Beech Street Grill: It's a Blast!

Posted Sunday, June 23, 2024 3:30 am

By Dylan Bailey

Shaved ribeye tacos.

The Beech Street Grill is a restaurant in Fernandina Beach that requires little introduction. But I’m still going to give it. The historic, 150+-year-old house has seen Amelia Island change like the ebb and flow of the tide. With so many fantastic food options, how does The Beech Street Grill stack up?

Stepping inside The Beech Street Grill is a feast for the eyes. There’s a certain charm that comes with antique houses, especially on Amelia Island, but this stands out. As gorgeous as the interior was, I opted to sit outside while the weather was mild.

With a beautiful outdoor patio that is across from T-Rays and situated alongside shops, it was perfect for a late lunch. A couple with a small, black dog sat a few tables beside me. Even at 3 p.m. on a Thursday, I was amazed at how relaxing it was to sit here.

Thumbing through the menu, I stopped on the Datil Sting honey-glazed onion rings. Coming in at a respectable $8 I couldn’t pass it up. Beer-battered Vidalia onions, topped with local Datil Sting honey. A phenomenal pairing. The sweetness of the honey with the deep-fried crunch of the onion rings was a match made in heaven.

I wanted to try something from their handhelds and entrees sections. Starting with the handhelds, I nabbed the Southern tacos ($18) with shaved ribeye. You can get this with seared tuna, fried chicken, shrimp, etc. And it comes served with a delicious chili-lime aioli. The shaved ribeye was so tender that it melted in my mouth like butter. I’d go back again just for this.

Finally, I ended on the shrimp and grits ($26). Chunks of tasso ham, cherry tomatoes, garlic chives and the real winner, a sherry cream reduction. This is unbelievably flavorful. Of all the shrimp and grits I’ve had, this is one of the better. If you prefer less grits and more shrimp, this’ll be right up your alley.

The Beech Street Grill was a blast. Not only is it relaxing, with a spacious and surprisingly quiet patio, but it also has a loaded history as well as a beautiful interior. While the entrees can get a tad expensive, I was pleasantly surprised with each dish. And definitely try the onion rings with honey – a winning combination.