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13Gypsies
Categories: Restaurants Spanish Restaurants Basque Restaurants Tapas/Small Plates Spanish, Basque, Tapas/Small Plates [Edit]
887 Stockton StJacksonville, FL 32204
(904) 389-0330
- Hours:
Tue-Sat 11 am - 2 pm
Tue-Thu 5 pm - 9 pm
Fri-Sat 5 pm - 10 pm
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Ambience:
- Intimate
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
60 reviews for 13Gypsies
Review Highlights
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"...Honey Garlic Hummus, Angry Bull, Chorizo and Pears and..." In 7 reviews -
"I had the Roman Gnocchi and a shrimp dish with pancetta." In 4 reviews -
"...with the pallet-cleansing flatbread and marinated cheese." In 5 reviews
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60 reviews in English
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Review from Judy K.
St Augustine, FL
4/7/2012
I've heard about 13Gypsies from co-workers, but hadn't been myself. Last weekend I was out with my mom and we left the Riverside Arts Market early due to rain. We were both hungry and I suggested 13Gypsies; popped it in the GPS and we were there in minutes. Since I've NEVER been here I didn't realize how small it is or the fact that you typically need a reservation to get a table. We were lucky coming in about an hour before they closed for lunch.
We enjoyed the Honey Garlic Hummus! YUM! I never pass up a chance for hummus. When I ran out of pita; I just ate it with a spoon that's how delicious it was. We then had the Roman Gnocchi very good; loved that it was pair with mushrooms and a light gravy. Finally we had the Stuff Pepper - it was by far the best out of the 3 dishes we enjoyed. The pepper had just the right amount of cheese and the red sauce wasn't too tomatoey and had the right amount of sweetness.
Walking in I remembered seeing some sangria (my favorite adult beverage)... I'm making a reservation for next weekend. One of my new favorite places to eat! -
Review from Matt J.
New Orleans, LA
4/22/2012 1 Check-in Here
First off - don't bother showing up without a reservation. This place is tiny and can only accomodate 6-7 tables at a time. Call for a reservation and call early!
Good tapas meals are incredibly hard to find in the US. Most of the time you get tiny, tiny portions and pay an exorbitant sum for the privilege of doing so. Fortunately 13Gypsies packs an incredibly flavor punch with their dishes and it's worth every single penny.
Some of my favorites include the spicy "Quixote style" beef, a plate of marinated cheeses in the Spanish charcuterie style, the Old World-style pork kabobs, and maybe my favorite of all, the pear and chorizo. The menu fluctuates from day to day so be adventurous! If you dine later be aware that some dishes will "sell out", so an early dinner's not a bad idea.
Oh, and save room for the tres leches cake for dessert. It's some of the best tres leches I've ever had. -
Review from Amanda M.
Jacksonville, FL
3/6/2012 4 photos
I had been hearing about how great 13 Gypsies was and made reservations for myself and a friend who was in town for lunch on a Saturday afternoon. Reservations are your best bet if you want to eat at 13 Gypsies. We saw quite the number of walk-ins turned away due to reservations being made.
Between my friend and I, we had 4 different tapas. The handmade chorizo, pears and dates and Seven-Spice Pork Belly were my favorite. The Sweet Devil Shrimp was delectable too. I was a bit disappointed by the Curried Cauliflower. The curry taste was great, but once you got to the middle of the cauliflower, there was no taste really. Just cauliflower.
The service was excellent and the atmosphere was very friendly and inviting. -
Review from Greg K.
Monticello, FL
5/7/2012
We had a wonderful lunch before heading to a matinee showing of les miserables. What a great day trip! The tapas and salad we had were all wonderful. Highly recommend the scallops. They were cooked perfectly. We also had the steak, gnocchi,chorizo & pears along with the prosciutto salad. All very tasty. Would have given a five but the service was a little lacking, training new staff so I'm sure it will be better in the future. Defiantly recommend this quaint little place, just make sure you make a reservation.
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Review from Hector K.
1/29/2012
My first impression about This place was that is very very small, maybe about 5 tables MAX. But this is not a necessarily a drawback IMO but rather something that makes the dining experience much better as it feels a bit more personal if you will.
We had about 7 different tapas and they were all delicious and made fresh to order and came fairly quick. The hand made chorizo with pear and figs, the 7 spices pork belly OMFG that is a must have! the cheeses, the Sangria and even the bread pudding was awesome here.
The prices here i'd say are very fair, but mind you, this is a tapa style restaurant so do not expect large Rations.
