King to let us in. After spending quite a bit of money on food and drinks, we when to the beach after telling our waiter we would be back later.

Later, Mr. King wouldn’t let my wife and her cousin back in to use the restroom unless they bought a drink even though he recognized them from being customers earlier.

So, after a day at the beach we took our money to Sliders and enjoyed a great late afternoon of drinks and food where we received no hassle from a bouncer at the door.

Lemon Bar, get with it. This is not the beach atmosphere everyone expects. If 50 and 60 yr olds can’t come in and enjoy a relaxing meal and drinks without being hassled then you should change management or move. Which is a shame since you have been there...