Had an interesting dinner at Pusser's. Interesting in that Pusser's can't seem to decide what type of establishment it wants to be. On the one hand the furnishings inside are richly decorated and feature carved wood in the bar. On the other hand the servers all wear shorts and island shirts. There is outdoor seating below which seems suitable for families, and outdoor seating above with live entertainment, a bar, and big screen tv. So, is it a fancy restaurant, casual restaurant, or a fancy bar with good food? I'm not sure, and I don't think Pusser is either. The good: taste For dinner my table had grouper over linguine, glazed salmon, and the shepherd's pie. The two that ate the shepherd's pie enjoyed it. The salmon was more than adequate and lacked that fishy salmon taste you get with cheaper salmon too often, and the grouper was quite good. The crab cake tasted good, but fell apart. For comparison, I think Bonefish Grill has the best crab cakes in this area. Both the garden salad with blue cheese dressing and tropical salad* were good. The bad: service/timing A couple of things I'll blame on our server. She kept forgetting things like drinks we ordered at different times, and was slow enough getting back to our table that my friends started ordering in advance what they thought we might want later. It didn't help as we never got our second round of drinks. The real annoyance I'll assume she wasn't responsible for is the timing of each course. We sat at the table for a long time without bread, the drinks we ordered, our salads, nor the appetizer. Our salads came out followed two minutes later by our entree, then considerably later by the appetizer. Which our server claimed she had sent back because she thought it looked burnt. Conclusion: Next time I'll try the burger, or just get appetizers and island drinks. * May have gone by a different name. I didn't order it, and don't see it on the online menu.
(2)
C A.
Great outdoor place for happy hour. Not a spot for a good meal.
(3)
Karen R.
Best place for an outdoor deck overlooking a retention pond and fountain. Great happy hour. Great selection of food and tasty. Named for the Pusser's rum from the islands. Valet parking available complimentary. Always busy it seems, but can handle the crowds.
(4)
Genevieve L.
Surprised this place got four stars. Even with a reservation hostess seated two walk in groups ahead of us. Had to "remind" her we were there twice. As for the drinks. ..Painkiller was nothing too special even though Pussers seems to think so. They have signs everywhere even list it on their after dinner drinks menu. I had the number 3. Not even sure if any rum was even in there. Food..meh. oysters were good. Mahi way overcooked. Servers hadn't a clue about the dishes. When I asked where the oysters were from she said local, then new zealand. It turns out they were from Louisiana.. The server also didn't know the type of fish in the pasta dish...shrip, scallops and fish. Never found out what kind of fish went with the pad thai instead. That was good. Spouse's grilled Mahi Mahi was overcooked. Tasted bleh. Even dessert was meh. Brownie tasted stale. For the money we should have gone to Ruths Chris instead
(2)
Scott L.
Went here for a Mother's Day brunch. On this, I had already expected a large crowd and on top of that the Tournament Players Championship was right around the corner. To my surprise, the place had plenty of room and we secured a very nice outdoor seating. Of course we had to ask where the restaurant name came from which the waitress explained in full detail about the pirates and rum and other things I can't remember but she knew her stuff. We all had been told their seafood items were not the best so all of us ordered breakfast items. The french toast was very good. Eggs Benedict also very good and fresh. My friend had ordered a fish sandwich and literally got a full fish! The waitress herself was surprised he managed to finish the entire thing. She was very friendly and as it was a hot day she was very good about bringing refills of water. We asked for an unbrella for our table but she said they typically fly away due to the breeze, totally understandable. Drink specials were $3 rum punch which was also good and strong. At the end of our meal my friends all treated the moms and paid for their meal. I had put my credit card and my two friends threw in two twenty dollar bills. The waitress took everything but when she came back the total to sign for the card was the same. I asked her if the cash was added and she said there was no cash in the payment. While I understand accidents do happen and the cash may have fallen out, I asked if anything could be done about this. She was able to explain this to the manager and they waived the charge and were able to charge me only what would have been taken off of the two twentys. I Really Really appreciated this and that kind of gratuity not only earned her a big tip but also secured a 5 Star rating here on Yelp. Thank you Pussers for an excellent Mother's Day brunch! I will definitely be coming back!
(5)
Laurie D.
...also known as Den of the Cougar. I recently had dinner and drinks out on the upper outside patio, even though it was million degrees outside. The musician playing for the evening was excellent. My favorite drink so far has been the Jamacain Rum Fizz, which reminds me of a Tobago drink called LLB (lemon, lime, and bitters). Their famous Painkiller was okay, but not that special. It was also nice that they had Bold City's Duke's Brown Ale on tap. The crabdip was really good, and came with an abundance of chips and bread. The location is a really strange office complex. P.S. there is no view of the ocean and there are lots of old men falling out of metal stools. Watch your toes!!!
(3)
Richard N.
There are only 2 in the country, 1 in Annapolis, MD and 1 near the Beach in Ponte Vedra (basically Jacksonville, FL). It reminds me of a Bennigans but upscaled with an outdoor deck bar upstairs. We had the firecracker shrimp and kept odering more as an appetizer and now my daughter's best friends all crave the shrimp and go back frequently. We had the Thai Calimari too. I had the Cilantro Key Lime Chicken Breast and my daughter got the St Luci Seafood Pasta. The Carribean vanilla bean creme brulee was huge enough for 2. A couple of Pusser's Painkiller Rum Drinks for me did the trick on my daughter's 17th Birthday and a good time was had by all. It's on a small lake so the view at night is nice.
(4)
Kelly L.
We had the best brunch we've had in a long time since moving here in 2005. Our service was amazing, a lovely woman named Jessica. We had a pulled pork Benedict, UNBELIEVABLE!!! This place has so much to offer, great food, drinks and most important atmosphere. We will definitely be back!!
(5)
Dave L.
Went here on vacation. Could have been a 4 star...but we decided to sit outside next to the water and were overwhelmed by flies. Outside of that it was a nice experience. Service was good, food was good and good time was had by all.
(3)
Andy L.
This is a deceptive 2 stars. My wife and I ate here once, and we only went because we had a gift certificate. Basically, we would have been real disappointed if we had to spend our own money. Food was mediocre and the specialty drinks, what they're supposedly known for, were not that special. In conclusion, three stars with gift certificate, one or two without.
(2)
Frank G.
Two slices of thin bacon waved over a grill and overwhelmed by fried green tomatoes should not be called a BLT, just an LT.
(1)
Connie W.
With Pusser's you know going there that the service and food will be consistent. Of course as an Island Themed restaurant you will have your mango chutneys and such. Which is okay with me. The surf and turf special comes with salad, veggie and a potato and is or around $19.99. Great meal and one we look forward to getting. The Seared Ahi Tuna is also very good and you can get it with the Mango chutney or Wasabi sauce. Yum. We like it because you can eat inside or out on the deck overlooking the late.
(4)
Sandy M.
first of all, the place is beautiful. great decor. great location. service good. we had only been there three times since they opened years ago and had yet to have a decent meal. hoping they had improved their food, we gave them one more try. started off with the calamari. it was the worst ever! it was like a tasteless innertube. we just couldn't believe they would even serve something like that. then there was the bangless shrimp -- frozen, flavorless, blaaaaand shrimp. onion rings were the best giving them a mere 2 out of 10. we left extremely disappointed for having ingested this food and for paying money for it. this fourth trip will be our final visit to pussers. i did not write this review to be mean. i really want them to be a good restaurant. they have such a good location and great island feel. the look of the place is top quality. but, why won't pussers serve a decent product?
(2)
Moe w.
Overall, it was a good dining experience. Our waiter was very attentative. We were immediately seated. Our food was great. I love the vibe of the place. I'm sure I will return w/ a group of friends. My boyfriend liked it also. The food was inexpensive and fresh. I had the jerk half of chicken (see pics) which was huge. I had to take some home. My bf had the citris glazed bbq salmon stack which was really delicious. The next time I go I will definitely be ordering that entree. The pain killer #2 cocktail was good. I actually got tipsy.
(4)
Ayanna B.
It's only okay. The drinks are kind of Carribean, but make no mistake, the food is not.
(2)
Gail D.
Wonderful food and service. Enjoyed eating out on the patio with our party of 4. My biggest problem was deciding what to have. The salmon stack won out and I was not disappointed. Sign up online before you go and get a free appetizer. We will definitely come back the next time we return to Jacksonville.
(5)
Keith C.
We enjoyed our experience. Great atmosphere. Fresh food. Service was ok. Not as professional as I would like to rate as outstanding. I would say service was adequate. I will go back.
(4)
Natalie B.
I attended a VIP party thrown by Pusser's to promote their new restaurant to the local community. It was a great event. The location itself is great. They have 2 wonderful outdoor dining areas. The best one is the one on the 2nd floor complete with a full bar. They offered passed appretizers, which include one of their menu items - Coconut Shrimp. The Shrimp was a good size with the right amount of sweetness and crispiness. On the buffet, their famous Crab dip was one of the items available. Definitely a highlight! It was creamy and flavorful. We also had the opportunity to try one of their signature drinks, the Painkiller--a delightful tropical concoction that transported me to the Islands for sure. This event was a great way to introduce the community to Pusser's. I think they won over quite a bit of new business, including me!
