SNF
We were in Jacksonville for just an evening so we Googled restaurants and Cowder Ted's came up. It is a little hole in the wall (best kind of restaurant) with limited seating, great service and good food. Reviews went on and on about the chowder, and it was good, but we didn't really consider it chowder. It was more like a stew. I had the crab cake sandwich and my husband had the coconut shrimp. Both were good. We liked the out-of-the-way, run down, local feel of the place.
William Deshambo
I stopped here to try some authentic clam chowder and boy was I not disappointed! The clam chowder was absolutely AMAZING! So much so I plan to stop for another full pot to freeze and bring home to Michigan. I got this accompanied by the Cajun Shrimp Po Boy, which was equally delicious. Atmosphere was great, not too fancy or upscale. They sold beer to go woth the great food and had outdoor seating. I did carryout and ate in my truck with a view of the water being I was on a conference call during my lunch. Will definitely be going back!
Crowbird
Iconic old Florida seafood shack at its finest! If Derek and JJ rave about this place, with all the travels they make, it’s gotta be good. The chowder is a bowl of love!
Seth Paw Manners
This place is a Florida Gem. I went today for the first time and I was blown away. The atmosphere is like no other, the staff was beyond friendly and the food is stupid good. I ordered the red shrimp with a salad. The shrimp were slap your momma good. Best I’ve ever had. I’d make the 4 hour drive just to eat here.
Thank you for the food and service. Mind blown!!!!!!!
Keene M
Great food, excellent service, dumpy decor. But that’s what you expect when you go to Chowder Ted’s. It’s obviously been there for a hundred years. So that’s it. And our server was prompt, friendly and helpful. We ordered 1/2 pot of chowder to share, a crab cake on a salad, a cajun burger and some pretty good fries. The crab cake was delicious. The cajun burger was flavorful on its own but the cajun sauce made it awesome. All in all, pleasant experience. We will be back when passing through again.
Roger S
This is a great little hidden treasure. Came upon it out on an afternoon motorcycle ride. Don't blink or you'll miss it, but a great stop fresh fish dishes, yummy appetizers and cold beer. Oh yeah, and the chowder of off the charts!
One important note, get there early on Saturdays. They are closed on Sundays and Mondays, so they try to make just enough chowder to get through the day without leftovers so when it's gone it's gone. And this is a very popular locals joint where they come in and get pots of chowder to go.
It's fantastic. It's not a New England chowder nor a Manhattan, but it is a hearty red chowder choc full of seafood and veggies. Also tried the blackened grouper which was fresh and tasty. The staff is friendly welcoming. A great finish to a great day riding. Also great outdoor seating rig in the river. Beautiful!
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deryl warner
I knew I'd love this place & I did. Old school excellent fried seafood vry reasonably priced. Shrimp & conch fritters r out of this world. I love the honey decor, the water view, the staff. U just get so much more for yr $ than some fancy "high end" establishment & the food is WAY FRESHER & BETTER! I'll be coming back, laughing # those wasting $ somewhere else. It brings back my childhood & the places we used to go in FL & NC with my Dad. Thank you Chowder Ted's!!!
Hubert van der Harst
This is a great local joint that we’ve been visiting over the years. We come back for their “Full Pot of Chowder” time and again. We’ve tried other menu items which are ok, but the chowder is exceptional. Tomato based. Mildly spicy. Served with Texas Toast (whatever Texas toast may be 🤗).
Ross Moorman
If you want to see what old Florida looked like, then this is the place to go. It is located on Heckscher Drive, which is an old fish camp road connecting Fernandina Beach and Jacksonville. The outside is not much to look at, but inside it is very warm and inviting. Most importantly, the food is delicious, and the service was very good. As the name would suggest, the clam chowder was excellent. We had it as an appetizer and split it between the two of us. I had the fried flounder sandwich, which was excellent, and my wife had the same flounder as a plate with a salad. It was delicious as well. Beer menu was good, and the smoked fish appetizer was almost a full meal. We recommend this place very highly, and it is a very unique place, a far cry from most of the chains that one finds in modern Florida.
Ric Douglas
Look, u wanna judge a place? Get something simple. Like Cajun Po Boy and Cajun Fries. Hands DOWN probably the best po boy I've ever had. Just flat out delicious. The shrimp was perfectly spicy and the bread was a perfect ratio to the meat and the Cajun sauce just made it blend together in a flavorful, juicy bite!
