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pancakes on a plate covered in strawberry syrup, surrounded by strawberries and topped with a dollop of butter.

7 Best Breakfast Restaurants in Jacksonville, FL

There's nothing better than starting your day off in Jacksonville, Florida, with a fulfilling and delicious breakfast. Whether you're in the mood for a hearty meal, a classic American dish, or something local, these seven restaurants in Jacksonville will leave your stomach full and your palate satisfied. What's even better is that several of these establishments allow you to order breakfast anytime throughout the day, so even if you're a late riser, you can take advantage of their mouthwatering dishes. Cool Moose Cafe Image via Flickr by INGAx666 2708 Park St. Since opening its doors in 1998 at this Riverside neighborhood location, Cool Moose Cafe has served mouthwatering meals to thousands of customers. Its proximity to the St. Johns River and downtown makes it a convenient spot for guests to stop in to enjoy breakfast and lunch throughout the day. Try The Cool Moose Breakfast, which has two farm-fresh eggs, smoked bacon, sausage, home fries or grits, double-stacked pancakes, and toast. Another popular choice is the Southern Duo, which features two Southern-style chicken breasts served atop buttermilk biscuits and smothered in sausage and gravy. Country Cabin Restaurant 1401 Dunn Ave. and 4434 Blanding Blvd. With three restaurants in Florida, including two in Jacksonville, the Country Cabin Restaurant offers a traditional mom-and-pop ambiance bolstered by delicious home-cooked food made daily from scratch. Stop in to experience some Southern hospitality where the friendly staff make you feel like you're enjoying a meal at home. The restaurant serves breakfast throughout the day, so you can head in anytime to eat country-style French toast, which is Texas toast dipped in freshly cracked eggs with a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg, sprinkled with powdered sugar. For something a little heartier, try the Country Cabin Breakfast, which includes deep-fried chicken tenderloins smothered in white pepper gravy and served with crispy hash browns or seasoned home fries and two eggs prepared any style. Deerwood Bistro 8221 Southside Blvd. No. 24 A family-owned-and-operated establishment about 15 minutes south of downtown Jacksonville, Deerwood Bistro offers a diverse menu adorned with breakfast and lunch items, and you can order breakfast until 3 p.m. Billed as a contemporary dining spot, the establishment serves numerous mouthwatering breakfast dishes, such as eggs and omelets, breakfast sandwiches, French toast, and buttermilk pancakes. Try the Southern omelet with three eggs, diced ham, onions, peppers, and cheddar cheese. Another popular dish is the breakfast burrito, which includes cheese, eggs, onions, hash browns, and sausage all wrapped up in a burrito. Deerwood Deli and Diner 9934 Old Baymeadows Road Not to be confused with the Deerwood Bistro, the Deerwood Deli and Diner has been a neighborhood favorite for more than 40 years. It began as a Jewish delicatessen in the early 1970s and evolved into one of the area's most popular dining spots since it still serves some of the best corned