Dirty Reds

Unfortunately we biked to Dirty Reds tonight to find out they have closed up shop. I will miss my Thursday nights there. Thanks Norman, Fred, Bridgete and the whole crew. The food and service was always awesome!

Today was RIB day special.. The mustard sauce is perfect and nice sweet, not to tangy and mustardy. The ribs are HUGE and tender. I was not blown away by the dry rub nor the service… but I defiantly would eat there again.

Good food, but terrible customer service. The bartender/​waiter was the only person serving the whole restaurant. That seemed to be a bit strange. He was very slow with filling our drinks and taking our order because he was cashing out a very large group.
Once our food arrived, I was relieved. It had a nice appearance, and I could even see that cajun spices used on the fries and garlic bread. So good. We didn’t have any follow-​up on how our food tasted. And we were asked if we wanted another beer AFTER it was empty for several minutes…
I may or may not go back. I am hoping that the service is better the next time I go. Also, I am hoping that the bar area is more clean. There were drinks that were watered down sitting next to us on the bar the WHOLE TIME we were there. Needless to say, we did not have a great experience. But they have nice potential with their food style and techniques.

Today might have been an off day. We were in the mood for seafood so this may have been just a bad choice. I got the shrimp platter with blackened shrimp (pictured) which looks great but under all that good food there was a swamp of grease. I mean we poured it into an empty dish and it was full. My date ordered shrimp also and asked the waiter how it was prepared, the waiter said «sautéed» which sounded great… low and behold the shrimp came out fried. I don’t know if this guy is new in the food industry, but sautéed and fried do NOT mean the same thing. The service was terribly slow, even though we were the only people there, so we didn’t bother refiring and he just peeled the breading off the shrimp. I’m patient and don’t mind waiting for an excellent food experience, but the slow service, excess grease, ineffective communication and a $ 40 tab – , it could have been much, much better. They did comp us one beer and apologized for the misunderstanding, so that does account for something. I think next time I’m in the mood for BBQ, I’ll give this place another try… maybe.

Shhhhh… Be very quiet I don’t want everybody knowing about the best food, bar or live entertainment in JAX! Hands down the food is amazing. Happy hour is good and the live music is top notch. I’m still here and want to come back. On a side not the waitress we had was amazing and I would love to tip her again. See you all here soon.

Food wasn’t that good and service was super slow. I didn’t understand because we were the only people there. When the food came the ribs were burnt and dry. Everything else was just average. Too expensive for just average food.

Seven of us ventured out tonight in support of Jerry and Gary for the Jacksonville Foodie Event. As expected they delivered, unfortunately Dirty Reds did not. Keep in mind this was a ticketed event so mgmt. knew how many guests to expect right? Perhaps not. It started off well, we were given a preprinted menu listing the starters (Salad, Fried Green Tomatoes, LSD (Louisiana Shrimp Dip) and Gumbo with Rice. We then had our choice of: Catfish w/​Crawfish Lefet Sauce over White Cheddar Stone Ground Grits and Southern Collard Greens or Chefs Choice Smoked Sampler. For dessert; Fried brownies with Butter Rum and Raspberry Sauces or Strawberry White Chocolate Bread Pudding with Chocolate Butter Rum topping. I want to be very clear on the food, it is phenomenal! Gumbo was spicy with true Cajun favors, Salad was fresh but the dressing pushed it up to the next rung. Fried Tomato good but I have tasted better. LSD was a spicy treat that surprised the taste buds. As for the entrees, I have been dreaming of the Catfish and Stone Ground Grits since I first saw the menu. Not because I’m a Catfish fan I am a big time Grit fan’ but alas no Grits here tonight, sorry folks White Rice! The chef explained to us «he just may not have read the menu correctly» Huh? So I took choice #2 the Chefs smoked Meat Sampler. Suddenly I was not missing the Grits as much as expected. The mixture was well balanced Chicken, Pork. Large Rib and Brisket. Tender and flavorful the meat was better than many of the BBQ spots around town. For dessert I opted for the Bread Pudding, not the best I have ever eaten, but certainly not the worst. So what’s my gripe; they basically ran out of food or forgot to serve courses at the same table. There were 8 Diners at our table some received incomplete dishes, some were missed courses altogether, and one person received a plate of nothing but Ribs because everything that made up that plate was gone. It’s clear they are not ready for prime time yet and sad because you can see this place really being a go to spot. Another gripe from our entire table the music. So loud conversation is almost impossible. This is a small room and not acoustically fitted. Would I go back? For sure, but not on music night or if there was going to be a crowd. I would have given 5 Stars for the food, but everything else could have and should have been avoided.

