I just had an amazing dinner at Barbara Jeans! I was very happily surprised. We sat outside over looking the river. The weather was amazing, and the views is incredible. So relaxing. Especially sipping on of the many draft beer choices. We all started with the She-Crab soup. It was very, very good. Loads of crab, with just a little kick. The bread they serve is awesome. I really loved the jalapeno corn bread. For my entree I had the blackened tuna steak.... and the portion was *HUGE*!! I couldn't even finish it. Seriously! And it was cooked perfectly to order. I also had the "dirty rice" which is a dish by itself, and the cole slaw. My daughter had the shrimp and grits... which again, was another huge serving. They add sausage to the dish for a little extra kick. My wife had a combo seafood platter with coconut shrimp, fried fish, and a crab cake... all amazing! And for dessert... yes we saved a little room.... we had the mixed berry cobbler. I was homemade and so good. Only complaint... it needed vanilla ice cream (which they do not have). I was a really nice dinner, great atmosphere, and we had wonderful service. I can't wait to go back.
(5)
Marilyn M.
Really, really enjoyed this place. Sits right on the coastal highway....really nice to look out & see the boats passing by. Food was excellent, cheesy soup & she-crab soup. Coconut shrimp, chicken fried chicken & T-bone steak. And our waiter Tyler made the whole thing a great dining experience. He was very polite & his knowledge of the menu was most helpful. If you go to Barbara Jeans it would be worth requesting Tyler to be your waiter. Best meal we've had in Jacksonville. Marilyn
(5)
Colby S.
I love this place so much... Traditional southern cooking and seafood at its finest. Don't expect to get a healthy meal--that's not what they do--but the food will be good quality and tastes great! A lot of variety to choose from too. Great prices! Also, the bread they serve with the meal is outstanding. Carrot bread, jalapeño corn bread, and yeast rolls. An awesome combination. If you appreciate southern, American cooking, you won't be disappointed.
(5)
Megan R.
Food was amazing but don't go when they're transitioning from breakfast to lunch. Took us almost an 45 minutes to get out appetizer and about 20 minutes later our food came. Server didn't check up on us free we got our food and had to ask a food runner to get her to get our check and boxes. Love the food though so we will be bak to try again
(3)
Joe P.
Great casual seafood joint on the river. I usually don't order crab cakes but it's a must if you go there. Nice atmosphere and good service.
(4)
Kimber L.
I've been here three times and left happy each time. One time we did have very slow service but they were slammed, so I'll let them off the hook. Veggies are always good here. The bread is fantastic. Chocolate stuff is great:))) I would like to see them update the decore a bit and reupholster the booths - but hey I'm there for the food so no biggie
(3)
Mike K.
Great tasting crab cakes. Salad had brown lettuce though. Place needs some work on quality. Beer was cold. Scenery was awesome. Not sure I would come back because of the salad. How could they have served brown lettuce?
(2)
Bryan W.
One of my favorite spots to eat outside on the intercoastal water way. It is a very relaxing atmosphere. I have eaten the crab cakes here a couple of times and they are really good. No cheap fillers, which is a plus. The ambrosia salad here is to die for! Make sure you order it! I also have had shrimp every way possible here, and have always been pleased. I have heard the pot roast here is very good, so I will try that next time!
(4)
Ebk B.
I have tried Barbara Jean's and LuLu's. Like them both. Barbara Jeans has a bit better flavor to the food and better portions. The drinks are better.
(4)
Wendell B.
We were so excited to find a branch of our favorite St. Simon's Island restaurant here in Ponte Vedra! We traveled over to Ward's Landing, and were immediately seated at 5:00 p.m. and then were greeted by our delightful server, Maya. We both had our standard Blue Moon drafts, with the required orange slice, and next settled into the two appetizers we ordered: the shrimp fritters, hot and delicious (like shrimp hush puppies,) and the famous BJ's crab cake. I have had crab cakes all over the country--none can compare to Barbara Jean's. 100 % lump crab meat and seasonings--no filler. Mouth watering as I type this. Do not go to BJ's without trying this famous crab cake, and BJ's can ship them anywhere! It is hard for me to enjoy crab cakes anywhere else now that BJ's has set the standard for the best. Then I had the scallop special, which were very lightly breaded baby scallops mixed with scallions and bacon over rice, with my two sides: broccoli and rice casserole and the creamiest cheese grits I have ever tasted. These were served with a bread basket containing two slices of cornbread, two slides of pumpkin bread and a delicious yeast roll--most of that went home with me for breakfast the next day. My wife had her favorite coconut shrimp with creamed spinach and wonderful glazed carrots. We chose to sit inside, gazing out over the dock and the intracoastal waterway, a charming setting for an amazing meal. It just doesn't get any better than Barbara Jean's. By the way, the servers t-shirts say that BJ's is in three states, but the Charleston location closed the first of the year, so the three locations now are Amelia Island and Ponte Vedra, FL and St. Simon's Island, GA. The dining room was getting packed as we were leaving, with a hard-working staff of attractive young people doing their best to make everyone have a great experience. Don't miss it!
(5)
Devon O.
A restaurant for families with antsy children when the grownups want to sit in (relative) peace for a hot second. After wolfing down their first (allowed) piece of pumpkin cornbread, the children will likely be fighting over the remainder of the bread basket to toss over the back deck to the roiling frenzy of catfish below. There are also boats that zip through the waterway and that's pretty cool, too. Like most kid-friendly places, the food is so whatever that expecting it to be good is unfair. I had grilled salmon that was almost wooden in its dryness. My bf had crabcakes which were golden and dense-looking from the outside but practically deflated when bitten into. Casseroles are doled out in cafeteria-style scoops into cafeteria-style melmac bowls, oozing the appropriate amount of butter but lacking in the depth of flavor that good casseroles should have. The rice was the best part, tasting like it had been simmered in chicken stock and doing its best to lend some moisture to its parched seafood counterpart. It was all fine, fine, fine. Service was the same: nothing great. A little slow, a little weird, a little stilted. But nothing to really bitch about. The most important thing, and the thing that grownups will sacrifice (nearly) all else for: content children. In that regard, Barbara Jean's gets five glowing stars. It's a beach time staple, one that we acquiesce to with full knowledge of what to expect.
(3)
Megan B.
Barbara Jeans is an absolute Palm Valley gem. My mouth is watering just THINKING about their crab cakes, which they are known for! I always end up getting some variation of the same meal because I just can't say no to all that goodness. My first favorite aspect of Barbara Jeans is the bread. Honey wheat, jalepeno corn bread, and PUMPKIN bread! All warm, of course. And so, so delicious. Then, you have to try the She Crab Soup if you are even remotely into a cream based seafood bisque. It's chunky and has a kick. Oh maaan. I think i need to go get a BOWL right now! Next: a crab cake. I don't care if its on a salad, in a sandwich or just by itself with some sides. GET IT! I order crab cakes often and this is one of the best. And lastly: the "chocolate stuff". Even Babs doesn't even know what to call it! It's a brownie but not. It's warm, gooey, and chocolatey AND THEN topped with amazing homemade whipped cream. And, on top of it all, its right on the intracoastal. Go in the evening, enjoy the sunset and some of the best food around. How can you not? *side personal disappointment: no hush puppies.
(5)
A B.
1) On our first visit, we were really smittin' with this place. The weather was amazing, there were plenty of boats out and it was fun to feed the fish from our table. The service was fantastic and we enjoyed our meal. The coconut shrimp were particularly awesome. 4 stars 2) So happy to have found the restaurant, I took a friend. It was chilly outside, so we sat inside. My meal was fine, my sides were (brrrrh) cold but the waitress was accommodating. My friend's food was okay and her green beans were hard - not typical southern fare. The coconut shrimp were hard, cold, and dark brown. Really? 2.5 stars 3) Gave them another try (everyone can have a bad day) and this time we took the whole family - we were excited for everyone to try it. (6 people, not 16) Blech!!!!!!!... and we were pretty sad to have taken the whole crew there... and a little embarrassed, too. The soup was good, the bread was good (although it lost its luster after the third try), and the beer was good. The caesar salad was just huge hunks of Romaine with sauce slapped on and undressed croutons, the chicken was soggy, the red beans were bland/tasteless and the dirty rice was shrimpless, and basically had hunks of burnt chicken leftover from yesterday's preparations - it was also cold and dry. The service was SLOW and inattentive. One of the waitresses (not ours) was down right rude. (Move on and find some happiness for goodness sakes.) Considering the $$$ check, we were incredibly disappointed. 1.4 stars The next time we'll be back is when we want to have an ice-cold beer on a hot sunny day. For food, we'll go somewhere else.
(1)
Karyn L.
Yes, the plates look like cafeteria plates. But that's where the cafeteria references end. Gorgeous view and outdoor deck right on the intercoastal. Seriously good comfort food. I had Catfish with sides of squash casserole and cheese grits and I was in heaven.
(4)
Jerry S.
Wonderful, casual, southern-style food restaurant. We really enjoyed it on our last vacation. We liked it so much we went twice! The pumpkin bread is exceptional. The crab cakes are very good and so is the catfish. If you are not a seafood fan, try the traditional items such as meatloaf, baked chicken, etc. Or, do the "all sides" meal and order 4-5 sides for your meal. My son did it and enjoyed the variety! Waitstaff was good and we tried to stay away from the rush hour so, it wasn't crazy busy.
(4)
Matt W.
The food and service were outstanding. The grilled catfish had a very tasty spice and a little heat. We had pumpkin bread pudding for dessert and everyone thought it was unusually delicious. Our waiter was attentive and courteous. Jay, the manager checked on us several times. This is a very well managed restaurant in a beautiful setting. The restroom was clean, well stocked, and smelled good.
(5)
Carl B.
Very friendly to Gluten-free needs - features a GF menu Service great- food slightly above average at good price point - nice mix of seafood (crab cakes amazing - but not GF!) and down-home cooking A little tight in restaurant area - deck amazing though - great for families!
(4)
Holly H.
I went here with my husband and in-laws just yesterday. The place is nice and definitely has a large following based in how packed it was. Our service was a bit slow in my opinion, but they were super busy at first, but since we didn't get there until after 1, they were basically empty about mid way through our meal and I think the service actually slowed down more at that point. The wheat role were nice and fluffy and soft, the pumpkin bread was good, and the jalopeno cornbread was ok. If you didn't get a bite of jalopeno which eat bite, it was WAY too sweet for me. At one point I realized it was almost more angel food cake-ish than cornbread. My BJ's Blue salad was very good, though piled on a small plate, so difficult to eat. My husband and mother-in-law liked the she crab soup. I ordered the pot roast. It was WAY too salty for me. Everyone agreed the crab cakes were good, but nothing special. We got the chocolate stuff for dessert, which a bowl of it is huge! It was pretty good if you really like chocolate. I wasn't a huge fan of the whipped cream, it was too sweet for me, but I don't eat a lot of sugar, so that might just be me! Over all it was okay, but we weren't wowed by it. We probably won't go back.
(3)
D. V.
The crab cake I just ate was the best I've even !!!!! Soooo good !!
(5)
laurie s.
We love to eat outside and let the kids drop crumbs for the fish in the intracoastal. They will prepare fish as a kids' menu option; wish more restaurants in the area did that! Fries are always worth eating, crab cakes are the best I've had (outside of one restaurant in Maryland) though the occasional piece of shell is in them. Our guests Have probably tried every menu item over the years, and we keep going back because the food is reliably good and good size portions.
(4)
Steve T.
Pretty good seafood. Not the best I've ever had, but pretty good. Pumpkin bread and jalapeno cornbread were positively scrumptious. Coconut shrimp + marmalade was a surprisingly delicious combination. Fried cod was spot on and piping hot. Crab cake was not the best I've ever had (could have been more flavorful and moist), but certainly acceptable. Generous portions. Reasonable price for the location. GREAT view of the intracoastal. Patio seems like an amazing place to eat when it's not raining. Overall, a solid option. We'll definitely be back.
(4)
Randall R.
Breakfast was wonderful. 4 stars. Service was the worst. 0 stars. No one pays attention or seems like they care. Mostly invisible.
(2)
Jen B.
Terrible service that is all we didn't even have anyone take our order so we just left never again
(1)
Kiersten W.
It makes me really sad to write this review for a classic Ponte Vedra restaurant. I came in for lunch and ordered a burger on a pretzel roll. I was asked how I wanted my burger cooked, but it didn't even matter because the frozen patty was burnt to a crisp. Honestly, it tasted like a freezer burnt patty that was burnt on a grill in an attempt to revive it. The meat was so dry and crumbly. The roll was alright. Nothing special. Didn't really taste like a pretzel roll to me. I should of sent my food back because it wasn't good at all. Had a margarita though, that was very good! The place could use a little bit of a face lift too. I understand it's an older restaurant but the furniture and table cloths seemed very old and had seen a lot of meals. Honestly, if they just fixed the food here, the place would probably see more customers. It's ridiculous to charge so much money for a meal that's been clearly pulled out of a freezer and has no flavor.
(2)
Marina S.
This is our first visit and we couldn't be more leased. The food was fantastic as well as the basket with assorted breads. The service is great, everyone has been very friendly and helpful. The restaurant is casual but so relaxing, we sat outside on the deck and although it was a little warm, it was beautiful and so relaxing. We will definitely be coming back and can't wait to bring my family here.
(5)
Terry N.
This is one the smaller food chains that is just an awesome idea. Both of the ones I visited were great!. The family atmosphere and food in the Ponte Vedra store is the best! Love the shrimp and grits. The view is amazing! Keep up the great work guys!
(5)
Charles H.
Was looking for any kind of seafood on the ICW, and my friend suggested this place. What I didn't know was that this place specializes in "real" crab cakes, which happen to be my favorite food! Immediately upon walking in, you get the impression that this is a "local" place and not too touristy. Sat out in the rear deck which was still sunny and blazing at 6:45 this July evening. The only upside us that you can keep an eye on the kids who delight in feeding the catfish from the deck. A couple of FL craft brews on tap in the $4 range. Started with some shrimp fritters, which were as good as any conch fritters I've ever had. Being a native Marylander, I am always suspicious of restaurants outside of DelMarVa who tout their crab cakes. Fortunately, my fears were not justified. Had the large crab cake on a green salad which was perfect and just how we make them in our family...almost zero bread or filler...yum!
(4)
Shera B.
Southern restaurant Very causal On the intercoastal The prices have increased The best pumpkin bread They will bring you as much cornbread , rolls and pumpkin bread as you like . Great coconut shrimp and sauce A huge assortment of side dishes Most are very southern Known for their crabcakes but they are very light Good salads , great options and dressing The catfish is good as well I love the cheese grits Sometimes they have mac and cheese I heard their chocolate dessert is lifechanging ( I don't eat chocolate ) If you're in Ponte vedra , check it out !
(4)
Jennifer M.
I want to thank everyone who posted about Barbara Jean's. We visited due to reviews and we loved it. We ate on the deck on the intercoastal. What a perfect view. After we ordered, we received the basket of bread. I should say I don't like pumpkin, never have. But then I had the pumpkin bread here, and yes I would come back just for that. We are coming back by on our way home from the Keys. I had the crab cakes, french fries, and dirty rice. The crab cake was perfectly browned on the outside and moist inside. This was the best crab cake I have eaten in forever. The fries were crisp and seasoned just right. My husband had the fried catfish, red beans and rice and fries. I had a taste of the red beans rice and they were cooked just right and the seasoning was on target. He said the catfish was perfectly cooked and the two fillers were huge. I am already looking forward to stopping in on our way home.
(5)
Amy T.
They seated us and forgot us...we left. No happy hour specials...no anything very special. Hugely confusing menu.
(1)
Alex G.
Ok, so visiting my sister in Jacksonville I realized you have to drive 20+ minutes to get anywhere decent. Barbra Jeans was a bit of a drive but she told me it was the best seafood and down home cookin in the area so we packed the mini van full and headed on over. The outside deck on the water looked beautiful but since it was raining we took a large booth inside. Booths are very uncomfortable and make you sit in an odd upright position but the food and service made up for the comfortableness. Pumpkin bread!!!! When my sister said they serve the best complimentary pumpkin and corn bread I had no idea it would be out of this world fresh, hot and moist. I'd go back for the bread alone and even better she told me that they serve the pumpkin bread year round!! OMG! We had an order of onion rings to tide us over with the bread and they were yummy. I'm not a fan of heavy batter on my onion rings and these were light and flakey. Perfectly fried and battered in my opinion. For dinner 2 people at our table went for the Chicken fried steak and since they raved about it my husband jumped on the band wagon. They don't pound out the chicken breast to a thin piece like most joints so not only does the portion look huge but it was extra juicy since the large chicken kept all the juices when being fried. He loved it and I have to say I took a huge chunk when he was not looking. It was really really good! I had the 1/2 and 1/2 platter and I guess I read it wrong and thought I was only getting coconut shrimp and a crab cake. Holy Huge Platter! You get 4 large sweet and delicious coconut shrimp, one perfect crab cake (almost no filler, just pure crab) and a huge fried fish filet! I probably would not order again only due to the size and me being confused but everything was great and I have to say the squash casserole was to die for! Actually all the sides were amazing and they offer a 5 piece Veggie Sides dinner which I totally wanna get next time. Service was friendly and fast and now I can see why my sister makes the 30 minute drive in a mini van full of screaming kids to dine here. If Barbra Jeans was in South Florida it would be in heavy rotation on my go to list.
(4)
Tiffany C.
I wasn't impressed by the food. I ordered an Arnold Palmer. Arnold Palmer is a beverage consisting of iced tea and lemonade, named after American golfer Arnold Palmer: he was in the habit of drinking iced tea with lemonade at home, and in 1960 at the U.S. Open at the Cherry Hills Country Club in Denver, he ordered the non-alcoholic drink at the bar. The waitress asked if I wanted sweet tea & I said yes. She brought me an unsweet Arnold Palmer & I had to add Splenda. If I have to add a sweetener to tea, your preparer cannot make sweet tea. Period. I ordered the $25 Coastal Platter * Crab Cake, coconut or buttermilk battered fried shrimp, and fried fish fillet. I love seafood, especially fish. The fish is fried in a batter that produces a very crispy crust (reminded me of a box of Gorton's). It comes w/ 2 sides. I wanted fries & a side salad. The waitress told me the salad counts as two sides. When she brought it to the table I realized why, it's 2 servings. The salad was the bag stuff, which I don't mind as long as you give me a fresh bag. My salad was OK/average. Thumbs up for the fresh pumpkin bread it was tasty, the view of boats passing by, as this place sits on the Intercostal, & the very friendly & pleasant waitress. But I will not return I really did not enjoy my food. I ate it because it cost my Father $25.
(3)
Lisa S.
Barbara Jeans is the best seafood I have had in a very long time. The she-crab soup is amazing and can be ordered as a side in place of the two vegetables. I would recommend getting it in addition to the sides since the vegetable selections are amazing. The shrimp and grits were delicious with a bit of spice, but our favorites were the crab cake, which is made entirely of crab and herbs without all that breading that most places add, and the hand-breaded coconut shrimp with a sweet and tangy dipping sauce. Even the breads, which include yeast rolls, pumpkin bread and jalapeno cornbread make it worth going out of the way for this gem. Located on the water, the deck is absolutely beautiful, but beware of insects at dusk. The server offered to move us inside when the mosquitos came out, but we did not want to give up the view. Service was great and the food was superb, we will definitely be back.
(5)
Debbi C.
The rating is for the atmosphere... Casual and relaxed. We sat outside and had dinner while dropping bread to the mullet and catfish. The food was good, not great. The service was good, not great. I had the meatloaf, a huge portion,Rice- tasted almost instant- tomatoes with no salt or pepper and really good key lime pie. My friend had turkey and dressing- ehhh- squash casserole (pretty good), green bean casserole (I didn't taste it) and mixed berry cobbler (ehhhh.) As I said, the atmosphere was good so we enjoyed it. The bathrooms were clean, but there were no paper towels in either dispensers. Great view. Great atmosphere. Enjoyable evening.
(3)
Bill K.
Walked in and were seated at 6:45 P.M. on a not to busy Sunday evening, at 7:05 P.M I had to ask the hostess while she was seating another couple at a booth near us if anybody was working our area tonight, because as of yet we hadn't had anyone come by and get our drink order. Within 30 seconds we had a server taking our drink and meal order. From there on the service and the meal were exceptional. Due to the somewhat slow start I am deducting a star from the usually good rating.
(3)
CJ S.