(4)
Lisa H.
I wanted to have a nice meal on the last day my son and I were at TPC Sawgrass. I ordered the grouper ponte vedra and my son ordered the the shrimp BBQ skewers. The entrees were AWFUL! The grouper was bland. There was no seasoning whatsoever. The bearnaise sauce was also bland. The BBQ sauce on the shrimp was just awful. The shrimp had this weird taste to it as well. My total bill was $72 with the tip and it was one of the worst meals I have ever had. I was sooooooo disappointed. It was also too dark in there. Never go here. We left and had to go get chicken mcnuggets at McDonalds to fill my son up. McDonalds is better than this place.
(1)
Paul C.
Nice atmosphere, very good service, nice bar, good drinks, and great appetizer's (except their calamari), and good entrees too. There is an outside bar on second floor with music. Prices are moderate; they have a happy hour, but not for top shelf booze. Been here twice; will stop in again. Very Clean! Next door to Ruth Chris steakhouse. Plenty of parking.
(3)
Ivanka B.
This place is alright. The ambience is really nice but those menus just about killed it when we sat down. Love the rolls and the honey butter. The shrimp and corn chowder was kinda weird - but maybe it's just me .... Had the sesame tuna dinner - liked the tropical rice and the julienned veggies with roasted garlic and butter; fish was just ok, couldn't taste the "glaze". Considering other restaurants in the area, the prices were reasonable but I guess if you're craving seafood a more "expensive" place would definitely satisfy the craving better than here ...
(2)
Pameleader M.
Gave Pussers a try a few days ago. Went with a few friends. The food was pretty good. Nice staff and friendly chef. He came around to a few tables half way through the meal. Thursday nights are always wine night which means that all glasses of wine and bottles are half price! That was certainly a welcomed surprise. Had the hot crab dip for an appetizer and then the Key Largo mixed grill as my main course. Others at the table had the mahi mahi, and the shrimp and lobster tacos. Every one seemed to like their meals and we also enjoyed the ambiance and music.
(4)
Jitan K.
I really like this place, way bigger than I expected. Only issue is the service is kinda slow and they forget simple orders quickly. Haven't tried the food but I will next time I am out there. Order your next drink when your half way done with your current drink, that should be perfect timing. Great place to kick back!
(4)
Max J.
Pussers has yet to really impress me. Perhaps im expecting too much from it but a island grill that is all about seafood and as close to the water as they are should have no excuse for the quality of seafood they have. I'll disagree, as I typically do, and have to point out that the shrimp are not noteworthy. I understand that this is a chain and so is more tied with what they can offer then the local fish place down the road. Most dishes are served with some kind of rice and beans, nothing to rave about. The crab dip had too much dip and not enough crab. The Pusser pain killer, you can get in three strengths of the drink, according to amount of rum in the drink, its cute. Its mostly a coconut and nutmeg drink that would be great if your sitting out by the beach, but not a mile from the beach, and not for dinner. I am by no means a macho drinker but I don't feel like the drink had enough rum in it on any but the highest rum pour for the drink. I'll give Pussers 2 stars because they a chilies or a longhorn dressed up for the islands. If you want something like that, and have a itch for a escape to BVI without the passport, then this will do. Otherwise pour yourself a rum and tonic and walk to the beach.
(2)
Greg F.
I'm not sure whether to give this 3 or 4 stars. The setting is 4-5 stars: it's a nice facility, especially if you're on the open-air deck overlooking the pond upstairs. Our server seemed good. I liked the cocktails (of the two I had I preferred their house special, the Pusser's Painkiller, which I got in the highest of three strengths). My food was mixed. I liked the cheesy grits in my shrimp and grits, but the shrimp were poor (watery and bland). The apple dumpling dessert was good. Overall, I'd say it would be hard not to have a good time having one of their fruit and rum cocktails outside on a nice day. I give it an above-average rating for its setting and I'll be back.
(4)
Kc M.
One of the best places iv been in my life. The ribs are out of this world. If u think its price high you need to stay with golden corral because ur crazy! Pros: good food...relax ing seating And great prices and service. Cons: none!
(5)
Ryan H.
Not overly impressed with food here, but it's not that terrible either. Nothing special I guess. Good place to hang out for drinks, but it is tucked back in Ponte Vedra which means a drive for most people. Beautiful spot though overlooking the golf course. I had the curried chicken saute - boneless chicken thighs, jerk rubbed, seared and sliced, grilled pineapple, peppers, onions and garlic, and indian curried coconut sauce with rice. Just under $15. It wasn't bad, but like I said earlier just not blown away. Not sure if it was worth $15, but it was a decent portion size. They had live music playing. I was there on an early sunday afternoon. I'd come back, but it wouldn't be something i drive out of my way to go to.
(3)
Matthew C.
Must have firecracker shrimp and crab dip. Appetizer coconut shrimp also very good. Kingston burger and fries were alright. But the firecracker shrimp and crab dip are serious business.
(5)
Daisy D.
Needed a place to watch the Women's US Soccer Qualifier and my husband suggested Pusser's. We've seen people hanging out on the 2nd floor patio bar all the time and they seem to be having a good time, so I was up for it. I've been to Pusser's a couple times over the years, but I've never been super impressed with the food. It's good, but it doesn't blow me away. We found a seat at the bar, ordered a few beers and requested a channel change on one of the many TVs. The bartenders were happy to change the station for us, so if you're there to watch an event and it happens not to be on one of the TVs, don't hesitate to ask. We decided to split a couple appetizers to start with. We got an order of the steamed mussels and the Firecracker Shrimp. The shrimp were good: cooked well, sauced well, tasty. But just like any other firecracker or bang bang shrimp dish you can find somewhere else. Pusser's was one of the first places I had mussels when I discovered the magnificent mollusk. I don't know where they get theirs, but they were some muscle-y mussels: plump, well cooked and delicious in the marinara sauce. While we were still hungry, neither one of us wanted a full entree, so we decided to split a third appetizer. We went for the Seared Ahi Tuna with fried spinach. I don't know how they do it (Cap's on the Water does it too; yelp.com/biz/caps-on-the… ) but fried spinach is sooo good. We had such an amazing ahi tuna a few nights prior that this dish was a little bit of a let down. I loved the wasabi creme they served with it. The tuna was good, but the cut was a little sloppy. To hang out with friends, watch a game and share a few drinks; Pussers is a great option for the area that has limited selection. But it won't be my first choice for date night.
(3)
Steve R.
Went there for dinner on a Thursday night with the family. We had a great meal and the waiter was excellent!
(5)
Steve G.
My first trip to Pussers in Ponte Vedra Beach. And I thought it was OK. Not bad, not great. I felt the prices for the entree's were a little on the high side. I had the grouper... and it was good. But $25 for some fish and potatoes is a bit much. My wife had the shrimp Pad Thai... and she did not love it. She said it was OK. Service was also so-so. Also... we used the valet parking. You need to. The parking lot is really tight.
(3)
V O.
Enjoy coming here once a week with friends and family (on the patio). Great vibe and a fun time. Appetizers are good size and taste great. Beers are kept cold and many mixed drinks available. (I don't recall any of my friends having to change their order :). Only downer, is the one female bartender; what a buzz kill. Never looks happy to be there.
(3)
Sherrer G.
If you are a female forget about good service from melissa! She acts like you don't exist!!!
(2)
Lisa A.
We were here for a 50th birthday party so had made a reservation for 20 people. The table was set up and ready to go when we got there! Our waitress Taylor was so friendly and helpful...she even got me some tape to hang a happy birthday banner! They let us bring in our own Cupcakes which was really great:) We had a variety of appetizers for the table; crab dip, crab balls, chicken wings and fire shrimp. All seemed to be tasty and were served promptly at 6:15pm as we asked. One side is a restaurant and one side a bar and they also have an outdoor patio upstairs!
(4)
Gizelle A.
New Review on the bar upstairs: pretty much 5 stars. Raising the overall to 4 when you also consider the experience with the actual restaurant. The bar is pretty awesome! Great views of the water, service is very good and the drinks are fantastic. I just wish it was non smoking. As soon as you try to order food outside, someone decides to stink it up around you. But everything else is awesome Old review of the restaurant: 3 stars Bottom line - food was ok, service was poor, environment was ...nice but kind of confusing. Food: we got mussels appetizer, salad and the specialty dip. All were tasty and good size. Apple crumble for desert was yummy and well presented Service: had to ask for waters and wait a good time. Wine wasn't going to come at all before the food if I didn't aggressively look for the waiter. Second glasses took forever and I had to even more aggressively pursue, short of walking into the kitchen. Food got cold while waiting on whine. Explanation was they had a big party in back. I was very nice and polite the whole time. Manager came out of nowhere and brought glasses Environment: this place is confused of what it wants to be. Tries to pull off some Morton's decor, the waiters wears shorts and Caribbean shirts and on a late friday night the restaurant is buzzing with children and blabbing babies. Not exactly my taste. Location is awesome by the water. Bar and open area have awesome arrangements and pretty views BUT loud life music and lots of gross smokers. I have to go back because I could only use one of the two coupons I had but after that, not likely. Too bad because it was very promising.