Wife had the special: Grilled Red Fish and onion rings. She loved it! And it wasn't fishy fish and tasted ok to my fish-hating lips so that had to say something, too.
The Conch Fritters were crunchy outside, hot and moist inside and delicious.
We'll be going back.
Be warned! Small joint. Five tables and a short bar. So get there early!
Anna Heise
Chowder Ted’s is truly a real hole in the wall restaurant, situated on Heckscher Drive on the North side of town. Not very remarkable once you arrive and even less on the inside, perhaps 10 or 12 tables a few bar stools at the counter that overlooks the kitchen. It’s typically packed with regulars, and if you’re lucky enough to score a seat at the counter, I encourage you to grab it.
Ansel Diama
"I go to chowder Teds before or after a fishing trip on heckscher. This place is cozy and and delicious. Never disappoints." - Ansel Ponce Diama
Jeff S
I've been waiting to try Chowder Ted's for a while, then when I finally get there, they are shut down due to a hurricane. Well I made it today and now I'm asking myself what took so long. Yes it's off the beaten path, yes, if you blink you may just drive on by. There is no big sign, and they don't advertise. By all rights this restaurant shouldn't be able to stay I business. So enough about what's wrong, what's right, the food is incredible. Today's special, blackened mahi, asian slaw, and a mango salsa. Everything was great, I don't typically like slaw, but I ate all of it. I also noticed that there are a lot of regulars and the staff know most by name, and made it a point to know mine and to tell me bye when I left. Most places will say come back but again Teds makes you feel like they are looking forward to seeing you again. What else does chowder Teds have? In one word "passion ", If you watch your food being prepared you will see a one man show preparing the meals, plating the dishes and inspecting everything that goes out. How do people find out about Chowder Ted's, simple word of mouth. Still the best advertising available. If you have been wanting to go and just didn't find it convenient like me, then make it a point to go. I was definitely not disappointed, and will be going back again soon.
Rachel Kinue
Made the drive to Chowder Ted's and it was worth every mile. The calamari was fresh and delicious, please ignore the fact I inhaled half of the order before taking the picture, it was that good. Keep in mind, the main items do not come with sides. So grab some fries if you want a full meal. Every option was $10 or less. Check out the chaulk board for daily specials.
Mebe88609
What is all the hype about. After reading all the reviews we decided to go to and try the infamous chowder. What a let down<br/>The half pot of chowder was less than a half pot, and was more potatoes than anything else, I found only 2 very small pieces of fish. there was 1 slice of a carrot but there was POTATOES. Call it what it is Potatoe Chowder.
Eebalicki
Terrible Customer Service by the Owner. After researching this place on the internet after reading a review in the paper, I called this establishment during working hours. The phone rang continuously and no one answered. After driving 20 miles to get there, arriving at 8:30 a mean spirited woman signaled that they were closed(despite several customers inside). I then signaled to the man who was the owner who signaled they were closed. I signaled him to come to me. When he did, he threatened to call the police if I did not leave. Now I have no desire to return. He could have at least given me a discount to return or given me a small sample of something to take home. What terrible customer service! I can understand that the kitchen was closed and they did not want any more customers - but to turn me away in the fashion that I was was terrible customer service. The owner should have thanked me for coming and warmly invited me to return at a later date when they would be open.
Kerigus
Chowder Teds. Food great. Best on North Side. Service not so great. Unfriendly to kids. If it was not for food, I would never go back. Too bad the owner seems like a nice guy.
Susanw
Chowder Ted's on Heckshire. Management problems. You have to pay cash onlyand if you are with friends and sit at separate tables, they will combine your bill. I find this service NOT customer friendly and won't go back. My husband says he would rather eat barnacles off the bridge than go back.
Mary Donovan
Soooo Good!. So I seen the pictures on ig from jaxrestaurantreviews and I just had to be curious. I live 10 minutes away and ran out the door for lunch. I was not disappointed at all. Small place along the water, with maybe 5-8 tables in the whole place. I went around 1 after the lunch crowd. I ordered the fried grouper sandwich, suggested by the sweetest waitress. Got a blue moon and 1/2 pot of chowder to start. That chowder was spicy but sooo good. Comes with bread and that made it harder to quit eating. Not to mention, big chunks of potatoes, shrimp, green olives, onion for flavor, and don't forget big pieces of fish. The grouper came out on a bun w/let, tom, and a sauce that was so good they give you a side of it because they know you'll ask for more ;) All in all, I only paid $17.00. I'm telling you what, for the awesome yummy food and very nice view of the water, it's worth it to stop by on the way in or out of Fernandina.