I was born and raised on fresh seafood, and dining at great places all over from fancy razzle dazzle 5 star establishments to hole in the walls. I have consumed many crab cakes and am a connoisseur. Barbara Jeans is by far my favorite for crab cakes. They are lump crab cakes with very little filler and perfect seasoning and are not greasy. If you want an amazing crab cake, dine here. This does not exclude other great menu items. My favorites are: She Crab Soup (creamy and delicious), their delicious coconut shrimp, their onion rings (in my opinion an underrated item and they are some of the best), the squash casserole which is unlike any that I have been able to replicate and the Chocolate Stuff which is a type of cobbler. It is so full of rich chocolate that it is encouraged that you share it, even for a chocoholic like me. I usually buy one for each of us and we have left overs. They also serve delicious pumpkin, corn and carrot bread with all meals. I strongly encourage any lovers of seafood to try this place. The food is great. You will love it. Just make sure to work out extra after your dining experience :)
Everything on the menu is tasty. I always go big with 2 7oz crab cakes but thoroughly enjoy the fried chicken starter or entree. Tonight's cauliflower casserole was amazing and trumped my usual choice of squash casserole. The bread basket has pumpkin and corn bread along with fluffy dinner rolls --which we always divy up but ask for more. The coconut fried shrimp deliver tasty satisfaction too!
(5)
Emilie B.
First - a nice night on the deck in the corner table is WONDERFUL. Boats coming and going, we even got mooned by some cheeky water skiers. Classic. The service was pleasant, but a bit slow. Enough about atmosphere - FOOD. The basket of mixed breads was SO GOOD. I had the fried catfish, squash casserole, and ambrosia salad. All were good. The catfish was thick and juicy and cooked just right. the casserole was very squashy - which I liked. Sometimes Squash casserole is almost a cheese soup. This one was not. It was light and tasty. The ambrosia was a blast from the past. My daughters got mixed results. One had a cup of the potato soup, which was too salty for my tastes - but the kid liked it. The other daughter got the kids shrimp dinner with mashed potato and green beans. The shrimp was good and the green beans looked cooked just right, but the price for a kids meal seemed too high for what it was. The "chocolate stuff" dessert was way rich. Glad we got the CUP not the BOWL. A cup was too much for three of us.
(4)
Shelley M.
My whole family loves Barbara Jeans! The crab cakes are the best I've tasted outside of Maryland. We enjoy sitting outside or by the window in one of their extra large booths, and letting the kids watch the boats as they go by. The fresh bread basket is awesome. My favorite is the pumpkin bread, and they are always happy to bring extra whenever we ask. My husband enjoys the catfish, and the kids love the pot roast or the turkey with dressing. The kids' meals are a good value, and include a drink. I always bring out-of-town guests here when they visit. It is one of our favorite places.
(4)
Tom C.
I like the combination of country cooking, fresh fried seafood and the view of the Intracoastal Waterway from the large deck. The service is always fast and friendly and the crabcakes are a real treat with lots of fresh crab and almost no binder to speak of. One of the places I miss since we left Jacksonville.
(4)
Chris G.
We like coming here to change things up a bit. The view of the intercoastal is nice and the kids like to feed the fish on the deck. Their pumpkin bread and cornbread are awesome and the service is friendly. They are known for their generous crab cakes which are delicious. We always enjoy their fried shrimp as well. Just a good all around place to eat with friends off the beaten path.
(3)
Karen R.
Ended up here when the place up the road was full....wonder why more people don't just come on here as their first choice rather than making it the second choice. When in Jax, always go for fresh fried flounder. But this place is KNOWN for it's crab so when in Rome. She Crab Soup the best I have ever had.... really. Creamy, just the right amount of kick to it. Crab Cakes literally were mounds of crab with just enough breading to make it form a circle. Really wonderful. Good selection of other foods from fresh fish, sandwiches and salads. I definitely recommend sitting out on the deck. Very pleasant.
(4)
Sarah T.
You'll be served with a basket of wheat rolls, jalapeno corn bread, and pumpkin bread. I would come back here for the pumpkin bread alone! Very yummy, moist, and not heavy. (P.S.: Our server asked which of the 3 we wanted, which I thought was nice). I ordered the she-crab soup, he ordered the cheesy potato soup. Both were very good (although I found the potato soup a little too salty). I ordered the shrimp n grits. They make theirs quite different than what I'm accustomed to, but I liked it alot. It had a good amount of andouille sausage. It comes with a good bit of "broth" in it, which has a tangy flavor to it. Also has bell peppers; and the shrimp is seasoned with what seems to be a cajun spice (it's red). All these ingredients makes for a VERY savory dish. The grits itself was creamy. Boyfriend ordered the pot roast, which he loved. (He did say it was on the salty side, but he liked it that way). We were lucky to have perfect weather yesterday. We sat at the deck. The view of the intercoastal was beautiful. 4 stars for the pumpkin bread, she-crab soup, and pot roast.
(4)
Daisy D.
I would say Barbara Jean's is really more like 2.5 stars - maybe even 3 on some occasions, but the expression "Meh, I've experienced better" really does fit how I feel about it currently. Went here with the in-laws the first night they were in town to take in the view and have a nice relaxing dinner. It was a Wednesday night, so we didn't have to wait very long to get a table. We had a nice table outside, and while the warm weather was pleasant, the sun beating down on us, not so much. The porch at Lulu's with their fans would be a much better option in the upcoming months. For dinner I ordered the fried buttermilk shrimp with white cheddar cheese grits & the veggie of the day - grilled zucchini. The fried shrimp were good, but nothing out of this world. The grits and zucchini were tasty. Barbara Jean's overall isn't a bad place to go, but I pass so many other options I would rather go to on my way that it's not very often that we'll end up here.
(2)
Harold A.
Great lunch. Grilled catfish sandwich and stewed tomatoes delicious. The weather was wonderful so we ate on the deck.
(4)
Mark M.
Usually the bread at the beginning of the meal is OK, then the meal goes down hill from there. Tastes like old-folks cafeteria food. Too pricey as well. The view on the water is nice, though. If you want to eat outside on a nice day it might be worth a try. If you want some tasty seafood, continue north on Roscoe to the Fish Camp.
(2)
Colin C.
Barbra Jeans fits the 'Inter-coastal Seafood Restaurant' genre pretty well. As mentioned in other reviews, the pumpkin and jalapeño cheese bread is a nice treat. Standard salads, some sandwiches, and a couple varieties of seafood platters. The fish served is only salmon, catfish, cod, and tuna. Platters can included a selection of afrementioned fish, 6 shrimp, crab-cake(s), or an 8oz NY Strip steak. Meals come with two sides chosen from an extensive list of vegetables. The aspect of this restaurant which breaks it out would be its degree of class. Looking very well kept on the interior and very clean and tidy on the back patio, Barbra Jeans has a mature feel to it. I had a 'Half and Half' platter of one crab cake, 6 grilled shrimp (seasoned), and fries and cooked carrots. $19.99, very filling, and great quality. My wife and I will be going back again for sure.
(4)
Matthew B.
Some people I know love this place, it's good, but I don't know just not my thing I guess.
(3)
Samone L.
Ok I loved this place! I had some scallops they seemed to melt in my mouth. I am a big foodie and I must say it was great, I enjoyed the squash casserole and the shrimp & grits which my friend has looked wonderful. Its not formal more down home& simple setting, from the outside one wouldn't expect good food but looks are deceiving. A must try.
(4)
Cassy C.
I finally went here after hearing my parents rave about it for years. They always talked about how amazing it is, so I had high expectations. First thing, the view is great, and being able to eat on the deck overlooking the Intracoastal is a big bonus. I was disappointed looking at the menu though - almost every bit of seafood you could get was fried. There were very few other options, which, again, was disappointing. For a restaurant that's supposed to have such amazing food, 75% of it shouldn't be fried. I had the she-crab soup and a crab cake, both of which I was assured would be the "best EVER". Not so. They are both good, but not as good as I had been led to believe. The waitress said the cooks could grill some of the seafood for me, which was nice. I had grilled shrimp and cod. Again, both good, but not amazing. For dessert, we had the chocolate stuff (actual dessert name), and now THAT was incredible. I can't even describe it, but it was definitely the best thing we had there. All in all, Barbara Jean's was a bit of a letdown. What made it especially disappointing was the price - for as much as the food costs, I would have thought it would have been better. Decent food, great views, WAY overpriced.
(3)
Marc K.
a very good casual place, something for everyone, you probably won't be disappointed
(4)
Max J.
I have to say that I am not a fan of Barbra Jeans. Sure their locations are great (usually on the intercostal waterway or someplace where you can sit outside and enjoy the view if its not too hot). But even the view can't make up for the food. The shrimp are mediocre, the famous "she-crab" soup is decent and the pumpkin bread is good. Notice that all the reviewers comment how great the pumpkin bread is. If a crab places main draw is their bread, they must not do crab very well. Its just a mass produced fish/crab joint. If that's what your looking for then this should be on your list; but in my opinion your better going to one of the local places that aren't too far from any Barbra Jeans locations. One star because I don't see any excuse for cheap seafood when you are so close to the beach.
(1)
Tim J.
Barbara Jean's is one of those places we take family when they visit from out of town. It has a fantastic location, I almost never have to wait, and I love the food. Some of my favorites include their pumpkin bread, among the top 3 crab cakes I've ever had, seared tuna (either as a sandwich or alone -- both are yummy), and the best country-fried steak and/or chicken. I also really like that I can get sides that aren't the typical "baked potato or veggie of the day." Some off-beat options include greens, mac and cheese, baked sweet potato, and grits. One bit of advice, though -- avoid outdoor seating unless it's one of those "perfect" Florida days. Often, it's just too hot to sit outside. Also, if you're there in the evening, the setting sun will nearly blind you on the deck. The outdoor area is a great place to watch boats, see a couple dolphin or manatee, and grab a drink while you wait for your table or let dinner settle.
(4)
Mona L.
My husband and I have been eating here for years, and it is my favorite restaurant. The food is delicious and the lump crab cakes are incredible. I love being able to get cabbage there, too, and the cabbage is great - as well as the other vegetables. Love, love, love Barbara Jeans!
(5)
K Y.
I was told I was going to have the BEST CRAB CAKE EVER. It definitely was up there in the ranking but not the best. Very casual dining and while its on the intercoastal, there is not much to see and it becomes a mosquito haven after 7pm. Short wine list features basic wine choices to wash down your meal. One cool thing is the choice of two sides with your meal. The list of choices are good- at least ten to choose from.
(3)
Shea S.
I went back in July 2010 during my trip home to Florida, and the food was great, along with the prices. Will definitely go back the next time I'm back in Jacksonville.
(5)
Alyssa S.
This place is pretty close to perfection. Great place to go with a group, and especially good for travelers passing through town and looking for some local flavor. Casual atmosphere, with an outdoor patio right on the river. My mom and I, who were wearing capris and sandals, did end up with mosquito bites on our legs and feet, but my dad and bro who were wearing pants and real shoes were left alone by the bugs. The food was outstanding. The meal started off with a basket of fresh pumpkin bread, jalapeno corn bread, and fluffy rolls. It was a refreshing departure from the standard restaurant breads. The only entree I tried was the crabcake, which was all meat, very little spice, and no filler. It was delicious, although I would have appreciated a little Old Bay in the mix for a Maryland style crabcake. The most fun part of eating here was choosing which sides to get with my entree. There were about 15 of them to choose from, including squash or broccoli casserole, ambrosia, mashed potatoes, stewed tomatoes, corn, etc... I finally went with the broccoli casserole and the ambrosia since those are two items you don't see on menus on the west coast, ever. I wasn't disappointed. Both dishes made me nostalgic for home cooking that I never actually had at home but wish I did. I also tried some of my bro's mashed potatoes, which were perfectly balanced and hopping with flavor. The only downside was that I was too stuffed after all that delicious food to try the desserts - which included bread pudding, cobbler, and a chocolate brownie-ish thing. If I ever make it back here, I might just skip dinner and order all 3 desserts.
(5)
Ed J.
Another great meal. Sam ll Salado salad and chicken fried chicken. Umm. Wife had dinner Salado salad with crab cake, her favorite.
(4)
Laurie D.
Barbara Jean's is located on the intracoastal watereway that overlooks D-dot ranch. I went for Brunch, which is my favorite meal of any weekend. We got a table on the dock overlooking the water. Luckily, they have placed the tables under ceiling fans, so the heat wasn't unbearable. I had the seafood omelet, which had shrimp, scallops, and carrots. The menu stated that it would have shrimp, crab, tomatos, and onion, but it was still pretty good. The omelet came with some okay home fries and homemade cornbread. My friend managed to finagle some pumpkin break as we left. (They only serve it a lunch and dinner). In my opinion, the pumpkin bread is not bread, but rather a cake. It really reminds me of carrot cake. I'm glad I had the pumpkin "bread" at the end of my meal, because it was a nice light and sweet ending to brunch.
(3)
Mary P.
Great way to end my weekend visiting family in Ponte Vedra. Great location...right by the water and plenty of outside seating. Food was great...had the crabcakes...mmmm delicious. The complimentary pumpkin and cornbread was a great addition to the meal.
(5)
T S.
Fish was good, they offer anything on the menu in kids portions. Great local right on the water. Definitely would go again. Pumpkin bread was really good.
(3)
Andy L.
This place is really cool. It's right on the intracoastal. You can sit out on a deck and enjoy the view. The food is good and the waiters are very nice.
(3)
Jessica D.
The "she-crab soup" is the most famous dish on the menu, and it's definitely a treat. I also like the crab cakes and the tuna (served rare, of course). The sides are yummy, too, especially the broccoli casserole. And of course the corn bread and pumpkin bread, which they serve in large warm batches! The food is really good, but I think it's a little overpriced. The ambiance is casual, with indoor booths and outdoor deck seating.
(4)
Patrick D.
Quality "comfort" food at reasonable prices. Not the fastest wait staff but the food arrived quickly once ordered.
(3)
Natalie B.
I won't lie--the bread basket was my favorite part of the meal! Amazing pumpkin bread, cornbread and rolls. Yay Carbs! The crabcakes were very good, but honestly, my husband's are the best! We sat outside and it was a beautiful and natural North Florida scene. Looking forward to going again--especially for the bread!
(4)
Trey G.
Barbara Jean's is best known for its crab cakes and great seafood. This is rightly so, however don't leave the southern items out of your rotation if you do go. The pork chops are especially excellent. I usually get the She Crab Soup, a cream-based, chowder-like soup (but not a chowder)which is excellent. The prices are middle-of-the road for that type of place (two can get out for around $35 with tip, no alcohol, but there are some larger platters that will run $20 apiece, so pay attention). If you opt for a larger, more expensive platter, be prepared to eat a ton of food. You get your money's worth in that department. You can either sit inside or outside on the deck overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway, which is nice when the weather is good (but, then again, this is Florida where the weather is usually good anyway). It can be a little crowded and loud on the inside (it is a little small) and it should be noted that they will not seat parties unless everyone is present, but that's a small price to pay. By the way, they are real serious about that last part. Everyone friggin' has to be there (which sucks when parties are in separate vehicles or whatnot) and that alone is why I gave it a 3- instead of a 4-star rating (the food's just that good). Definitely try it if you haven't.
(3)
Jenn S.
my sister clued me in on barbara jeans & I fell in love. crabcakes & pumpkin bread. omg, to die for. their sides are awesome too!! the view of the intracoastal is gorgeous. I think the more old people at restaurants, the better the restaurant is. I swear old peoples know great food.
(4)
Jay L.
Hmm, there was a month back like a few months ago that I had everyone telling me to, "Go to Barbara Jean's and have a crabcake." Seriously, it was like 3 people all in a week. So, when my buddy Mike came to visit from Cali, me, him and the Glabella went out for some Soutnern seafood. They start you with some bread in a basket that includes pumpkin bread, corn bread on something else. Those are all pretty good. Of course, I had the crabcake (a small one as an appetizer) and the grouper. It was pretty good. I don't think I need to have it again though. It was all crab meat, crunchy on the outside and moist on the inside. I think , probably, if you like crab, these things are pretty good. I'm not a huge crab lover. The Glabella's fried shrimp were pretty good (but these things are hard to mess up). I'd say third or fourth best in this area. Singleton's Seafood Shack (dupmier) and the Blue Crab House (about the same as Barbara Jean's) are superior joints for this kind of food in Jax. They have a nice deck looking out over the river which is good on a nice day. Watch the bees though. Oh yeah, I thought the prices a little high for NE Florida in this kind of place.
(3)
Steve T.
Pretty good seafood. Not the best I've ever had, but pretty good. Pumpkin bread and jalapeno cornbread were positively scrumptious. Coconut shrimp + marmalade was a surprisingly delicious combination. Fried cod was spot on and piping hot. Crab cake was not the best I've ever had (could have been more flavorful and moist), but certainly acceptable. Generous portions. Reasonable price for the location. GREAT view of the intracoastal. Patio seems like an amazing place to eat when it's not raining. Overall, a solid option. We'll definitely be back.
(4)
Kiersten W.
It makes me really sad to write this review for a classic Ponte Vedra restaurant. I came in for lunch and ordered a burger on a pretzel roll. I was asked how I wanted my burger cooked, but it didn't even matter because the frozen patty was burnt to a crisp. Honestly, it tasted like a freezer burnt patty that was burnt on a grill in an attempt to revive it. The meat was so dry and crumbly. The roll was alright. Nothing special. Didn't really taste like a pretzel roll to me. I should of sent my food back because it wasn't good at all. Had a margarita though, that was very good! The place could use a little bit of a face lift too. I understand it's an older restaurant but the furniture and table cloths seemed very old and had seen a lot of meals. Honestly, if they just fixed the food here, the place would probably see more customers. It's ridiculous to charge so much money for a meal that's been clearly pulled out of a freezer and has no flavor.
(2)
Marina S.
This is our first visit and we couldn't be more leased. The food was fantastic as well as the basket with assorted breads. The service is great, everyone has been very friendly and helpful. The restaurant is casual but so relaxing, we sat outside on the deck and although it was a little warm, it was beautiful and so relaxing. We will definitely be coming back and can't wait to bring my family here.
(5)
Charles H.
Was looking for any kind of seafood on the ICW, and my friend suggested this place. What I didn't know was that this place specializes in "real" crab cakes, which happen to be my favorite food! Immediately upon walking in, you get the impression that this is a "local" place and not too touristy. Sat out in the rear deck which was still sunny and blazing at 6:45 this July evening. The only upside us that you can keep an eye on the kids who delight in feeding the catfish from the deck. A couple of FL craft brews on tap in the $4 range. Started with some shrimp fritters, which were as good as any conch fritters I've ever had. Being a native Marylander, I am always suspicious of restaurants outside of DelMarVa who tout their crab cakes. Fortunately, my fears were not justified. Had the large crab cake on a green salad which was perfect and just how we make them in our family...almost zero bread or filler...yum!
(4)
Shera B.
Southern restaurant Very causal On the intercoastal The prices have increased The best pumpkin bread They will bring you as much cornbread , rolls and pumpkin bread as you like . Great coconut shrimp and sauce A huge assortment of side dishes Most are very southern Known for their crabcakes but they are very light Good salads , great options and dressing The catfish is good as well I love the cheese grits Sometimes they have mac and cheese I heard their chocolate dessert is lifechanging ( I don't eat chocolate ) If you're in Ponte vedra , check it out !
(4)
Tiffany C.
I wasn't impressed by the food. I ordered an Arnold Palmer. Arnold Palmer is a beverage consisting of iced tea and lemonade, named after American golfer Arnold Palmer: he was in the habit of drinking iced tea with lemonade at home, and in 1960 at the U.S. Open at the Cherry Hills Country Club in Denver, he ordered the non-alcoholic drink at the bar. The waitress asked if I wanted sweet tea & I said yes. She brought me an unsweet Arnold Palmer & I had to add Splenda. If I have to add a sweetener to tea, your preparer cannot make sweet tea. Period. I ordered the $25 Coastal Platter * Crab Cake, coconut or buttermilk battered fried shrimp, and fried fish fillet. I love seafood, especially fish. The fish is fried in a batter that produces a very crispy crust (reminded me of a box of Gorton's). It comes w/ 2 sides. I wanted fries & a side salad. The waitress told me the salad counts as two sides. When she brought it to the table I realized why, it's 2 servings. The salad was the bag stuff, which I don't mind as long as you give me a fresh bag. My salad was OK/average. Thumbs up for the fresh pumpkin bread it was tasty, the view of boats passing by, as this place sits on the Intercostal, & the very friendly & pleasant waitress. But I will not return I really did not enjoy my food. I ate it because it cost my Father $25.