All in all i really enjoyed the food and service in this place and will most def stop by when find myself in the area again. -
Review from M M.
Jacksonville, FL
1/12/2012 1 Check-in Here
Small, casual, hip and great good. How can you miss? Well you can, only if you get there late and wait for a table because it only has searing for about 20, but if you can be flexible about getting back to the office (or back to the tennis court), it is worth the inconvenience.
This is a Tapas restaurant with a number of small dishes to choose from. While all the dishes we had were good, the blue cheese risotto was simply amazing. It is worth the trip for that alone. I believe the menu changes, so there will be other choices, but as I said previously, everything we tried was good. -
Review from Ed W.
Longwood, FL
5/1/2012
This small intimate corner restaurant beats anything in Orlando for quality and diverse tastes. You need a reservation because it is very small and seats on 1 1/2 hour increments for a table of three in the evening. The food is magnificent, no matter what you choose. Personally the tapas are my reason for visiting 13 Gypsies. The hummus with honey is special. The Gnocchi with mushroom sauce is quite tasty and a nicely presented, The Chorizo with dates and grilled pear is pretty once plated and very pleasing to the palate. Never having tried the cauliflower dish before I ventured out to have a new taste experience and was not disappointed with the florettes in a curry sauce touched with peas. Dessert is a small offering of flan, Tres Leches cake and a bread pudding, all of which are worthy of trying. They also offer a house made Sangria which everyone at our table found very refreshing. Everything is reasonably priced and well worth what ever you pay!
This one is first rate!!!!! -
Review from Jay D.
Savannah, GA
3/13/2012 1 Check-in Here
Nice menu options. Prices are a little on the high side for what you get, but the food was great.
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Review from Sara W.
Jacksonville, FL
3/16/2012
Consistently good tapas-based fare with a nice, intimate atmosphere.
It seems like the chef has pride in everything he sends out. Tapas are not about volume but about the bang of flavor. There are some authentic Spanish tapas missing, but I think what they do they do well. -
Review from Ben P.
Jacksonville, FL
2/19/2012 3 photos
One of the best restaurants I've ever been to, anywhere. Rivals some of the best in NYC, Miami, DC, etc. Quality, fresh, and organic. Prices are decent for the amount of food you get. Try the Roman gnocchi, honey garlic hummus, Double Cow....actually, try anything on this menu and I bet you'll be happy. They also make the best Tres Leches I've ever had. They only have about 17 seats, so make a reservation or get there super early. The outdoor seating (four seats) is first come, first serve. Consider yourself lucky having eaten here!
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Review from Eric L.
Jacksonville, FL
11/27/2011
A small restaurant tucked away on stockton street, they have a nice atmosphere. They have great tapas too. I saw on yelp that they used to have a coconut curry chicken, but I was disappointed that they don't have it anymore. They still have a chicken endia which is pretty much curry chicken, which was tasty.
I had the double cow sandwich followed by flan. The double cow sandwich was good. If you like flan for dessert then this place may be up your alley.
Service was good as well. No complaints. -
Review from Paul S.
Forty Fort, PA
10/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
Flavors were great. I was by myself so I only got two dishes and passed on the Risotto since it was a large plate. I wish I was with someone else so we could have shared more plates. I had the Roman Gnocchi and a shrimp dish with pancetta. Both were very good, and as others have said, these weren't your normal gnocchi.
I came in without a reservation and they fitted me in despite needing the table in less than an hour, no problem,, service was attentive and the food went down quickly because it was good. -
Review from Kimberly M.
Jacksonville, FL
8/31/2011
If you want flavor and not just big portions, this is a great place to check out. Every dish is perfectly cooked and seasoned, but one of the most simple has become my all-time favorite: you must try to curried cauliflower. I don't know what they put in that sauce, but its amazing.
I've been to this restaurant three times and never had a bad dish. It's great for sharing, so go for a date or even a friendly business lunch. They change the menu to accommodate seasonal vegitables, many which are sourced from local farmers, and so a menu favorite isn't guaranteed to be there next time around.
The only real downside to this place is that they stop taking reservations or walk-ins at 8 pm (way to early) - and the toe-tapping "get out of my restaurant so I can go home" dance starts around 9, which makes you feel unwelcome and I think is just plain rude. If it weren't for that, they would absolutely get five stars from me.
Be sure to make a reservation for peak hours since this place only seats about 16 inside and maybe 8 outside. Tables don't turn quickly, which makes waiting a fruitless venture. -
Review from A S.