Yovincent
Incredible food, great prices. This place is out of the way up on Heckscher Drive, but it's well worth the trip... just check that it's open before you go. On Friday they usually have a grilled Tuna sandwich, which I get bunless with extra salad greens, and it's wonderful with a large piece of fresh tuna cooked perfectly (rare if you ask). Probably a dish you'd pay $15 and up for elsewhere. It's a small place and can get very crowded, so go early and be patient, it's well worth it.
Bill Mckinney
Great food...Great Price.... And an even better atmosphere. The staff makes you feel at home. I don't even eat seafood but my family does and we have never been disappointed. The burger and wings are always on point. If I could just convince Ted to put steak on the grill we would eat there 3 times a week instead of just 2. Do yourself a favor and stop in. - unpaid spokesman.
Mlcarlin2013
BEST!. This place is very close to where I work. There are days you can find our entire office there - everyone LOVES it! The fish specials are so fresh and delicious. The chowder is one of my all time favorites and even the fries rock here. The hushpuppies are on point and can you beat a $1.50 draft beer (that's after work of course). The burgers are some of the best in town and their cajun sauce is so yummy - I eat it with everything. Honestly you can't go wrong with anything on the menu and that's the truth - have them pick for you if you want, you won't be disappointed. <br/><br/>The people that dislike it because of the seating and the chowder pots are ridiculous - This is a little family owned shoreside dive that cranks out awesome, fresh meals and that is that. They aren't fancy and don't try to be - but that is what of the best parts about Ted's!
Emile McCcain-Rose
A true sea food shack, great food, prices. If you're looking for a fancy decor you're in the wrong place. Downside, they only except cash! :-(
Noneya
AMAZING!. Florida born and raised and this is hands down the best little seafood shack I have been to. The prices are wonderful, good portion , and always fresh. No matter how busy they are you always get great service with a smile. Anyone who goes and doesnt like it needs their taste buds checked , but can gladly give me their table anyday. Mom and pop style places are about the food and the people not perfect table settings. If youve never been be prepared to come back frequently.
Janetjoy54
Worst place ever. We thought it was a sea food place was hardly no sea food the tables in the back were gross they should put plastic table cloths on them could use some new pots for the chowder looked like they came from good will. Or from someones throw away bin no tarted sauce for fish sandwich pay cash only no where in the place this is posted cash only what a mess we will never go back
Helena Jones
Order it All!... We did!. Delicious!! <br/>I and my Cousin were referred by current customers to come to Chowder Teds. I must say that the food was exquisite, the fish and shrimp were fresh and flavorful. The service was awesome, and the prices were beyond reasonable. Highly recommend you go there; however the place is small and you should try to get there after the lunch rush. Also CASH ONLY they do not except credit cards.
Winona
My husband and I went to Ted's today for the first time today. We arrived right before 11 and was among the first customers. I ordered the oyster po boy sandwich and my husband ordered the cajun burger. Both were delicious. The restaurant is small and there are very few tables however the staff was friendly and the food arrived quickly :)
Kevin
Anyone who doesn't like Ted'a can go lick Captain D's balls
J
I l.o.v.e the burgers. And the chowder belongs in the resturaunt name. But the grouper tasted....plain bad, I'm not sure if it was freezer burnt or what. But after all the delicious things I didn't want to complain about some bad grouper. I will never stop eating at Teds it delicious and very well priced!
Randy McGee
Great food and atmosphere. The chowder is great, the fish is great, the people are great...and the beer is cold. Going back to make this a regular place to visit.
Juliana Catlin
My favorite Friday night place - great chowder and lightly fried shrimp are amazing. Love the dive bar atmosphere and the service is the best! Highly recommend if you want casual and great seafood,
BigDaddy
One of my favorite places. Nothing fancy, just great food at great prices. Bring cash!
Mikespino
An original. Chowder Ted's is a true Florida fish shack with great food in a casual setting. Service is observant and fast. Food is very good including local shrimp and clam strips, grouper sandwich and crab cakes. Keep an eye out for daily specials on the board by the front door. Closed Sundays and Mondays.