(4)
Iris B.
The only word, or feeling rather, that comes to mind is: Meh. Please do yourself a favor and do not order the ahi tuna. Especially not the entree. Nothing special, in fact, underwhelming. I did not appreciate the really greasy spinach swamp it was floating in. I expected crunchy when I saw the ahi was paired with fried spinach. Instead, I spent most of my meal dabbing the grease off of the fish. I will happily spend $20 plus on an entree, just not this one. Two stars for our waitress (wish I remember her name) who was really sweet and on top of her game for having a table of 8.
(2)
Maya C.
First let me say parking is a little crazy especially when the delivery trucks are blocking the parking spaces. Now that that's out of the way... I kept seeing mixed reviews of this place so I couldn't wait to try it for myself. I picked a day for lunch here where the weather absolutely gorgeous, but not gorgeous enough to sit out on the patio near the lake as the sun was shining a little too much. Not to mention, the Upper Deck was full of FSU fans watching the game and we wanted to be able to converse without interruptions. We got a nice table inside, downstairs and away from the crowd near a window that overlooked the patio and the lake. I had to a order the Painkiller #2 because of all hype and because I had a free Painkiller drink coupon received from one of the food events Pusser's attended, the Best of Jax Party. I can honestly say that it was ok. I never had drink topped off with nutmeg so that was a nice touch, but the drink was watered down. I wasn't that hungry so I ordered the Jerk Chicken & and Pineapple Quesadilla appetizer. I was about to order something else when our waiter told us that the Quesadilla was huge portion, so that was all I ordered. When it came out, I was surprised that it was in a wheat tortilla, not a bad surprise but a good one even though that isn't listed on the menu. It was fabulous with the mango salsa, sour cream, and guacamole. Dat mango salsa tho! Big chunks of soft juicy mango with corn, cucumbers, tomatoes, green onions, onions and cilantro. Deliciousness. One of my friends let me sample her Cuban black bean soup, also very good. All of my dining companions agreed that their entrees were excellent and that they would love to come back. I'm sure we will.
(4)
Kevin Y.
First trip to Pussers and it was ok. A bit set back by the waiter who seemed to rush us ( me and my 2 14 year olds).... hoping he didn't think my kids know what Foie Gras is or something or may not tip) but he was a bit rushed otherwise- great Pain Killers, and the food was quite good as well. Pricey as all the other places here but I"m a Pussers fan having spent time in the caribbean and had to go. Will be back, but not with the kids to see if service is a bit more spot on.
(4)
Jeff D.
Place was good, had a nice dinner salad here. It was was baby friendly, lots of other families, good server and the wait wasn't crazy because it's a big place.
(4)
Jack J.
Feels like a classy, rustic, sunken ship. Totally unique menu. Seared ahi tuna with spinach crisps.. Best version of the dish I've had so far.
(4)
Michael B.
Okay food, good ambience. Server was friendly.
(3)
Mark S.
Group of 16 colleagues on a weekday (Thu) night. The place was nearly empty with only a few other tables. One waiter only, while others were standing around. They put onions on my colleagues plate, when he advised that he is severely allergic and asked they insure there is no onions in the food. My appetizer came instead of my entree, so it was a light meal. This was after a very long wait for food for all. The food wasn't bad, just average at best. My $14 app of raw tuna swimming in soy sauce w pita chips was overpriced and just like it sounds. Never got to try the $19.95 Fresh Mahi Mahi, since they forgot my order. The good news is that I'm rarely in Jacksonville, so I'll never got there again. Recommend you avoid it as well. There are plenty of other good seafood Floribbean style restaurants in Jax. It might have got a two star, but trying to kill their customers knocks this down to one star, only because you have to give at least one.
(1)
Teri K.
Great for sitting outdoors at dusk when it's cooled off a bit. Good food and friendly staff. I will say that for a family establishment, I think the shorts on the waitstaff are a little too short. When the waitress bends over to clear the table and her cheeks hang out, that's a little too short. I did have to remind the waitress a couple of times on things we had ordered that she would forget to bring to the table. I also got a dirty napkin the first time around which is kind of gross when you get ready to put it in your lap and there is something crusty on it LOL. And I did have to ask for a cup of ice to cool down my beer because it was not cold enough. Ick...Also, after you have ordered your happy hour beverage of choice, don't count on the waitstaff to tell you that the second one you order is past happy hour and it's full price, you will find that out when you get the bill so you need to watch the time that you order that second or third beverage!
(3)
Rebecca H.
Crap shoot on service BUT they have the best Ruben sandwich around! I've left because no one has greeted us and other times had great service. Last time the waiter was slow but that sandwich will make me go back and deal with it again and again.
(3)
Misty S.
This place is really fun! Been here a few times. Once on a double date and we sat outside. The next for a baby shower. Both times we had great service and delicious food! What a little gem. The pricing isn't too bad, the location is great and as I said...we always get great service by everyone!
(4)
Paul K.
Very well endowed shrimp (18) and cheesy grits. Mom liked in very much. I ordered an appetizer (ahi tuna) with ginger sauce that came with no ginger sauce and salad that was marginal. Service was acceptable. Middle of the road but satiated our appetites.
(3)
Marie F.
Arrive on a busy Friday night. Nice crowd of people growing. While I wait for other in my party to arrive I scan the menu and order some drinks and decide to order some nachos for the table. Friendly bar staff. Nachos are huge. But not really that good. Happy hour still was in effect so everyone loads on drinks and we take in the scenery as we chat. Pretty cool looking place. Band comes on extra load and the smoke from others seems to get thicker. Everyone decides to just order appetizers so everyone can share and continue drinking. We ordered two different types of shrimp. Both tasted good but one came out super greasy. The coconut shrimp battery just wouldn't stick to the shrimp. We just had greasy shrimp and that dipping sauce was nasty. Oysters seemed ok that day. Next afternoon I her that two people got sick? But the crab dip was fabulous. And the service was really nice. Had a good night and left with my ears buzzing. Another down side to such a busy Friday night was the wait to get the car in the cold. Parking sucks...because I'm stuck in line waiting for the complimentary valet for 20 minutes in the cold. Not sure if they have Sunday Brunch but would love to check this place out again when the weather warms up.
(3)
Marc K.
I 've just been to the bar because I am not a fan of the food there but the place is busy so I guess I am out voted.
(3)
Todd H.
One of the best Restaurant's in the area. The atmosphere and food are always top-notch. We enjoy the upstairs for it's Sports Bar screens and relaxing view.
(5)
Eddie H.
The black beans soup was insane and the Bomb something mixed drink was pretty good for the price
(5)
Greg N.
Food and service here were fantastic. But imagine my surprise when I walked into the men's restroom and out from the stall walked one of the workers with an apron on - and straight out the door? That's right - didn't wash his hands. It's been bothering me for 3 days since I ate there!!! What exactly Did I Eat?
(3)
Kimberly K.
The fried green tomatoes and coconut-encrusted grouper were A+. Prices were reasonable. The location is a bit strange, but at least it is next to some water!
(4)
Bethany B.
Nothing special. Outdoor seating is nice but the food was nothing to write about. Ahi Poke was the best thing we ate. The tropical salad was just lettuce with pineapple and some cashews. I don't think the calamari was actually calamari. Probably will not return
(2)
Paulette T.
We enjoyed our visit to Pusser's last week. The coconut shrimp were quite good, but we were not as impressed with the fish tacos. The atmosphere was great with water views and our server was very friendly. We didn't try the appetizers so I cannot comment on them. All in all, it was a pleasant dining experience.
(4)
Tj D.
Favorite place to eat at the beaches. Very affordable. Plenty of seating and never a wait even when busy. Great staff and scenery.
(5)
Carl B.
Mixed review - if you like food with a Caribbean flair this is a great choice in the area - drinks are amazing and the upstairs/outdoor bar fantastic. Highly recommend the Fish Tacos and they make a great Martini Downside - a friend with Celiac ordered gluten-free meal and had an immediate reaction - not an extensive GF menu either
If you sit outside, they don't really bother to bus tables unless they need them. However, the chicken curry is so amazing I've been dreaming about it. Best I've ever had!
(3)
R L.
I was there last night for dinner. I must have had 4-5 unsweet ice teas. Food here has so much salt. I would not recommend this place to anyone who has to watch sodium intake. Also unusually loud.
(1)
Mark H.
