Jacksonville restaurant raves: The Tree Steakhouse
Each week, I’ll post a “Restaurant Rave” here. I pay for my own meals at the restaurants I recommend, and I receive no compensation from the restaurants for my recommendations or review.
A Jacksonville institution, The Tree Steakhouse is one of those places you can count on to be consistent. If you’re after the best filet mignon or prime rib in the city, The Tree is the place to go.
Nestled beneath ancient oaks in a small shopping center on San Jose Blvd., the restaurant is popular with our city’s residents and visitors. The décor has a classy clubhouse feeling enhanced by dark wood and soft lighting.
If you’re not a beef eater, there are many other options, among them the sensational cashew-crusted grouper. The restaurant has a classic salad bar, or you can be lazy like I am and opt for the house salad. Favorite appetizers include the crab-stuffed mushrooms. For dessert, try the crème brulee.
The wine list is excellent, offering a range of choices. The prices are on par with other upscale restaurants.
Most weekend nights, there’s a piano player offering up different types of music in the bar. You can also eat in the bar; this comes in handy if you haven’t thought ahead and made a reservation.
The owner, whose name is Paul, has been there just about every time we’ve been there. And we’ve dined there a lot. I even took a Pulitzer Prize winning author there.
The servers are non-intrusive. They don’t grovel like servers in a lot of places; they’ve worked there a long time. They give good service and they don’t try to engage you in small talk. They don’t want to be your friend; they’re satisfied with being your server.
You can opt to choose your beef—it can be brought to the table for your selection.
What I really like about The Tree: it’s privately owned. There are two locations in Jacksonville, but the one we frequent is on San Jose Blvd. in Mandarin. The other location is at 725-6 Atlantic Blvd. in Atlantic Beach.
If you want a really nice dining experience, The Tree Steakhouse is my number one restaurant rave in the River City. It’s part of Jacksonville’s history and it will certainly last into the future.
Phone numbers
San Jose Blvd. location: 262-0006
Atlantic Blvd. location: 241-5600
Photo by Becky Day, used with permission.
Word Press, Technorati, Tags, Jacksonville Fl. restaurant reviews, dining, food, meals, travel
Leave a Reply