FLGirl
The Good, The Bad & The Ugly. Good: menu had a nice variety & they had several daily specials; the food tasted good and was very reasonably priced; fried items not greasy- nicely done; grilled items were cooked well; nicely seasoned- didn't overpower the seafood which tasted fresh; friendly & attentive server; very casual/dive/fish camp feel (not fancy, not upscale)<br/><br/>Bad: kind of busy & food took a while but the kitchen is small and we were there at the lunch rush; hours are somewhat erratic (as of last week, now opening at 1 for lunch); the Chowder was disappointing... not bad just not what I expected (apparently it is a Minorcan stew); very casual/not fancy atmosphere- I put it on the good & bad because some people will hate it- others will love it's charm; Cash only!<br/><br/>Ugly:Teflon flaking off the chowder bowl- isn't that stuff toxic? Very sticky tables.
WT Duke
Great little "hole in the wall". We'd been hearing a lot about Chowder Ted's over the past few years, so we finally made the trip down to try it out! Blink and you will miss it, so keep your eyes open. Cash only, beware, I had to run out to the nearby convenience store to hit the ATM. They opened at 1pm, and the parking lot was full at 12:55 pm. They opened the doors, and the place immediately and completely filled up! I was very impressed by the service, the server methodically went from table to table, first getting drink orders, then a return visit for food. And my iced tea glass was NEVER empty, and I drink a lot of tea. The ambiance is fish-shack/nautical themed. The tables are VERY sticky, I had to pry our stew pot and my drink from the table many times. Gross. And as for the food. We started with the stew. Honestly, we did not care for it. It is not bad by any means, but we both prefer cream based. Plus, the "pots" were simply old, really old, non-stick pans that had lost most of their non-stick coating. Wonder how many people have eaten that coating in their stew. Yuck! I had blackened Tilapia, it was very well done, fresh, well-spiced. Also had the onion rings, they were really good. My wife had the Oyster Po-Boy, she liked it very much. We have been told the burgers are the best, so we will be back! Just not right at 1pm when they first open ;-)
Linda
Unbelievable surprise. Found Teds on Urbanspoon, and one of the best of all time golden nuggets out there. The coconut shrimp were by far the best I have ever had (and I have had a lot!). The pot of chowder literally comes in a pot and it tastes the kind you wish your grandma used to make. The blackened tilapia sandwich almost made me weep and the restaurant team works like a well oiled machine even though it was crazy busy. They made us feel like they were delighted we were there. Most excellent new fnd this year.
The Fat Kid
Great Chowder. I have lived at the beaches all my life and have came out to the north jetties to fish for many years. I missed out on this little gem. Let me tell you I'm kicking myself alot right now. I ate at Ted's today and the chowder is out of this world and I hope it will be as good tomorrow when I go back. I'll let you know. The shrimp were good and the rings are cooked to prefection. Now you might want to either get there early or late for lunch cause the place was packed. I went down to the beach and hung out and then went back for the food. I like hanging at the beach anyway. So till tomorrow I hope that I beat you there.
Lisa
Great Place. I loved everything about Chowder Ted's. From the quaint waterside location to the friendly service, reasonable prices and best of all terrific food. We arrived right at opening time for lunch and the restaurant was immediately full. The one and only server effectively took care of every table in the place and my iced tea glass was never empty. We had the chowder of course, served in pots with a side of tasty toast and it was fresh and flavorful. The Ted's ultimate fried grouper sandwich was a great choice. Breaded very lightly and piled high with jalapeno coleslaw, tomatoes and lettuce on a fresh bun. It is cash only, so come prepared but another perk of this place is the iced tea is only $1.15 and the beer $1.50.
Cameron
Great Food. AMAZING tuna samich. Great service. If I had to eat at one place for the rest of my life, this would be it.<br/><br/>Small parking lot<br/>Cramped and not a lot of seating<br/>Cash only<br/><br/>The quality of the food and the staff there makes up for any short comings though.
David Mo Sian
Great Chowder, Better Service. First time there, my family of four loved. Kids gobbled down shrimp, my wife had the Oyster Po Boy... I had the Blackened Tuna. The winner for me was the Ted's Chowder... which given the name, better be good I suppose.<br/>The service was wonderful, its a "Hole-in-the-wall" type of place but the host and server were fantastic.
Jeannie
Jeannie. Funky fun place to go for good lunch and a beer. Crab cake was good, as well as the burgers. They could do with deleting the political rhetoric that has become part of the decor, somewhat offensive to the opposition! Just not appropriate in a restaurant. Very sticky tables, could get rid of them for sure.
Traci B.
LOVE IT!!. Every time I have been here has been awesome! The crawfish po boy and the blackened catch of the day sandwich are my two favs. I always have a hard time picking between the two. Amy is the best! Always great conversation when I go in there.
