Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 904-261-8100;
www.leclos.com
; 20 S 2nd St; mains $16-30; 5:30-9:30pm Mon-Sat)
Dine on classic French dishes with a light Florida twist - fish with citrus glazes, tender
steak
frites,
shatteringly crisp crème brûlée - at this almost-too-cute-for-words but almost-
too-busy-to-be-romantic patio bistro. Its reputation for ambience, quality meals and ser-
vice excellence precedes it.
Merge
MODERN AMERICAN
( 904-277-8797; 510 S 8th St; meals $18-34; 5-10pm)
This classy, understated bistro tucked off the side of busy 8th St is gaining momentum as a
local favorite. Those in the know rave about innovative and exquisite creations with a sea-
food leaning: scallops over braised rhubarb, cornmeal-breaded oysters in white cheddar
cream… Think fresh and fabulous.
29 South
SOUTHERN
( 904-277-7919; 29 S 3rd St; mains $10-28; 11:30am-2:30pm & 5:30-9:30pm Wed-Sat,
10am-2.30pm & 5:30-9:30pm Sun, 5:30-9:30pm Mon & Tue)
Lobster corn dogs, sweet-tea-brined pork chops, homemade donut-bread pudding and cof-
fee ice cream. Um…hello! In a pale-purple cottage, this neo-Southern bistro takes some
risks and executes them well. It's casual yet classy and full of flavor.
Drinking & Nightlife
Palace Saloon
BAR
Push through the swinging doors at the oldest continuously operated bar in Florida (since
1878), and the first thing you'll notice is the 40ft gas-lamp-lit bar. Knock back the saloon's
rum-laced Pirate's Punch in dark, velvet-draped surroundings, curiously appealing to both
bikers and Shakespeare buffs. At time of writing, patrons could still smoke inside. Nostal-
gic!
Green Turtle Tavern
BAR
(
www.greenturtletavern.com
;
14 S 3rd St;
3pm-1am)