beef in the area. You'll notice the decor is a nod to the 1950s era with its booths, artwork, tables, and a jukebox all styled from that time period. Start your day with a Protein Breakfast, which has two eggs prepared any style, three strips of bacon or pieces of sausage, and toast or sliced tomatoes. If you're really hungry, order the Big Man on Campus, which includes two eggs prepared any style, two strips of bacon, two sausage patties, and one ham steak, served with hash browns, country potatoes, or grits, and your choice of dollar cakes or a small order of French toast. Fox Restaurant 3580 St. Johns Ave. Located just a few blocks from the St. Johns River, the Fox Restaurant is an American-style diner that's been a local favorite for numerous years. When you walk inside, you'll notice that the family-friendly restaurant's decor features an eclectic pop culture theme along with farmhouse chandeliers. It also has a breakfast bar and small diner booths. The breakfast menu is adorned with a mix of breakfast and lunch options, including omelets, steak and eggs, and several a la carte options. Try the Ortega Omelet, which has chorizo, cheddar cheese, tomatoes, peppers, black beans, and fresh salsa. You can also be a little different and order the Pizza Omelet, which has sausage, mushrooms, pepperoni, onions, peppers, provolone cheese, and marinara sauce. Grinders American Diner 10230 Atlantic Blvd. No. 8-9 If you're in the mood for classic American-style diner food, Grinders American Diner is the place to visit. Found in a quiet strip mall between downtown Jacksonville and the Atlantic Ocean, the diner has been serving customers since 1986. Its owner strives to make every customer feel at home by serving satisfying yet inexpensive classic dishes. Begin your day with the country breakfast served with two eggs prepared any style, sausage or bacon, grits or home fries, one biscuit, and sausage gravy. You can also choose from a variety of meat fillings, cheese options, and vegetable choices to create your own omelet. For something a little more savory, consider the Belgium waffle with your choice of hot apples, blueberries, or sliced strawberries. Oceana Diner 13799 Beach Blvd. Suite 3 Nestled in a strip mall, the Oceana Diner is a Jacksonville favorite that delivers a European-style vibe when you enter the doors. You'll notice the copper cappuccino maker on the counter near the entrance. The extensive breakfast menu at the Oceana Diner features a variety of omelets, breakfast sandwiches, and dishes from the griddle. Try the short stack French toast and consider adding fresh toppings such as strawberries, bananas, or blueberries. One of its popular dishes is the Oceana Benedict, which has ground beef, onion, green pepper, two poached eggs, and Hollandaise sauce on an English muffin. So, what do you think of this list of the best breakfast places to eat in Jacksonville? Did Keith Pierson Toyota highlight all the best spots, or did we miss one of your favorite Jacksonville restaurants? If we forgot one, please reach out to us and let us know so we can add it to our list. We want to give everyone the most thorough list of breakfast restaurants to stop at so they can experience all that our beautiful city has to offer.