JaxMom
Chowdah. The food and atmosphere have been well detailed here, so I won't expound further. However, I do have a wish list in case Ted is listening. First of all, get rid of the old sticky tables, or at least buy some vinyl tablecloths. Secondly, while serving the chowder in the pot you warmed it in is quaint and all, could you please buy some new pots? Ours had non-stick coating that was battered, scraped, and had spots missing. That can't be sanitary. Lastly, make better sweet tea. Shame to be putting out such great food with weak tea to wash it down with.
Eating To Live...
Yes, yes, yes!!!. Chef/Owner Ted is amazing at the grill and server, Amy, never misses your favorite when you drive in the parking lot. Your favor beverage is on the table when you walk in the door. She says it's like she's serving friends of the family. She's right!!! When Ted opened with his brother, we just bought a lot nearby. We had to stop in this little dive and try it. His fish sandwiches, hamburgers, onion rings, minorcan chowder, and daily specials, coupled with a glass of wine or bottle of beer is the perfect catch of the day!!! That, coupled with the music and fish camp atmosphere brings us back time after time. A+ Ted. You're the best!
Steve
Good little place. I stopped by Chowder Ted's for the first time last week, for a late lunch. I don't normally get "po boy" sandwiches, but was in the mood for oysters, so I got the Oyster Po-Boy sandwich. It ended up being pretty good. It had about 6 fried oysters on a toasted hoagie roll, with lettuce and their cajun sauce. I also got an order of fries, which came out fresh and hot. Prices were good and I'll definitely stop in there again and bring my wife.
Toscana1983
Hecksher Drive. The first time I ever went here my buddy and I were out fishing. We tied up the boat and walked inside, what a good surprise. Ted's is a small place that encompasses a friendly air of charm and hospitality. If you go there a couple of times the waitress will remember your name and drink! The Cajun shrimp sandwich is to die for and you can buy a tub of Cajun sauce to take home for $5. Occasionally they have an ahi grade tuna sandwich for only $6.95. It is cool to have a place like this still around, a local place.
Jeremy
Great place and good people.. The title says it all. Menu is short and to the point. Make sure you look at the specials when you walk in. If you haven't tried Ted's chowder, then you need to. My wife and I eat ther at least 3 to 4 times a month. I would recommend to anyone. Closed on Sundays and Mondays. Opens around 11 AM and closes @ 8 PM, but will stay open if people are still eating.
Csaba Banar
YUMMY. I love this place. I was turned on to it by a client and have been going eversince for the past 54-5 years now.. it can get crowded especially at lunch time.. they have a very diverse clientel ranging from longshoreman to doctors and lawyers. the staff is awesome and ted makes some great food. also check out the chicken wings, absolutely awesome..
Leeann Shaw
Chowder Teds. Wonderful food and in a charming location. Every time we travel to Atlantic Beach we go there. I love their fresh fish dishes.
Frederick
Love at first bite.... This is maybe my very favorite restaurant in Jacksonville, and it is so hidden away as to be practically invisible. Fire up your GPS and make the trip. The chowder is a tomato based but not Manhattan - it is rich and spicy and loaded with chunks of tomatoes, clams, bacon, and olives. The place is totally casual, cash-only. Beer + Wine is served, and the staff is friendly and loud. They WILL find a spot for you to sit, and it can get pretty crowded. The best deal is the catch of the day -- fresh fish, usually sushi-grade tuna, blackened and served on a kaiser roll with all the fixings for about $5. Many other ultra fresh and simple seafood options available, all prepared in a straigh-forward way. If you love the fish shacks along Cape Cod and Ipswich or Maine, you will love this place. They close early - 7pm.
Jax Restaurant Reviews
We’re constantly asking friends, acquaintances and our followers on various social media sites to tell us their favorite restaurant most people haven’t tried in Jax. The one restaurant that has come up more than any other is Chowder Ted’s. We’d actually never visited Chowder Ted’s until now. Chowder Ted’s is a little hole in the wall restaurant tucked under the corner of a small bridge on Heckscher drive on the North end of town. It’s not much to look at from the outside. Chowder Ted’s is in a very small older building with maybe 12 tables total plus a few bar stools that are situated right in front of the kitchen. They’re known for their famous chowder served in a pot. Chowder Teds Our trip to Chowder Ted’s didn’t start off well. We arrived to a 40 minute wait. They can’t control this and they were very nice making sure we knew that we’d definitely get served even if we didn’t get seated until after 8pm whe
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