Crush, Jacksonville

Finally, A lovely, unpretentious place with quite good food. French well prepared; considerable portions; good service. We were the last aprty there into the evening, and we were utterly unhurried. Dinner for 3 w/wine $110 after 20% tip. The beer menu is limited, but the options were unique and affordable. Solid wine list. We are going again and again.

Jacksonville is not San Francisco, so all restaurants reviews by this traveler need to take that into account. However, Crush is the best of its kind in the area. Prices are a little steep but in line with upscale competition like Pastiche and LaCena. Importantly, the food is excellent ranging from comfortable (Croque Monsieur) to creative (Hanger Steak). Most importantly, this is an oasis from steak and rib joints that seem to dominate every corner in the region. We love it! We've been there several time, have tried many menu items, and have never been disappointed.

Our evening at Crush was one of the most expensive indigestion experiences we've ever had. Four people went to celebrate a special event and from the moment we walked in the door we were rushed to hurry us out. The server wanted to take all our orders at the same time - wine, beverages, food, etc. He quickly listed the specials and then stood waiting for us to order. We had not finished our appetizers when our dinner order came, so they tried to take the rest of the appetizers. We ordered a second bottle of wine and when they didn't have the same kind the waiter brought out something else (much more expensive) and proceeded to pour it over the remaining wine we had had before! The waiter had no clue how to wait table in a nice restaurant. He removed plates before everyone was eating and spilled an entire glass of water which went into someone's lap. Without offering even a napkin to mop it up he asked if we were through. We said we wanted dessert and he then reluctantly brought dessert menues. We were an older group, well behaved, and there was no reason to hurry us. The specials were very overpriced (the most expensive item on the menu was $25, so we thought that would be about the price of the specials.) They were $38 and the food was very average, the wine terribly overpriced, and the staff poorly trained and inexperienced. We would never return!