a plate of freshly shucked oysters on a bed of ice

Here's Where to Go for Oysters When in Jacksonville

You haven't enjoyed Jacksonville until you've ordered oysters from a local restaurant that specializes in fresh, tasty seafood. Whether you like simple, classic recipes or you want to try oyster recipes with a modern flair, the Jacksonville area has plenty of unique options to satisfy your craving. So skip the chains and head to these local businesses in town: Cap's on the Water Cap's on the Water offers fresh seafood dishes with an American and Mediterranean style. They don't accept reservations, but they have plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. Start off your meal with an order of Oysters Rockefeller as your appetizer. These oysters come with shallots, spinach, cream, and bread crumbs for a perfect savory starter. Alternatively, start off with their spicier option: Vilano Oysters with spicy chili garlic. Then try some of their raw oysters served on the half-shell or their garlic cooked oysters as you enjoy a clear view of the ocean. They feature a fresh catch menu and an extensive wine list. Request an outdoor table so you can enjoy your meal with a beautiful view on their expansive wooden deck. There's plenty of shade and lighting so you can enjoy an early evening meal or a date during sundown. Orsay If you love French dining and fine cuisine, make Orsay the destination of your next date night. This restaurant offers award-winning French dishes with a southern twist. They offer delivery, takeout, and indoor dining so you can enjoy your meal on your terms. Repeat visitors love the raw oysters, which are sourced from Washington State, British Columbia, and the Eastern seaboard. Try them on their own, or order a raw bar platter of oysters, scallop tartare, and more. Their roasted oysters with bacon, spinach, and Parmesan are a local brunch favorite. Pair your favorite way of eating oysters with upscale versions of classic dishes like lobster macaroni and cheese and sea scallops. We recommend scheduling a reservation, especially if you want to enjoy a Friday or weekend meal. The Blue Fish Restaurant and Oyster Bar Image via Flickr by jng104 When you're in the mood for a classic American seafood restaurant with a full cocktail bar, book a reservation at The Blue Fish Restaurant and Oyster Bar. They have indoor and outdoor seating but are seating at a limited capacity, so make sure you save a table for yourself. This restaurant is just a couple blocks away from the ocean, and they take their oyster bar seriously, with $1 oysters during their 3:00-6:30 happy hour. Their raw oysters are sourced from Virginia. Try them with their famous truffle fries or fried mushrooms. You can also try their oysters in a fried oyster Caesar salad or stuffed with white cheddar, scallions, and bacon. Dockside Seafood Restaurant This highly ranked restaurant and seafood market is a classic coastal restaurant that serves delicious seafood. Dockside Seafood Restaurant is along Neptune Beach so you can enjoy a walk along the water's edge before or after dinner. Enjoy either their outdoor seating