Jacksonville is America’s shrimp central, but don’t let that make you disregard Beach Road Chicken Dinners. Fried shrimp indeed are on the menu, and we suspect they are good, a suspicion based on the fact that the fried chicken is first-rate. Served family style with biscuits and gravy and honey, corn nuggets, fried okra, French fries, cole slaw, and creamed peas, white and/or dark parts come encased in a crisp, red-gold crust and drip with flavorful juices. Adventurous chicken eaters can get livers, gizzards, or hearts; and should there be someone in your party with an allergy to fried food, baked chicken is available (if you are willing to wait 45 minutes for it to bake).
A low-slung building that has expanded in all directions since opening day in 1939, Beach Road offers little in the way of polite amenities (when the staff isn’t feeling gruff, they’ll’ call you hon), and chances are you will wait in line for a table.
| Sunday | 9:30am - 10pm |
| Monday | 11am - 10pm |
| Tuesday | 11am - 10pm |
| Wednesday | 11am - 10pm |
| Thursday | 11am - 10pm |
| Friday | 11am - 10pm |
| Saturday | 9:30am - 10pm |
Other Nearby Restaurants
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Whitey’s Fish Camp
Fleming Island, FloridaGreat catfish puts Whitey’s on the Florida best-eats map. They’re caught wild, fried whole to perfection, and brought to the table until you’ve had your fill.
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The Floridian
St. Augustine, FloridaSouthern food meets sustainable ingredients at The Floridian, home of pickled pepper shrimp, biscuits with pork belly, & fried chicken with hot-sauce honey.
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Safe Harbor Restaurant
Jacksonville Beach, FloridaAt Safe Harbor, the fish is as freshly-caught as you’d expect in a fish market next to the water. The menu’s must-eat: spicy blackened shrimp.
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La Herencia Cafe
St. Augustine, FloridaSit outside and observe the oldest street in America while you enjoy a Media Noche sandwich at La Herencia Cafe of St. Augustine.
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Good Dough
Jacksonville, FloridaGood Dough is a Jacksonville neighborhood bakery that sets a high bar with fried chicken doughwiches and torched crème brûlée doughnuts.
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O’Steen’s Restaurant
St. Augustine, FloridaSt. Augustine’s best shrimp are served at O’Steen’s. Also unique local red Minorcan clam chowder and fine Southern-style side dishes. Popular & always crowded.