Although still somewhat new to Jacksonville, City Grille and Raw Bar is garnering a lot of praise and attention. And rightfully so. The restaurant is located on the Southbank in downtown and is the perfect spot for a date night. The restaurant was opened by the owners of Eleven South in Jacksonville Beach.
Ambiance:
City Grille and Raw Bar looks like an old steakhouse with updated flair. It is definitely more of an upscale dining experience. While you are waiting for a table, you can pull up to the main bar, which includes the raw bar and Alley Cat Lounge. Or you can hang out in the Velvet Room, the restaurant’s lounge that features royal blue walls, red carpet, chandeliers and vintage chairs. The dining room is split into multiple rooms, including the Garden Room, Tuscan Room and Treehouse Room. The Treehouse Room overlooks the back patio, the Oak Bar, which features a large 300-year-old tree, string lights, bar and outdoor dining.
Drinks:
They have a full bar, so the choice is yours. The drink menu features specialty cocktails, as well as a vast wine list offering selections from all over the world. It also offers bottled and draft beer.
Food:
The menu offers a variety of seafood, different cuts of steak, and other specialties, such as a New Zealand rack of lamb and Chicken Saltimbocca. For the oyster lover, the raw bar features a variety of options available from the West and East coasts. It also offers a selection of ceviche, tartar, crudo and tartare. There is also the option to indulge in a chilled seafood tower or platter. You can even build your own custom tower.
Date Night Details:
Complimentary valet parking is offered on-site. If you prefer to park yourself, parking is available on the next street over. Reservations are recommended, but walk-ins are welcome. Dinner service starts at 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Lunch is served at 11 a.m. Tuesday through Friday. Bruch is also available on Sunday starting at 11 a.m.
City Grille and Raw Bar is a perfect spot for an upscale dining experience or to celebrate a special occasion.
Jennifer wasn’t born in Jacksonville, but she claims it as her hometown anyways. Originally from Ohio, she moved to Jacksonville when she was only 8 years old, eventually leaving to pursue a degree in journalism from the University of Florida. After living in various places and pursuing a writing and reporting career, she eventually made it back to Jacksonville in 2013 and has been here ever since. She is self-employed as a freelance writer, editor and social media specialist. She is also a mom to two daughters, Chloe and Violet. They love to explore Jacksonville together, especially all the parks and outdoors spaces the city has to offer. You can check out her work and contact her at https://jenniferjensen.journoportfolio.com.