or indoor dining; they don't accept reservations, but they're open every day of the week. They serve delicious fried oysters, oyster po'boys, and oysters by the dozen (either raw or steamed). You can also enjoy other fish and seafood classics like fresh scallops, calamari, lobster tail, and fish tacos. The Conch Shell If you're craving seafood dishes with a Caribbean inspiration, The Conch Shell right by Brentwood Park is the right spot. They're only open on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, but they take reservations so you can plan a great dinner for your next special occasion. Try their specialty conch dishes that you won't find anywhere else in Jacksonville, like Conch Fritters with sweet potato fries and fried conch with their special sauce and lime juice. When you're craving both conch and oysters, order their combo plate of conch, shrimp, and oyster so you can have all of your favorite seafood at once. The Big Crab Seafood Restaurant If you love spicy Cajun food, head to The Big Crab Seafood Restaurant on the Southside of Jacksonville. There, they serve classic platters of seafood, corn on the cob, and potatoes, all doused in spices and lemon juice. They're famous for their crab leg, crawfish, and oyster boils, and they're just as famous for their selection of raw oysters. Make sure you come on Thursdays for their combo boil platter and their raw oysters by the dozen, and order their Hush Punch with your meal. No reservations are required. The Juicy Crab At The Juicy Crab, they serve top-notch Cajun and Creole seafood dishes that you won't want to miss. Enjoy classic seafood boils, specialty cocktails, and refreshing frozen drinks. Locals recommend dining in and reserving a table or grabbing a seat at the bar for the restaurant's great energy and atmosphere. They serve steamed and raw oysters by the dozen or half-dozen. Rod's Crab Shack & More At Rod's Crab Shack & More, customers can buy seafood fresh from Mayport. Order meals of classic seafood boils, steamed oyster trays, and even custom seasonings. But this business is more than just another restaurant with fresh oysters. It's also a five-star seafood market with fresh ingredients you can use to cook your own favorite seafood dishes at home. Whether you have a secret recipe for roasted oysters or you want to make sure you're cooking with the freshest ingredients in Jacksonville, Rod's is open every day with a fresh catch. There's no in-store dining, so you don't have to worry about reservations or long wait times. When you live in Jacksonville, finding a new seafood restaurant gem is always exciting (we also love finding top-notch BBQ restaurants in town). Our city's oyster bars are incomparable, and restaurants offering new, savory twists on oyster classics are always waiting to be discovered. If you have a favorite oyster bar that we left off this list, tell us all about it. Our team of home chefs, seafood fans, and foodies are always looking for new restaurants to try and to spread the word on. If you're at the oyster bar thinking about getting a new car, our Toyota team is here to help — contact us today.