(3)
Jennifer M.
I want to thank everyone who posted about Barbara Jean's. We visited due to reviews and we loved it. We ate on the deck on the intercoastal. What a perfect view. After we ordered, we received the basket of bread. I should say I don't like pumpkin, never have. But then I had the pumpkin bread here, and yes I would come back just for that. We are coming back by on our way home from the Keys. I had the crab cakes, french fries, and dirty rice. The crab cake was perfectly browned on the outside and moist inside. This was the best crab cake I have eaten in forever. The fries were crisp and seasoned just right. My husband had the fried catfish, red beans and rice and fries. I had a taste of the red beans rice and they were cooked just right and the seasoning was on target. He said the catfish was perfectly cooked and the two fillers were huge. I am already looking forward to stopping in on our way home.
(5)
Amy T.
They seated us and forgot us...we left. No happy hour specials...no anything very special. Hugely confusing menu.
(1)
Lisa S.
Barbara Jeans is the best seafood I have had in a very long time. The she-crab soup is amazing and can be ordered as a side in place of the two vegetables. I would recommend getting it in addition to the sides since the vegetable selections are amazing. The shrimp and grits were delicious with a bit of spice, but our favorites were the crab cake, which is made entirely of crab and herbs without all that breading that most places add, and the hand-breaded coconut shrimp with a sweet and tangy dipping sauce. Even the breads, which include yeast rolls, pumpkin bread and jalapeno cornbread make it worth going out of the way for this gem. Located on the water, the deck is absolutely beautiful, but beware of insects at dusk. The server offered to move us inside when the mosquitos came out, but we did not want to give up the view. Service was great and the food was superb, we will definitely be back.
(5)
Shea S.
I went back in July 2010 during my trip home to Florida, and the food was great, along with the prices. Will definitely go back the next time I'm back in Jacksonville.
(5)
Andy L.
This place is really cool. It's right on the intracoastal. You can sit out on a deck and enjoy the view. The food is good and the waiters are very nice.
(3)
Randall R.
Breakfast was wonderful. 4 stars. Service was the worst. 0 stars. No one pays attention or seems like they care. Mostly invisible.
(2)
Jen B.
Terrible service that is all we didn't even have anyone take our order so we just left never again
(1)
Terry N.
This is one the smaller food chains that is just an awesome idea. Both of the ones I visited were great!. The family atmosphere and food in the Ponte Vedra store is the best! Love the shrimp and grits. The view is amazing! Keep up the great work guys!
(5)
Alex G.
Ok, so visiting my sister in Jacksonville I realized you have to drive 20+ minutes to get anywhere decent. Barbra Jeans was a bit of a drive but she told me it was the best seafood and down home cookin in the area so we packed the mini van full and headed on over. The outside deck on the water looked beautiful but since it was raining we took a large booth inside. Booths are very uncomfortable and make you sit in an odd upright position but the food and service made up for the comfortableness. Pumpkin bread!!!! When my sister said they serve the best complimentary pumpkin and corn bread I had no idea it would be out of this world fresh, hot and moist. I'd go back for the bread alone and even better she told me that they serve the pumpkin bread year round!! OMG! We had an order of onion rings to tide us over with the bread and they were yummy. I'm not a fan of heavy batter on my onion rings and these were light and flakey. Perfectly fried and battered in my opinion. For dinner 2 people at our table went for the Chicken fried steak and since they raved about it my husband jumped on the band wagon. They don't pound out the chicken breast to a thin piece like most joints so not only does the portion look huge but it was extra juicy since the large chicken kept all the juices when being fried. He loved it and I have to say I took a huge chunk when he was not looking. It was really really good! I had the 1/2 and 1/2 platter and I guess I read it wrong and thought I was only getting coconut shrimp and a crab cake. Holy Huge Platter! You get 4 large sweet and delicious coconut shrimp, one perfect crab cake (almost no filler, just pure crab) and a huge fried fish filet! I probably would not order again only due to the size and me being confused but everything was great and I have to say the squash casserole was to die for! Actually all the sides were amazing and they offer a 5 piece Veggie Sides dinner which I totally wanna get next time. Service was friendly and fast and now I can see why my sister makes the 30 minute drive in a mini van full of screaming kids to dine here. If Barbra Jeans was in South Florida it would be in heavy rotation on my go to list.
(4)
Marilyn M.
Really, really enjoyed this place. Sits right on the coastal highway....really nice to look out & see the boats passing by. Food was excellent, cheesy soup & she-crab soup. Coconut shrimp, chicken fried chicken & T-bone steak. And our waiter Tyler made the whole thing a great dining experience. He was very polite & his knowledge of the menu was most helpful. If you go to Barbara Jeans it would be worth requesting Tyler to be your waiter. Best meal we've had in Jacksonville. Marilyn
(5)
Megan R.
Food was amazing but don't go when they're transitioning from breakfast to lunch. Took us almost an 45 minutes to get out appetizer and about 20 minutes later our food came. Server didn't check up on us free we got our food and had to ask a food runner to get her to get our check and boxes. Love the food though so we will be bak to try again
(3)
Debbi C.
The rating is for the atmosphere... Casual and relaxed. We sat outside and had dinner while dropping bread to the mullet and catfish. The food was good, not great. The service was good, not great. I had the meatloaf, a huge portion,Rice- tasted almost instant- tomatoes with no salt or pepper and really good key lime pie. My friend had turkey and dressing- ehhh- squash casserole (pretty good), green bean casserole (I didn't taste it) and mixed berry cobbler (ehhhh.) As I said, the atmosphere was good so we enjoyed it. The bathrooms were clean, but there were no paper towels in either dispensers. Great view. Great atmosphere. Enjoyable evening.
(3)
Bill K.
Walked in and were seated at 6:45 P.M. on a not to busy Sunday evening, at 7:05 P.M I had to ask the hostess while she was seating another couple at a booth near us if anybody was working our area tonight, because as of yet we hadn't had anyone come by and get our drink order. Within 30 seconds we had a server taking our drink and meal order. From there on the service and the meal were exceptional. Due to the somewhat slow start I am deducting a star from the usually good rating.
(3)
Daisy D.
I would say Barbara Jean's is really more like 2.5 stars - maybe even 3 on some occasions, but the expression "Meh, I've experienced better" really does fit how I feel about it currently. Went here with the in-laws the first night they were in town to take in the view and have a nice relaxing dinner. It was a Wednesday night, so we didn't have to wait very long to get a table. We had a nice table outside, and while the warm weather was pleasant, the sun beating down on us, not so much. The porch at Lulu's with their fans would be a much better option in the upcoming months. For dinner I ordered the fried buttermilk shrimp with white cheddar cheese grits & the veggie of the day - grilled zucchini. The fried shrimp were good, but nothing out of this world. The grits and zucchini were tasty. Barbara Jean's overall isn't a bad place to go, but I pass so many other options I would rather go to on my way that it's not very often that we'll end up here.
(2)
Steve G.
I just had an amazing dinner at Barbara Jeans! I was very happily surprised. We sat outside over looking the river. The weather was amazing, and the views is incredible. So relaxing. Especially sipping on of the many draft beer choices. We all started with the She-Crab soup. It was very, very good. Loads of crab, with just a little kick. The bread they serve is awesome. I really loved the jalapeno corn bread. For my entree I had the blackened tuna steak.... and the portion was *HUGE*!! I couldn't even finish it. Seriously! And it was cooked perfectly to order. I also had the "dirty rice" which is a dish by itself, and the cole slaw. My daughter had the shrimp and grits... which again, was another huge serving. They add sausage to the dish for a little extra kick. My wife had a combo seafood platter with coconut shrimp, fried fish, and a crab cake... all amazing! And for dessert... yes we saved a little room.... we had the mixed berry cobbler. I was homemade and so good. Only complaint... it needed vanilla ice cream (which they do not have). I was a really nice dinner, great atmosphere, and we had wonderful service. I can't wait to go back.
(5)
CJ S.
I was born and raised on fresh seafood, and dining at great places all over from fancy razzle dazzle 5 star establishments to hole in the walls. I have consumed many crab cakes and am a connoisseur. Barbara Jeans is by far my favorite for crab cakes. They are lump crab cakes with very little filler and perfect seasoning and are not greasy. If you want an amazing crab cake, dine here. This does not exclude other great menu items. My favorites are: She Crab Soup (creamy and delicious), their delicious coconut shrimp, their onion rings (in my opinion an underrated item and they are some of the best), the squash casserole which is unlike any that I have been able to replicate and the Chocolate Stuff which is a type of cobbler. It is so full of rich chocolate that it is encouraged that you share it, even for a chocoholic like me. I usually buy one for each of us and we have left overs. They also serve delicious pumpkin, corn and carrot bread with all meals. I strongly encourage any lovers of seafood to try this place. The food is great. You will love it. Just make sure to work out extra after your dining experience :)
Everything on the menu is tasty. I always go big with 2 7oz crab cakes but thoroughly enjoy the fried chicken starter or entree. Tonight's cauliflower casserole was amazing and trumped my usual choice of squash casserole. The bread basket has pumpkin and corn bread along with fluffy dinner rolls --which we always divy up but ask for more. The coconut fried shrimp deliver tasty satisfaction too!
(5)
Emilie B.
First - a nice night on the deck in the corner table is WONDERFUL. Boats coming and going, we even got mooned by some cheeky water skiers. Classic. The service was pleasant, but a bit slow. Enough about atmosphere - FOOD. The basket of mixed breads was SO GOOD. I had the fried catfish, squash casserole, and ambrosia salad. All were good. The catfish was thick and juicy and cooked just right. the casserole was very squashy - which I liked. Sometimes Squash casserole is almost a cheese soup. This one was not. It was light and tasty. The ambrosia was a blast from the past. My daughters got mixed results. One had a cup of the potato soup, which was too salty for my tastes - but the kid liked it. The other daughter got the kids shrimp dinner with mashed potato and green beans. The shrimp was good and the green beans looked cooked just right, but the price for a kids meal seemed too high for what it was. The "chocolate stuff" dessert was way rich. Glad we got the CUP not the BOWL. A cup was too much for three of us.
(4)
Mike K.
Great tasting crab cakes. Salad had brown lettuce though. Place needs some work on quality. Beer was cold. Scenery was awesome. Not sure I would come back because of the salad. How could they have served brown lettuce?
(2)
Joe P.
Great casual seafood joint on the river. I usually don't order crab cakes but it's a must if you go there. Nice atmosphere and good service.
(4)
Colby S.
I love this place so much... Traditional southern cooking and seafood at its finest. Don't expect to get a healthy meal--that's not what they do--but the food will be good quality and tastes great! A lot of variety to choose from too. Great prices! Also, the bread they serve with the meal is outstanding. Carrot bread, jalapeño corn bread, and yeast rolls. An awesome combination. If you appreciate southern, American cooking, you won't be disappointed.
(5)
Shelley M.
My whole family loves Barbara Jeans! The crab cakes are the best I've tasted outside of Maryland. We enjoy sitting outside or by the window in one of their extra large booths, and letting the kids watch the boats as they go by. The fresh bread basket is awesome. My favorite is the pumpkin bread, and they are always happy to bring extra whenever we ask. My husband enjoys the catfish, and the kids love the pot roast or the turkey with dressing. The kids' meals are a good value, and include a drink. I always bring out-of-town guests here when they visit. It is one of our favorite places.
(4)
Tom C.
I like the combination of country cooking, fresh fried seafood and the view of the Intracoastal Waterway from the large deck. The service is always fast and friendly and the crabcakes are a real treat with lots of fresh crab and almost no binder to speak of. One of the places I miss since we left Jacksonville.
(4)
Chris G.
We like coming here to change things up a bit. The view of the intercoastal is nice and the kids like to feed the fish on the deck. Their pumpkin bread and cornbread are awesome and the service is friendly. They are known for their generous crab cakes which are delicious. We always enjoy their fried shrimp as well. Just a good all around place to eat with friends off the beaten path.
(3)
Karen R.
Ended up here when the place up the road was full....wonder why more people don't just come on here as their first choice rather than making it the second choice. When in Jax, always go for fresh fried flounder. But this place is KNOWN for it's crab so when in Rome. She Crab Soup the best I have ever had.... really. Creamy, just the right amount of kick to it. Crab Cakes literally were mounds of crab with just enough breading to make it form a circle. Really wonderful. Good selection of other foods from fresh fish, sandwiches and salads. I definitely recommend sitting out on the deck. Very pleasant.
(4)
K Y.
I was told I was going to have the BEST CRAB CAKE EVER. It definitely was up there in the ranking but not the best. Very casual dining and while its on the intercoastal, there is not much to see and it becomes a mosquito haven after 7pm. Short wine list features basic wine choices to wash down your meal. One cool thing is the choice of two sides with your meal. The list of choices are good- at least ten to choose from.
(3)
Sarah T.
You'll be served with a basket of wheat rolls, jalapeno corn bread, and pumpkin bread. I would come back here for the pumpkin bread alone! Very yummy, moist, and not heavy. (P.S.: Our server asked which of the 3 we wanted, which I thought was nice). I ordered the she-crab soup, he ordered the cheesy potato soup. Both were very good (although I found the potato soup a little too salty). I ordered the shrimp n grits. They make theirs quite different than what I'm accustomed to, but I liked it alot. It had a good amount of andouille sausage. It comes with a good bit of "broth" in it, which has a tangy flavor to it. Also has bell peppers; and the shrimp is seasoned with what seems to be a cajun spice (it's red). All these ingredients makes for a VERY savory dish. The grits itself was creamy. Boyfriend ordered the pot roast, which he loved. (He did say it was on the salty side, but he liked it that way). We were lucky to have perfect weather yesterday. We sat at the deck. The view of the intercoastal was beautiful. 4 stars for the pumpkin bread, she-crab soup, and pot roast.
(4)
Mona L.
My husband and I have been eating here for years, and it is my favorite restaurant. The food is delicious and the lump crab cakes are incredible. I love being able to get cabbage there, too, and the cabbage is great - as well as the other vegetables. Love, love, love Barbara Jeans!
(5)
Wendell B.
We were so excited to find a branch of our favorite St. Simon's Island restaurant here in Ponte Vedra! We traveled over to Ward's Landing, and were immediately seated at 5:00 p.m. and then were greeted by our delightful server, Maya. We both had our standard Blue Moon drafts, with the required orange slice, and next settled into the two appetizers we ordered: the shrimp fritters, hot and delicious (like shrimp hush puppies,) and the famous BJ's crab cake. I have had crab cakes all over the country--none can compare to Barbara Jean's. 100 % lump crab meat and seasonings--no filler. Mouth watering as I type this. Do not go to BJ's without trying this famous crab cake, and BJ's can ship them anywhere! It is hard for me to enjoy crab cakes anywhere else now that BJ's has set the standard for the best. Then I had the scallop special, which were very lightly breaded baby scallops mixed with scallions and bacon over rice, with my two sides: broccoli and rice casserole and the creamiest cheese grits I have ever tasted. These were served with a bread basket containing two slices of cornbread, two slides of pumpkin bread and a delicious yeast roll--most of that went home with me for breakfast the next day. My wife had her favorite coconut shrimp with creamed spinach and wonderful glazed carrots. We chose to sit inside, gazing out over the dock and the intracoastal waterway, a charming setting for an amazing meal. It just doesn't get any better than Barbara Jean's. By the way, the servers t-shirts say that BJ's is in three states, but the Charleston location closed the first of the year, so the three locations now are Amelia Island and Ponte Vedra, FL and St. Simon's Island, GA. The dining room was getting packed as we were leaving, with a hard-working staff of attractive young people doing their best to make everyone have a great experience. Don't miss it!
(5)
Bryan W.
One of my favorite spots to eat outside on the intercoastal water way. It is a very relaxing atmosphere. I have eaten the crab cakes here a couple of times and they are really good. No cheap fillers, which is a plus. The ambrosia salad here is to die for! Make sure you order it! I also have had shrimp every way possible here, and have always been pleased. I have heard the pot roast here is very good, so I will try that next time!
(4)
Carl B.
Very friendly to Gluten-free needs - features a GF menu Service great- food slightly above average at good price point - nice mix of seafood (crab cakes amazing - but not GF!) and down-home cooking A little tight in restaurant area - deck amazing though - great for families!
(4)
Harold A.
Great lunch. Grilled catfish sandwich and stewed tomatoes delicious. The weather was wonderful so we ate on the deck.
(4)
Trey G.
Barbara Jean's is best known for its crab cakes and great seafood. This is rightly so, however don't leave the southern items out of your rotation if you do go. The pork chops are especially excellent. I usually get the She Crab Soup, a cream-based, chowder-like soup (but not a chowder)which is excellent. The prices are middle-of-the road for that type of place (two can get out for around $35 with tip, no alcohol, but there are some larger platters that will run $20 apiece, so pay attention). If you opt for a larger, more expensive platter, be prepared to eat a ton of food. You get your money's worth in that department. You can either sit inside or outside on the deck overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway, which is nice when the weather is good (but, then again, this is Florida where the weather is usually good anyway). It can be a little crowded and loud on the inside (it is a little small) and it should be noted that they will not seat parties unless everyone is present, but that's a small price to pay. By the way, they are real serious about that last part. Everyone friggin' has to be there (which sucks when parties are in separate vehicles or whatnot) and that alone is why I gave it a 3- instead of a 4-star rating (the food's just that good). Definitely try it if you haven't.
(3)
Jenn S.
my sister clued me in on barbara jeans & I fell in love. crabcakes & pumpkin bread. omg, to die for. their sides are awesome too!! the view of the intracoastal is gorgeous. I think the more old people at restaurants, the better the restaurant is. I swear old peoples know great food.
(4)
Jay L.
Hmm, there was a month back like a few months ago that I had everyone telling me to, "Go to Barbara Jean's and have a crabcake." Seriously, it was like 3 people all in a week. So, when my buddy Mike came to visit from Cali, me, him and the Glabella went out for some Soutnern seafood. They start you with some bread in a basket that includes pumpkin bread, corn bread on something else. Those are all pretty good. Of course, I had the crabcake (a small one as an appetizer) and the grouper. It was pretty good. I don't think I need to have it again though. It was all crab meat, crunchy on the outside and moist on the inside. I think , probably, if you like crab, these things are pretty good. I'm not a huge crab lover. The Glabella's fried shrimp were pretty good (but these things are hard to mess up). I'd say third or fourth best in this area. Singleton's Seafood Shack (dupmier) and the Blue Crab House (about the same as Barbara Jean's) are superior joints for this kind of food in Jax. They have a nice deck looking out over the river which is good on a nice day. Watch the bees though. Oh yeah, I thought the prices a little high for NE Florida in this kind of place.
(3)
A B.
1) On our first visit, we were really smittin' with this place. The weather was amazing, there were plenty of boats out and it was fun to feed the fish from our table. The service was fantastic and we enjoyed our meal. The coconut shrimp were particularly awesome. 4 stars 2) So happy to have found the restaurant, I took a friend. It was chilly outside, so we sat inside. My meal was fine, my sides were (brrrrh) cold but the waitress was accommodating. My friend's food was okay and her green beans were hard - not typical southern fare. The coconut shrimp were hard, cold, and dark brown. Really? 2.5 stars 3) Gave them another try (everyone can have a bad day) and this time we took the whole family - we were excited for everyone to try it. (6 people, not 16) Blech!!!!!!!... and we were pretty sad to have taken the whole crew there... and a little embarrassed, too. The soup was good, the bread was good (although it lost its luster after the third try), and the beer was good. The caesar salad was just huge hunks of Romaine with sauce slapped on and undressed croutons, the chicken was soggy, the red beans were bland/tasteless and the dirty rice was shrimpless, and basically had hunks of burnt chicken leftover from yesterday's preparations - it was also cold and dry. The service was SLOW and inattentive. One of the waitresses (not ours) was down right rude. (Move on and find some happiness for goodness sakes.) Considering the $$$ check, we were incredibly disappointed. 1.4 stars The next time we'll be back is when we want to have an ice-cold beer on a hot sunny day. For food, we'll go somewhere else.
(1)
Ebk B.
I have tried Barbara Jean's and LuLu's. Like them both. Barbara Jeans has a bit better flavor to the food and better portions. The drinks are better.
(4)
Karyn L.
