The Jimmy Buffet Memorial Freeway, also referred to as Heckscher Drive, is a winding roadway that connects the northside of Jax with Amelia Island. The drive is sprinkled with a couple of waterside eating spots, together with the landmark Sandollar Restaurant. Only a stone’s throw away is one other notable eatery, Billy Jack’s BBQ. Sitting alongside the St. Johns River yards from the place the ferry crosses over to Mayport, Billy Jack’s serves most of your smoked favorites, reminiscent of beef brisket ($21), pulled pork and spare ribs ($19). Add to {that a} small bushel of fried seafood staples like shrimp baskets ($17), oysters, clams, and fish. And the appetizer menu takes a flip into the deep South with smoked fish, gator tail, pimento cheese dip and spicy fried pickles ($8).
It’s a few-frills institution. However no person minds. Order on the registers up entrance, get your candy tea in Styrofoam cups poured on the do-it-yourself counter, and go discover an open desk, ideally one with a view of the river. They’ll let you recognize when your order is up. The situation is a couple of mile from the place the St. Johns spills into the Atlantic so the visitors of ships and boats varies from large container vessels steaming to Blount Island to luxurious sport fishers heading out to the deep, heat waters for the Gulf Stream. The lined again porch, stone patio and grassy garden are perfect for watching the maritime parade. Possibly play a sport of corn gap after lunch. Maybe a cocktail or two. Save room for a fudge brownie ($4).