Lots of mixed reviews here. I'm going 4-star because the staff was friendly as hell, prompt and the food and atmosphere were fantastic. Recommendations: PUSSER'S CRAB DIP - so crabby and soooo cheesey! Served with some fake-ass Cuban bread and crunchy tortilla chips. To me, this would be a must-order item if you like crab. Not sure what the deal is with the lack of a Cuban bakery in Jacksonville though... Seems like a gold mine of a venture if anyone has the loot. Items to avoid: FRIED GREEN TOMATO BLT - the tomatoes were tasty, but there were literally 3 average-sized pieces of apple wood bacon on this thing. When I order a damn BLT from a restaurant, I expect a heavy freaking dose of bacon to be administered!!! 3 pieces of bacon? C'mon man. GTFO with that crap. GROUPER SAMMICH - the grouper is decent, it's just not the best grouper I've ever had. It was coconut encrusted though. That was a nice twist, but didn't make up for the lack of tender juiciness. Would I return? Most definitely. Overall, a nice chill spot with good food. Plus, they have live music and great drink specials on Sundays!
(4)
Jack T.
Atmosphere: casual, loud noise level, good for kids, busy Friday night Wait staff: friendly and attentive Food: ordered the poke tuna/crab dip -appetizers (over salted) main course: fish and chips: large portions but too soggy for my liking
(3)
Brad P.
Figured we'd give it a try after driving past it for several years. Started upstairs at the bar, and the prices were good, but the bar service was disinterested and honestly frowny faced. Our server was probably a nice kid, but had no idea what he was doing. The food runner brought our plates, said "plates are hot" and literally dropped them on the table in front of us then walked away. My wife's scallop dish was very salty, and my tuna dish was okay, but the fried spinach was gross. Oh well, you never know for sure until you try...
(2)
Deepan M.
Pusser's was a great experience! Beautiful atmosphere with the pond and fountains behind the restaurant. Great food, with fresh seafood and tasty appetizers. The service was very polite and helpful. The bartenders made great drinks. They always have great specials for drinks depending on the day of the week. We have come to Pusser's for happy hour in the past and they have a great deal on all their appetizers. As soon as the sun goes down, the torches come on and it becomes a great evening bar. The patio bar is great place to meet people and even watch a game. Thursday night, girls even drink for free. Never seen that before! Absolutely love this place!
(5)
Diana M.
I like this place for their exterior amenities more-so than their menu. The food we had was an average 3-stars but we loved sitting outside on the upper deck and listening to the band. The menu contains lots of fishy entrees for the folks who like that stuff. Otherwise, they offer some bigger dinner entrees like meatloaf or smaller items like burgers.
(4)
Jessica S.
Mimosas are $3.50 on Sundays!! I have always had a wonderful experience here- get the firecracker shrimp and don't forget happy hour!!!
(5)
Dawn Y.
Had dinner there the other night upon recommendation from our hotel. Food was mediocre at best, they got 2 of our 5 orders wrong and server never came back to check on us until she brought the check ( we could see her eating her dinner in the kitchen from our table). When we told her that our meals we not correct all she said was sorry and handed us our full check!!! Asked to speak to the manager on the way out and he was defensive of the server and then attempted to give us 2 free appetizer coupons... really?. We were from out of town and even if we were not we would not come back.
(1)
Michele P.
Great happy hour and appetizers. Had mussels and spicy shrimp. Didn't have dinner but overall experience was pretty good. Waitstaff was attentive and sat outside on patio.
(4)
Bryan W.
This place serves as a hangout with nightly entertainment and drink specials as well as a great place to sit down and eat on the pond with a nice view. I have only visited twice, once to drink and hangout, and the other to eat. Both of my visits I left very happy. When I went to hangout on a Friday night, the live band was very talented. I went for the surf and turf special one night and enjoyed filet mignon and lobster for about 20 bucks. Cant go wrong there!!!!
(5)
Michelle H.
My husband and I visiting from Atlanta. The food was great and service too. I'm glad we stopped by. We may go back for the Happy Hour special before we go back home.
(4)
Rick P.
Great food. The view is great looking out over the lake from the bar
(4)
Theia B.
We decided to try this place last nigh we ordered the $5.00 happy hour appetizer shrimp and the ribs. Oh my GOD the shrimp was just so awesome! The ribs were really good and perfectly cooked. The bartender/server was really good and very attentive and professional. We will definitely be back!
(4)
Mike B.
I've been several times but have never been terribly impressed. The service is very good but the meal is over priced. The bars are great, outside and inside. They will typically have live music most weekend nights which draws a nice crowd.
(2)
Mark W.
Been there a few times for dinner and happy hour. Very Good for both. Love the happy hour, great prices and selection. Very good service and food. Outdoor seating over the lake.
(4)
Maisha R.
A couple of friends and I made a reservation for a Saturday night and upon walking in, we were greeted by the sweet sounds of a guy and his guitar, serenading the crowd. The food was equally as pleasant. We started with the crab dip, which was highly recommended by fellow Yelpers, as well as the jerk chicken quesadilla. The crab dip was creamy and cheesy! The quesdilla was good, but it didn't have the kick that I expected from jerk seasoning, so it didn't really stand out. For my meal, I tried the barbecued salmon tower at the suggestion of my server. The salmon was accompanied by whipped yams, a jerked rice cake and mixed veggies. Most of it was very well seasoned and the yams had a distinct and semi-smokey flavor, which was quite interesting. It would've been an all-around great plate but the "jerked" rice cake suffered from the same blandness as the "jerk" chicken. On a good note though, the portion size was nice, leaving me a second meal for the next day. We finished the evening splitting the brownie a la mode, which was rich, gooey and delightful. Pussers has a cool, laid back ambiance, good service and great music.
(4)
Jimmy T.
Second trip there during our stay at Marriott was as good as the first. Crab artichoke dip was consistently outstanding. Went with standards meat and potatoes dish this time. It was moist and tasty without being too salty. Coffee after dinner seemed ok, but a bit over-cooked. Consistent product & service. No hesitation giving a good nod to visitors.
(3)
Kathryn B.
If you sign up for their e-mail club online, you get one free appetizer! I definitely recommend the crab dip appetizer. Also, I got the painkiller #3 and it was very strong, but really good! I got a salad for dinner, and it was nothing special... but the appetizer and drinks made this place worthy of the 5 stars!
(5)
Monica S.
The service at Pusser's was fantastic for our large party! We sat in the bar area at some longer tables. The two man band they had playing was really quite good, but in that little bar area you had to shout to hear what anyone was saying. It didn't matter as most everybody had had much libation at the point when the band started (8pm I think?), and were in 'loud talker' mode anyway! The fried calamari was just ok, I have had better. But I have to say I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED the St. Lucia Seafood Pasta!! Shrimp, perfectly cooked, mussels and some whitefish tossed in a yummy coating of garlic, olive oil and pine nuts! YUMMY!!! I do think that the food is a bit pricey, but not uncommonly so for this upscale area at the beach.
(4)
Eric L.
This place was ok in my last two visits. I've gone to watch the Nole games with the Jax Beach Seminole Club. They have so-so deals for the club on game days - nothing to write home about. Last night was the first time I actually ordered something, and I had the Caribbean Jerk Nachos on the patio. Although they were decent, I found a roach crawling around in my leftovers that I saved for after half-time. Make sure to eat your food in a timely fashion if you're outside at the bar. Your leftovers might be claimed by other hungry creatures. If I come back, it will probably be just for a drink!
(1)
Pat W.
Five of us went to Pusser's for dinner tonight despite the mediocre reviews. We did made a reservation and were seated immediately upon our arrival. Our server, Grant, could not have been more attentive. He took our drink order and gave us time to review the menu. We ordered cilantro lime chicken, a chicken & shrimp mixed grill, blackened mahi, & coconut shrimp. Each dinner was served after a very short wait. The chicken was moist & delicious with a wonderful pineapple salsa. The chicken & shrimp grill was also cooked to perfection with fresh mixed vegetables & rice. The blackened mahi & coconut shrimp were also perfectly cooked and served hot & delicious. The atmosphere was kind of Key West and we had a choice to sit out on the patio overlooking the lake or inside. We would definitely return to Pusser's for a repeat of our wonderful experience.
(5)
Alan L.
Love the outdoor patio or the indoor decor. Great handmade hamburgers, very good mahi sandwich, the menu changes from time to time. Try the pineapple salsa.
(4)
Bozy B.
Awful food. Decent atmosphere overlooking the water. but food is just not good.
(2)
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Address :816 A1A N,Ste 100
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, 32082
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch, Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes 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 : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
John S.
Had an interesting dinner at Pusser's. Interesting in that Pusser's can't seem to decide what type of establishment it wants to be. On the one hand the furnishings inside are richly decorated and feature carved wood in the bar. On the other hand the servers all wear shorts and island shirts. There is outdoor seating below which seems suitable for families, and outdoor seating above with live entertainment, a bar, and big screen tv. So, is it a fancy restaurant, casual restaurant, or a fancy bar with good food? I'm not sure, and I don't think Pusser is either. The good: taste For dinner my table had grouper over linguine, glazed salmon, and the shepherd's pie. The two that ate the shepherd's pie enjoyed it. The salmon was more than adequate and lacked that fishy salmon taste you get with cheaper salmon too often, and the grouper was quite good. The crab cake tasted good, but fell apart. For comparison, I think Bonefish Grill has the best crab cakes in this area. Both the garden salad with blue cheese dressing and tropical salad* were good. The bad: service/timing A couple of things I'll blame on our server. She kept forgetting things like drinks we ordered at different times, and was slow enough getting back to our table that my friends started ordering in advance what they thought we might want later. It didn't help as we never got our second round of drinks. The real annoyance I'll assume she wasn't responsible for is the timing of each course. We sat at the table for a long time without bread, the drinks we ordered, our salads, nor the appetizer. Our salads came out followed two minutes later by our entree, then considerably later by the appetizer. Which our server claimed she had sent back because she thought it looked burnt. Conclusion: Next time I'll try the burger, or just get appetizers and island drinks. * May have gone by a different name. I didn't order it, and don't see it on the online menu.