Yes, the plates look like cafeteria plates. But that's where the cafeteria references end. Gorgeous view and outdoor deck right on the intercoastal. Seriously good comfort food. I had Catfish with sides of squash casserole and cheese grits and I was in heaven.
(4)
Jerry S.
Wonderful, casual, southern-style food restaurant. We really enjoyed it on our last vacation. We liked it so much we went twice! The pumpkin bread is exceptional. The crab cakes are very good and so is the catfish. If you are not a seafood fan, try the traditional items such as meatloaf, baked chicken, etc. Or, do the "all sides" meal and order 4-5 sides for your meal. My son did it and enjoyed the variety! Waitstaff was good and we tried to stay away from the rush hour so, it wasn't crazy busy.
(4)
Matt W.
The food and service were outstanding. The grilled catfish had a very tasty spice and a little heat. We had pumpkin bread pudding for dessert and everyone thought it was unusually delicious. Our waiter was attentive and courteous. Jay, the manager checked on us several times. This is a very well managed restaurant in a beautiful setting. The restroom was clean, well stocked, and smelled good.
(5)
Holly H.
I went here with my husband and in-laws just yesterday. The place is nice and definitely has a large following based in how packed it was. Our service was a bit slow in my opinion, but they were super busy at first, but since we didn't get there until after 1, they were basically empty about mid way through our meal and I think the service actually slowed down more at that point. The wheat role were nice and fluffy and soft, the pumpkin bread was good, and the jalopeno cornbread was ok. If you didn't get a bite of jalopeno which eat bite, it was WAY too sweet for me. At one point I realized it was almost more angel food cake-ish than cornbread. My BJ's Blue salad was very good, though piled on a small plate, so difficult to eat. My husband and mother-in-law liked the she crab soup. I ordered the pot roast. It was WAY too salty for me. Everyone agreed the crab cakes were good, but nothing special. We got the chocolate stuff for dessert, which a bowl of it is huge! It was pretty good if you really like chocolate. I wasn't a huge fan of the whipped cream, it was too sweet for me, but I don't eat a lot of sugar, so that might just be me! Over all it was okay, but we weren't wowed by it. We probably won't go back.
(3)
D. V.
The crab cake I just ate was the best I've even !!!!! Soooo good !!
(5)
Devon O.
A restaurant for families with antsy children when the grownups want to sit in (relative) peace for a hot second. After wolfing down their first (allowed) piece of pumpkin cornbread, the children will likely be fighting over the remainder of the bread basket to toss over the back deck to the roiling frenzy of catfish below. There are also boats that zip through the waterway and that's pretty cool, too. Like most kid-friendly places, the food is so whatever that expecting it to be good is unfair. I had grilled salmon that was almost wooden in its dryness. My bf had crabcakes which were golden and dense-looking from the outside but practically deflated when bitten into. Casseroles are doled out in cafeteria-style scoops into cafeteria-style melmac bowls, oozing the appropriate amount of butter but lacking in the depth of flavor that good casseroles should have. The rice was the best part, tasting like it had been simmered in chicken stock and doing its best to lend some moisture to its parched seafood counterpart. It was all fine, fine, fine. Service was the same: nothing great. A little slow, a little weird, a little stilted. But nothing to really bitch about. The most important thing, and the thing that grownups will sacrifice (nearly) all else for: content children. In that regard, Barbara Jean's gets five glowing stars. It's a beach time staple, one that we acquiesce to with full knowledge of what to expect.
(3)
Matthew B.
Some people I know love this place, it's good, but I don't know just not my thing I guess.
(3)
Mark M.
Usually the bread at the beginning of the meal is OK, then the meal goes down hill from there. Tastes like old-folks cafeteria food. Too pricey as well. The view on the water is nice, though. If you want to eat outside on a nice day it might be worth a try. If you want some tasty seafood, continue north on Roscoe to the Fish Camp.
(2)
Megan B.
Barbara Jeans is an absolute Palm Valley gem. My mouth is watering just THINKING about their crab cakes, which they are known for! I always end up getting some variation of the same meal because I just can't say no to all that goodness. My first favorite aspect of Barbara Jeans is the bread. Honey wheat, jalepeno corn bread, and PUMPKIN bread! All warm, of course. And so, so delicious. Then, you have to try the She Crab Soup if you are even remotely into a cream based seafood bisque. It's chunky and has a kick. Oh maaan. I think i need to go get a BOWL right now! Next: a crab cake. I don't care if its on a salad, in a sandwich or just by itself with some sides. GET IT! I order crab cakes often and this is one of the best. And lastly: the "chocolate stuff". Even Babs doesn't even know what to call it! It's a brownie but not. It's warm, gooey, and chocolatey AND THEN topped with amazing homemade whipped cream. And, on top of it all, its right on the intracoastal. Go in the evening, enjoy the sunset and some of the best food around. How can you not? *side personal disappointment: no hush puppies.
(5)
Kimber L.
I've been here three times and left happy each time. One time we did have very slow service but they were slammed, so I'll let them off the hook. Veggies are always good here. The bread is fantastic. Chocolate stuff is great:))) I would like to see them update the decore a bit and reupholster the booths - but hey I'm there for the food so no biggie
(3)
laurie s.
We love to eat outside and let the kids drop crumbs for the fish in the intracoastal. They will prepare fish as a kids' menu option; wish more restaurants in the area did that! Fries are always worth eating, crab cakes are the best I've had (outside of one restaurant in Maryland) though the occasional piece of shell is in them. Our guests Have probably tried every menu item over the years, and we keep going back because the food is reliably good and good size portions.
(4)
Samone L.
Ok I loved this place! I had some scallops they seemed to melt in my mouth. I am a big foodie and I must say it was great, I enjoyed the squash casserole and the shrimp & grits which my friend has looked wonderful. Its not formal more down home& simple setting, from the outside one wouldn't expect good food but looks are deceiving. A must try.
(4)
Colin C.
Barbra Jeans fits the 'Inter-coastal Seafood Restaurant' genre pretty well. As mentioned in other reviews, the pumpkin and jalapeño cheese bread is a nice treat. Standard salads, some sandwiches, and a couple varieties of seafood platters. The fish served is only salmon, catfish, cod, and tuna. Platters can included a selection of afrementioned fish, 6 shrimp, crab-cake(s), or an 8oz NY Strip steak. Meals come with two sides chosen from an extensive list of vegetables. The aspect of this restaurant which breaks it out would be its degree of class. Looking very well kept on the interior and very clean and tidy on the back patio, Barbra Jeans has a mature feel to it. I had a 'Half and Half' platter of one crab cake, 6 grilled shrimp (seasoned), and fries and cooked carrots. $19.99, very filling, and great quality. My wife and I will be going back again for sure.
(4)
Cassy C.
I finally went here after hearing my parents rave about it for years. They always talked about how amazing it is, so I had high expectations. First thing, the view is great, and being able to eat on the deck overlooking the Intracoastal is a big bonus. I was disappointed looking at the menu though - almost every bit of seafood you could get was fried. There were very few other options, which, again, was disappointing. For a restaurant that's supposed to have such amazing food, 75% of it shouldn't be fried. I had the she-crab soup and a crab cake, both of which I was assured would be the "best EVER". Not so. They are both good, but not as good as I had been led to believe. The waitress said the cooks could grill some of the seafood for me, which was nice. I had grilled shrimp and cod. Again, both good, but not amazing. For dessert, we had the chocolate stuff (actual dessert name), and now THAT was incredible. I can't even describe it, but it was definitely the best thing we had there. All in all, Barbara Jean's was a bit of a letdown. What made it especially disappointing was the price - for as much as the food costs, I would have thought it would have been better. Decent food, great views, WAY overpriced.
(3)
Marc K.
a very good casual place, something for everyone, you probably won't be disappointed
(4)
Max J.
I have to say that I am not a fan of Barbra Jeans. Sure their locations are great (usually on the intercostal waterway or someplace where you can sit outside and enjoy the view if its not too hot). But even the view can't make up for the food. The shrimp are mediocre, the famous "she-crab" soup is decent and the pumpkin bread is good. Notice that all the reviewers comment how great the pumpkin bread is. If a crab places main draw is their bread, they must not do crab very well. Its just a mass produced fish/crab joint. If that's what your looking for then this should be on your list; but in my opinion your better going to one of the local places that aren't too far from any Barbra Jeans locations. One star because I don't see any excuse for cheap seafood when you are so close to the beach.
(1)
Tim J.
Barbara Jean's is one of those places we take family when they visit from out of town. It has a fantastic location, I almost never have to wait, and I love the food. Some of my favorites include their pumpkin bread, among the top 3 crab cakes I've ever had, seared tuna (either as a sandwich or alone -- both are yummy), and the best country-fried steak and/or chicken. I also really like that I can get sides that aren't the typical "baked potato or veggie of the day." Some off-beat options include greens, mac and cheese, baked sweet potato, and grits. One bit of advice, though -- avoid outdoor seating unless it's one of those "perfect" Florida days. Often, it's just too hot to sit outside. Also, if you're there in the evening, the setting sun will nearly blind you on the deck. The outdoor area is a great place to watch boats, see a couple dolphin or manatee, and grab a drink while you wait for your table or let dinner settle.
(4)
Alyssa S.
This place is pretty close to perfection. Great place to go with a group, and especially good for travelers passing through town and looking for some local flavor. Casual atmosphere, with an outdoor patio right on the river. My mom and I, who were wearing capris and sandals, did end up with mosquito bites on our legs and feet, but my dad and bro who were wearing pants and real shoes were left alone by the bugs. The food was outstanding. The meal started off with a basket of fresh pumpkin bread, jalapeno corn bread, and fluffy rolls. It was a refreshing departure from the standard restaurant breads. The only entree I tried was the crabcake, which was all meat, very little spice, and no filler. It was delicious, although I would have appreciated a little Old Bay in the mix for a Maryland style crabcake. The most fun part of eating here was choosing which sides to get with my entree. There were about 15 of them to choose from, including squash or broccoli casserole, ambrosia, mashed potatoes, stewed tomatoes, corn, etc... I finally went with the broccoli casserole and the ambrosia since those are two items you don't see on menus on the west coast, ever. I wasn't disappointed. Both dishes made me nostalgic for home cooking that I never actually had at home but wish I did. I also tried some of my bro's mashed potatoes, which were perfectly balanced and hopping with flavor. The only downside was that I was too stuffed after all that delicious food to try the desserts - which included bread pudding, cobbler, and a chocolate brownie-ish thing. If I ever make it back here, I might just skip dinner and order all 3 desserts.
(5)
Ed J.
Another great meal. Sam ll Salado salad and chicken fried chicken. Umm. Wife had dinner Salado salad with crab cake, her favorite.
(4)
Laurie D.
Barbara Jean's is located on the intracoastal watereway that overlooks D-dot ranch. I went for Brunch, which is my favorite meal of any weekend. We got a table on the dock overlooking the water. Luckily, they have placed the tables under ceiling fans, so the heat wasn't unbearable. I had the seafood omelet, which had shrimp, scallops, and carrots. The menu stated that it would have shrimp, crab, tomatos, and onion, but it was still pretty good. The omelet came with some okay home fries and homemade cornbread. My friend managed to finagle some pumpkin break as we left. (They only serve it a lunch and dinner). In my opinion, the pumpkin bread is not bread, but rather a cake. It really reminds me of carrot cake. I'm glad I had the pumpkin "bread" at the end of my meal, because it was a nice light and sweet ending to brunch.
(3)
Mary P.
Great way to end my weekend visiting family in Ponte Vedra. Great location...right by the water and plenty of outside seating. Food was great...had the crabcakes...mmmm delicious. The complimentary pumpkin and cornbread was a great addition to the meal.
(5)
T S.
Fish was good, they offer anything on the menu in kids portions. Great local right on the water. Definitely would go again. Pumpkin bread was really good.
(3)
Jessica D.
The "she-crab soup" is the most famous dish on the menu, and it's definitely a treat. I also like the crab cakes and the tuna (served rare, of course). The sides are yummy, too, especially the broccoli casserole. And of course the corn bread and pumpkin bread, which they serve in large warm batches! The food is really good, but I think it's a little overpriced. The ambiance is casual, with indoor booths and outdoor deck seating.
(4)
Patrick D.
Quality "comfort" food at reasonable prices. Not the fastest wait staff but the food arrived quickly once ordered.
(3)
Natalie B.
I won't lie--the bread basket was my favorite part of the meal! Amazing pumpkin bread, cornbread and rolls. Yay Carbs! The crabcakes were very good, but honestly, my husband's are the best! We sat outside and it was a beautiful and natural North Florida scene. Looking forward to going again--especially for the bread!
(4)
Shera B.
Southern restaurant Very causal On the intercoastal The prices have increased The best pumpkin bread They will bring you as much cornbread , rolls and pumpkin bread as you like . Great coconut shrimp and sauce A huge assortment of side dishes Most are very southern Known for their crabcakes but they are very light Good salads , great options and dressing The catfish is good as well I love the cheese grits Sometimes they have mac and cheese I heard their chocolate dessert is lifechanging ( I don't eat chocolate ) If you're in Ponte vedra , check it out !
(4)
Alex G.
Ok, so visiting my sister in Jacksonville I realized you have to drive 20+ minutes to get anywhere decent. Barbra Jeans was a bit of a drive but she told me it was the best seafood and down home cookin in the area so we packed the mini van full and headed on over. The outside deck on the water looked beautiful but since it was raining we took a large booth inside. Booths are very uncomfortable and make you sit in an odd upright position but the food and service made up for the comfortableness. Pumpkin bread!!!! When my sister said they serve the best complimentary pumpkin and corn bread I had no idea it would be out of this world fresh, hot and moist. I'd go back for the bread alone and even better she told me that they serve the pumpkin bread year round!! OMG! We had an order of onion rings to tide us over with the bread and they were yummy. I'm not a fan of heavy batter on my onion rings and these were light and flakey. Perfectly fried and battered in my opinion. For dinner 2 people at our table went for the Chicken fried steak and since they raved about it my husband jumped on the band wagon. They don't pound out the chicken breast to a thin piece like most joints so not only does the portion look huge but it was extra juicy since the large chicken kept all the juices when being fried. He loved it and I have to say I took a huge chunk when he was not looking. It was really really good! I had the 1/2 and 1/2 platter and I guess I read it wrong and thought I was only getting coconut shrimp and a crab cake. Holy Huge Platter! You get 4 large sweet and delicious coconut shrimp, one perfect crab cake (almost no filler, just pure crab) and a huge fried fish filet! I probably would not order again only due to the size and me being confused but everything was great and I have to say the squash casserole was to die for! Actually all the sides were amazing and they offer a 5 piece Veggie Sides dinner which I totally wanna get next time. Service was friendly and fast and now I can see why my sister makes the 30 minute drive in a mini van full of screaming kids to dine here. If Barbra Jeans was in South Florida it would be in heavy rotation on my go to list.
(4)
Mike K.
Great tasting crab cakes. Salad had brown lettuce though. Place needs some work on quality. Beer was cold. Scenery was awesome. Not sure I would come back because of the salad. How could they have served brown lettuce?
(2)
Joe P.
Great casual seafood joint on the river. I usually don't order crab cakes but it's a must if you go there. Nice atmosphere and good service.
(4)
Tiffany C.
I wasn't impressed by the food. I ordered an Arnold Palmer. Arnold Palmer is a beverage consisting of iced tea and lemonade, named after American golfer Arnold Palmer: he was in the habit of drinking iced tea with lemonade at home, and in 1960 at the U.S. Open at the Cherry Hills Country Club in Denver, he ordered the non-alcoholic drink at the bar. The waitress asked if I wanted sweet tea & I said yes. She brought me an unsweet Arnold Palmer & I had to add Splenda. If I have to add a sweetener to tea, your preparer cannot make sweet tea. Period. I ordered the $25 Coastal Platter * Crab Cake, coconut or buttermilk battered fried shrimp, and fried fish fillet. I love seafood, especially fish. The fish is fried in a batter that produces a very crispy crust (reminded me of a box of Gorton's). It comes w/ 2 sides. I wanted fries & a side salad. The waitress told me the salad counts as two sides. When she brought it to the table I realized why, it's 2 servings. The salad was the bag stuff, which I don't mind as long as you give me a fresh bag. My salad was OK/average. Thumbs up for the fresh pumpkin bread it was tasty, the view of boats passing by, as this place sits on the Intercostal, & the very friendly & pleasant waitress. But I will not return I really did not enjoy my food. I ate it because it cost my Father $25.
(3)
Randall R.
Breakfast was wonderful. 4 stars. Service was the worst. 0 stars. No one pays attention or seems like they care. Mostly invisible.
(2)
Jen B.
Terrible service that is all we didn't even have anyone take our order so we just left never again
(1)
Steve T.
Pretty good seafood. Not the best I've ever had, but pretty good. Pumpkin bread and jalapeno cornbread were positively scrumptious. Coconut shrimp + marmalade was a surprisingly delicious combination. Fried cod was spot on and piping hot. Crab cake was not the best I've ever had (could have been more flavorful and moist), but certainly acceptable. Generous portions. Reasonable price for the location. GREAT view of the intracoastal. Patio seems like an amazing place to eat when it's not raining. Overall, a solid option. We'll definitely be back.
(4)
Kiersten W.
It makes me really sad to write this review for a classic Ponte Vedra restaurant. I came in for lunch and ordered a burger on a pretzel roll. I was asked how I wanted my burger cooked, but it didn't even matter because the frozen patty was burnt to a crisp. Honestly, it tasted like a freezer burnt patty that was burnt on a grill in an attempt to revive it. The meat was so dry and crumbly. The roll was alright. Nothing special. Didn't really taste like a pretzel roll to me. I should of sent my food back because it wasn't good at all. Had a margarita though, that was very good! The place could use a little bit of a face lift too. I understand it's an older restaurant but the furniture and table cloths seemed very old and had seen a lot of meals. Honestly, if they just fixed the food here, the place would probably see more customers. It's ridiculous to charge so much money for a meal that's been clearly pulled out of a freezer and has no flavor.
(2)
Marina S.
This is our first visit and we couldn't be more leased. The food was fantastic as well as the basket with assorted breads. The service is great, everyone has been very friendly and helpful. The restaurant is casual but so relaxing, we sat outside on the deck and although it was a little warm, it was beautiful and so relaxing. We will definitely be coming back and can't wait to bring my family here.
(5)
Charles H.
Was looking for any kind of seafood on the ICW, and my friend suggested this place. What I didn't know was that this place specializes in "real" crab cakes, which happen to be my favorite food! Immediately upon walking in, you get the impression that this is a "local" place and not too touristy. Sat out in the rear deck which was still sunny and blazing at 6:45 this July evening. The only upside us that you can keep an eye on the kids who delight in feeding the catfish from the deck. A couple of FL craft brews on tap in the $4 range. Started with some shrimp fritters, which were as good as any conch fritters I've ever had. Being a native Marylander, I am always suspicious of restaurants outside of DelMarVa who tout their crab cakes. Fortunately, my fears were not justified. Had the large crab cake on a green salad which was perfect and just how we make them in our family...almost zero bread or filler...yum!
(4)
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Address :15 S Roscoe Blvd
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, 32082
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Dogs Allowed : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Steve G.
I just had an amazing dinner at Barbara Jeans! I was very happily surprised. We sat outside over looking the river. The weather was amazing, and the views is incredible. So relaxing. Especially sipping on of the many draft beer choices. We all started with the She-Crab soup. It was very, very good. Loads of crab, with just a little kick. The bread they serve is awesome. I really loved the jalapeno corn bread. For my entree I had the blackened tuna steak.... and the portion was *HUGE*!! I couldn't even finish it. Seriously! And it was cooked perfectly to order. I also had the "dirty rice" which is a dish by itself, and the cole slaw. My daughter had the shrimp and grits... which again, was another huge serving. They add sausage to the dish for a little extra kick. My wife had a combo seafood platter with coconut shrimp, fried fish, and a crab cake... all amazing! And for dessert... yes we saved a little room.... we had the mixed berry cobbler. I was homemade and so good. Only complaint... it needed vanilla ice cream (which they do not have). I was a really nice dinner, great atmosphere, and we had wonderful service. I can't wait to go back.
(5)Marilyn M.
Really, really enjoyed this place. Sits right on the coastal highway....really nice to look out & see the boats passing by. Food was excellent, cheesy soup & she-crab soup. Coconut shrimp, chicken fried chicken & T-bone steak. And our waiter Tyler made the whole thing a great dining experience. He was very polite & his knowledge of the menu was most helpful. If you go to Barbara Jeans it would be worth requesting Tyler to be your waiter. Best meal we've had in Jacksonville. Marilyn
(5)Colby S.
