By Debra Pamplin
According to Trip Advisor, there are over 1,100 places to grab a meal in Jacksonville, FL. Fast food, casual and fine dining options throughout the North Florida city. With all those choices, many might think a fine dining establishment would claim the number one restaurant title. Those might be surprised to learn that it is a casual dining experience that holds the title: Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar & Store.
Tommy Bahama Marlin is a place for friends and family to gather for snazzy drinks, casual bar food (think sliders) and live music.
A tropical island feel and a relaxing atmosphere are two reasons why I drop Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar & Store as often as possible.
The main reason I love this place? The food, of course!
The Food
My regular order while visiting the River City location is the grilled chicken with mango. This is a bright and light mixture of baby greens, macadamia nuts, feta cheese, dried blueberries, toasted almonds, vine-ripened tomatoes and a splash of lemon basil vinaigrette. 
The Tacos are Unbelievable!
Blackened Mahi Mahi, blackened shrimp, and even filet mignon are options for unbelievably good tacos.
You haven’t lived until having a filet mignon taco: Roasted Corn Salsa, Chipotle Aïoli, Island Slaw, Feta, and Guacamole.
These tasty tacos are totally worth the purchase reasonable price of $16.00.
Gluten free options are available upon request. Be sure to speak to your server for details.
Other mouth-watering menu items:
Cuban Sandwich
A blend of pulled pork and ham, under a blanket of Sriracha mustard, and house-made dill pickles.
Chicken Tinga Quesadilla
A hearty mixture of grilled onions, roasted poblanos, jalapeno-avocado puree, lime sour cream and mango salsa.
Chicken Panini
A garden-like medley of a sandwich, featuring Pecanwood bacon, chipotle aioli, gruyere and vine-ripe tomatoes.
Just running in a for snack while enjoying some of the live music? Consider some street corn dip, ahi tuna mini tacos, some jerk spiced chicken wings or the hurricane tots. 
The Drinks
Tommy Bahama Marlin’s drink menu is as sophisticated yet casual as the food options.
Sip on a classic mojito, or a pineapple coconut mojito. Go tropical with a rum float, a frozen Mai Tai or perhaps a pina colada.
Also on hand...
Tommy Bahama Island Gin, (Pink Peppercorn, Lime, Lemon, Q Tonic)
Grapefruit Basil Martini, (Grey Goose, fresh basil and grapefruit)
Raspberry Jalapeno Paloma (nice, smooth blend of Milagro Silver, raspberry, lime and sugar cane syrup)
Standards like the crowd favorite, margarita, martinis and a fine selection of wines are also available. Also, it’s important to note that Happy Hour is daily, from 3pm - 6pm.
The Takeaway
So, while out shopping in River City, take a break and enjoy the great atmosphere, yummy island-inspired food and a cold drink at Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar & Store.
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