Manhattan, NY
3/2/2012
Terrible service and pathetic attempt at gourmet. I'm from NYC and was surprised by worse than NYC prices/quantity but not NYC quality. The food is mediocre at best. The bread is pathetic and tasteless. Their sauces are their strength but the meat and vegetable quality leaves much to be desired. We ordered half of the menu and I was entirely unimpressed. They're polite if you are seated and have reservations but extremely rude when you try to make reservations or walk in from the street. Even while I was seated, I saw the staff be extremely rude to people wanting a table, entirely unprovoked. They ushered us out too, rushing the end of our meal. Not worth the trouble for plain food. Great for an unsophisticated palette.
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Review from Laurie D.
On a whim after going to the Cummer, we went by 13gypsies without a reservation hoping to find a table. Luckily, we were seated with the caveat that we had to be finished by 7:45. We happily agreed.
We started with the Roman gnocchi, Quixote steak, and Santa Maria shrimp. The gnocchi was really different, because it was served in a rectangle. I've had gnocchi several times in Rome and I never had it served in a rectangle. It was delicious however, with more flavor than traditionally shaped gnocchi. I'm not a fan of mushrooms, but I did enjoy the mushrooms that topped the gnocchi. The next tapa was the Santa Maria shrimp. They were delicious with a cream sherry sauce and garlic. I rarely eat steak, but I made an exception for the Quixote steak. It had amazing flavor and I loved the sauce that accompanied it. After enjoying these tapas we ordered the stuffed peppers and garlic shrimp. The stuffed peppers were divine. They were the best stuffed peppers I have ever had. I would go 13gypsies just for these stuffed peppers. I personally liked the Santa Maria shrimp better than the garlic shrimp. We ordered the tres leches cake which was amazing. It tasted like eating the most delicious ice cream cake if this makes sense? I've never liked tres leche cake, but I am in love with 13gypsies tres leches cake. -
Review from Heather D.
Boston, MA
6/19/2011
A close friend brought us to this place last night. I love everything about this joint. From the local fresh produce, awesome local chef and the mix of flavors on every dish.
Great wine list and sangria.
Jacksonville has totally stepped up its game with this fairly new restaurant, I'll be recommending this place to anyone I know travelling to this city. -
Review from Clarissa D.
Jacksonville, FL
8/25/2011
We went here to celebrate my birthday and really enjoyed it! We ordered the chorizo and pears tapas. It was recommended to us by the waitress, and the flavors surprisingly (at least to us) all worked well together (chorizo, pears, and dates, oh my!). It was really, really good. My husband ordered the Salvador sandwich and I ordered the pasta la'matriciana (spelling?). I didn't try the Salvador sandwich because it was way too meaty for me (chorizo, salami, ham), but my husband said it was really good. The pasta was pretty good. The portion was a good size. And the taste was good (very tomatoey and with a hint of spiciness), as well. The noodles were not mushy, but cooked just right. We didn't try any of the wines listed or desserts.
The decor is pretty cute and it is very small inside, so definitely make a reservation (as seating is very limited). The service was pretty prompt and friendly although our waitress spoke so softly, I could hardly hear her (and I'm not THAT old, yet). Then again, she gave us an excellent recommendations and was very attentive. We will definitely be back here! -
Review from Mel N.
Jacksonville, FL
1/19/2011
We finally got around to going to this place last night for dinner.
This is what we ordered:
QUIXOTE STYLE BEEF
CITRUS AND HERB MARINATED STRIPS OF HANGER STEAK. PAN SEARED AND SERVED WITH OUR HOUSE RED MOJO SAUCE. (one of the items I enjoyed)
STREET STYLE PORK KABOBS
OLD WORLD MOORISH SPICED PORK KABOBS. (This was alright, some parts were tender and some were not. Also not enough spices)
COCONUT MANGO CURRY CHICKEN
CHICKEN BREAST PIECES COOKED IN COCONUT MILK AND CURRY SAUCE, WITH FRESH MANGO AND RAISINS. (Eh, my husband is Asian and he has made this dish better than this place. Also there were no raisins and not enough mango!)
SMOKED SALMON AND ROMAINE
STRIPS OF SMOKED SALMON SERVED OVER CRISP ROMAINE HEARTS, IN CHEF'S PEPPERCORN DRESSING. (I really enjoyed this salad).
I was reading on their website that they got rid of a lot of their items because they wanted a change! If you have had items on your menu for 2 years, why change what is good? I understand change, but I wouldn't re-due a whole menu because you are bored of what you are making. If the customers like what you have, you shouldn't change a thing! Maybe what they should have done was make different tapas on different nights (as specials) and continue with their original menu.