Amelia Island

6 Destinations Near Jacksonville for Your Weekend Getaway

Whether you enjoy exploring white sandy beaches, getting up close and personal with manatees, or taking a luxury paddlewheel cruise, there is something for everyone in the Jacksonville area. In the span of one weekend, you can pile your family in your SUV or minivan and spend time together watching space rockets launch, enjoying delicious cuisine, or biking together along boardwalks or riverside paths. If you're not sure where to begin, consider planning a trip to one of these six nearby destinations. Amelia Island Image via Flickr by JavaJoba About 40 miles from Jacksonville, Amelia Island awaits with its pristine beaches and sparkling blue waters. With over 13 miles of sandy beach to explore, Amelia Island is easily accessible from Jacksonville either by boat or road using one of the two bridges available. Amelia Island is known as a barrier island, which protects the mainland from the often harsh weather of the Atlantic Ocean. It also provides a shelter for sea life that typically would not be able to inhabit this area if not for the barrier it provides between the land and water. Amelia Island is also home to one of the area's largest maritime forests. This property contains a diverse range of both plants and animals, and can withstand the strong winds and salt spray that accompanies the ocean waters. Due to its unique and rare ecosystem, many conservationists have explored Amelia Island, learning much more about sea life in this area. When you're done exploring the beautiful white beaches, swimming in the salty ocean water, or exploring the miles of trails located on the island, visit the downtown area. Featuring both a National Historic District and more than 90 local restaurants and eateries, you will have no trouble enjoying a relaxing weekend getaway at Amelia Island. Blue Springs State Park If you've always wanted to experience and learn more about manatees, you need to plan a weekend trip to Blue Springs State Park. The warm waters of this park have created a perfect habitat for the manatees that live there. The park began housing manatees in 1970, beginning with 14 of these gentle sea cows. Now, there are 485 living happily at the park. While visiting the manatees, be sure to also stay for the bird-watching, hiking, and kayaking tours. Blue Springs is home to several birds of prey such as eagles, kingfishers, ospreys, and more. Explore the entire park, watching for these majestic fowl while hiking one of the trails or kayaking through this outdoor playground. Blue Springs State Park is open every day of the year and is only approximately 100 miles from Jacksonville. Jekyll Island Head north of the Florida border to Jekyll Island, located about 90 miles from Jacksonville. Jekyll Island is the southernmost Golden Isle and is one of the most popular vacation spots along Georgia's coast. At 5,500 acres with 10 miles of shoreline, this island is known for its family-friendly attractions and historical homes. The Millionaire's Village is located in the historic district and was home to some of America's most affluent families such as the Cranes, Pulitzers, Vanderbilts, Rockefellers, and Goodyears. Bring your bikes along for an adventurous ride along the bicycle path. This trail provides a scenic tour of some of the island's most popular places of interest, like the Georgia Sea Turtle Center or Driftwood Beach. Explore the maritime forest, ride along the beautiful beachside, or make your way to the lively downtown for some shopping and a bite to eat. Mount Dora For a relaxing weekend taking in the local scenery or enjoying one of the annual festivals, plan a visit to Mount Dora. About 140 miles from Jacksonville, this charming city in Central Florida boasts antique shops, popular local eateries, yearly events, and a wide range of water activities the whole family will enjoy. Lake Dora provides plenty of ways to experience the gorgeous warm waters. Rent and drive a high-speed catamaran boat or hop on one of their guided boat tours. Enjoy a luxury paddlewheel cruise or rent a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard with family and friends. Take a walk along the Palm Island Boardwalk and enjoy the beautiful scenery this charming village has to offer. Mount Dora is proud to host over 30 local events each year that bring in thousands of visitors to this quaint Florida town. Many of the smaller events, such as 5Ks, wine walks, and pet-friendly activities, benefit local non-profits as well as small businesses in the area. A few of their larger festivals include the Arts Festival sponsored by Mount Dora Center for the Arts and the Annual Craft Fair sponsored by Visit Mount Dora. Cocoa Beach If your family loves all things space and science, you will definitely want to plan a trip to Cocoa Beach. Kennedy Space Center, the headquarters of NASA, offers several areas that are accessible to the public as well as many exciting events. Take a tour of the facility and the launch pads. Meet with astronauts and view the amazing technology of NASA's space rockets. When launches are scheduled, they can be viewed right from Cocoa Beach too. Cocoa Beach is a historic community with more than 50 local boutiques and shops, and several restaurants and diners. It is also home to Ron Jon's, the largest surf shop in the world, and provides some amazing surfing spots along the famous Cocoa Beach Pier. This popular oceanside city is approximately 165 miles south of Jacksonville. Daytona International Speedway For families who absolutely love watching Nascar on the weekends, you can't go wrong spending a weekend exploring the Daytona International Speedway. Home to the world-famous Daytona 500, this international stadium recently underwent a $400 million renovation. When racecar events are not being held, you can take in a concert, car show, or any of the other several events that are often hosted by the speedway. Daily tours are provided and last about 60 minutes. Daytona International Speedway is less than 100 miles south of Jacksonville. Keith Pierson Toyota has just given you six ideas for a weekend adventure with family, friends, or simply you and a loved one. Which one of these locations will you visit first? Is there a favorite of yours that we missed? If so, please let us know! We'd be happy to add it to our list.