I’m really disappointed in the entire experience, especially how our tables’ complaint was handled.
Ordered the recommended ribs, recommended jambalaya rolls, corn side dish, fries side, split between 2. Sadly, the food was not edible. We did not even finish one rib or a jambalaya roll each. I told the waitress, Bridgette, the food was not good, meat fatty and dry. Jambalaya rolls all rice, no meat. Waitress apologized, offered free cobbler. No thanks, asked for discount on price. No, not authorized. Asked if she could call the boss perhaps, no phone call made. Maybe she could have told owners about the fruit flies that were hovering? She even recommended the ribs. No getting the cook, kind of too bad, so sad, now leave attitude from the staff. (They were also out of many side items from the menu)
The reviews we read before going would have made me think maybe an off night. I was very disappointed. I will not recommend this restaurant to my friends and family due to lack of quality service and poorly made food.
I have been to New Orleans multiple times, eaten at many restaurants and I am not a complainer. This was a bad meal handled poorly by staff. This is a newer establishment. I’m leaving this review in hopes the owners and staff can improve their customer service and food quality.

A friend invited me to Tuesday Night Ribs and Blues like he does every Tuesday. On this week I felt like going so we did. Boy am I glad I did. We got there and the place is smaller then I thought it would be. It is nice don’t get me wrong. There’s a lot of wood and tin everywhere. The band had already started and we grab the smallest table we could find being only two of us. The band was loud for me but I’m old. They were really good with a mixture of blues and rock n roll. Now our server came over and quickly explained the place to us. We decided on the fried green tomatoes with shrimp and some Cajun style BBQ Shrimp. The tomato dish was fried nicely and had a good tang to them. The bbq shrimp were also cooked right not tough but still tender enough to peel. For entrée’s we went with the shrimp an crab etoufee and the ribs that have made them famous. Now I have to say I liked the etoufee but the wife didn’t care for it. We have been to Louisiana quite a few times and have eaten etoufee many times. This one was good but I have eaten better. Now the RIBS were some of the biggest that I have ever seen. I smoke a lot of ribs in my time. Theses were massive and I really don’t know who could eat this whole plate. The rub that they used was leaving my mind and taste buds wondering. What the hell is in this rub? I couldn’t figure it out but I do have some more ribs to eat. The server did a fabulous job and was right there when we needed her and not when we didn’t. The whole experience was a real good one and I can see us here more often.

I have read many great reviews about the food at Dirty Red’s. So, today my wife and I drove over 20 miles to have lunch there. Let me tell you, it was certainly worth the drive. It’s tucked away in a small old strip center just west of Penman Rd on Atlantic Blvd, so look carefully.
We were warmly greated by the chef and our server the moment we walked in. This was our first time there and as far as the atmosphere, it was the hole in the wall I had expected and felt immediately comfortable. Nothing fancy, yet quite clean.
The food was awesome. We had a hard time choosing, but our choices gave us great range of the menu and we were not disappointed. When the chef heard we were ordering the cup of gumbo (which was as big as a bowl serving and only $ 5), he proudly announced his gumbo was the real thing, straight from New Orleans. Well, it certainly was outstanding. I normally will hit gumbo pretty hard with Tabasco, but sense he had so much pride in it, I decided to taste it first. It needed nothing added. We both loved it. My wife had a Shrimp Po Boy. The sandwich looked great. She said it was excellent, the bread as good as it gets for a Po Boy, and the shrimp’s breading was light and delicious. I had Shrimp and Crawfish Étouffée and it was outstanding. This was from the dinner menu, but wasn’t a problem to order. The dish was full of beautiful shrimp and crawfish. The sauce was excellent and a true reminder of New Orleans. I also had red beans and rice as a side. Again, on the money. I could go on and on about the food, but I’ll do that after I go again and try more. If you’re like me, I’m about the food first and foremost and that is always the starting point to a great visit or not.
The server was incredibly nice. You could tell he was proud of the place made us feel quite welcome. The chef was really nice as well. It wasn’t real busy when we were there, so he had the time and the desire to speak to us prior to cooking for us as well as stopping by to ensure we were enjoying everything. On the way out, they both made an effort to say goodbye and invited us to return.
What’s wrong with the place? I have no idea. If you’re looking for excellent Cajun food in the Jax area, it’s worth the drive. They’ve been open about a year and I’m hoping my words will help build their business. They are humble and proud of it, and I think it shows in the kind manner they present themselves and shows up on your taste buds.
Great job to all involved and I wish you great success.

Being desperate for some BBQ Dirty Red’s seemed to be the place to go. The place was fairly small, but felt authentic. We ordered BBQ shrimp, jambalaya egg rolls and the smoked sample platter. The egg rolls where very delicious, well seasoned and where even better with the mustard dip.
As a fan of Texas BBQ I was a little disappointed by the brisket, but the rips and pulled chicken made up for it.
The BBQ sauce was to sweet for me, but the meat will do well without it.
I will definitely add Dirty Red’s to my favorite places in the Jacksonville area.

