I should probably start off with a short background. I decided that instead of staying at home this summer, I would take a leap of faith and quite a literal one at that. I decided that I would attend an amazing program that is sponsored by my church I attend in college.

When I arrived I saw so many places to eat at that I knew I had to try. But I decided that I would ask a more seasoned veteran of this program, an amazing man named Aaron Trent and his wife Grace. These are the ten must try places to eat in Jacksonville.

1.Beachside Seafood

Located right next to the beautiful beaches of Jacksonville sets this amazing place. Not only is it a restaurant but it is also a fresh seafood market. What more could you ask than to be on the beach eating some of the freshest food available?

I guess I should probably tell you what the best thing to get on the menu. Well according to my great sources the best thing to order would be The Grouper Sandwich, blackened is the best. The sandwich has fresh grouper the is greatly seasoned and then but on a delicious bun. Did I forget to mention the amazing hush puppies that are served with it. Definitely a must.

2. M Shack

This place is known for the amazing burgers they serve. They have deliciously cooked burgers and the best to order is The Sunrise Burger. This creation of beauty is topped with a fried egg. When the juicy burger combines with the creamy yolk of the egg, your taste buds will literally think that they have died and gone to heaven.

3. Taco Lu

This little taco shack serves up some of the best tacos in Jacksonville. They serve up some of the best Spanish food but with access to fresh seafood they serve up some amazing shrimp tacos. So I would say order the Bangin' Shrimp Taco. This comes with Spicy, Asian-style fried shrimp served on cabbage with chipotle crema and finished with a sprinkle of scallions for a dash of color! It's served on a soft flour tortilla.This place is simply amazing.

4. Maple Street Biscuit Company

This place is comparable to Chick-Fil-A only about a hundred times better. The biscuits are deliciously moist, warm and fluffy. The things they serve are simply amazing but the best thing to order would have to be The Five and Dime. This flaky biscuit is topped with all natural fried chicken breast, pecan wood smoked bacon and cheddar cheese topped with sausage gravy with a little kick. This is surely to leave you in awe of how good the food was.

5. Angie's Sub's

This isn't your average sub shop. This place piles the meat high and leaves you highly satisfied. The best sandwich that they serve is The Peruvian. The sandwich is topped with ham, turkey, salami, provolone and Peruvian sauce. The Peruvian sauce is literally so good that people buy this stuff by the bottle. I can't tell you how good it is because you will have to experience it for yourselves.

6. Four Rivers Smokehouse

This place could possibly hold some of the best barbeque in Jacksonville, at least in our opinion. This is one of those places where you walk in and you instantly feel like you're a cowboy or cowgirl. The sides only add to how amazing the food is. Yet the most amazing thing to order here is The Texas Destroyer. This is delicious angus brisket topped with onion rings, jalapenos, melted provolone and signature 4R barbeque sauce. This will leave you happily satisfied with the delicious food that you've just eaten.

7. Sumo Sushi

This is kind of your typical sushi restaurant but the thing that makes it so amazing is the fact that they have access to amazingly fresh fish to use. You can order your favorite types of seafood but you can rest assured that is going to be deliciously fresh. One thing that I would suggest to try is the Tempura Sushi. This delicately fried sushi makes a flavor explosion in your mouth.

8. Barbara Jean's

Southern hospitality at its finest. This place serves up some good old fashioned cookin' that is surely going to remind you of home. Probably one of the most delicious things would be the Chicken Fried Steak but the breadbasket is the best part. The waiter or waitress brings out a basket heaping with delicious homemade breads. From jalapeno cheddar bread to pumpkin bread you will surely not forget this place soon.

9. Metro Diner

Let's travel back to the good old days. Here at the Metro Diner the hospitality comes with your meal. There are many things here that are excellent such as the breakfast foods. But there is one thing on the menu that is not for the faint of heart. It is duly named The Vortex Burger. This half pound burger is cooked to the doneness that you choose with amazing topping but the real game changer is that instead being served on a bun it is served between two melty grilled cheeses. Yes you read that right but be ready for an experience you will never forget.

10. Poe's Tavern

The atmosphere of this place is literally an experience in itself. We all know who the poet Edgar Allen Poe is. But this place takes it to a whole new level. The entire place is themed in his works. From the pictures and portraits on the wall to the whole menu being named after his poems. The best thing from here would be The Amontillado. This half pound burger made with in house ground chuck is topped with guacamole, jalapeno jack cheese, pico de gallo, and chipotle sour cream surely something to write home about.

So there you have it my friends. The top ten places in our opinion that serves up some of the best food in Jacksonville. These are the places with the best atmosphere and even better food. These should surely be on your food bucket list. As for me I think I will begin crossing some of these off.