The skyline of Jacksonville, FL illuminated at night

Jacksonville and Pop Culture

Jacksonville is Florida's largest city. It sits in the northeast corner of the state, on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. The city has a long history as a cultural center and mixing ground for diverse people, which makes it a major contributor to the cultural tapestry of the nation. Once a home to the early motion picture industry, Jacksonville has also played a strong role in the music scene. It has been the source of inspiration to writers like Stephen Crane, musicians like Pat Boone, and artists of all kinds. Jacksonville has certainly made its share of cultural contributions. Film and TV Image via Flickr by Michel Curi Before Hollywood, there was Jacksonville. As the center of filmmaking in the silent film era, it has earned its place in the annals of the film industry. Those days are gone now, but that doesn't mean Jacksonville doesn't play a new part in movies and TV shows. It has appeared in episodes of Antiques Roadshow, Criminal Minds, House Hunters, and many more. The hit NBC sitcom, " The Good Place," has Jacksonville as the hometown of one of its main characters, Jason Mendoza (Manny Jacinto), who often references his shenanigans in the city and his pride for his home team, the Jaguars. Jacksonville is the filming location for a list of movies, including the sequel to "Creature from the Black Lagoon" called "Revenge of the Creature." Most of this classic creature movie is shot in Florida, and the Jacksonville locations included the Lobster House, a restaurant that once stood near the southern end of Jacksonville's Acosta Bridge. This site is now occupied by the River City Brewery. The Lobster House is clearly visible in the movie, as is the Jacksonville night skyline. Other movies filmed here include "G.I. Jane," "The Devil's Advocate," and "The Manchurian Candidate" (2004). Music and Bands The most famous band to come out of Jacksonville — Lynyrd Skynyrd — created such widely recognized classic hits as "Free Bird" and "Sweet Home Alabama." They originally formed in 1964 under another name, but after five years and several lineup changes, they emerged as Lynyrd Skynyrd. In 1977, the lead singer Ronnie Van Zant, and several other members of the band tragically died when their chartered plane ran out of fuel. Ten years later, the band reformed with some of its surviving members. Ronnie's brother Johnny stepped in as lead vocalist and primary songwriter. Other bands from Jacksonville include the Burch Sisters, a country music group of three sisters: Cathy, Charlene, and Cindy Burch. Their hit debut single, "Everytime You Go Outside I Hope It Rains," reached the Top 40 of the Billboard Hot Country Singles and Tracks chart in 1988. It was the only one of their songs to do so, and they were a short-lived trio. A newer group out of the area is Black Kids, an indie rock band formed in 2006. Their second album, Partie Traumatic, debuted at number five on the UK Albums Chart in 2008. Famous People Jacksonville has its share of notable names, not least of which is Pat Boone. Born here on June 1st, 1934, he's an award-winning singer and actor. A highly popular pop singer in the 1950s and early 1960s, he has sold more than 45 million albums throughout his career. He had 38 Top 40 hits, and appeared in over a dozen Hollywood movies. Another Jacksonville-born entertainer is Barbie Blank, a model, actress, and former professional wrestler known by the ring name Kelly Kelly. She's an overall two-time champion in WWE and is on the reality television series WAGS. Also born in Jacksonville is Diana Eng, a Chinese-American fashion designer and technologist, who is best known as a contestant on season 2 of Project Runway. She was eliminated in the sixth episode but was chosen to help with a garment at the finale by the contestant who went on to win the season. A familiar face from Jacksonville is Ashley Greene, an actress, and model, who you might recognize as Alice Cullen in the Twilight Saga film series. She has also appeared in "A Warrior's Heart," "Summer's Blood," and "The Apparition." She received The Style Icon Award in 2010. Art and Literature Author of the beloved book "A Wrinkle in Time," Madeleine L'Engle spent part of her youth near Jacksonville. She moved there with the rest of her family in1933 to take care of her ill grandmother. L'Engle is a widely respected writer of imaginative young adult fiction as well as fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. She passed away in 2007. Stephen Crane spent some time in Jacksonville in 1896. Here, he met Cora Taylor who became his common-law wife. Crane was working undercover on a steamship when it sank off the coast of Daytona Beach, which was the basis for his short story, The Open Boat. The Impressionist painter Frederick Carl Frieseke lived with an uncle in Jacksonville as a child. It was decades later in Giverny, the village made famous by Claude Monet, that he painted “Hunting Alligators, Pink Sea” and “Fishing, Jacksonville,” from memory. He spent much of his life in France, but always regarded his time in Florida fondly. Not only painters have been inspired by the beauty of northern Florida; architect and author Robert C. Broward also lived in Jacksonville, Florida. A student of Frank Lloyd Wright, he designed over 500 buildings and spaces, specializing in water features and incorporating the work of local artists. Music, art, film, architecture, and writing all make Jacksonville the marvelous place it is today. There's a reason it keeps popping up in TV shows and is frequently used as the location or setting in films, art, and books. From the pioneers of the silent film industry to the talents of Lynyrd Skynyrd, this city has seen it all. What's your favorite piece of pop culture trivia about Jacksonville? At Keith Pierson Toyota we'd love to hear which cultural aspects you love the most about the great city of Jacksonville. Drop us a line and give us your thoughts.