I love this place so much... Traditional southern cooking and seafood at its finest. Don't expect to get a healthy meal--that's not what they do--but the food will be good quality and tastes great! A lot of variety to choose from too. Great prices! Also, the bread they serve with the meal is outstanding. Carrot bread, jalapeño corn bread, and yeast rolls. An awesome combination. If you appreciate southern, American cooking, you won't be disappointed.
(5)Megan R.
Food was amazing but don't go when they're transitioning from breakfast to lunch. Took us almost an 45 minutes to get out appetizer and about 20 minutes later our food came. Server didn't check up on us free we got our food and had to ask a food runner to get her to get our check and boxes. Love the food though so we will be bak to try again
(3)Joe P.
Great casual seafood joint on the river. I usually don't order crab cakes but it's a must if you go there. Nice atmosphere and good service.
(4)Kimber L.
I've been here three times and left happy each time. One time we did have very slow service but they were slammed, so I'll let them off the hook. Veggies are always good here. The bread is fantastic. Chocolate stuff is great:))) I would like to see them update the decore a bit and reupholster the booths - but hey I'm there for the food so no biggie
(3)Mike K.
Great tasting crab cakes. Salad had brown lettuce though. Place needs some work on quality. Beer was cold. Scenery was awesome. Not sure I would come back because of the salad. How could they have served brown lettuce?
(2)Bryan W.
One of my favorite spots to eat outside on the intercoastal water way. It is a very relaxing atmosphere. I have eaten the crab cakes here a couple of times and they are really good. No cheap fillers, which is a plus. The ambrosia salad here is to die for! Make sure you order it! I also have had shrimp every way possible here, and have always been pleased. I have heard the pot roast here is very good, so I will try that next time!
(4)Ebk B.
I have tried Barbara Jean's and LuLu's. Like them both. Barbara Jeans has a bit better flavor to the food and better portions. The drinks are better.
(4)Wendell B.
We were so excited to find a branch of our favorite St. Simon's Island restaurant here in Ponte Vedra! We traveled over to Ward's Landing, and were immediately seated at 5:00 p.m. and then were greeted by our delightful server, Maya. We both had our standard Blue Moon drafts, with the required orange slice, and next settled into the two appetizers we ordered: the shrimp fritters, hot and delicious (like shrimp hush puppies,) and the famous BJ's crab cake. I have had crab cakes all over the country--none can compare to Barbara Jean's. 100 % lump crab meat and seasonings--no filler. Mouth watering as I type this. Do not go to BJ's without trying this famous crab cake, and BJ's can ship them anywhere! It is hard for me to enjoy crab cakes anywhere else now that BJ's has set the standard for the best. Then I had the scallop special, which were very lightly breaded baby scallops mixed with scallions and bacon over rice, with my two sides: broccoli and rice casserole and the creamiest cheese grits I have ever tasted. These were served with a bread basket containing two slices of cornbread, two slides of pumpkin bread and a delicious yeast roll--most of that went home with me for breakfast the next day. My wife had her favorite coconut shrimp with creamed spinach and wonderful glazed carrots. We chose to sit inside, gazing out over the dock and the intracoastal waterway, a charming setting for an amazing meal. It just doesn't get any better than Barbara Jean's. By the way, the servers t-shirts say that BJ's is in three states, but the Charleston location closed the first of the year, so the three locations now are Amelia Island and Ponte Vedra, FL and St. Simon's Island, GA. The dining room was getting packed as we were leaving, with a hard-working staff of attractive young people doing their best to make everyone have a great experience. Don't miss it!
(5)Devon O.
A restaurant for families with antsy children when the grownups want to sit in (relative) peace for a hot second. After wolfing down their first (allowed) piece of pumpkin cornbread, the children will likely be fighting over the remainder of the bread basket to toss over the back deck to the roiling frenzy of catfish below. There are also boats that zip through the waterway and that's pretty cool, too. Like most kid-friendly places, the food is so whatever that expecting it to be good is unfair. I had grilled salmon that was almost wooden in its dryness. My bf had crabcakes which were golden and dense-looking from the outside but practically deflated when bitten into. Casseroles are doled out in cafeteria-style scoops into cafeteria-style melmac bowls, oozing the appropriate amount of butter but lacking in the depth of flavor that good casseroles should have. The rice was the best part, tasting like it had been simmered in chicken stock and doing its best to lend some moisture to its parched seafood counterpart. It was all fine, fine, fine. Service was the same: nothing great. A little slow, a little weird, a little stilted. But nothing to really bitch about. The most important thing, and the thing that grownups will sacrifice (nearly) all else for: content children. In that regard, Barbara Jean's gets five glowing stars. It's a beach time staple, one that we acquiesce to with full knowledge of what to expect.
(3)Megan B.
Barbara Jeans is an absolute Palm Valley gem. My mouth is watering just THINKING about their crab cakes, which they are known for! I always end up getting some variation of the same meal because I just can't say no to all that goodness. My first favorite aspect of Barbara Jeans is the bread. Honey wheat, jalepeno corn bread, and PUMPKIN bread! All warm, of course. And so, so delicious. Then, you have to try the She Crab Soup if you are even remotely into a cream based seafood bisque. It's chunky and has a kick. Oh maaan. I think i need to go get a BOWL right now! Next: a crab cake. I don't care if its on a salad, in a sandwich or just by itself with some sides. GET IT! I order crab cakes often and this is one of the best. And lastly: the "chocolate stuff". Even Babs doesn't even know what to call it! It's a brownie but not. It's warm, gooey, and chocolatey AND THEN topped with amazing homemade whipped cream. And, on top of it all, its right on the intracoastal. Go in the evening, enjoy the sunset and some of the best food around. How can you not? *side personal disappointment: no hush puppies.
(5)A B.
1) On our first visit, we were really smittin' with this place. The weather was amazing, there were plenty of boats out and it was fun to feed the fish from our table. The service was fantastic and we enjoyed our meal. The coconut shrimp were particularly awesome. 4 stars 2) So happy to have found the restaurant, I took a friend. It was chilly outside, so we sat inside. My meal was fine, my sides were (brrrrh) cold but the waitress was accommodating. My friend's food was okay and her green beans were hard - not typical southern fare. The coconut shrimp were hard, cold, and dark brown. Really? 2.5 stars 3) Gave them another try (everyone can have a bad day) and this time we took the whole family - we were excited for everyone to try it. (6 people, not 16) Blech!!!!!!!... and we were pretty sad to have taken the whole crew there... and a little embarrassed, too. The soup was good, the bread was good (although it lost its luster after the third try), and the beer was good. The caesar salad was just huge hunks of Romaine with sauce slapped on and undressed croutons, the chicken was soggy, the red beans were bland/tasteless and the dirty rice was shrimpless, and basically had hunks of burnt chicken leftover from yesterday's preparations - it was also cold and dry. The service was SLOW and inattentive. One of the waitresses (not ours) was down right rude. (Move on and find some happiness for goodness sakes.) Considering the $$$ check, we were incredibly disappointed. 1.4 stars The next time we'll be back is when we want to have an ice-cold beer on a hot sunny day. For food, we'll go somewhere else.
(1)Karyn L.
Yes, the plates look like cafeteria plates. But that's where the cafeteria references end. Gorgeous view and outdoor deck right on the intercoastal. Seriously good comfort food. I had Catfish with sides of squash casserole and cheese grits and I was in heaven.
(4)Jerry S.
Wonderful, casual, southern-style food restaurant. We really enjoyed it on our last vacation. We liked it so much we went twice! The pumpkin bread is exceptional. The crab cakes are very good and so is the catfish. If you are not a seafood fan, try the traditional items such as meatloaf, baked chicken, etc. Or, do the "all sides" meal and order 4-5 sides for your meal. My son did it and enjoyed the variety! Waitstaff was good and we tried to stay away from the rush hour so, it wasn't crazy busy.
(4)Matt W.
The food and service were outstanding. The grilled catfish had a very tasty spice and a little heat. We had pumpkin bread pudding for dessert and everyone thought it was unusually delicious. Our waiter was attentive and courteous. Jay, the manager checked on us several times. This is a very well managed restaurant in a beautiful setting. The restroom was clean, well stocked, and smelled good.
(5)Carl B.
Very friendly to Gluten-free needs - features a GF menu Service great- food slightly above average at good price point - nice mix of seafood (crab cakes amazing - but not GF!) and down-home cooking A little tight in restaurant area - deck amazing though - great for families!
(4)Holly H.
I went here with my husband and in-laws just yesterday. The place is nice and definitely has a large following based in how packed it was. Our service was a bit slow in my opinion, but they were super busy at first, but since we didn't get there until after 1, they were basically empty about mid way through our meal and I think the service actually slowed down more at that point. The wheat role were nice and fluffy and soft, the pumpkin bread was good, and the jalopeno cornbread was ok. If you didn't get a bite of jalopeno which eat bite, it was WAY too sweet for me. At one point I realized it was almost more angel food cake-ish than cornbread. My BJ's Blue salad was very good, though piled on a small plate, so difficult to eat. My husband and mother-in-law liked the she crab soup. I ordered the pot roast. It was WAY too salty for me. Everyone agreed the crab cakes were good, but nothing special. We got the chocolate stuff for dessert, which a bowl of it is huge! It was pretty good if you really like chocolate. I wasn't a huge fan of the whipped cream, it was too sweet for me, but I don't eat a lot of sugar, so that might just be me! Over all it was okay, but we weren't wowed by it. We probably won't go back.
(3)D. V.
The crab cake I just ate was the best I've even !!!!! Soooo good !!
(5)laurie s.
We love to eat outside and let the kids drop crumbs for the fish in the intracoastal. They will prepare fish as a kids' menu option; wish more restaurants in the area did that! Fries are always worth eating, crab cakes are the best I've had (outside of one restaurant in Maryland) though the occasional piece of shell is in them. Our guests Have probably tried every menu item over the years, and we keep going back because the food is reliably good and good size portions.
(4)Steve T.
Pretty good seafood. Not the best I've ever had, but pretty good. Pumpkin bread and jalapeno cornbread were positively scrumptious. Coconut shrimp + marmalade was a surprisingly delicious combination. Fried cod was spot on and piping hot. Crab cake was not the best I've ever had (could have been more flavorful and moist), but certainly acceptable. Generous portions. Reasonable price for the location. GREAT view of the intracoastal. Patio seems like an amazing place to eat when it's not raining. Overall, a solid option. We'll definitely be back.
(4)Randall R.
Breakfast was wonderful. 4 stars. Service was the worst. 0 stars. No one pays attention or seems like they care. Mostly invisible.
(2)Jen B.
Terrible service that is all we didn't even have anyone take our order so we just left never again
(1)Kiersten W.
It makes me really sad to write this review for a classic Ponte Vedra restaurant. I came in for lunch and ordered a burger on a pretzel roll. I was asked how I wanted my burger cooked, but it didn't even matter because the frozen patty was burnt to a crisp. Honestly, it tasted like a freezer burnt patty that was burnt on a grill in an attempt to revive it. The meat was so dry and crumbly. The roll was alright. Nothing special. Didn't really taste like a pretzel roll to me. I should of sent my food back because it wasn't good at all. Had a margarita though, that was very good! The place could use a little bit of a face lift too. I understand it's an older restaurant but the furniture and table cloths seemed very old and had seen a lot of meals. Honestly, if they just fixed the food here, the place would probably see more customers. It's ridiculous to charge so much money for a meal that's been clearly pulled out of a freezer and has no flavor.
(2)Marina S.
This is our first visit and we couldn't be more leased. The food was fantastic as well as the basket with assorted breads. The service is great, everyone has been very friendly and helpful. The restaurant is casual but so relaxing, we sat outside on the deck and although it was a little warm, it was beautiful and so relaxing. We will definitely be coming back and can't wait to bring my family here.
(5)Terry N.
This is one the smaller food chains that is just an awesome idea. Both of the ones I visited were great!. The family atmosphere and food in the Ponte Vedra store is the best! Love the shrimp and grits. The view is amazing! Keep up the great work guys!
(5)Charles H.
Was looking for any kind of seafood on the ICW, and my friend suggested this place. What I didn't know was that this place specializes in "real" crab cakes, which happen to be my favorite food! Immediately upon walking in, you get the impression that this is a "local" place and not too touristy. Sat out in the rear deck which was still sunny and blazing at 6:45 this July evening. The only upside us that you can keep an eye on the kids who delight in feeding the catfish from the deck. A couple of FL craft brews on tap in the $4 range. Started with some shrimp fritters, which were as good as any conch fritters I've ever had. Being a native Marylander, I am always suspicious of restaurants outside of DelMarVa who tout their crab cakes. Fortunately, my fears were not justified. Had the large crab cake on a green salad which was perfect and just how we make them in our family...almost zero bread or filler...yum!
(4)Shera B.
Southern restaurant Very causal On the intercoastal The prices have increased The best pumpkin bread They will bring you as much cornbread , rolls and pumpkin bread as you like . Great coconut shrimp and sauce A huge assortment of side dishes Most are very southern Known for their crabcakes but they are very light Good salads , great options and dressing The catfish is good as well I love the cheese grits Sometimes they have mac and cheese I heard their chocolate dessert is lifechanging ( I don't eat chocolate ) If you're in Ponte vedra , check it out !
(4)Jennifer M.
I want to thank everyone who posted about Barbara Jean's. We visited due to reviews and we loved it. We ate on the deck on the intercoastal. What a perfect view. After we ordered, we received the basket of bread. I should say I don't like pumpkin, never have. But then I had the pumpkin bread here, and yes I would come back just for that. We are coming back by on our way home from the Keys. I had the crab cakes, french fries, and dirty rice. The crab cake was perfectly browned on the outside and moist inside. This was the best crab cake I have eaten in forever. The fries were crisp and seasoned just right. My husband had the fried catfish, red beans and rice and fries. I had a taste of the red beans rice and they were cooked just right and the seasoning was on target. He said the catfish was perfectly cooked and the two fillers were huge. I am already looking forward to stopping in on our way home.
(5)Amy T.
They seated us and forgot us...we left. No happy hour specials...no anything very special. Hugely confusing menu.
(1)Alex G.
Ok, so visiting my sister in Jacksonville I realized you have to drive 20+ minutes to get anywhere decent. Barbra Jeans was a bit of a drive but she told me it was the best seafood and down home cookin in the area so we packed the mini van full and headed on over. The outside deck on the water looked beautiful but since it was raining we took a large booth inside. Booths are very uncomfortable and make you sit in an odd upright position but the food and service made up for the comfortableness. Pumpkin bread!!!! When my sister said they serve the best complimentary pumpkin and corn bread I had no idea it would be out of this world fresh, hot and moist. I'd go back for the bread alone and even better she told me that they serve the pumpkin bread year round!! OMG! We had an order of onion rings to tide us over with the bread and they were yummy. I'm not a fan of heavy batter on my onion rings and these were light and flakey. Perfectly fried and battered in my opinion. For dinner 2 people at our table went for the Chicken fried steak and since they raved about it my husband jumped on the band wagon. They don't pound out the chicken breast to a thin piece like most joints so not only does the portion look huge but it was extra juicy since the large chicken kept all the juices when being fried. He loved it and I have to say I took a huge chunk when he was not looking. It was really really good! I had the 1/2 and 1/2 platter and I guess I read it wrong and thought I was only getting coconut shrimp and a crab cake. Holy Huge Platter! You get 4 large sweet and delicious coconut shrimp, one perfect crab cake (almost no filler, just pure crab) and a huge fried fish filet! I probably would not order again only due to the size and me being confused but everything was great and I have to say the squash casserole was to die for! Actually all the sides were amazing and they offer a 5 piece Veggie Sides dinner which I totally wanna get next time. Service was friendly and fast and now I can see why my sister makes the 30 minute drive in a mini van full of screaming kids to dine here. If Barbra Jeans was in South Florida it would be in heavy rotation on my go to list.
(4)Tiffany C.
I wasn't impressed by the food. I ordered an Arnold Palmer. Arnold Palmer is a beverage consisting of iced tea and lemonade, named after American golfer Arnold Palmer: he was in the habit of drinking iced tea with lemonade at home, and in 1960 at the U.S. Open at the Cherry Hills Country Club in Denver, he ordered the non-alcoholic drink at the bar. The waitress asked if I wanted sweet tea & I said yes. She brought me an unsweet Arnold Palmer & I had to add Splenda. If I have to add a sweetener to tea, your preparer cannot make sweet tea. Period. I ordered the $25 Coastal Platter * Crab Cake, coconut or buttermilk battered fried shrimp, and fried fish fillet. I love seafood, especially fish. The fish is fried in a batter that produces a very crispy crust (reminded me of a box of Gorton's). It comes w/ 2 sides. I wanted fries & a side salad. The waitress told me the salad counts as two sides. When she brought it to the table I realized why, it's 2 servings. The salad was the bag stuff, which I don't mind as long as you give me a fresh bag. My salad was OK/average. Thumbs up for the fresh pumpkin bread it was tasty, the view of boats passing by, as this place sits on the Intercostal, & the very friendly & pleasant waitress. But I will not return I really did not enjoy my food. I ate it because it cost my Father $25.
(3)Lisa S.
Barbara Jeans is the best seafood I have had in a very long time. The she-crab soup is amazing and can be ordered as a side in place of the two vegetables. I would recommend getting it in addition to the sides since the vegetable selections are amazing. The shrimp and grits were delicious with a bit of spice, but our favorites were the crab cake, which is made entirely of crab and herbs without all that breading that most places add, and the hand-breaded coconut shrimp with a sweet and tangy dipping sauce. Even the breads, which include yeast rolls, pumpkin bread and jalapeno cornbread make it worth going out of the way for this gem. Located on the water, the deck is absolutely beautiful, but beware of insects at dusk. The server offered to move us inside when the mosquitos came out, but we did not want to give up the view. Service was great and the food was superb, we will definitely be back.
(5)Debbi C.
The rating is for the atmosphere... Casual and relaxed. We sat outside and had dinner while dropping bread to the mullet and catfish. The food was good, not great. The service was good, not great. I had the meatloaf, a huge portion,Rice- tasted almost instant- tomatoes with no salt or pepper and really good key lime pie. My friend had turkey and dressing- ehhh- squash casserole (pretty good), green bean casserole (I didn't taste it) and mixed berry cobbler (ehhhh.) As I said, the atmosphere was good so we enjoyed it. The bathrooms were clean, but there were no paper towels in either dispensers. Great view. Great atmosphere. Enjoyable evening.
(3)Bill K.
Walked in and were seated at 6:45 P.M. on a not to busy Sunday evening, at 7:05 P.M I had to ask the hostess while she was seating another couple at a booth near us if anybody was working our area tonight, because as of yet we hadn't had anyone come by and get our drink order. Within 30 seconds we had a server taking our drink and meal order. From there on the service and the meal were exceptional. Due to the somewhat slow start I am deducting a star from the usually good rating.
(3)CJ S.
I was born and raised on fresh seafood, and dining at great places all over from fancy razzle dazzle 5 star establishments to hole in the walls. I have consumed many crab cakes and am a connoisseur. Barbara Jeans is by far my favorite for crab cakes. They are lump crab cakes with very little filler and perfect seasoning and are not greasy. If you want an amazing crab cake, dine here. This does not exclude other great menu items. My favorites are: She Crab Soup (creamy and delicious), their delicious coconut shrimp, their onion rings (in my opinion an underrated item and they are some of the best), the squash casserole which is unlike any that I have been able to replicate and the Chocolate Stuff which is a type of cobbler. It is so full of rich chocolate that it is encouraged that you share it, even for a chocoholic like me. I usually buy one for each of us and we have left overs. They also serve delicious pumpkin, corn and carrot bread with all meals. I strongly encourage any lovers of seafood to try this place. The food is great. You will love it. Just make sure to work out extra after your dining experience :)
(5)Paul H.
