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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Jacksonville

Authentic mac and cheese

Made for those who consider mac and cheese a foundational dish and only accept versions that feel truly homemade.

Based on 702 Opinions
+699
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Updated May 2026
01
Yellow Rose BBQ image 1
Yellow Rose BBQ image 2
Yellow Rose BBQ image 3
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Barbecue restaurant

Smoke fills the air with a rich aroma that sets a laid back and family friendly mood. Country music from Texas plays, enhancing the lively atmosphere. Small indoor space contrasts with a cute outdoor patio, where guests enjoy a true Texas-style barbecue vibe.

Barbecue here delivers authentic Texas style with brisket and ribs that taste like classic Texas BBQ. Sides match the authentic TexMex flavor, making the whole meal true to tradition.

Loaded fries, cabbage, and especially the mac and cheese stand out with rich, flavorful profiles. The mac and cheese earns its own fan club for being truly exceptional.

People are saying

"The brisket and ribs were unbelievably good BBQ."

"The Mac and Cheese here is exceptionally flavorful."

"I found the brisket and ribs to be authentic Texas BBQ."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted; order and pay upfront at the counter.

2

Expect popular items to sell out quickly, especially on weekends.

3

A 3.5% service fee applies for credit card payments.

02
Island Spice Grill / town center mall image 1

Caribbean food truck offers authentic Jamaican cuisine with fork-tender oxtail and jerk chicken. Outdoor seating includes a picnic table and bench swing under shade, creating a lively and inviting atmosphere with Caribbean music. Chef's energy adds to the vibrant vibe enjoyed by families and food lovers alike.

Food delivers authentic Jamaican flavor with perfect seasoning and freshness. The chef personally serves meals, adding a genuine island touch that reflects true Caribbean cuisine.

Lobster Mac & Cheese stands out with rich, creamy texture and bold flavors. The mac & cheese is seasoned to perfection, showing clear attention to detail and heart in every bite.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and full of flavor."

"These food trucks serve amazing, authentic food, especially the oxtails."

"You have to try the lobster Mac And Cheese; it's amazing."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times, especially during peak lunch hours.

2

The food truck offers large portions, making it a good value for the price.

3

Cash is preferred, but credit cards are accepted for orders over $10.

03
Centy's Way image 1
Caribbean restaurant

Caribbean restaurant with colorful decor and a laid-back vibe offers a clean, inviting atmosphere. Live bands play on weekends, adding to the chill energy. The space suits casual dining and small events, drawing those seeking authentic flavors and generous portions.

Food features authentic Jamaican flavors with flavorful rice and peas. The menu offers genuine Caribbean dishes throughout.

Creamy and cheesy texture defines the mac and cheese here. It pairs well with jerk chicken and sides like rice, peas, and cabbage.

People are saying

"The jerk chicken food here is amazing, I've never had better."

"The food here is so flavorful and authentic Jamaican."

"I found the mac and cheese to be amazing and creamy."

Good to know

1

The small portion costs only eight dollars and includes a lot of food.

2

The portions are generous, providing good value for the price.

3

The food comes out quickly, especially when the restaurant isn't busy.

04
Culhane's Irish Pub & Restaurant image 1

Pub offers authentic Irish vibes with big screens showing sports and live music events. Atmosphere shifts from lively bingo nights to relaxed dining with ample seating and a spacious layout. Crowd enjoys classic drinks like Guinness and hearty food such as fish and chips and Reuben sandwiches.

The pub offers authentic Irish food with dishes like pork brisket standing out. The environment and vibes feel genuinely Irish, making the experience very authentic.

Brisket Mac n cheese features cheesy richness with tender brisket mixed in. Goat cheese adds a pungent flavor that complements the dish well. Blackened shrimp and hot sauce appear as tasty variations.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be great and incredible."

"I loved the authentic Irish food, especially the Guinness pot pie."

"The brisket Mac and Cheese is a cheesy bowl of heaven."

Good to know

1

Trivia night happens every Wednesday at 7pm with a $5 entry fee.

2

Karaoke takes place every Friday and Saturday night starting at 10pm.

3

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with discounted drinks.

05
Taste of Jamaica image 1
Jamaican restaurant

Jamaican restaurant offers authentic, flavorful dishes like jerk chicken, oxtail, and curry goat with generous portions. Atmosphere feels welcoming and comfortable with occasional Caribbean music. Cleanliness and consistent quality set it apart from others.