The outside of a BBQ restaurant

5 Best BBQ Places in Jacksonville, Florida

If you're in the Sunshine state and have a hankering for some barbecue, there are several places you can go to cure that craving. Although known for its tropical climate and beautiful landscape, the food served up in Jacksonville, Florida, should be as famous as Florida orange juice. Some of the best BBQ places in Jacksonville regularly serve anything from smoked sausage, fall-off-the-bone ribs, and tender brisket with a beautiful smoke ring. Grab yourself a wet towelette, bib, and cozy pants so you can enjoy some of the best barbecue in the southeastern United States. The Bearded Pig A fun and inviting restaurant, yet small and intimate, The Bearded Pig is perfect for a quiet date for two or a full family meal. With indoor seating and outdoor picnic tables available, you can choose to cool off from the Florida heat or sit outside for the ultimate experience in Southern barbecue. Also a beer garden, there is a rotating selection of draft beers on tap that pair nicely with the large servings provided. Adding to the unique atmosphere of The Bearded Pig, they serve meals on brown paper-lined trays and deliver many drinks to thirsty patrons in mason jars. The quirky presentation and friendly staff is just sauce on the goodness that is their BBQ. Order some burnt ends, smoked sausage, and pulled pork to enjoy in this establishment near the St. Johns River. Don't forget their side dishes, like creamy Mac-N-Cheese and collard greens. They assert that all sides are vegetarian, so everyone can enjoy some Southern cooking at The Bearded Pig! Cross Creek Steakhouse Image via Flickr by Michel Curi For some of the best steak found at the heart of Old Florida, get yourself to Cross Creek Steakhouse. Founded in 1995 and locally owned and operated, Cross Creek Steakhouse prides itself on family-style food inspired by Florida roots. With a menu ranging from appetizers like fried yellow squash with the restaurant's signature Creek sauce, to classics like fried pickles and brisket dipped sandwiches, having a bite to eat here is like sinking your teeth into Florida's history. Although a steakhouse by name, you must try their baby back ribs. Their website states all racks of ribs are dry seasoned and smoked over oak wood nightly, for at least 12 hours, following old Florida tradition. You can order the tender and juicy pork ribs by the half slab or full slab. We suggest getting the combo and pairing them with a steak to experience Cross Creek Steakhouse dining at its best! Butt Hutt Smokehouse The Butt Hutt Smokehouse is a food truck! But don't discount it because of that. A Jacksonville favorite because of its traditional Florida-style BBQ, the brightly colored mobile stands out for its delectable menu. With a rather extensive selection of menu items considering it is on wheels, at the Butt Hutt Smokehouse you can order a selection of sandwiches with one side, to complete platters that satisfy the largest of appetites. Pulled pork, beef brisket, smoked sausage, and jerk chicken array the menu with sides like corn nuggets, cilantro-lime coleslaw, spicy mac 'n cheese, baked beans and sausage, salad, and French fries. Go hungry and order their well-known Florida Fries smothered in cheddar cheese and topped with a generous serving of pulled pork, pepper, onions, and garlic ranch sauce. Check their website for a schedule of locations to find them easily. Berndt Ends BBQ This former food truck turned official brick and mortar restaurant is known for its high quality and consistent brisket flavor. Berndt Ends BBQ has flavorful brisket that sells out daily, so you want to get there early and taste for yourself why they have won so many awards on the BBQ circuit. They make their dipping sauces from scratch that pair with the award-winning BBQ, and you can wash it down with a glass of Southern sweet tea or a bottle of their Cheerwine. For a special treat, try some unique menu items such as their smoked bacon jalapeno poppers, smoked collards, or their Crac Mac, a favorite among kids and adults alike. You can order your favorite BBQ meat served up in a sandwich with side, or something like the Ultimate Porker, a platter of sausage and pork on top their flavorful garlic toast with a side made from scratch slaw and fried onions. You can ever order a variety of barbecue favorites by the pound. They work with several delivery services, so check their website for options. Whether you dine in, carry out, or opt for delivery, just make sure you have your appetite! Gator's BBQ No visit to Florida is complete without a gator! Check out Gator's BBQ for catering, dine-in, or take-out. This small, quick service, family-owned restaurant has a friendly and inviting atmosphere that reminds you of a visit to your grandpa's house. The barbecue is the perfect blend of sweet, salty, and savory while the sides are Southern favorites and exactly like your grandma would make. Try a classic starter like the fried green tomatoes or fried mushrooms, followed by the sweet pulled pork with a corn on the cob and creamy macaroni salad. Follow it all with banana pudding to catch that sweet tooth. They have the option of ordering meat by the pound and have a Lil' Gators menu for the kids. So, if you're in Jacksonville, Florida, looking for some excellent barbecue, we here at Keith Pierson Toyota know quality and are certain one of these selections will satisfy you. While you're chowing down, consider contacting us for your Toyota needs. Whether it be routine maintenance, a service repair, customization, or if you're in the market to buy or sell, we are ready to answer your questions! Is there a restaurant on our list that interests you? Did we miss a hidden BBQ gem you favor? One Floridians love? If so, let us know! Send us a message and we'll be sure to add it to our list.

Image of a white 2019 Toyota Tundra driving on a dirt road.