I am sorry this review is about a month late. We went to Barbra Jeans on a Saturday. It was in that week that we had that freakish weather of low to mid seventies with low humidity with a nice breeze blowing. The weather was simple gorgeous and we wanted to be outside. We were lucky to sit outside, as most people that day were asking for the same. The outside was filled to capacity but it was not loud. The view is nice because of the passing boats and being on the water. That is about all I am going to say nice about this place. The décor of the place is that old style seafood place style. I started with the appetizer of Coconut Shrimp which were overcooked and honestly reminded me of a low quality store bought frozen food variety. For my lunch I had a fish sandwich. I will say the fish reminded me of the stuff you got in grade school. I was so disappointed at the product offered by supposedly a local seafood restaurant. It was an overcooked tasteless uninspired waste of a fish's life. Another person at the table ordered the lunch size coconut shrimp plate. It was overcooked but not as bad as the appetizer but it had the same low quality taste. There was also a crab cake plate which I tried. I will put in a warning at this point. I am biased because I grew up on the St John's River and we caught fresh crab and shrimp regularly. My father's family was from Baltimore and we have old family crab cake recipes for lump crab style crab cakes. So I have a particular type of crab cake style that I like. Needless to say this was not even close. But like I said I am biased. So I will move along. Overall Barbra Jeans seemed like one of those crap tourist places in a place like Daytona Beach, Panama City or insert any junky beach tourist place of your choice. I truly hope if you go here you have better food than I did on this beautiful day. Happy Dining.
(2)C J.
Everything on the menu is tasty. I always go big with 2 7oz crab cakes but thoroughly enjoy the fried chicken starter or entree. Tonight's cauliflower casserole was amazing and trumped my usual choice of squash casserole. The bread basket has pumpkin and corn bread along with fluffy dinner rolls --which we always divy up but ask for more. The coconut fried shrimp deliver tasty satisfaction too!
(5)Emilie B.
First - a nice night on the deck in the corner table is WONDERFUL. Boats coming and going, we even got mooned by some cheeky water skiers. Classic. The service was pleasant, but a bit slow. Enough about atmosphere - FOOD. The basket of mixed breads was SO GOOD. I had the fried catfish, squash casserole, and ambrosia salad. All were good. The catfish was thick and juicy and cooked just right. the casserole was very squashy - which I liked. Sometimes Squash casserole is almost a cheese soup. This one was not. It was light and tasty. The ambrosia was a blast from the past. My daughters got mixed results. One had a cup of the potato soup, which was too salty for my tastes - but the kid liked it. The other daughter got the kids shrimp dinner with mashed potato and green beans. The shrimp was good and the green beans looked cooked just right, but the price for a kids meal seemed too high for what it was. The "chocolate stuff" dessert was way rich. Glad we got the CUP not the BOWL. A cup was too much for three of us.
(4)Shelley M.
My whole family loves Barbara Jeans! The crab cakes are the best I've tasted outside of Maryland. We enjoy sitting outside or by the window in one of their extra large booths, and letting the kids watch the boats as they go by. The fresh bread basket is awesome. My favorite is the pumpkin bread, and they are always happy to bring extra whenever we ask. My husband enjoys the catfish, and the kids love the pot roast or the turkey with dressing. The kids' meals are a good value, and include a drink. I always bring out-of-town guests here when they visit. It is one of our favorite places.
(4)Tom C.
I like the combination of country cooking, fresh fried seafood and the view of the Intracoastal Waterway from the large deck. The service is always fast and friendly and the crabcakes are a real treat with lots of fresh crab and almost no binder to speak of. One of the places I miss since we left Jacksonville.
(4)Chris G.
We like coming here to change things up a bit. The view of the intercoastal is nice and the kids like to feed the fish on the deck. Their pumpkin bread and cornbread are awesome and the service is friendly. They are known for their generous crab cakes which are delicious. We always enjoy their fried shrimp as well. Just a good all around place to eat with friends off the beaten path.
(3)Karen R.
Ended up here when the place up the road was full....wonder why more people don't just come on here as their first choice rather than making it the second choice. When in Jax, always go for fresh fried flounder. But this place is KNOWN for it's crab so when in Rome. She Crab Soup the best I have ever had.... really. Creamy, just the right amount of kick to it. Crab Cakes literally were mounds of crab with just enough breading to make it form a circle. Really wonderful. Good selection of other foods from fresh fish, sandwiches and salads. I definitely recommend sitting out on the deck. Very pleasant.
(4)Sarah T.
You'll be served with a basket of wheat rolls, jalapeno corn bread, and pumpkin bread. I would come back here for the pumpkin bread alone! Very yummy, moist, and not heavy. (P.S.: Our server asked which of the 3 we wanted, which I thought was nice). I ordered the she-crab soup, he ordered the cheesy potato soup. Both were very good (although I found the potato soup a little too salty). I ordered the shrimp n grits. They make theirs quite different than what I'm accustomed to, but I liked it alot. It had a good amount of andouille sausage. It comes with a good bit of "broth" in it, which has a tangy flavor to it. Also has bell peppers; and the shrimp is seasoned with what seems to be a cajun spice (it's red). All these ingredients makes for a VERY savory dish. The grits itself was creamy. Boyfriend ordered the pot roast, which he loved. (He did say it was on the salty side, but he liked it that way). We were lucky to have perfect weather yesterday. We sat at the deck. The view of the intercoastal was beautiful. 4 stars for the pumpkin bread, she-crab soup, and pot roast.
(4)Daisy D.
I would say Barbara Jean's is really more like 2.5 stars - maybe even 3 on some occasions, but the expression "Meh, I've experienced better" really does fit how I feel about it currently. Went here with the in-laws the first night they were in town to take in the view and have a nice relaxing dinner. It was a Wednesday night, so we didn't have to wait very long to get a table. We had a nice table outside, and while the warm weather was pleasant, the sun beating down on us, not so much. The porch at Lulu's with their fans would be a much better option in the upcoming months. For dinner I ordered the fried buttermilk shrimp with white cheddar cheese grits & the veggie of the day - grilled zucchini. The fried shrimp were good, but nothing out of this world. The grits and zucchini were tasty. Barbara Jean's overall isn't a bad place to go, but I pass so many other options I would rather go to on my way that it's not very often that we'll end up here.
(2)Harold A.
Great lunch. Grilled catfish sandwich and stewed tomatoes delicious. The weather was wonderful so we ate on the deck.
(4)Mark M.
Usually the bread at the beginning of the meal is OK, then the meal goes down hill from there. Tastes like old-folks cafeteria food. Too pricey as well. The view on the water is nice, though. If you want to eat outside on a nice day it might be worth a try. If you want some tasty seafood, continue north on Roscoe to the Fish Camp.
(2)Colin C.
Barbra Jeans fits the 'Inter-coastal Seafood Restaurant' genre pretty well. As mentioned in other reviews, the pumpkin and jalapeño cheese bread is a nice treat. Standard salads, some sandwiches, and a couple varieties of seafood platters. The fish served is only salmon, catfish, cod, and tuna. Platters can included a selection of afrementioned fish, 6 shrimp, crab-cake(s), or an 8oz NY Strip steak. Meals come with two sides chosen from an extensive list of vegetables. The aspect of this restaurant which breaks it out would be its degree of class. Looking very well kept on the interior and very clean and tidy on the back patio, Barbra Jeans has a mature feel to it. I had a 'Half and Half' platter of one crab cake, 6 grilled shrimp (seasoned), and fries and cooked carrots. $19.99, very filling, and great quality. My wife and I will be going back again for sure.
(4)Matthew B.
Some people I know love this place, it's good, but I don't know just not my thing I guess.
(3)Samone L.
Ok I loved this place! I had some scallops they seemed to melt in my mouth. I am a big foodie and I must say it was great, I enjoyed the squash casserole and the shrimp & grits which my friend has looked wonderful. Its not formal more down home& simple setting, from the outside one wouldn't expect good food but looks are deceiving. A must try.
(4)Cassy C.
I finally went here after hearing my parents rave about it for years. They always talked about how amazing it is, so I had high expectations. First thing, the view is great, and being able to eat on the deck overlooking the Intracoastal is a big bonus. I was disappointed looking at the menu though - almost every bit of seafood you could get was fried. There were very few other options, which, again, was disappointing. For a restaurant that's supposed to have such amazing food, 75% of it shouldn't be fried. I had the she-crab soup and a crab cake, both of which I was assured would be the "best EVER". Not so. They are both good, but not as good as I had been led to believe. The waitress said the cooks could grill some of the seafood for me, which was nice. I had grilled shrimp and cod. Again, both good, but not amazing. For dessert, we had the chocolate stuff (actual dessert name), and now THAT was incredible. I can't even describe it, but it was definitely the best thing we had there. All in all, Barbara Jean's was a bit of a letdown. What made it especially disappointing was the price - for as much as the food costs, I would have thought it would have been better. Decent food, great views, WAY overpriced.
(3)Marc K.
a very good casual place, something for everyone, you probably won't be disappointed
(4)Max J.
I have to say that I am not a fan of Barbra Jeans. Sure their locations are great (usually on the intercostal waterway or someplace where you can sit outside and enjoy the view if its not too hot). But even the view can't make up for the food. The shrimp are mediocre, the famous "she-crab" soup is decent and the pumpkin bread is good. Notice that all the reviewers comment how great the pumpkin bread is. If a crab places main draw is their bread, they must not do crab very well. Its just a mass produced fish/crab joint. If that's what your looking for then this should be on your list; but in my opinion your better going to one of the local places that aren't too far from any Barbra Jeans locations. One star because I don't see any excuse for cheap seafood when you are so close to the beach.
(1)Tim J.
Barbara Jean's is one of those places we take family when they visit from out of town. It has a fantastic location, I almost never have to wait, and I love the food. Some of my favorites include their pumpkin bread, among the top 3 crab cakes I've ever had, seared tuna (either as a sandwich or alone -- both are yummy), and the best country-fried steak and/or chicken. I also really like that I can get sides that aren't the typical "baked potato or veggie of the day." Some off-beat options include greens, mac and cheese, baked sweet potato, and grits. One bit of advice, though -- avoid outdoor seating unless it's one of those "perfect" Florida days. Often, it's just too hot to sit outside. Also, if you're there in the evening, the setting sun will nearly blind you on the deck. The outdoor area is a great place to watch boats, see a couple dolphin or manatee, and grab a drink while you wait for your table or let dinner settle.
(4)Mona L.
My husband and I have been eating here for years, and it is my favorite restaurant. The food is delicious and the lump crab cakes are incredible. I love being able to get cabbage there, too, and the cabbage is great - as well as the other vegetables. Love, love, love Barbara Jeans!
(5)K Y.
I was told I was going to have the BEST CRAB CAKE EVER. It definitely was up there in the ranking but not the best. Very casual dining and while its on the intercoastal, there is not much to see and it becomes a mosquito haven after 7pm. Short wine list features basic wine choices to wash down your meal. One cool thing is the choice of two sides with your meal. The list of choices are good- at least ten to choose from.
(3)Shea S.
I went back in July 2010 during my trip home to Florida, and the food was great, along with the prices. Will definitely go back the next time I'm back in Jacksonville.
(5)Alyssa S.
This place is pretty close to perfection. Great place to go with a group, and especially good for travelers passing through town and looking for some local flavor. Casual atmosphere, with an outdoor patio right on the river. My mom and I, who were wearing capris and sandals, did end up with mosquito bites on our legs and feet, but my dad and bro who were wearing pants and real shoes were left alone by the bugs. The food was outstanding. The meal started off with a basket of fresh pumpkin bread, jalapeno corn bread, and fluffy rolls. It was a refreshing departure from the standard restaurant breads. The only entree I tried was the crabcake, which was all meat, very little spice, and no filler. It was delicious, although I would have appreciated a little Old Bay in the mix for a Maryland style crabcake. The most fun part of eating here was choosing which sides to get with my entree. There were about 15 of them to choose from, including squash or broccoli casserole, ambrosia, mashed potatoes, stewed tomatoes, corn, etc... I finally went with the broccoli casserole and the ambrosia since those are two items you don't see on menus on the west coast, ever. I wasn't disappointed. Both dishes made me nostalgic for home cooking that I never actually had at home but wish I did. I also tried some of my bro's mashed potatoes, which were perfectly balanced and hopping with flavor. The only downside was that I was too stuffed after all that delicious food to try the desserts - which included bread pudding, cobbler, and a chocolate brownie-ish thing. If I ever make it back here, I might just skip dinner and order all 3 desserts.
(5)Ed J.
Another great meal. Sam ll Salado salad and chicken fried chicken. Umm. Wife had dinner Salado salad with crab cake, her favorite.
(4)Laurie D.
Barbara Jean's is located on the intracoastal watereway that overlooks D-dot ranch. I went for Brunch, which is my favorite meal of any weekend. We got a table on the dock overlooking the water. Luckily, they have placed the tables under ceiling fans, so the heat wasn't unbearable. I had the seafood omelet, which had shrimp, scallops, and carrots. The menu stated that it would have shrimp, crab, tomatos, and onion, but it was still pretty good. The omelet came with some okay home fries and homemade cornbread. My friend managed to finagle some pumpkin break as we left. (They only serve it a lunch and dinner). In my opinion, the pumpkin bread is not bread, but rather a cake. It really reminds me of carrot cake. I'm glad I had the pumpkin "bread" at the end of my meal, because it was a nice light and sweet ending to brunch.
(3)Mary P.
Great way to end my weekend visiting family in Ponte Vedra. Great location...right by the water and plenty of outside seating. Food was great...had the crabcakes...mmmm delicious. The complimentary pumpkin and cornbread was a great addition to the meal.
(5)T S.
Fish was good, they offer anything on the menu in kids portions. Great local right on the water. Definitely would go again. Pumpkin bread was really good.
(3)Andy L.
This place is really cool. It's right on the intracoastal. You can sit out on a deck and enjoy the view. The food is good and the waiters are very nice.
(3)Jessica D.
The "she-crab soup" is the most famous dish on the menu, and it's definitely a treat. I also like the crab cakes and the tuna (served rare, of course). The sides are yummy, too, especially the broccoli casserole. And of course the corn bread and pumpkin bread, which they serve in large warm batches! The food is really good, but I think it's a little overpriced. The ambiance is casual, with indoor booths and outdoor deck seating.
(4)Patrick D.
Quality "comfort" food at reasonable prices. Not the fastest wait staff but the food arrived quickly once ordered.
(3)Natalie B.
I won't lie--the bread basket was my favorite part of the meal! Amazing pumpkin bread, cornbread and rolls. Yay Carbs! The crabcakes were very good, but honestly, my husband's are the best! We sat outside and it was a beautiful and natural North Florida scene. Looking forward to going again--especially for the bread!
(4)Trey G.
Barbara Jean's is best known for its crab cakes and great seafood. This is rightly so, however don't leave the southern items out of your rotation if you do go. The pork chops are especially excellent. I usually get the She Crab Soup, a cream-based, chowder-like soup (but not a chowder)which is excellent. The prices are middle-of-the road for that type of place (two can get out for around $35 with tip, no alcohol, but there are some larger platters that will run $20 apiece, so pay attention). If you opt for a larger, more expensive platter, be prepared to eat a ton of food. You get your money's worth in that department. You can either sit inside or outside on the deck overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway, which is nice when the weather is good (but, then again, this is Florida where the weather is usually good anyway). It can be a little crowded and loud on the inside (it is a little small) and it should be noted that they will not seat parties unless everyone is present, but that's a small price to pay. By the way, they are real serious about that last part. Everyone friggin' has to be there (which sucks when parties are in separate vehicles or whatnot) and that alone is why I gave it a 3- instead of a 4-star rating (the food's just that good). Definitely try it if you haven't.
(3)Jenn S.
my sister clued me in on barbara jeans & I fell in love. crabcakes & pumpkin bread. omg, to die for. their sides are awesome too!! the view of the intracoastal is gorgeous. I think the more old people at restaurants, the better the restaurant is. I swear old peoples know great food.
(4)Jay L.
Hmm, there was a month back like a few months ago that I had everyone telling me to, "Go to Barbara Jean's and have a crabcake." Seriously, it was like 3 people all in a week. So, when my buddy Mike came to visit from Cali, me, him and the Glabella went out for some Soutnern seafood. They start you with some bread in a basket that includes pumpkin bread, corn bread on something else. Those are all pretty good. Of course, I had the crabcake (a small one as an appetizer) and the grouper. It was pretty good. I don't think I need to have it again though. It was all crab meat, crunchy on the outside and moist on the inside. I think , probably, if you like crab, these things are pretty good. I'm not a huge crab lover. The Glabella's fried shrimp were pretty good (but these things are hard to mess up). I'd say third or fourth best in this area. Singleton's Seafood Shack (dupmier) and the Blue Crab House (about the same as Barbara Jean's) are superior joints for this kind of food in Jax. They have a nice deck looking out over the river which is good on a nice day. Watch the bees though. Oh yeah, I thought the prices a little high for NE Florida in this kind of place.
(3)Steve T.
Pretty good seafood. Not the best I've ever had, but pretty good. Pumpkin bread and jalapeno cornbread were positively scrumptious. Coconut shrimp + marmalade was a surprisingly delicious combination. Fried cod was spot on and piping hot. Crab cake was not the best I've ever had (could have been more flavorful and moist), but certainly acceptable. Generous portions. Reasonable price for the location. GREAT view of the intracoastal. Patio seems like an amazing place to eat when it's not raining. Overall, a solid option. We'll definitely be back.
(4)Kiersten W.
It makes me really sad to write this review for a classic Ponte Vedra restaurant. I came in for lunch and ordered a burger on a pretzel roll. I was asked how I wanted my burger cooked, but it didn't even matter because the frozen patty was burnt to a crisp. Honestly, it tasted like a freezer burnt patty that was burnt on a grill in an attempt to revive it. The meat was so dry and crumbly. The roll was alright. Nothing special. Didn't really taste like a pretzel roll to me. I should of sent my food back because it wasn't good at all. Had a margarita though, that was very good! The place could use a little bit of a face lift too. I understand it's an older restaurant but the furniture and table cloths seemed very old and had seen a lot of meals. Honestly, if they just fixed the food here, the place would probably see more customers. It's ridiculous to charge so much money for a meal that's been clearly pulled out of a freezer and has no flavor.
(2)Marina S.
This is our first visit and we couldn't be more leased. The food was fantastic as well as the basket with assorted breads. The service is great, everyone has been very friendly and helpful. The restaurant is casual but so relaxing, we sat outside on the deck and although it was a little warm, it was beautiful and so relaxing. We will definitely be coming back and can't wait to bring my family here.
(5)Charles H.
Was looking for any kind of seafood on the ICW, and my friend suggested this place. What I didn't know was that this place specializes in "real" crab cakes, which happen to be my favorite food! Immediately upon walking in, you get the impression that this is a "local" place and not too touristy. Sat out in the rear deck which was still sunny and blazing at 6:45 this July evening. The only upside us that you can keep an eye on the kids who delight in feeding the catfish from the deck. A couple of FL craft brews on tap in the $4 range. Started with some shrimp fritters, which were as good as any conch fritters I've ever had. Being a native Marylander, I am always suspicious of restaurants outside of DelMarVa who tout their crab cakes. Fortunately, my fears were not justified. Had the large crab cake on a green salad which was perfect and just how we make them in our family...almost zero bread or filler...yum!
(4)Shera B.
Southern restaurant Very causal On the intercoastal The prices have increased The best pumpkin bread They will bring you as much cornbread , rolls and pumpkin bread as you like . Great coconut shrimp and sauce A huge assortment of side dishes Most are very southern Known for their crabcakes but they are very light Good salads , great options and dressing The catfish is good as well I love the cheese grits Sometimes they have mac and cheese I heard their chocolate dessert is lifechanging ( I don't eat chocolate ) If you're in Ponte vedra , check it out !
(4)Tiffany C.
I wasn't impressed by the food. I ordered an Arnold Palmer. Arnold Palmer is a beverage consisting of iced tea and lemonade, named after American golfer Arnold Palmer: he was in the habit of drinking iced tea with lemonade at home, and in 1960 at the U.S. Open at the Cherry Hills Country Club in Denver, he ordered the non-alcoholic drink at the bar. The waitress asked if I wanted sweet tea & I said yes. She brought me an unsweet Arnold Palmer & I had to add Splenda. If I have to add a sweetener to tea, your preparer cannot make sweet tea. Period. I ordered the $25 Coastal Platter * Crab Cake, coconut or buttermilk battered fried shrimp, and fried fish fillet. I love seafood, especially fish. The fish is fried in a batter that produces a very crispy crust (reminded me of a box of Gorton's). It comes w/ 2 sides. I wanted fries & a side salad. The waitress told me the salad counts as two sides. When she brought it to the table I realized why, it's 2 servings. The salad was the bag stuff, which I don't mind as long as you give me a fresh bag. My salad was OK/average. Thumbs up for the fresh pumpkin bread it was tasty, the view of boats passing by, as this place sits on the Intercostal, & the very friendly & pleasant waitress. But I will not return I really did not enjoy my food. I ate it because it cost my Father $25.
