Jacksonville Restaurants

Clark's Fish Camp

#2 of 48 things to do in Jacksonville

#6 of 2084 things to do in Florida

1 reviews | Write a review

Good for: atmosphere, food, Groups, service

  • Address
    • 12903 Hood Landing Rd Mandarin
  • Phone
    • tel, info: 904 268 3474
  • Hours
    • 16:30-21:30 Mon-Thu, to 22:00 Fri, 11:30-22:00 Sat, to 21:00 Sun

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Lonely Planet review for Clark's Fish Camp

It doesn't any get more Floridian than this. Absolutely worth driving 27 miles for, this restaurant, on a gator-filled lake, was originally a bait-and-tackle shop and now combines the art of taxidermy (hundreds of stuffed lions, tigers, leopards, you name it, proliferate indoors and out), with mind-boggling meals of fried or charred turtle, kangaroo, antelope and rattlesnake.

Work up your courage with a Swamp Fest platter of gator tail, soft-shell crab, frog's legs, conch, catfish and squid, plus two sides and hushpuppies. There's a rustic elongated timber bar with barrel tables, but the best tables are on the lakeside outdoor deck. From Jacksonville, take the I-95 south and merge onto the I-295 N via exit 337 toward Orange Park. Turn left onto Old St Augustine Rd, then right onto Hood Landing Rd; it's just past Julington Creek Rd on your left.

 

Traveller reviews for Clark's Fish Camp (1)

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    Oh the places you'll go....

    eastmeetwest2 recommends this,

    Think of it more as a 3 dimensional menu, rather than the comprehensive works a a fine taxidermist. Yes, there may be a giant stuffed buffalo on the wall, but then again, they serve buffalo. Along with Kangaroo, Eel, Snake, Ostrich, Rabbit (chargrilled and served with cheese and crackers) and loads and loads of Crab. Its a feast for the eyes, but it's also just a feast. Being a vegetarian for going on 5 yrs (full disclosure: I eat sustainably fished seafood) I still find myself making an excuse to go back whenever I happen through Florida ("But Sarasota's on the Gulf side" , "Don't worry, sweetie, it's on the way.") Things to keep in mind: Parking is a hassle if it's full and it's always full. You will have a wait, but just relax on the patio with the rest of the flip flopped folk (it's a hub for locals as much as it is for tourists) and watch the alligators. Once inside and seated, wade through the menu slowly and efficiently. It will take at least three "You ready to order, hun?" before you decide. Also, if you pass up the fried pickle appetizer you may be sent out on a rail. And at Clark's, no matter where you sit you'll see the water, not ocean water, but water nonetheless.

    Good for: atmosphere, food, Groups, service

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