Still looking for a way to wow your date this Valentine’s Day? Who doesn’t love a delectable, mouth-watering meal amongst candlelight? The Jacksonville Inn is an outstanding restaurant to start that relationship this holiday or rekindle the flame in the one you have now. Located at 175 E. California Street in historic downtown Jacksonville, the Inn was built in 1861 and is one of the most popular restaurants in the Rogue Valley.
The old fashioned building is inviting from the moment you walk in. Ambiance dominates with dimmed lighting and tasteful candles on each white cloth covered table. Red and white carnations are a delightful touch to the atmosphere. Stained glass room separators nicely complete the brick and wooden walls. Seated next to the brick fireplace, warmth and comfort radiated across the restaurant.
We were very politely greeted by a young waiter dressed professionally in black and white. Attentive and friendly, he checked on us regularly throughout the night, but was not overbearing. The menu had many elaborate options to choose from, including fresh seafood, stuffed hazelnut chicken, prime rib of beef, lamb, and a variety of heart healthy selections. Appetizers such as sauteed mushrooms or hazelnut prawns are a nice start, and range from $7.95 to $14.95. I ordered the vegetarian grilled Rogue Valley vegetables as an entree. The house starter salad was shredded romaine lettuce with a house dressing, which was rather plain and difficult to eat. The vegetable entree certainly made up for it. Perfectly seasoned and full of flavor, it included grilled asparagus, zuchinni, and eggplant on top of lentils and topped with a rich cheese fritter. My friend’s prime rib was cooked to perfection and very tender, complete with unbelievably delicious blue cheese stuffed mushrooms and a potato fritter. Both meals were beautifully displayed and arranged.
An overall classy and relaxing experience, the Jacksonville Inn is a must if you have not been there already. Over 2,000 wines are available for those over 21. Aside from the main dining room, the Bistro is also available, which offers smaller portions and is more casual. It is open Sunday through Thursday from 4 to 9 and Friday and Saturday 4 to 10. In the summer, the garden patio is an enjoyable place to dine outside, perhaps before the Britt Festival that runs from June to September. Entrees in the main dining room range from $21 to $37 and come with seasonal vegetables and rice pilaf or mashed potatoes. Breakfast is served from 7 to 10:30 a.m. Monday through Saturday and until 10 a.m. Sunday, with Sunday champagne brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Lunch is from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Dinner hours are 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 5 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
For more information or to make a reservation please call 541-899-1900 or visit them online at jacksonvilleinn.com.