(3)Jennifer M.
I want to thank everyone who posted about Barbara Jean's. We visited due to reviews and we loved it. We ate on the deck on the intercoastal. What a perfect view. After we ordered, we received the basket of bread. I should say I don't like pumpkin, never have. But then I had the pumpkin bread here, and yes I would come back just for that. We are coming back by on our way home from the Keys. I had the crab cakes, french fries, and dirty rice. The crab cake was perfectly browned on the outside and moist inside. This was the best crab cake I have eaten in forever. The fries were crisp and seasoned just right. My husband had the fried catfish, red beans and rice and fries. I had a taste of the red beans rice and they were cooked just right and the seasoning was on target. He said the catfish was perfectly cooked and the two fillers were huge. I am already looking forward to stopping in on our way home.
(5)Amy T.
They seated us and forgot us...we left. No happy hour specials...no anything very special. Hugely confusing menu.
(1)Lisa S.
Barbara Jeans is the best seafood I have had in a very long time. The she-crab soup is amazing and can be ordered as a side in place of the two vegetables. I would recommend getting it in addition to the sides since the vegetable selections are amazing. The shrimp and grits were delicious with a bit of spice, but our favorites were the crab cake, which is made entirely of crab and herbs without all that breading that most places add, and the hand-breaded coconut shrimp with a sweet and tangy dipping sauce. Even the breads, which include yeast rolls, pumpkin bread and jalapeno cornbread make it worth going out of the way for this gem. Located on the water, the deck is absolutely beautiful, but beware of insects at dusk. The server offered to move us inside when the mosquitos came out, but we did not want to give up the view. Service was great and the food was superb, we will definitely be back.
(5)Shea S.
I went back in July 2010 during my trip home to Florida, and the food was great, along with the prices. Will definitely go back the next time I'm back in Jacksonville.
(5)Andy L.
This place is really cool. It's right on the intracoastal. You can sit out on a deck and enjoy the view. The food is good and the waiters are very nice.
(3)Randall R.
Breakfast was wonderful. 4 stars. Service was the worst. 0 stars. No one pays attention or seems like they care. Mostly invisible.
(2)Jen B.
Terrible service that is all we didn't even have anyone take our order so we just left never again
(1)Terry N.
This is one the smaller food chains that is just an awesome idea. Both of the ones I visited were great!. The family atmosphere and food in the Ponte Vedra store is the best! Love the shrimp and grits. The view is amazing! Keep up the great work guys!
(5)Alex G.
Ok, so visiting my sister in Jacksonville I realized you have to drive 20+ minutes to get anywhere decent. Barbra Jeans was a bit of a drive but she told me it was the best seafood and down home cookin in the area so we packed the mini van full and headed on over. The outside deck on the water looked beautiful but since it was raining we took a large booth inside. Booths are very uncomfortable and make you sit in an odd upright position but the food and service made up for the comfortableness. Pumpkin bread!!!! When my sister said they serve the best complimentary pumpkin and corn bread I had no idea it would be out of this world fresh, hot and moist. I'd go back for the bread alone and even better she told me that they serve the pumpkin bread year round!! OMG! We had an order of onion rings to tide us over with the bread and they were yummy. I'm not a fan of heavy batter on my onion rings and these were light and flakey. Perfectly fried and battered in my opinion. For dinner 2 people at our table went for the Chicken fried steak and since they raved about it my husband jumped on the band wagon. They don't pound out the chicken breast to a thin piece like most joints so not only does the portion look huge but it was extra juicy since the large chicken kept all the juices when being fried. He loved it and I have to say I took a huge chunk when he was not looking. It was really really good! I had the 1/2 and 1/2 platter and I guess I read it wrong and thought I was only getting coconut shrimp and a crab cake. Holy Huge Platter! You get 4 large sweet and delicious coconut shrimp, one perfect crab cake (almost no filler, just pure crab) and a huge fried fish filet! I probably would not order again only due to the size and me being confused but everything was great and I have to say the squash casserole was to die for! Actually all the sides were amazing and they offer a 5 piece Veggie Sides dinner which I totally wanna get next time. Service was friendly and fast and now I can see why my sister makes the 30 minute drive in a mini van full of screaming kids to dine here. If Barbra Jeans was in South Florida it would be in heavy rotation on my go to list.
(4)Marilyn M.
Really, really enjoyed this place. Sits right on the coastal highway....really nice to look out & see the boats passing by. Food was excellent, cheesy soup & she-crab soup. Coconut shrimp, chicken fried chicken & T-bone steak. And our waiter Tyler made the whole thing a great dining experience. He was very polite & his knowledge of the menu was most helpful. If you go to Barbara Jeans it would be worth requesting Tyler to be your waiter. Best meal we've had in Jacksonville. Marilyn
(5)Megan R.
Food was amazing but don't go when they're transitioning from breakfast to lunch. Took us almost an 45 minutes to get out appetizer and about 20 minutes later our food came. Server didn't check up on us free we got our food and had to ask a food runner to get her to get our check and boxes. Love the food though so we will be bak to try again
(3)Debbi C.
The rating is for the atmosphere... Casual and relaxed. We sat outside and had dinner while dropping bread to the mullet and catfish. The food was good, not great. The service was good, not great. I had the meatloaf, a huge portion,Rice- tasted almost instant- tomatoes with no salt or pepper and really good key lime pie. My friend had turkey and dressing- ehhh- squash casserole (pretty good), green bean casserole (I didn't taste it) and mixed berry cobbler (ehhhh.) As I said, the atmosphere was good so we enjoyed it. The bathrooms were clean, but there were no paper towels in either dispensers. Great view. Great atmosphere. Enjoyable evening.
(3)Bill K.
Walked in and were seated at 6:45 P.M. on a not to busy Sunday evening, at 7:05 P.M I had to ask the hostess while she was seating another couple at a booth near us if anybody was working our area tonight, because as of yet we hadn't had anyone come by and get our drink order. Within 30 seconds we had a server taking our drink and meal order. From there on the service and the meal were exceptional. Due to the somewhat slow start I am deducting a star from the usually good rating.
(3)Daisy D.
I would say Barbara Jean's is really more like 2.5 stars - maybe even 3 on some occasions, but the expression "Meh, I've experienced better" really does fit how I feel about it currently. Went here with the in-laws the first night they were in town to take in the view and have a nice relaxing dinner. It was a Wednesday night, so we didn't have to wait very long to get a table. We had a nice table outside, and while the warm weather was pleasant, the sun beating down on us, not so much. The porch at Lulu's with their fans would be a much better option in the upcoming months. For dinner I ordered the fried buttermilk shrimp with white cheddar cheese grits & the veggie of the day - grilled zucchini. The fried shrimp were good, but nothing out of this world. The grits and zucchini were tasty. Barbara Jean's overall isn't a bad place to go, but I pass so many other options I would rather go to on my way that it's not very often that we'll end up here.
(2)Steve G.
I just had an amazing dinner at Barbara Jeans! I was very happily surprised. We sat outside over looking the river. The weather was amazing, and the views is incredible. So relaxing. Especially sipping on of the many draft beer choices. We all started with the She-Crab soup. It was very, very good. Loads of crab, with just a little kick. The bread they serve is awesome. I really loved the jalapeno corn bread. For my entree I had the blackened tuna steak.... and the portion was *HUGE*!! I couldn't even finish it. Seriously! And it was cooked perfectly to order. I also had the "dirty rice" which is a dish by itself, and the cole slaw. My daughter had the shrimp and grits... which again, was another huge serving. They add sausage to the dish for a little extra kick. My wife had a combo seafood platter with coconut shrimp, fried fish, and a crab cake... all amazing! And for dessert... yes we saved a little room.... we had the mixed berry cobbler. I was homemade and so good. Only complaint... it needed vanilla ice cream (which they do not have). I was a really nice dinner, great atmosphere, and we had wonderful service. I can't wait to go back.
(5)CJ S.
I was born and raised on fresh seafood, and dining at great places all over from fancy razzle dazzle 5 star establishments to hole in the walls. I have consumed many crab cakes and am a connoisseur. Barbara Jeans is by far my favorite for crab cakes. They are lump crab cakes with very little filler and perfect seasoning and are not greasy. If you want an amazing crab cake, dine here. This does not exclude other great menu items. My favorites are: She Crab Soup (creamy and delicious), their delicious coconut shrimp, their onion rings (in my opinion an underrated item and they are some of the best), the squash casserole which is unlike any that I have been able to replicate and the Chocolate Stuff which is a type of cobbler. It is so full of rich chocolate that it is encouraged that you share it, even for a chocoholic like me. I usually buy one for each of us and we have left overs. They also serve delicious pumpkin, corn and carrot bread with all meals. I strongly encourage any lovers of seafood to try this place. The food is great. You will love it. Just make sure to work out extra after your dining experience :)
(5)Paul H.
I am sorry this review is about a month late. We went to Barbra Jeans on a Saturday. It was in that week that we had that freakish weather of low to mid seventies with low humidity with a nice breeze blowing. The weather was simple gorgeous and we wanted to be outside. We were lucky to sit outside, as most people that day were asking for the same. The outside was filled to capacity but it was not loud. The view is nice because of the passing boats and being on the water. That is about all I am going to say nice about this place. The décor of the place is that old style seafood place style. I started with the appetizer of Coconut Shrimp which were overcooked and honestly reminded me of a low quality store bought frozen food variety. For my lunch I had a fish sandwich. I will say the fish reminded me of the stuff you got in grade school. I was so disappointed at the product offered by supposedly a local seafood restaurant. It was an overcooked tasteless uninspired waste of a fish's life. Another person at the table ordered the lunch size coconut shrimp plate. It was overcooked but not as bad as the appetizer but it had the same low quality taste. There was also a crab cake plate which I tried. I will put in a warning at this point. I am biased because I grew up on the St John's River and we caught fresh crab and shrimp regularly. My father's family was from Baltimore and we have old family crab cake recipes for lump crab style crab cakes. So I have a particular type of crab cake style that I like. Needless to say this was not even close. But like I said I am biased. So I will move along. Overall Barbra Jeans seemed like one of those crap tourist places in a place like Daytona Beach, Panama City or insert any junky beach tourist place of your choice. I truly hope if you go here you have better food than I did on this beautiful day. Happy Dining.
(2)C J.
Everything on the menu is tasty. I always go big with 2 7oz crab cakes but thoroughly enjoy the fried chicken starter or entree. Tonight's cauliflower casserole was amazing and trumped my usual choice of squash casserole. The bread basket has pumpkin and corn bread along with fluffy dinner rolls --which we always divy up but ask for more. The coconut fried shrimp deliver tasty satisfaction too!
(5)Emilie B.
First - a nice night on the deck in the corner table is WONDERFUL. Boats coming and going, we even got mooned by some cheeky water skiers. Classic. The service was pleasant, but a bit slow. Enough about atmosphere - FOOD. The basket of mixed breads was SO GOOD. I had the fried catfish, squash casserole, and ambrosia salad. All were good. The catfish was thick and juicy and cooked just right. the casserole was very squashy - which I liked. Sometimes Squash casserole is almost a cheese soup. This one was not. It was light and tasty. The ambrosia was a blast from the past. My daughters got mixed results. One had a cup of the potato soup, which was too salty for my tastes - but the kid liked it. The other daughter got the kids shrimp dinner with mashed potato and green beans. The shrimp was good and the green beans looked cooked just right, but the price for a kids meal seemed too high for what it was. The "chocolate stuff" dessert was way rich. Glad we got the CUP not the BOWL. A cup was too much for three of us.
(4)Mike K.
Great tasting crab cakes. Salad had brown lettuce though. Place needs some work on quality. Beer was cold. Scenery was awesome. Not sure I would come back because of the salad. How could they have served brown lettuce?
(2)Joe P.
Great casual seafood joint on the river. I usually don't order crab cakes but it's a must if you go there. Nice atmosphere and good service.
(4)Colby S.
I love this place so much... Traditional southern cooking and seafood at its finest. Don't expect to get a healthy meal--that's not what they do--but the food will be good quality and tastes great! A lot of variety to choose from too. Great prices! Also, the bread they serve with the meal is outstanding. Carrot bread, jalapeño corn bread, and yeast rolls. An awesome combination. If you appreciate southern, American cooking, you won't be disappointed.
(5)Shelley M.
My whole family loves Barbara Jeans! The crab cakes are the best I've tasted outside of Maryland. We enjoy sitting outside or by the window in one of their extra large booths, and letting the kids watch the boats as they go by. The fresh bread basket is awesome. My favorite is the pumpkin bread, and they are always happy to bring extra whenever we ask. My husband enjoys the catfish, and the kids love the pot roast or the turkey with dressing. The kids' meals are a good value, and include a drink. I always bring out-of-town guests here when they visit. It is one of our favorite places.
(4)Tom C.
I like the combination of country cooking, fresh fried seafood and the view of the Intracoastal Waterway from the large deck. The service is always fast and friendly and the crabcakes are a real treat with lots of fresh crab and almost no binder to speak of. One of the places I miss since we left Jacksonville.
(4)Chris G.
We like coming here to change things up a bit. The view of the intercoastal is nice and the kids like to feed the fish on the deck. Their pumpkin bread and cornbread are awesome and the service is friendly. They are known for their generous crab cakes which are delicious. We always enjoy their fried shrimp as well. Just a good all around place to eat with friends off the beaten path.
(3)Karen R.
Ended up here when the place up the road was full....wonder why more people don't just come on here as their first choice rather than making it the second choice. When in Jax, always go for fresh fried flounder. But this place is KNOWN for it's crab so when in Rome. She Crab Soup the best I have ever had.... really. Creamy, just the right amount of kick to it. Crab Cakes literally were mounds of crab with just enough breading to make it form a circle. Really wonderful. Good selection of other foods from fresh fish, sandwiches and salads. I definitely recommend sitting out on the deck. Very pleasant.
(4)K Y.
I was told I was going to have the BEST CRAB CAKE EVER. It definitely was up there in the ranking but not the best. Very casual dining and while its on the intercoastal, there is not much to see and it becomes a mosquito haven after 7pm. Short wine list features basic wine choices to wash down your meal. One cool thing is the choice of two sides with your meal. The list of choices are good- at least ten to choose from.
(3)Sarah T.
You'll be served with a basket of wheat rolls, jalapeno corn bread, and pumpkin bread. I would come back here for the pumpkin bread alone! Very yummy, moist, and not heavy. (P.S.: Our server asked which of the 3 we wanted, which I thought was nice). I ordered the she-crab soup, he ordered the cheesy potato soup. Both were very good (although I found the potato soup a little too salty). I ordered the shrimp n grits. They make theirs quite different than what I'm accustomed to, but I liked it alot. It had a good amount of andouille sausage. It comes with a good bit of "broth" in it, which has a tangy flavor to it. Also has bell peppers; and the shrimp is seasoned with what seems to be a cajun spice (it's red). All these ingredients makes for a VERY savory dish. The grits itself was creamy. Boyfriend ordered the pot roast, which he loved. (He did say it was on the salty side, but he liked it that way). We were lucky to have perfect weather yesterday. We sat at the deck. The view of the intercoastal was beautiful. 4 stars for the pumpkin bread, she-crab soup, and pot roast.
(4)Mona L.
My husband and I have been eating here for years, and it is my favorite restaurant. The food is delicious and the lump crab cakes are incredible. I love being able to get cabbage there, too, and the cabbage is great - as well as the other vegetables. Love, love, love Barbara Jeans!
(5)Wendell B.
We were so excited to find a branch of our favorite St. Simon's Island restaurant here in Ponte Vedra! We traveled over to Ward's Landing, and were immediately seated at 5:00 p.m. and then were greeted by our delightful server, Maya. We both had our standard Blue Moon drafts, with the required orange slice, and next settled into the two appetizers we ordered: the shrimp fritters, hot and delicious (like shrimp hush puppies,) and the famous BJ's crab cake. I have had crab cakes all over the country--none can compare to Barbara Jean's. 100 % lump crab meat and seasonings--no filler. Mouth watering as I type this. Do not go to BJ's without trying this famous crab cake, and BJ's can ship them anywhere! It is hard for me to enjoy crab cakes anywhere else now that BJ's has set the standard for the best. Then I had the scallop special, which were very lightly breaded baby scallops mixed with scallions and bacon over rice, with my two sides: broccoli and rice casserole and the creamiest cheese grits I have ever tasted. These were served with a bread basket containing two slices of cornbread, two slides of pumpkin bread and a delicious yeast roll--most of that went home with me for breakfast the next day. My wife had her favorite coconut shrimp with creamed spinach and wonderful glazed carrots. We chose to sit inside, gazing out over the dock and the intracoastal waterway, a charming setting for an amazing meal. It just doesn't get any better than Barbara Jean's. By the way, the servers t-shirts say that BJ's is in three states, but the Charleston location closed the first of the year, so the three locations now are Amelia Island and Ponte Vedra, FL and St. Simon's Island, GA. The dining room was getting packed as we were leaving, with a hard-working staff of attractive young people doing their best to make everyone have a great experience. Don't miss it!
(5)Bryan W.
One of my favorite spots to eat outside on the intercoastal water way. It is a very relaxing atmosphere. I have eaten the crab cakes here a couple of times and they are really good. No cheap fillers, which is a plus. The ambrosia salad here is to die for! Make sure you order it! I also have had shrimp every way possible here, and have always been pleased. I have heard the pot roast here is very good, so I will try that next time!
(4)Carl B.
Very friendly to Gluten-free needs - features a GF menu Service great- food slightly above average at good price point - nice mix of seafood (crab cakes amazing - but not GF!) and down-home cooking A little tight in restaurant area - deck amazing though - great for families!
(4)Harold A.
Great lunch. Grilled catfish sandwich and stewed tomatoes delicious. The weather was wonderful so we ate on the deck.
(4)Trey G.
Barbara Jean's is best known for its crab cakes and great seafood. This is rightly so, however don't leave the southern items out of your rotation if you do go. The pork chops are especially excellent. I usually get the She Crab Soup, a cream-based, chowder-like soup (but not a chowder)which is excellent. The prices are middle-of-the road for that type of place (two can get out for around $35 with tip, no alcohol, but there are some larger platters that will run $20 apiece, so pay attention). If you opt for a larger, more expensive platter, be prepared to eat a ton of food. You get your money's worth in that department. You can either sit inside or outside on the deck overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway, which is nice when the weather is good (but, then again, this is Florida where the weather is usually good anyway). It can be a little crowded and loud on the inside (it is a little small) and it should be noted that they will not seat parties unless everyone is present, but that's a small price to pay. By the way, they are real serious about that last part. Everyone friggin' has to be there (which sucks when parties are in separate vehicles or whatnot) and that alone is why I gave it a 3- instead of a 4-star rating (the food's just that good). Definitely try it if you haven't.
(3)Jenn S.
my sister clued me in on barbara jeans & I fell in love. crabcakes & pumpkin bread. omg, to die for. their sides are awesome too!! the view of the intracoastal is gorgeous. I think the more old people at restaurants, the better the restaurant is. I swear old peoples know great food.
(4)Jay L.
Hmm, there was a month back like a few months ago that I had everyone telling me to, "Go to Barbara Jean's and have a crabcake." Seriously, it was like 3 people all in a week. So, when my buddy Mike came to visit from Cali, me, him and the Glabella went out for some Soutnern seafood. They start you with some bread in a basket that includes pumpkin bread, corn bread on something else. Those are all pretty good. Of course, I had the crabcake (a small one as an appetizer) and the grouper. It was pretty good. I don't think I need to have it again though. It was all crab meat, crunchy on the outside and moist on the inside. I think , probably, if you like crab, these things are pretty good. I'm not a huge crab lover. The Glabella's fried shrimp were pretty good (but these things are hard to mess up). I'd say third or fourth best in this area. Singleton's Seafood Shack (dupmier) and the Blue Crab House (about the same as Barbara Jean's) are superior joints for this kind of food in Jax. They have a nice deck looking out over the river which is good on a nice day. Watch the bees though. Oh yeah, I thought the prices a little high for NE Florida in this kind of place.
(3)A B.