(2)C A.
Great outdoor place for happy hour. Not a spot for a good meal.
(3)Karen R.
Best place for an outdoor deck overlooking a retention pond and fountain. Great happy hour. Great selection of food and tasty. Named for the Pusser's rum from the islands. Valet parking available complimentary. Always busy it seems, but can handle the crowds.
(4)Genevieve L.
Surprised this place got four stars. Even with a reservation hostess seated two walk in groups ahead of us. Had to "remind" her we were there twice. As for the drinks. ..Painkiller was nothing too special even though Pussers seems to think so. They have signs everywhere even list it on their after dinner drinks menu. I had the number 3. Not even sure if any rum was even in there. Food..meh. oysters were good. Mahi way overcooked. Servers hadn't a clue about the dishes. When I asked where the oysters were from she said local, then new zealand. It turns out they were from Louisiana.. The server also didn't know the type of fish in the pasta dish...shrip, scallops and fish. Never found out what kind of fish went with the pad thai instead. That was good. Spouse's grilled Mahi Mahi was overcooked. Tasted bleh. Even dessert was meh. Brownie tasted stale. For the money we should have gone to Ruths Chris instead
(2)Scott L.
Went here for a Mother's Day brunch. On this, I had already expected a large crowd and on top of that the Tournament Players Championship was right around the corner. To my surprise, the place had plenty of room and we secured a very nice outdoor seating. Of course we had to ask where the restaurant name came from which the waitress explained in full detail about the pirates and rum and other things I can't remember but she knew her stuff. We all had been told their seafood items were not the best so all of us ordered breakfast items. The french toast was very good. Eggs Benedict also very good and fresh. My friend had ordered a fish sandwich and literally got a full fish! The waitress herself was surprised he managed to finish the entire thing. She was very friendly and as it was a hot day she was very good about bringing refills of water. We asked for an unbrella for our table but she said they typically fly away due to the breeze, totally understandable. Drink specials were $3 rum punch which was also good and strong. At the end of our meal my friends all treated the moms and paid for their meal. I had put my credit card and my two friends threw in two twenty dollar bills. The waitress took everything but when she came back the total to sign for the card was the same. I asked her if the cash was added and she said there was no cash in the payment. While I understand accidents do happen and the cash may have fallen out, I asked if anything could be done about this. She was able to explain this to the manager and they waived the charge and were able to charge me only what would have been taken off of the two twentys. I Really Really appreciated this and that kind of gratuity not only earned her a big tip but also secured a 5 Star rating here on Yelp. Thank you Pussers for an excellent Mother's Day brunch! I will definitely be coming back!
(5)Laurie D.
...also known as Den of the Cougar. I recently had dinner and drinks out on the upper outside patio, even though it was million degrees outside. The musician playing for the evening was excellent. My favorite drink so far has been the Jamacain Rum Fizz, which reminds me of a Tobago drink called LLB (lemon, lime, and bitters). Their famous Painkiller was okay, but not that special. It was also nice that they had Bold City's Duke's Brown Ale on tap. The crabdip was really good, and came with an abundance of chips and bread. The location is a really strange office complex. P.S. there is no view of the ocean and there are lots of old men falling out of metal stools. Watch your toes!!!
(3)Richard N.
There are only 2 in the country, 1 in Annapolis, MD and 1 near the Beach in Ponte Vedra (basically Jacksonville, FL). It reminds me of a Bennigans but upscaled with an outdoor deck bar upstairs. We had the firecracker shrimp and kept odering more as an appetizer and now my daughter's best friends all crave the shrimp and go back frequently. We had the Thai Calimari too. I had the Cilantro Key Lime Chicken Breast and my daughter got the St Luci Seafood Pasta. The Carribean vanilla bean creme brulee was huge enough for 2. A couple of Pusser's Painkiller Rum Drinks for me did the trick on my daughter's 17th Birthday and a good time was had by all. It's on a small lake so the view at night is nice.
(4)Kelly L.
We had the best brunch we've had in a long time since moving here in 2005. Our service was amazing, a lovely woman named Jessica. We had a pulled pork Benedict, UNBELIEVABLE!!! This place has so much to offer, great food, drinks and most important atmosphere. We will definitely be back!!
(5)Dave L.
Went here on vacation. Could have been a 4 star...but we decided to sit outside next to the water and were overwhelmed by flies. Outside of that it was a nice experience. Service was good, food was good and good time was had by all.
(3)Andy L.
This is a deceptive 2 stars. My wife and I ate here once, and we only went because we had a gift certificate. Basically, we would have been real disappointed if we had to spend our own money. Food was mediocre and the specialty drinks, what they're supposedly known for, were not that special. In conclusion, three stars with gift certificate, one or two without.
(2)Frank G.
Two slices of thin bacon waved over a grill and overwhelmed by fried green tomatoes should not be called a BLT, just an LT.
(1)Connie W.
With Pusser's you know going there that the service and food will be consistent. Of course as an Island Themed restaurant you will have your mango chutneys and such. Which is okay with me. The surf and turf special comes with salad, veggie and a potato and is or around $19.99. Great meal and one we look forward to getting. The Seared Ahi Tuna is also very good and you can get it with the Mango chutney or Wasabi sauce. Yum. We like it because you can eat inside or out on the deck overlooking the late.
(4)Sandy M.
first of all, the place is beautiful. great decor. great location. service good. we had only been there three times since they opened years ago and had yet to have a decent meal. hoping they had improved their food, we gave them one more try. started off with the calamari. it was the worst ever! it was like a tasteless innertube. we just couldn't believe they would even serve something like that. then there was the bangless shrimp -- frozen, flavorless, blaaaaand shrimp. onion rings were the best giving them a mere 2 out of 10. we left extremely disappointed for having ingested this food and for paying money for it. this fourth trip will be our final visit to pussers. i did not write this review to be mean. i really want them to be a good restaurant. they have such a good location and great island feel. the look of the place is top quality. but, why won't pussers serve a decent product?
(2)Moe w.
Overall, it was a good dining experience. Our waiter was very attentative. We were immediately seated. Our food was great. I love the vibe of the place. I'm sure I will return w/ a group of friends. My boyfriend liked it also. The food was inexpensive and fresh. I had the jerk half of chicken (see pics) which was huge. I had to take some home. My bf had the citris glazed bbq salmon stack which was really delicious. The next time I go I will definitely be ordering that entree. The pain killer #2 cocktail was good. I actually got tipsy.
(4)Ayanna B.
It's only okay. The drinks are kind of Carribean, but make no mistake, the food is not.
(2)Gail D.
Wonderful food and service. Enjoyed eating out on the patio with our party of 4. My biggest problem was deciding what to have. The salmon stack won out and I was not disappointed. Sign up online before you go and get a free appetizer. We will definitely come back the next time we return to Jacksonville.
(5)Keith C.
We enjoyed our experience. Great atmosphere. Fresh food. Service was ok. Not as professional as I would like to rate as outstanding. I would say service was adequate. I will go back.
(4)Natalie B.
I attended a VIP party thrown by Pusser's to promote their new restaurant to the local community. It was a great event. The location itself is great. They have 2 wonderful outdoor dining areas. The best one is the one on the 2nd floor complete with a full bar. They offered passed appretizers, which include one of their menu items - Coconut Shrimp. The Shrimp was a good size with the right amount of sweetness and crispiness. On the buffet, their famous Crab dip was one of the items available. Definitely a highlight! It was creamy and flavorful. We also had the opportunity to try one of their signature drinks, the Painkiller--a delightful tropical concoction that transported me to the Islands for sure. This event was a great way to introduce the community to Pusser's. I think they won over quite a bit of new business, including me!
(4)Lisa H.
I wanted to have a nice meal on the last day my son and I were at TPC Sawgrass. I ordered the grouper ponte vedra and my son ordered the the shrimp BBQ skewers. The entrees were AWFUL! The grouper was bland. There was no seasoning whatsoever. The bearnaise sauce was also bland. The BBQ sauce on the shrimp was just awful. The shrimp had this weird taste to it as well. My total bill was $72 with the tip and it was one of the worst meals I have ever had. I was sooooooo disappointed. It was also too dark in there. Never go here. We left and had to go get chicken mcnuggets at McDonalds to fill my son up. McDonalds is better than this place.