Toyota USA Delivers New Tundra to Heroic Nurse

The recent wildfires in California have spelled destruction for thousands of acres of natural habitat and have threatened people who lived in the area. However, sometimes crises bring out the best in humanity, and the best example to come out of these fires was a nurse by the name of Allyn Pierce, who left the safety of his home to drive through fire to his hospital, so he could evacuate his patients from the blaze. In doing so, his white Toyota Tundra sustained massive damage to its body and some of its electronic features. It seemed like the vehicle was still drivable, but it would by no means be street legal, since the turn indicator housings, side-view mirrors, and the front bumper had all been melted and rendered useless. However, none of that mattered, since Allyn made it to the hospital and facilitated the evacuation of possibly thousands of patients (the exact numbers hadn’t been released, but Pierce’s hospital has a max capacity of 3,000 beds). But when the ash settled, Allyn posted the picture of his wrecked vehicle to Instagram, which immediately went viral, catching 99,000 likes and the attention of Toyota USA. “We are humbled you’d risk your life and Toyota Tundra to drive people to safety. Don’t worry about your truck, we’re honored to get you a new one,” Toyota commented on Pierce’s post. They soon showed up with a brand new 2019 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro to reward him for his bravery – the most powerful Toyota Tundra on the market. This whole ordeal has been an epic testament to the power of the human spirit and the durability of Toyota’s vehicles. We at Keith Pierson Toyota are proud to offer a full selection of Toyota Tundra trucks to our Jacksonville, FL customers. Come in and see for yourself why Toyota vehicles are the choice of everyday drivers and everyday heroes like Allyn!

2018-toyota-corolla-steering-wheel

Hurricane Irma Relief

Hurricane Irma, a Category-5 hurricane that reached the Florida coast last month, was the most violent Atlantic hurricane to hit the United States since Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Irma’s particularly long lifespan allowed it to ravage many parts of Florida, especially the Florida Keys. more Many native Floridians and Americans nationwide donated funds, supplies, and manpower to help the many thousands of people impacted by Hurricane Irma. Among these volunteers were Keith and Claudy Pierson. The Pierson’s support for the victims of Hurricane Irma began the day after the hurricane struck. Several trucks, commissioned by Keith Pierson Toyota, were packed full of food, water, clothing, toiletries, and other necessities. The Piersons, along with a team of employees, then spent the next several days caravanning to the Keys, helping hundreds of people in need. Many residents of the Florida Keys saw their homes severely damaged and possessions lost. Some people lost everything. But through it all, these residents showed remarkable resolve and a commitment to begin rebuilding immediately. Keith and Claudy Pierson will continue supporting the Florida Keys and other parts of Florida hit hardest by Hurricane Irma. The Piersons are also extremely proud of the employees who joined them in their relief efforts, and have lifelong respect for the volunteers they met during their time in the Keys, some from as far away as New York City. The next time you set your navigation for a “ Toyota dealer near me” and visit our Toyota dealership in Jacksonville, FL, ask how you can support the ongoing relief efforts for those affected by Hurricane Irma. Regardless of how much you can give, every little bit helps. As easy as it is to test drive a Toyota RAV4, that’s how simple it is to show your support.

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Toyotathon is in Full Swing

It’s that time of year again when Toyotathon takes over and the best deals on the best selection of cars hits your local dealership. Here at Keith Pierson Toyota, in Jacksonville, FL, we look forward to being a part of this sales event each and every year. During this time, our inventory of best-selling Toyota vehicles is subject to financing, cash back, and maintenance plan specials, so be sure to stop by or call today to speak to somebody from our staff for specifics on how to get these deals. more A 2017 Toyota Camry is a great car for the price, and if you add in a Toyotathon deal, you’re getting the most bang for your buck possible. It’s hard to pass up a sedan such as this that will get you 178 horsepower and 33 mpg highway, and that comes with the best technology features on the market, like Electronic Traction Control. This is one of many vehicles that may be eligible for savings under the Toyotathon deals going on until January 5 th. This is the perfect time to head on over to Keith Pierson Toyota to find the perfect Toyota vehicle for you – the right car at the right price. The Toyota brand is a brand that has always looked out for its customers, from concentrating on creating the best in affordability and dependability, to finding ways to maximize efficiency in order to save you money at the pump and help save our planet from harmful pollutants. We are proud to carry on their traditions, like the Toyotathon deals that come around each year, and we are happy to help our customers experience the best the automaker has to offer.

Welcome to Our New Blog

Hi Keith Pierson Toyota Customers! We decided to create a blog to keep you informed about our dealership. You will find new car and used car specials, as well as different service specials. We will also  keep you informed about automotive news and general information about Toyota. We hope that you tune in to our upcoming posts! - Keith and Claudy Pierson

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