1) On our first visit, we were really smittin' with this place. The weather was amazing, there were plenty of boats out and it was fun to feed the fish from our table. The service was fantastic and we enjoyed our meal. The coconut shrimp were particularly awesome. 4 stars 2) So happy to have found the restaurant, I took a friend. It was chilly outside, so we sat inside. My meal was fine, my sides were (brrrrh) cold but the waitress was accommodating. My friend's food was okay and her green beans were hard - not typical southern fare. The coconut shrimp were hard, cold, and dark brown. Really? 2.5 stars 3) Gave them another try (everyone can have a bad day) and this time we took the whole family - we were excited for everyone to try it. (6 people, not 16) Blech!!!!!!!... and we were pretty sad to have taken the whole crew there... and a little embarrassed, too. The soup was good, the bread was good (although it lost its luster after the third try), and the beer was good. The caesar salad was just huge hunks of Romaine with sauce slapped on and undressed croutons, the chicken was soggy, the red beans were bland/tasteless and the dirty rice was shrimpless, and basically had hunks of burnt chicken leftover from yesterday's preparations - it was also cold and dry. The service was SLOW and inattentive. One of the waitresses (not ours) was down right rude. (Move on and find some happiness for goodness sakes.) Considering the $$$ check, we were incredibly disappointed. 1.4 stars The next time we'll be back is when we want to have an ice-cold beer on a hot sunny day. For food, we'll go somewhere else.
(1)Ebk B.
I have tried Barbara Jean's and LuLu's. Like them both. Barbara Jeans has a bit better flavor to the food and better portions. The drinks are better.
(4)Karyn L.
Yes, the plates look like cafeteria plates. But that's where the cafeteria references end. Gorgeous view and outdoor deck right on the intercoastal. Seriously good comfort food. I had Catfish with sides of squash casserole and cheese grits and I was in heaven.
(4)Jerry S.
Wonderful, casual, southern-style food restaurant. We really enjoyed it on our last vacation. We liked it so much we went twice! The pumpkin bread is exceptional. The crab cakes are very good and so is the catfish. If you are not a seafood fan, try the traditional items such as meatloaf, baked chicken, etc. Or, do the "all sides" meal and order 4-5 sides for your meal. My son did it and enjoyed the variety! Waitstaff was good and we tried to stay away from the rush hour so, it wasn't crazy busy.
(4)Matt W.
The food and service were outstanding. The grilled catfish had a very tasty spice and a little heat. We had pumpkin bread pudding for dessert and everyone thought it was unusually delicious. Our waiter was attentive and courteous. Jay, the manager checked on us several times. This is a very well managed restaurant in a beautiful setting. The restroom was clean, well stocked, and smelled good.
(5)Holly H.
I went here with my husband and in-laws just yesterday. The place is nice and definitely has a large following based in how packed it was. Our service was a bit slow in my opinion, but they were super busy at first, but since we didn't get there until after 1, they were basically empty about mid way through our meal and I think the service actually slowed down more at that point. The wheat role were nice and fluffy and soft, the pumpkin bread was good, and the jalopeno cornbread was ok. If you didn't get a bite of jalopeno which eat bite, it was WAY too sweet for me. At one point I realized it was almost more angel food cake-ish than cornbread. My BJ's Blue salad was very good, though piled on a small plate, so difficult to eat. My husband and mother-in-law liked the she crab soup. I ordered the pot roast. It was WAY too salty for me. Everyone agreed the crab cakes were good, but nothing special. We got the chocolate stuff for dessert, which a bowl of it is huge! It was pretty good if you really like chocolate. I wasn't a huge fan of the whipped cream, it was too sweet for me, but I don't eat a lot of sugar, so that might just be me! Over all it was okay, but we weren't wowed by it. We probably won't go back.
(3)D. V.
The crab cake I just ate was the best I've even !!!!! Soooo good !!
(5)Devon O.
A restaurant for families with antsy children when the grownups want to sit in (relative) peace for a hot second. After wolfing down their first (allowed) piece of pumpkin cornbread, the children will likely be fighting over the remainder of the bread basket to toss over the back deck to the roiling frenzy of catfish below. There are also boats that zip through the waterway and that's pretty cool, too. Like most kid-friendly places, the food is so whatever that expecting it to be good is unfair. I had grilled salmon that was almost wooden in its dryness. My bf had crabcakes which were golden and dense-looking from the outside but practically deflated when bitten into. Casseroles are doled out in cafeteria-style scoops into cafeteria-style melmac bowls, oozing the appropriate amount of butter but lacking in the depth of flavor that good casseroles should have. The rice was the best part, tasting like it had been simmered in chicken stock and doing its best to lend some moisture to its parched seafood counterpart. It was all fine, fine, fine. Service was the same: nothing great. A little slow, a little weird, a little stilted. But nothing to really bitch about. The most important thing, and the thing that grownups will sacrifice (nearly) all else for: content children. In that regard, Barbara Jean's gets five glowing stars. It's a beach time staple, one that we acquiesce to with full knowledge of what to expect.
(3)Matthew B.
Some people I know love this place, it's good, but I don't know just not my thing I guess.
(3)Mark M.
Usually the bread at the beginning of the meal is OK, then the meal goes down hill from there. Tastes like old-folks cafeteria food. Too pricey as well. The view on the water is nice, though. If you want to eat outside on a nice day it might be worth a try. If you want some tasty seafood, continue north on Roscoe to the Fish Camp.
(2)Megan B.
Barbara Jeans is an absolute Palm Valley gem. My mouth is watering just THINKING about their crab cakes, which they are known for! I always end up getting some variation of the same meal because I just can't say no to all that goodness. My first favorite aspect of Barbara Jeans is the bread. Honey wheat, jalepeno corn bread, and PUMPKIN bread! All warm, of course. And so, so delicious. Then, you have to try the She Crab Soup if you are even remotely into a cream based seafood bisque. It's chunky and has a kick. Oh maaan. I think i need to go get a BOWL right now! Next: a crab cake. I don't care if its on a salad, in a sandwich or just by itself with some sides. GET IT! I order crab cakes often and this is one of the best. And lastly: the "chocolate stuff". Even Babs doesn't even know what to call it! It's a brownie but not. It's warm, gooey, and chocolatey AND THEN topped with amazing homemade whipped cream. And, on top of it all, its right on the intracoastal. Go in the evening, enjoy the sunset and some of the best food around. How can you not? *side personal disappointment: no hush puppies.
(5)Kimber L.
I've been here three times and left happy each time. One time we did have very slow service but they were slammed, so I'll let them off the hook. Veggies are always good here. The bread is fantastic. Chocolate stuff is great:))) I would like to see them update the decore a bit and reupholster the booths - but hey I'm there for the food so no biggie
(3)laurie s.
We love to eat outside and let the kids drop crumbs for the fish in the intracoastal. They will prepare fish as a kids' menu option; wish more restaurants in the area did that! Fries are always worth eating, crab cakes are the best I've had (outside of one restaurant in Maryland) though the occasional piece of shell is in them. Our guests Have probably tried every menu item over the years, and we keep going back because the food is reliably good and good size portions.
(4)Samone L.
Ok I loved this place! I had some scallops they seemed to melt in my mouth. I am a big foodie and I must say it was great, I enjoyed the squash casserole and the shrimp & grits which my friend has looked wonderful. Its not formal more down home& simple setting, from the outside one wouldn't expect good food but looks are deceiving. A must try.
(4)Colin C.
Barbra Jeans fits the 'Inter-coastal Seafood Restaurant' genre pretty well. As mentioned in other reviews, the pumpkin and jalapeño cheese bread is a nice treat. Standard salads, some sandwiches, and a couple varieties of seafood platters. The fish served is only salmon, catfish, cod, and tuna. Platters can included a selection of afrementioned fish, 6 shrimp, crab-cake(s), or an 8oz NY Strip steak. Meals come with two sides chosen from an extensive list of vegetables. The aspect of this restaurant which breaks it out would be its degree of class. Looking very well kept on the interior and very clean and tidy on the back patio, Barbra Jeans has a mature feel to it. I had a 'Half and Half' platter of one crab cake, 6 grilled shrimp (seasoned), and fries and cooked carrots. $19.99, very filling, and great quality. My wife and I will be going back again for sure.
(4)Cassy C.
I finally went here after hearing my parents rave about it for years. They always talked about how amazing it is, so I had high expectations. First thing, the view is great, and being able to eat on the deck overlooking the Intracoastal is a big bonus. I was disappointed looking at the menu though - almost every bit of seafood you could get was fried. There were very few other options, which, again, was disappointing. For a restaurant that's supposed to have such amazing food, 75% of it shouldn't be fried. I had the she-crab soup and a crab cake, both of which I was assured would be the "best EVER". Not so. They are both good, but not as good as I had been led to believe. The waitress said the cooks could grill some of the seafood for me, which was nice. I had grilled shrimp and cod. Again, both good, but not amazing. For dessert, we had the chocolate stuff (actual dessert name), and now THAT was incredible. I can't even describe it, but it was definitely the best thing we had there. All in all, Barbara Jean's was a bit of a letdown. What made it especially disappointing was the price - for as much as the food costs, I would have thought it would have been better. Decent food, great views, WAY overpriced.
(3)Marc K.
a very good casual place, something for everyone, you probably won't be disappointed
(4)Max J.
I have to say that I am not a fan of Barbra Jeans. Sure their locations are great (usually on the intercostal waterway or someplace where you can sit outside and enjoy the view if its not too hot). But even the view can't make up for the food. The shrimp are mediocre, the famous "she-crab" soup is decent and the pumpkin bread is good. Notice that all the reviewers comment how great the pumpkin bread is. If a crab places main draw is their bread, they must not do crab very well. Its just a mass produced fish/crab joint. If that's what your looking for then this should be on your list; but in my opinion your better going to one of the local places that aren't too far from any Barbra Jeans locations. One star because I don't see any excuse for cheap seafood when you are so close to the beach.
(1)Tim J.
Barbara Jean's is one of those places we take family when they visit from out of town. It has a fantastic location, I almost never have to wait, and I love the food. Some of my favorites include their pumpkin bread, among the top 3 crab cakes I've ever had, seared tuna (either as a sandwich or alone -- both are yummy), and the best country-fried steak and/or chicken. I also really like that I can get sides that aren't the typical "baked potato or veggie of the day." Some off-beat options include greens, mac and cheese, baked sweet potato, and grits. One bit of advice, though -- avoid outdoor seating unless it's one of those "perfect" Florida days. Often, it's just too hot to sit outside. Also, if you're there in the evening, the setting sun will nearly blind you on the deck. The outdoor area is a great place to watch boats, see a couple dolphin or manatee, and grab a drink while you wait for your table or let dinner settle.
(4)Alyssa S.
This place is pretty close to perfection. Great place to go with a group, and especially good for travelers passing through town and looking for some local flavor. Casual atmosphere, with an outdoor patio right on the river. My mom and I, who were wearing capris and sandals, did end up with mosquito bites on our legs and feet, but my dad and bro who were wearing pants and real shoes were left alone by the bugs. The food was outstanding. The meal started off with a basket of fresh pumpkin bread, jalapeno corn bread, and fluffy rolls. It was a refreshing departure from the standard restaurant breads. The only entree I tried was the crabcake, which was all meat, very little spice, and no filler. It was delicious, although I would have appreciated a little Old Bay in the mix for a Maryland style crabcake. The most fun part of eating here was choosing which sides to get with my entree. There were about 15 of them to choose from, including squash or broccoli casserole, ambrosia, mashed potatoes, stewed tomatoes, corn, etc... I finally went with the broccoli casserole and the ambrosia since those are two items you don't see on menus on the west coast, ever. I wasn't disappointed. Both dishes made me nostalgic for home cooking that I never actually had at home but wish I did. I also tried some of my bro's mashed potatoes, which were perfectly balanced and hopping with flavor. The only downside was that I was too stuffed after all that delicious food to try the desserts - which included bread pudding, cobbler, and a chocolate brownie-ish thing. If I ever make it back here, I might just skip dinner and order all 3 desserts.
(5)Ed J.
Another great meal. Sam ll Salado salad and chicken fried chicken. Umm. Wife had dinner Salado salad with crab cake, her favorite.
(4)Laurie D.
Barbara Jean's is located on the intracoastal watereway that overlooks D-dot ranch. I went for Brunch, which is my favorite meal of any weekend. We got a table on the dock overlooking the water. Luckily, they have placed the tables under ceiling fans, so the heat wasn't unbearable. I had the seafood omelet, which had shrimp, scallops, and carrots. The menu stated that it would have shrimp, crab, tomatos, and onion, but it was still pretty good. The omelet came with some okay home fries and homemade cornbread. My friend managed to finagle some pumpkin break as we left. (They only serve it a lunch and dinner). In my opinion, the pumpkin bread is not bread, but rather a cake. It really reminds me of carrot cake. I'm glad I had the pumpkin "bread" at the end of my meal, because it was a nice light and sweet ending to brunch.
(3)Mary P.
Great way to end my weekend visiting family in Ponte Vedra. Great location...right by the water and plenty of outside seating. Food was great...had the crabcakes...mmmm delicious. The complimentary pumpkin and cornbread was a great addition to the meal.
(5)T S.
Fish was good, they offer anything on the menu in kids portions. Great local right on the water. Definitely would go again. Pumpkin bread was really good.
(3)Jessica D.
The "she-crab soup" is the most famous dish on the menu, and it's definitely a treat. I also like the crab cakes and the tuna (served rare, of course). The sides are yummy, too, especially the broccoli casserole. And of course the corn bread and pumpkin bread, which they serve in large warm batches! The food is really good, but I think it's a little overpriced. The ambiance is casual, with indoor booths and outdoor deck seating.
(4)Patrick D.
Quality "comfort" food at reasonable prices. Not the fastest wait staff but the food arrived quickly once ordered.
(3)Natalie B.
I won't lie--the bread basket was my favorite part of the meal! Amazing pumpkin bread, cornbread and rolls. Yay Carbs! The crabcakes were very good, but honestly, my husband's are the best! We sat outside and it was a beautiful and natural North Florida scene. Looking forward to going again--especially for the bread!
(4)Shera B.
Southern restaurant Very causal On the intercoastal The prices have increased The best pumpkin bread They will bring you as much cornbread , rolls and pumpkin bread as you like . Great coconut shrimp and sauce A huge assortment of side dishes Most are very southern Known for their crabcakes but they are very light Good salads , great options and dressing The catfish is good as well I love the cheese grits Sometimes they have mac and cheese I heard their chocolate dessert is lifechanging ( I don't eat chocolate ) If you're in Ponte vedra , check it out !
(4)Alex G.
Ok, so visiting my sister in Jacksonville I realized you have to drive 20+ minutes to get anywhere decent. Barbra Jeans was a bit of a drive but she told me it was the best seafood and down home cookin in the area so we packed the mini van full and headed on over. The outside deck on the water looked beautiful but since it was raining we took a large booth inside. Booths are very uncomfortable and make you sit in an odd upright position but the food and service made up for the comfortableness. Pumpkin bread!!!! When my sister said they serve the best complimentary pumpkin and corn bread I had no idea it would be out of this world fresh, hot and moist. I'd go back for the bread alone and even better she told me that they serve the pumpkin bread year round!! OMG! We had an order of onion rings to tide us over with the bread and they were yummy. I'm not a fan of heavy batter on my onion rings and these were light and flakey. Perfectly fried and battered in my opinion. For dinner 2 people at our table went for the Chicken fried steak and since they raved about it my husband jumped on the band wagon. They don't pound out the chicken breast to a thin piece like most joints so not only does the portion look huge but it was extra juicy since the large chicken kept all the juices when being fried. He loved it and I have to say I took a huge chunk when he was not looking. It was really really good! I had the 1/2 and 1/2 platter and I guess I read it wrong and thought I was only getting coconut shrimp and a crab cake. Holy Huge Platter! You get 4 large sweet and delicious coconut shrimp, one perfect crab cake (almost no filler, just pure crab) and a huge fried fish filet! I probably would not order again only due to the size and me being confused but everything was great and I have to say the squash casserole was to die for! Actually all the sides were amazing and they offer a 5 piece Veggie Sides dinner which I totally wanna get next time. Service was friendly and fast and now I can see why my sister makes the 30 minute drive in a mini van full of screaming kids to dine here. If Barbra Jeans was in South Florida it would be in heavy rotation on my go to list.
(4)Mike K.
Great tasting crab cakes. Salad had brown lettuce though. Place needs some work on quality. Beer was cold. Scenery was awesome. Not sure I would come back because of the salad. How could they have served brown lettuce?
(2)Joe P.
Great casual seafood joint on the river. I usually don't order crab cakes but it's a must if you go there. Nice atmosphere and good service.
(4)Tiffany C.
I wasn't impressed by the food. I ordered an Arnold Palmer. Arnold Palmer is a beverage consisting of iced tea and lemonade, named after American golfer Arnold Palmer: he was in the habit of drinking iced tea with lemonade at home, and in 1960 at the U.S. Open at the Cherry Hills Country Club in Denver, he ordered the non-alcoholic drink at the bar. The waitress asked if I wanted sweet tea & I said yes. She brought me an unsweet Arnold Palmer & I had to add Splenda. If I have to add a sweetener to tea, your preparer cannot make sweet tea. Period. I ordered the $25 Coastal Platter * Crab Cake, coconut or buttermilk battered fried shrimp, and fried fish fillet. I love seafood, especially fish. The fish is fried in a batter that produces a very crispy crust (reminded me of a box of Gorton's). It comes w/ 2 sides. I wanted fries & a side salad. The waitress told me the salad counts as two sides. When she brought it to the table I realized why, it's 2 servings. The salad was the bag stuff, which I don't mind as long as you give me a fresh bag. My salad was OK/average. Thumbs up for the fresh pumpkin bread it was tasty, the view of boats passing by, as this place sits on the Intercostal, & the very friendly & pleasant waitress. But I will not return I really did not enjoy my food. I ate it because it cost my Father $25.
(3)Randall R.
Breakfast was wonderful. 4 stars. Service was the worst. 0 stars. No one pays attention or seems like they care. Mostly invisible.
(2)Jen B.
Terrible service that is all we didn't even have anyone take our order so we just left never again
(1)Steve T.
Pretty good seafood. Not the best I've ever had, but pretty good. Pumpkin bread and jalapeno cornbread were positively scrumptious. Coconut shrimp + marmalade was a surprisingly delicious combination. Fried cod was spot on and piping hot. Crab cake was not the best I've ever had (could have been more flavorful and moist), but certainly acceptable. Generous portions. Reasonable price for the location. GREAT view of the intracoastal. Patio seems like an amazing place to eat when it's not raining. Overall, a solid option. We'll definitely be back.
(4)Kiersten W.
It makes me really sad to write this review for a classic Ponte Vedra restaurant. I came in for lunch and ordered a burger on a pretzel roll. I was asked how I wanted my burger cooked, but it didn't even matter because the frozen patty was burnt to a crisp. Honestly, it tasted like a freezer burnt patty that was burnt on a grill in an attempt to revive it. The meat was so dry and crumbly. The roll was alright. Nothing special. Didn't really taste like a pretzel roll to me. I should of sent my food back because it wasn't good at all. Had a margarita though, that was very good! The place could use a little bit of a face lift too. I understand it's an older restaurant but the furniture and table cloths seemed very old and had seen a lot of meals. Honestly, if they just fixed the food here, the place would probably see more customers. It's ridiculous to charge so much money for a meal that's been clearly pulled out of a freezer and has no flavor.
(2)Marina S.
This is our first visit and we couldn't be more leased. The food was fantastic as well as the basket with assorted breads. The service is great, everyone has been very friendly and helpful. The restaurant is casual but so relaxing, we sat outside on the deck and although it was a little warm, it was beautiful and so relaxing. We will definitely be coming back and can't wait to bring my family here.
(5)Charles H.
Was looking for any kind of seafood on the ICW, and my friend suggested this place. What I didn't know was that this place specializes in "real" crab cakes, which happen to be my favorite food! Immediately upon walking in, you get the impression that this is a "local" place and not too touristy. Sat out in the rear deck which was still sunny and blazing at 6:45 this July evening. The only upside us that you can keep an eye on the kids who delight in feeding the catfish from the deck. A couple of FL craft brews on tap in the $4 range. Started with some shrimp fritters, which were as good as any conch fritters I've ever had. Being a native Marylander, I am always suspicious of restaurants outside of DelMarVa who tout their crab cakes. Fortunately, my fears were not justified. Had the large crab cake on a green salad which was perfect and just how we make them in our family...almost zero bread or filler...yum!
(4)