This was a great drive-​by find! We’re always on the hunt for new restaurants, and after driving by and seeing the sign for this place, checked it out on Unilocal.
Although it’s in a strip mall, the interior is surprisingly cool, and very well done — you forget it’s not a stand alone restaurant. We were greeted by the very personable owner — he’s pretty dynamic. He was also our waiter. We really liked him and the place, but I will honestly say he’s a bit better at sales than a waiter (not a dig — just saying, we enjoyed our experience and will back)
We ordered the Fried Green Tomato appetizer — without shrimp. Unfortunately it did come with the shrimp. I don’t like seafood. The BF ate those and I ate the tomatoes. The appetizer is covered with a «hot» Romo sauce that is spiced well and lots of Garlic. It was a good start to the meal.
We both ordered the chopped Brisket, both having sides of red beans and dirty rice. His additional side was the Mac & Cheese and I had the Corn Maque Chouix. The Brisket was very nice and tender (some of it a little fatty) with good flavor. The dirty rice was also a good choice, with a mixture of different sausages, including Andouille in the beans served on top of the rice. The corn was out of this world good! It had a very fresh flavor, and seasoned perfectly. The Mac & Cheese is old Southern style, which is very rich and full of flavor — not super creamy, but stick to your ribs good — it also has a bit of a kick. The entrees are good sized and will fill you up.
Lastly had the homemade bread pudding — again another winner. I like mine a *little* firmer than this, but overall had a great flavor! and the BF thought the texture was perfect for him.
We look forward to returning and trying some new dishes. I can heartily say that we enjoyed the meal

The chef was great! We went right at lunch time. It was dead which made me worry a little but he staff and food did not disappoint. We had jumbalia egg rolls, two kids meals, vegi plate, po boy, and meatloaf meal. It is a little on the pricey side for us for lunch but we had enough left overs for at least two or three of us to be full for dinner too.

I will return again and repost more stars I hope later but for our first visit it was not the best experience. It was a fundraising night for the dance school next door so service was not great but the moms were nice. Our food took forever to arrive and when it did it was all cold. They were fast to heat it all up and I asked for pepper vinegar and I was told they didn’t have any but nice folks behind us gave us the bottle on there table. We were also given lunch menus and not told the specials. Or I might have had the chix and waffles but after all the snags I must say the food was all very good.
The owner came to our table and I must admit she was extremely nice and apologetic. I knew she was genuine and we will be back another day to enjoy the great food at Dirty Reds. I’m hoping to upgrade a review then.

Fantastic!
Fried eggplant appetizer is a must for starters.
The gumbo was as close to authentic as I have had since living on the Gulf Coast.
The sampler platter was more than generous and does not require any added sauces to add flavor. The ribs, brisket, sausage and chicken were extremely tender and moist, with an explosion of flavor.
Our server, River, made us feel welcome and was extremely attentive. Meeting one of the owners, Lisa, she makes you feel like you are home and genuinely cares that your dining experience is enjoyable!
I only regret I have not been to Dirty Reds’ before and definitely will not be the last!

Note: Saved draft from Dec. 6,13.
So glad I found a place that offers
Cajun-​southern cooking without having to fry all their ingredients.
Joe, the owner came to greet us after we were seated, very personable person. He told us about the restaurant since we were noobs. He also offered a smpl of the collard greens, after I told him I’ve never tried them. Surprising, considering all the years I’ve lived in the south. The collards were not bad, not bad at all.
Onto the real reason why we came! My friend & I tried their po boys, the fried shrimp & the fried oyster. They were delish! But have to admit the bread was to crunchy, throughout, for my taste, no soft interior. Other than that there was enough mayo & lettuce with every bite of the yummy fried oysters & shrimp po boys.
The Mac & cheese had a nice spicy kick to them too, really enjoyed that little twist. Although I’m allergic to shrimp, I had to try their shrimp & grits. To say it was good would be an understatement. Trust me I didn’t finish all of my food! I had leftovers for dinner & still couldn’t finish it during that sitting either. Definitely get your money’s worth & more.
Did I mention how our sweet teas were served in mason jars? How can you not love the rustic-​seafood décor?!
I definitely feel a gluttony of guilt with my over indulgence of yummy food. Will definitely come again :). Bringing the mate along to share in on my new discovery next time.