Jamaican dishes here are truly authentic with staples like jerk chicken, curry goat, oxtails, and stewed chicken served as real island food.

Generous portions come with Mac & cheese that tastes excellent and pairs well with sides like rice and peas or steamed cabbage. The dish has a flavorful, comforting vibe that complements spicy and savory mains.

People are saying

"The food here is seasoned to perfection and absolutely delicious."

"The oxtail just melts in your mouth."

"The Mac and cheese here is excellent."

Good to know

1

The lunch special starts at $9.99 for a smaller portion.

2

Rice and peas are charged separately and do not come with meals.

3

The restaurant opens at 11 AM and closes at 8 PM.

06
HolySmoke Barbeque image 1

Barbecue restaurant with a laid back atmosphere and a backyard BBQ family vibe. Music plays softly while people enjoy their meals, creating a chill and welcoming energy. Known for perfectly smoked ribs and brisket, it often sells out of popular items by day's end.

Barbecue here tastes truly authentic with a delicious flavor that matches what you'd find in North Georgia. The style stays very close to true authentic barbecue traditions.

Mac and cheese comes out well seasoned and tasty, with a texture that resembles a casserole. It pairs well with meats like brisket and ribs, making it a solid side choice.

People are saying

"The brisket here is smoked to perfection and incredibly tender."

"This Mac and Cheese is seasoned and tasty."

"I found the BBQ here to be the most authentic I've had in a long time."

Good to know

1

Ribs cost $4 each.

2

We waited no longer than 10 minutes for our food.

3

There was limited parking available.

07
Royale Cafe image 1
Jamaican restaurant

Interior features lovely chair sets that make the small space feel perfect for eating, creating a calm atmosphere. The restaurant offers The Patio Experience, adding an outdoor option. The vibe is quiet and relaxed, suited for enjoying well-prepared Jamaican dishes.

Food delivers real authentic Jamaican flavors that stand out. Dishes taste so genuine and amazing they often get eaten before photos.

Mac and cheese pairs well with oxtails and cabbage, creating a hearty combo. Cornbread often accompanies the dish, adding a complementary texture.

People are saying

"The jerk chicken here is so tender and flavorful."

"I found the food to be so authentic and tasty."

"The cornbread and Mac and cheese were great."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended during peak hours to avoid long waits.

2

Street parking is available, but it can be limited during busy times.

3

Happy hour specials run from 5-7pm with discounted drinks.

08
Island Breeze Cafe image 1
Jamaican restaurant

Cozy Jamaican restaurant with vibrant decor and a spacious dining area creates a warm and inviting atmosphere filled with cultural reggae music. Friendly staff maintain a lively vibe while tropical drinks and authentic dishes like curry shrimp and oxtail highlight the experience.

Offers authentic Jamaican cuisine with the true taste of Jamaican food clearly present.

Offers a unique black mac and cheese with a flavor profile linked to African American Thanksgiving dishes. The dish can be a bit dry but carries good flavor and costs an extra $4.

People are saying

"The brown stew chicken here is so good, it falls off the bone."

"The food here is authentic Jamaican and absolutely delicious."

"I tried the black mac and cheese, it's like what people bring to Thanksgiving."

Good to know

1

Karaoke happens on Wednesdays starting at 8 PM.

2

Happy Hour runs Thursdays from 5-7 PM with discounted drinks.

3

Brunch is served on Saturdays with special menu items.

09
Spices Caribbean Restaurant image 1
Jamaican restaurant

Vibrant colors and tropical decor create a tropical paradise atmosphere with colorful murals and Caribbean-inspired artwork. The vibe is lively and energetic, featuring reggae music and the scent of spices, welcoming families and friends for casual meals. Seating is comfortable and spacious, offering both indoor and outdoor options along with a selfie wall for added fun.

Rich, authentic flavors bring out the true taste of Jamaican cuisine. Every dish feels full of flavor and cooked with care.

People are saying

"The Jamaican food here is delicious and authentic."

"I found the food to be authentic and delicious."

"The mac and cheese was just okay."

Good to know

1

You must try the Jamaican dishes tonight at 10.

2

Dogs shouldn't be inside the restaurant where food is served.

3

There was a crowd driving through and walking in but the wait was not long.

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Jacksonville, Florida

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