(1)Paul C.
Nice atmosphere, very good service, nice bar, good drinks, and great appetizer's (except their calamari), and good entrees too. There is an outside bar on second floor with music. Prices are moderate; they have a happy hour, but not for top shelf booze. Been here twice; will stop in again. Very Clean! Next door to Ruth Chris steakhouse. Plenty of parking.
(3)Ivanka B.
This place is alright. The ambience is really nice but those menus just about killed it when we sat down. Love the rolls and the honey butter. The shrimp and corn chowder was kinda weird - but maybe it's just me .... Had the sesame tuna dinner - liked the tropical rice and the julienned veggies with roasted garlic and butter; fish was just ok, couldn't taste the "glaze". Considering other restaurants in the area, the prices were reasonable but I guess if you're craving seafood a more "expensive" place would definitely satisfy the craving better than here ...
(2)Pameleader M.
Gave Pussers a try a few days ago. Went with a few friends. The food was pretty good. Nice staff and friendly chef. He came around to a few tables half way through the meal. Thursday nights are always wine night which means that all glasses of wine and bottles are half price! That was certainly a welcomed surprise. Had the hot crab dip for an appetizer and then the Key Largo mixed grill as my main course. Others at the table had the mahi mahi, and the shrimp and lobster tacos. Every one seemed to like their meals and we also enjoyed the ambiance and music.
(4)Jitan K.
I really like this place, way bigger than I expected. Only issue is the service is kinda slow and they forget simple orders quickly. Haven't tried the food but I will next time I am out there. Order your next drink when your half way done with your current drink, that should be perfect timing. Great place to kick back!
(4)Max J.
Pussers has yet to really impress me. Perhaps im expecting too much from it but a island grill that is all about seafood and as close to the water as they are should have no excuse for the quality of seafood they have. I'll disagree, as I typically do, and have to point out that the shrimp are not noteworthy. I understand that this is a chain and so is more tied with what they can offer then the local fish place down the road. Most dishes are served with some kind of rice and beans, nothing to rave about. The crab dip had too much dip and not enough crab. The Pusser pain killer, you can get in three strengths of the drink, according to amount of rum in the drink, its cute. Its mostly a coconut and nutmeg drink that would be great if your sitting out by the beach, but not a mile from the beach, and not for dinner. I am by no means a macho drinker but I don't feel like the drink had enough rum in it on any but the highest rum pour for the drink. I'll give Pussers 2 stars because they a chilies or a longhorn dressed up for the islands. If you want something like that, and have a itch for a escape to BVI without the passport, then this will do. Otherwise pour yourself a rum and tonic and walk to the beach.
(2)Greg F.
I'm not sure whether to give this 3 or 4 stars. The setting is 4-5 stars: it's a nice facility, especially if you're on the open-air deck overlooking the pond upstairs. Our server seemed good. I liked the cocktails (of the two I had I preferred their house special, the Pusser's Painkiller, which I got in the highest of three strengths). My food was mixed. I liked the cheesy grits in my shrimp and grits, but the shrimp were poor (watery and bland). The apple dumpling dessert was good. Overall, I'd say it would be hard not to have a good time having one of their fruit and rum cocktails outside on a nice day. I give it an above-average rating for its setting and I'll be back.
(4)Kc M.
One of the best places iv been in my life. The ribs are out of this world. If u think its price high you need to stay with golden corral because ur crazy! Pros: good food...relax ing seating And great prices and service. Cons: none!
(5)Ryan H.
Not overly impressed with food here, but it's not that terrible either. Nothing special I guess. Good place to hang out for drinks, but it is tucked back in Ponte Vedra which means a drive for most people. Beautiful spot though overlooking the golf course. I had the curried chicken saute - boneless chicken thighs, jerk rubbed, seared and sliced, grilled pineapple, peppers, onions and garlic, and indian curried coconut sauce with rice. Just under $15. It wasn't bad, but like I said earlier just not blown away. Not sure if it was worth $15, but it was a decent portion size. They had live music playing. I was there on an early sunday afternoon. I'd come back, but it wouldn't be something i drive out of my way to go to.
(3)Matthew C.
Must have firecracker shrimp and crab dip. Appetizer coconut shrimp also very good. Kingston burger and fries were alright. But the firecracker shrimp and crab dip are serious business.
(5)Daisy D.
Needed a place to watch the Women's US Soccer Qualifier and my husband suggested Pusser's. We've seen people hanging out on the 2nd floor patio bar all the time and they seem to be having a good time, so I was up for it. I've been to Pusser's a couple times over the years, but I've never been super impressed with the food. It's good, but it doesn't blow me away. We found a seat at the bar, ordered a few beers and requested a channel change on one of the many TVs. The bartenders were happy to change the station for us, so if you're there to watch an event and it happens not to be on one of the TVs, don't hesitate to ask. We decided to split a couple appetizers to start with. We got an order of the steamed mussels and the Firecracker Shrimp. The shrimp were good: cooked well, sauced well, tasty. But just like any other firecracker or bang bang shrimp dish you can find somewhere else. Pusser's was one of the first places I had mussels when I discovered the magnificent mollusk. I don't know where they get theirs, but they were some muscle-y mussels: plump, well cooked and delicious in the marinara sauce. While we were still hungry, neither one of us wanted a full entree, so we decided to split a third appetizer. We went for the Seared Ahi Tuna with fried spinach. I don't know how they do it (Cap's on the Water does it too; yelp.com/biz/caps-on-the… ) but fried spinach is sooo good. We had such an amazing ahi tuna a few nights prior that this dish was a little bit of a let down. I loved the wasabi creme they served with it. The tuna was good, but the cut was a little sloppy. To hang out with friends, watch a game and share a few drinks; Pussers is a great option for the area that has limited selection. But it won't be my first choice for date night.
(3)Steve R.
Went there for dinner on a Thursday night with the family. We had a great meal and the waiter was excellent!
(5)Steve G.
My first trip to Pussers in Ponte Vedra Beach. And I thought it was OK. Not bad, not great. I felt the prices for the entree's were a little on the high side. I had the grouper... and it was good. But $25 for some fish and potatoes is a bit much. My wife had the shrimp Pad Thai... and she did not love it. She said it was OK. Service was also so-so. Also... we used the valet parking. You need to. The parking lot is really tight.
(3)V O.
Enjoy coming here once a week with friends and family (on the patio). Great vibe and a fun time. Appetizers are good size and taste great. Beers are kept cold and many mixed drinks available. (I don't recall any of my friends having to change their order :). Only downer, is the one female bartender; what a buzz kill. Never looks happy to be there.
(3)Sherrer G.
If you are a female forget about good service from melissa! She acts like you don't exist!!!
(2)Lisa A.
We were here for a 50th birthday party so had made a reservation for 20 people. The table was set up and ready to go when we got there! Our waitress Taylor was so friendly and helpful...she even got me some tape to hang a happy birthday banner! They let us bring in our own Cupcakes which was really great:) We had a variety of appetizers for the table; crab dip, crab balls, chicken wings and fire shrimp. All seemed to be tasty and were served promptly at 6:15pm as we asked. One side is a restaurant and one side a bar and they also have an outdoor patio upstairs!
(4)Gizelle A.
New Review on the bar upstairs: pretty much 5 stars. Raising the overall to 4 when you also consider the experience with the actual restaurant. The bar is pretty awesome! Great views of the water, service is very good and the drinks are fantastic. I just wish it was non smoking. As soon as you try to order food outside, someone decides to stink it up around you. But everything else is awesome Old review of the restaurant: 3 stars Bottom line - food was ok, service was poor, environment was ...nice but kind of confusing. Food: we got mussels appetizer, salad and the specialty dip. All were tasty and good size. Apple crumble for desert was yummy and well presented Service: had to ask for waters and wait a good time. Wine wasn't going to come at all before the food if I didn't aggressively look for the waiter. Second glasses took forever and I had to even more aggressively pursue, short of walking into the kitchen. Food got cold while waiting on whine. Explanation was they had a big party in back. I was very nice and polite the whole time. Manager came out of nowhere and brought glasses Environment: this place is confused of what it wants to be. Tries to pull off some Morton's decor, the waiters wears shorts and Caribbean shirts and on a late friday night the restaurant is buzzing with children and blabbing babies. Not exactly my taste. Location is awesome by the water. Bar and open area have awesome arrangements and pretty views BUT loud life music and lots of gross smokers. I have to go back because I could only use one of the two coupons I had but after that, not likely. Too bad because it was very promising.
(4)Iris B.
The only word, or feeling rather, that comes to mind is: Meh. Please do yourself a favor and do not order the ahi tuna. Especially not the entree. Nothing special, in fact, underwhelming. I did not appreciate the really greasy spinach swamp it was floating in. I expected crunchy when I saw the ahi was paired with fried spinach. Instead, I spent most of my meal dabbing the grease off of the fish. I will happily spend $20 plus on an entree, just not this one. Two stars for our waitress (wish I remember her name) who was really sweet and on top of her game for having a table of 8.
(2)Maya C.