Stopped in last Friday afternoon, after the lunch rush… about 1:30pm, and there were still a good number of folks still eating. This is a nice, quaint little place, back in the corner of a small shopping center, east of the intercoastal and just past the Mayport overpass on Atlantic, across the street from the Pier One. I tell you this, as a preface, because you don’t want to miss this place!
Friendly folks, clean and simple atmosphere, and super food! Did I mention the food is great? Good-​sized portions and with the right amount of spice. You know how sometimes, the «Cajun» can overpower bad food. Not the case the Dirty Reds! Good food and well seasoned.
We had the Red Beans and Dirty Rice with Andoulille Sausage along with the Gulf Shrimp Seafood platter with Garlic & Parsley French Fries, along with Corn Maque Choux. We chose to have our shrimp grilled vs. fried and they were really tasty, grilled just right.
Very attentive wait staff and they kept my tall Mason Jar filled with their «to die for» sweetened Iced Tea!
First time here and it certainly will not be our last. We have another set of reasons to travel up to Neptune Beach from south Ponte Vedra and we’ll definitely make a special trip, anytime, to get food that tastes like this.
Maybe next time, it will be the Meatloaf with Cajun Smashed Spuds and home-​style gravy or maybe the Smoked Sampler for Two with Chopped Brisket and Pulled Chicken or the Dry-​Rub Baby Back Ribs. Who knows?
Probably can get through all of their menus offerings in the next 4 or 5 months, if we come up here once a week.
We’ll see. More to come…

I’ll be honest I am not much for Louisiana style food– typically… HOWEVER Dirty Red’s is my exception. I have enjoyed everything I have tried so far. I had the Brisket Po Boy tonight with collard greens also the Cajun fries. The owner recommended I try the in house sauce and I am SOO happy I did– LOVED IT! I even used it to dip my fries in instead of ketchup! When you do you MUST have the fried brownies WITH the raspberry sauce– DELISH!!! You do yourself a disservice if you don’t treat yourself to Dirty Reds…
My fav’s/recommendations:
–Fried Brownies
–Mac and Cheese
–Collard Greens
–Brisket with «the house sauce» on the side
–Red Beans and Rice

A-​MA-​ZING! Ok, I admit I am a bit biased as a low country boy and a huge fan of both Louisiana style cuisine and southern comfort food. However, good food is just good food and this place has plenty. My wife and I ventured in looking for something new for a Friday night dinner out and we were not disappointed. We were greeted promptly when we entered and had the pick of the place for seating. A small dining room surrounds a unique bar setup and the combination of woods, metals and lighting create a very nice, clean, crisp modern environment with a cool twist and a southern vibe. Though we ate inside, out front they have a very nice patio area with cool torches and nice place to enjoy once the weather cools a bit. A great soundtrack of blues and soul music at just the right volume add to the ambience.
We dug the cool use of mason jar glassware serving some awesome sweet tea. We took advantage of the BOGO drink specials from 4−7pm with my wife getting a glass of the house white wine and I enjoyed an ice cold mug of ABITA Purple Haze beer. Both were really good and a nice companion to the LSD seafood dip we had as an appetizer. A cream cheese based concoction with plenty of seafood served with a nice helping of crostini. For our entrees I opted for the Shrimp and Grits and my wife ordered the Bangin’ Shrimp Platter with garlic and parsley fries. I got the vegetable special of fresh fried okra as well.
The shrimp and grits were a nice blend, creamy, a bit smoky with plenty of nice size shrimp. The fried okra was (I hate to say it) even better than my Grandma used to make and I thought hers was amazing. The bangin’ shrimp was tasty as well with plenty of shrimp with a nice, light breading and a spicy but not overwhelming sauce. The garlic and parsley fries were cooked to perfection and not overwhelmed with garlic. Overall, the portions were very large and we could have shared either entrée between the two of us. We ended up with plenty to take home to enjoy for a second meal. To top it off we ordered the fried brownies to take home for later.
The owner Felicia came out to greet us at our table as we were wrapping up and we had a great conversation. She was very friendly and topped off our great experience with some great southern cuisine with equally great southern hospitality. Don’t let the location or even the name fool you. This place is for real. A winning combination of awesome food, attentive and focused service, a great environment and an engaged and genuine owner will make this place a fixture at the beach for a long time to come. We plan to return on a Thursday for $ 1 rib night and will be back on another weekend night to try other items on the menu.
Overall, I believe Dirty Red’s is another hidden gem across the intracoastal. If you are looking for some great Louisiana inspired southern comfort food in a cool environment with great music and ice cold drinks — head out to Dirty Red’s.

Pretty good Southern Louisiana style food. I had the oyster po boy sandwich and fries. Hubby got dry rub baby back ribs. Menu is small, but I like that. I don’t like being bombarded with choices. I didn’t like how the sandwiches didn’t come with a side :(had to pay an extra $ 4 for fries. I got the Cajun style fries but I wish I got the garlic fries. Mine were over seasoned. We got FRIED BROWNIES for dessert, came with 3 dips (raspberry, white chocolate and some sort of crème dip), it was soooooo good. I think my cholesterol levels are it’s breaking point but I don’t care: D
I also LOVE the mason jar glasses, so cute! Restaurant is very modern-​southern looking and clean. Service is great too :) Hope to come back soon and eat on the deck :)