First let me say parking is a little crazy especially when the delivery trucks are blocking the parking spaces. Now that that's out of the way... I kept seeing mixed reviews of this place so I couldn't wait to try it for myself. I picked a day for lunch here where the weather absolutely gorgeous, but not gorgeous enough to sit out on the patio near the lake as the sun was shining a little too much. Not to mention, the Upper Deck was full of FSU fans watching the game and we wanted to be able to converse without interruptions. We got a nice table inside, downstairs and away from the crowd near a window that overlooked the patio and the lake. I had to a order the Painkiller #2 because of all hype and because I had a free Painkiller drink coupon received from one of the food events Pusser's attended, the Best of Jax Party. I can honestly say that it was ok. I never had drink topped off with nutmeg so that was a nice touch, but the drink was watered down. I wasn't that hungry so I ordered the Jerk Chicken & and Pineapple Quesadilla appetizer. I was about to order something else when our waiter told us that the Quesadilla was huge portion, so that was all I ordered. When it came out, I was surprised that it was in a wheat tortilla, not a bad surprise but a good one even though that isn't listed on the menu. It was fabulous with the mango salsa, sour cream, and guacamole. Dat mango salsa tho! Big chunks of soft juicy mango with corn, cucumbers, tomatoes, green onions, onions and cilantro. Deliciousness. One of my friends let me sample her Cuban black bean soup, also very good. All of my dining companions agreed that their entrees were excellent and that they would love to come back. I'm sure we will.
(4)Kevin Y.
First trip to Pussers and it was ok. A bit set back by the waiter who seemed to rush us ( me and my 2 14 year olds).... hoping he didn't think my kids know what Foie Gras is or something or may not tip) but he was a bit rushed otherwise- great Pain Killers, and the food was quite good as well. Pricey as all the other places here but I"m a Pussers fan having spent time in the caribbean and had to go. Will be back, but not with the kids to see if service is a bit more spot on.
(4)Jeff D.
Place was good, had a nice dinner salad here. It was was baby friendly, lots of other families, good server and the wait wasn't crazy because it's a big place.
(4)Jack J.
Feels like a classy, rustic, sunken ship. Totally unique menu. Seared ahi tuna with spinach crisps.. Best version of the dish I've had so far.
(4)Michael B.
Okay food, good ambience. Server was friendly.
(3)Mark S.
Group of 16 colleagues on a weekday (Thu) night. The place was nearly empty with only a few other tables. One waiter only, while others were standing around. They put onions on my colleagues plate, when he advised that he is severely allergic and asked they insure there is no onions in the food. My appetizer came instead of my entree, so it was a light meal. This was after a very long wait for food for all. The food wasn't bad, just average at best. My $14 app of raw tuna swimming in soy sauce w pita chips was overpriced and just like it sounds. Never got to try the $19.95 Fresh Mahi Mahi, since they forgot my order. The good news is that I'm rarely in Jacksonville, so I'll never got there again. Recommend you avoid it as well. There are plenty of other good seafood Floribbean style restaurants in Jax. It might have got a two star, but trying to kill their customers knocks this down to one star, only because you have to give at least one.
(1)Teri K.
Great for sitting outdoors at dusk when it's cooled off a bit. Good food and friendly staff. I will say that for a family establishment, I think the shorts on the waitstaff are a little too short. When the waitress bends over to clear the table and her cheeks hang out, that's a little too short. I did have to remind the waitress a couple of times on things we had ordered that she would forget to bring to the table. I also got a dirty napkin the first time around which is kind of gross when you get ready to put it in your lap and there is something crusty on it LOL. And I did have to ask for a cup of ice to cool down my beer because it was not cold enough. Ick...Also, after you have ordered your happy hour beverage of choice, don't count on the waitstaff to tell you that the second one you order is past happy hour and it's full price, you will find that out when you get the bill so you need to watch the time that you order that second or third beverage!
(3)Rebecca H.
Crap shoot on service BUT they have the best Ruben sandwich around! I've left because no one has greeted us and other times had great service. Last time the waiter was slow but that sandwich will make me go back and deal with it again and again.
(3)Misty S.
This place is really fun! Been here a few times. Once on a double date and we sat outside. The next for a baby shower. Both times we had great service and delicious food! What a little gem. The pricing isn't too bad, the location is great and as I said...we always get great service by everyone!
(4)Paul K.
Very well endowed shrimp (18) and cheesy grits. Mom liked in very much. I ordered an appetizer (ahi tuna) with ginger sauce that came with no ginger sauce and salad that was marginal. Service was acceptable. Middle of the road but satiated our appetites.
(3)Marie F.
Arrive on a busy Friday night. Nice crowd of people growing. While I wait for other in my party to arrive I scan the menu and order some drinks and decide to order some nachos for the table. Friendly bar staff. Nachos are huge. But not really that good. Happy hour still was in effect so everyone loads on drinks and we take in the scenery as we chat. Pretty cool looking place. Band comes on extra load and the smoke from others seems to get thicker. Everyone decides to just order appetizers so everyone can share and continue drinking. We ordered two different types of shrimp. Both tasted good but one came out super greasy. The coconut shrimp battery just wouldn't stick to the shrimp. We just had greasy shrimp and that dipping sauce was nasty. Oysters seemed ok that day. Next afternoon I her that two people got sick? But the crab dip was fabulous. And the service was really nice. Had a good night and left with my ears buzzing. Another down side to such a busy Friday night was the wait to get the car in the cold. Parking sucks...because I'm stuck in line waiting for the complimentary valet for 20 minutes in the cold. Not sure if they have Sunday Brunch but would love to check this place out again when the weather warms up.
(3)Marc K.
I 've just been to the bar because I am not a fan of the food there but the place is busy so I guess I am out voted.
(3)Todd H.
One of the best Restaurant's in the area. The atmosphere and food are always top-notch. We enjoy the upstairs for it's Sports Bar screens and relaxing view.
(5)Eddie H.
The black beans soup was insane and the Bomb something mixed drink was pretty good for the price
(5)Greg N.
Food and service here were fantastic. But imagine my surprise when I walked into the men's restroom and out from the stall walked one of the workers with an apron on - and straight out the door? That's right - didn't wash his hands. It's been bothering me for 3 days since I ate there!!! What exactly Did I Eat?
(3)Kimberly K.
The fried green tomatoes and coconut-encrusted grouper were A+. Prices were reasonable. The location is a bit strange, but at least it is next to some water!
(4)Bethany B.
Nothing special. Outdoor seating is nice but the food was nothing to write about. Ahi Poke was the best thing we ate. The tropical salad was just lettuce with pineapple and some cashews. I don't think the calamari was actually calamari. Probably will not return
(2)Paulette T.
We enjoyed our visit to Pusser's last week. The coconut shrimp were quite good, but we were not as impressed with the fish tacos. The atmosphere was great with water views and our server was very friendly. We didn't try the appetizers so I cannot comment on them. All in all, it was a pleasant dining experience.
(4)Tj D.
Favorite place to eat at the beaches. Very affordable. Plenty of seating and never a wait even when busy. Great staff and scenery.
(5)Carl B.
Mixed review - if you like food with a Caribbean flair this is a great choice in the area - drinks are amazing and the upstairs/outdoor bar fantastic. Highly recommend the Fish Tacos and they make a great Martini Downside - a friend with Celiac ordered gluten-free meal and had an immediate reaction - not an extensive GF menu either
(3)Keith P.
Boy oh boy did I need this place. Famished, a little jet-weary, and exhausted from a busy afternoon, all I wanted in my life was some good food, good company, and a few cold ones. As a Yelper from out of town, I am always interested to see what my friends like. When I asked my friend to take me somewhere she likes to eat, her first question was "Do you like good crab dip?" Of course I do, what kind of person is gonna hate on a warm, cheesy dip with sweet, tender crab? Well, you might but not me. Not 2 seconds later we were in the car and headed down A1A. We got there around 6:30 and decided to sit upstairs on a beautiful, breezy Thursday night. It was still happy hour which was sweet, because they have some great deals. Unfortunately, the crab dip is so popular THAT was not on special, but when one is on vacation the two things you shouldn't be counting are your dollars and your calories, so we went for it. It was great! A well-executed balance of warm cheesiness and meaty crab, served with warm soft bread and tortilla chips. To be honest, they could have served it with dipping rocks and I would have still licked the plate clean. The portion was quite deceptive, as it filled us up quickly, so if you're on a date, prepare to eat a light entree if the crab dip is what you covet. Here's the thing with my entree: Anytime I'm south of the Mason-Dixon Line and I see shrimp and grits on the menu I get it...It's a must get here if you're a fan! The shrimp may not have been fresh from the ocean, but they were tender and cooked well. The grits were not runny, which I hate, and mixed well with the étouffée like base. Did I mention rich, bacony flavor? It definitely served as the exclamation point on this delicious dish. My companion decided to go with the mahi mahi tacos, which were also a hit. The fish was warm and flaky, and it came with all the necessary taco fixins. I stole a bite, (ok 2) and was happy to have sampled it. The portions are pretty big, and the prices are certainly reasonable for the size and quality. The live acoustic music and ambiance provided by the al fresco dining made for a great start to an amazing visit to the Jacskonville area.
(4)Marina S.
If you sit outside, they don't really bother to bus tables unless they need them. However, the chicken curry is so amazing I've been dreaming about it. Best I've ever had!
(3)R L.
I was there last night for dinner. I must have had 4-5 unsweet ice teas. Food here has so much salt. I would not recommend this place to anyone who has to watch sodium intake. Also unusually loud.
(1)Mark H.
Lots of mixed reviews here. I'm going 4-star because the staff was friendly as hell, prompt and the food and atmosphere were fantastic. Recommendations: PUSSER'S CRAB DIP - so crabby and soooo cheesey! Served with some fake-ass Cuban bread and crunchy tortilla chips. To me, this would be a must-order item if you like crab. Not sure what the deal is with the lack of a Cuban bakery in Jacksonville though... Seems like a gold mine of a venture if anyone has the loot. Items to avoid: FRIED GREEN TOMATO BLT - the tomatoes were tasty, but there were literally 3 average-sized pieces of apple wood bacon on this thing. When I order a damn BLT from a restaurant, I expect a heavy freaking dose of bacon to be administered!!! 3 pieces of bacon? C'mon man. GTFO with that crap. GROUPER SAMMICH - the grouper is decent, it's just not the best grouper I've ever had. It was coconut encrusted though. That was a nice twist, but didn't make up for the lack of tender juiciness. Would I return? Most definitely. Overall, a nice chill spot with good food. Plus, they have live music and great drink specials on Sundays!
(4)Jack T.
Atmosphere: casual, loud noise level, good for kids, busy Friday night Wait staff: friendly and attentive Food: ordered the poke tuna/crab dip -appetizers (over salted) main course: fish and chips: large portions but too soggy for my liking
(3)Brad P.
Figured we'd give it a try after driving past it for several years. Started upstairs at the bar, and the prices were good, but the bar service was disinterested and honestly frowny faced. Our server was probably a nice kid, but had no idea what he was doing. The food runner brought our plates, said "plates are hot" and literally dropped them on the table in front of us then walked away. My wife's scallop dish was very salty, and my tuna dish was okay, but the fried spinach was gross. Oh well, you never know for sure until you try...
(2)Deepan M.
Pusser's was a great experience! Beautiful atmosphere with the pond and fountains behind the restaurant. Great food, with fresh seafood and tasty appetizers. The service was very polite and helpful. The bartenders made great drinks. They always have great specials for drinks depending on the day of the week. We have come to Pusser's for happy hour in the past and they have a great deal on all their appetizers. As soon as the sun goes down, the torches come on and it becomes a great evening bar. The patio bar is great place to meet people and even watch a game. Thursday night, girls even drink for free. Never seen that before! Absolutely love this place!
(5)Diana M.
I like this place for their exterior amenities more-so than their menu. The food we had was an average 3-stars but we loved sitting outside on the upper deck and listening to the band. The menu contains lots of fishy entrees for the folks who like that stuff. Otherwise, they offer some bigger dinner entrees like meatloaf or smaller items like burgers.
(4)Jessica S.
Mimosas are $3.50 on Sundays!! I have always had a wonderful experience here- get the firecracker shrimp and don't forget happy hour!!!
(5)Dawn Y.
Had dinner there the other night upon recommendation from our hotel. Food was mediocre at best, they got 2 of our 5 orders wrong and server never came back to check on us until she brought the check ( we could see her eating her dinner in the kitchen from our table). When we told her that our meals we not correct all she said was sorry and handed us our full check!!! Asked to speak to the manager on the way out and he was defensive of the server and then attempted to give us 2 free appetizer coupons... really?. We were from out of town and even if we were not we would not come back.
(1)Michele P.
Great happy hour and appetizers. Had mussels and spicy shrimp. Didn't have dinner but overall experience was pretty good. Waitstaff was attentive and sat outside on patio.
(4)Bryan W.
This place serves as a hangout with nightly entertainment and drink specials as well as a great place to sit down and eat on the pond with a nice view. I have only visited twice, once to drink and hangout, and the other to eat. Both of my visits I left very happy. When I went to hangout on a Friday night, the live band was very talented. I went for the surf and turf special one night and enjoyed filet mignon and lobster for about 20 bucks. Cant go wrong there!!!!
(5)Michelle H.
My husband and I visiting from Atlanta. The food was great and service too. I'm glad we stopped by. We may go back for the Happy Hour special before we go back home.
(4)Rick P.
Great food. The view is great looking out over the lake from the bar
(4)Theia B.
We decided to try this place last nigh we ordered the $5.00 happy hour appetizer shrimp and the ribs. Oh my GOD the shrimp was just so awesome! The ribs were really good and perfectly cooked. The bartender/server was really good and very attentive and professional. We will definitely be back!
(4)Mike B.
I've been several times but have never been terribly impressed. The service is very good but the meal is over priced. The bars are great, outside and inside. They will typically have live music most weekend nights which draws a nice crowd.
(2)Mark W.
Been there a few times for dinner and happy hour. Very Good for both. Love the happy hour, great prices and selection. Very good service and food. Outdoor seating over the lake.
(4)Maisha R.
A couple of friends and I made a reservation for a Saturday night and upon walking in, we were greeted by the sweet sounds of a guy and his guitar, serenading the crowd. The food was equally as pleasant. We started with the crab dip, which was highly recommended by fellow Yelpers, as well as the jerk chicken quesadilla. The crab dip was creamy and cheesy! The quesdilla was good, but it didn't have the kick that I expected from jerk seasoning, so it didn't really stand out. For my meal, I tried the barbecued salmon tower at the suggestion of my server. The salmon was accompanied by whipped yams, a jerked rice cake and mixed veggies. Most of it was very well seasoned and the yams had a distinct and semi-smokey flavor, which was quite interesting. It would've been an all-around great plate but the "jerked" rice cake suffered from the same blandness as the "jerk" chicken. On a good note though, the portion size was nice, leaving me a second meal for the next day. We finished the evening splitting the brownie a la mode, which was rich, gooey and delightful. Pussers has a cool, laid back ambiance, good service and great music.
(4)Jimmy T.
Second trip there during our stay at Marriott was as good as the first. Crab artichoke dip was consistently outstanding. Went with standards meat and potatoes dish this time. It was moist and tasty without being too salty. Coffee after dinner seemed ok, but a bit over-cooked. Consistent product & service. No hesitation giving a good nod to visitors.
(3)Kathryn B.
If you sign up for their e-mail club online, you get one free appetizer! I definitely recommend the crab dip appetizer. Also, I got the painkiller #3 and it was very strong, but really good! I got a salad for dinner, and it was nothing special... but the appetizer and drinks made this place worthy of the 5 stars!
(5)Monica S.
The service at Pusser's was fantastic for our large party! We sat in the bar area at some longer tables. The two man band they had playing was really quite good, but in that little bar area you had to shout to hear what anyone was saying. It didn't matter as most everybody had had much libation at the point when the band started (8pm I think?), and were in 'loud talker' mode anyway! The fried calamari was just ok, I have had better. But I have to say I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED the St. Lucia Seafood Pasta!! Shrimp, perfectly cooked, mussels and some whitefish tossed in a yummy coating of garlic, olive oil and pine nuts! YUMMY!!! I do think that the food is a bit pricey, but not uncommonly so for this upscale area at the beach.
(4)Eric L.
This place was ok in my last two visits. I've gone to watch the Nole games with the Jax Beach Seminole Club. They have so-so deals for the club on game days - nothing to write home about. Last night was the first time I actually ordered something, and I had the Caribbean Jerk Nachos on the patio. Although they were decent, I found a roach crawling around in my leftovers that I saved for after half-time. Make sure to eat your food in a timely fashion if you're outside at the bar. Your leftovers might be claimed by other hungry creatures. If I come back, it will probably be just for a drink!
(1)Pat W.
Five of us went to Pusser's for dinner tonight despite the mediocre reviews. We did made a reservation and were seated immediately upon our arrival. Our server, Grant, could not have been more attentive. He took our drink order and gave us time to review the menu. We ordered cilantro lime chicken, a chicken & shrimp mixed grill, blackened mahi, & coconut shrimp. Each dinner was served after a very short wait. The chicken was moist & delicious with a wonderful pineapple salsa. The chicken & shrimp grill was also cooked to perfection with fresh mixed vegetables & rice. The blackened mahi & coconut shrimp were also perfectly cooked and served hot & delicious. The atmosphere was kind of Key West and we had a choice to sit out on the patio overlooking the lake or inside. We would definitely return to Pusser's for a repeat of our wonderful experience.
(5)Alan L.
Love the outdoor patio or the indoor decor. Great handmade hamburgers, very good mahi sandwich, the menu changes from time to time. Try the pineapple salsa.
(4)Bozy B.
Awful food. Decent atmosphere overlooking the water. but food is just not good.
(2)