I don't know, the food just didn't wow me. The staff was very very nice but the food was just ok. Sorry 13gypsies! -
Review from Ian s.
Newberry, FL
7/11/2011
This is a very tasty restaurant with pretty decent service (though not stellar). The woman and I tried this place after getting two recommendations in a row. It was a wonderful pick. We arrived early, and were lucky enough to have the place to our selves on a Friday evening. Even still, there was a little bit of a rush feeling from our waitress and a little less attention than I would expect being the only customers.
The house made chorizo with grilled pear and fig was amazing. As was the sauteed kale. The scallops and the tomatino fish were good, but not great. While we did not get it, the risotto was raved about by the another couple as they were leaving when we sat. The house wine was also a great compliment to the chorizo and pears. -
Review from Lindsay L.
Jacksonville, FL
11/7/2011
I still have dreams about that gnocchi. Sweet, sweet gnocchi dreams.
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Review from Amanda G.
Jacksonville Beach, FL
5/10/2011
I went here on a date, and the food was outstanding! Our server was very helpful and made great recommendations! We tried a few meat and cheese plates, along with a curry chicken. We liked all of it.
This was a great place to go with someone new. It added a fun element being able to share food, talk about it, and pick out favorites. We both agreed the Quixote beef was the best!
I would suggest that anyone planning to try 13 Gypsies calls and makes a reservation. Seating is very limited. -
Review from Jessica H.
Jacksonville, FL
8/27/2011
5 out 5, 10 out 10, deserves national recognition (beyond Guy Fieri) plus more. One of the best restaurants I have ever eaten at and I consider myself a foodie for life. Consistently delicious, creative and fresh. Another plus is the staff-- always well informed and attentive. Every visit is a pleasure. Head chef and sous chef are truly talented. This is a MUST eat at in Jacksonville.
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Review from Daisy R.
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
I've had this place bookmarked on Yelp for a while. And then my husband & I saw it highlighted on Diners, Drive-ins & Dives. It may be a diner, but it's definitely not your typical neighborhood haunt.
We apparently got lucky being able to walk in & get a table without a reservation. I know next time we go, we'll definitely plan ahead. Even though the waiter warned us & we knew what were getting into before arriving, we still need to work on our ordering strategy. I think our foodie excitement overtook us & we ordered a little too much, but it was worth every penny.
I ordered the risotto of the day: pancetta risotto. The waiter had me at pancetta. When the dish arrived at the table you could tell the care that went into making it. It was so creamy & gooey with perfect pancetta flavor. For my follow up dish I ordered the 13G Grilled Cheese. OMG! Yes, this sandwich just made me type in text-speak. It was soo good. The bread, made in house, made the sandwich. The mix of cheeses made my tongue dance with joy with each following bite.
My husband ordered the chef's pantry to start. Tonight's plate featured petite brie, Jarlsberg, prosciutto, and sobrasada. For his second dish of the night, he had the gazpacho. Since we were dining al fresco, the cool soup was perfect on the warm evening.
The only suggestion I would make is to have some sort of citronella or mosquito control for the outside tables. On a still night in Jax, away from the beach, the mosquitos can become a little annoying. I can't wait to take friends back to taste the many dishes I had to pass up because I just couldn't have them all. We'll just make sure to sit inside.Listed in: Food Network Finds
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Review from Nathan S.
Fruit Cove, FL
10/30/2010 1 Check-in Here
MAKE RESERVATIONS!
This place has only 7 tables, and you want one! They are listed as a "Mediterranean" restaurant, however I would classify them as more "Spanish" (as in the actual country).
First thing to note is that there are no true "entrées" on the menu. There are tapas, salads, sandwiches, soup (daily special, not on menu) and a very curious "shrimp bar". But that does not mean one cannot get dinner here, you absolutely can.
The food is very well portioned for sharing, and that is the intent. Get a few tapas, share, and then if you want more, have a sandwich.
A unique experience for the Jacksonville area, we will eat here again! -
Review from Andy L.
Jacksonville, FL
8/7/2010
I think this was a perfect storm of my expectations being too high and the reality of tapas in Jacksonville. I love tapas, Spanish food, and local joints, and I thought that this was going to be a great Jacksonville restaurant. I should have know better than relying on all those positive reviews. Was it ok?..... yes. Was the restaurant in a space small?.....yes. Were the portions small?..... yes. Will I ever go back?.......maybe. I had a few problems, well mainly one, the price. I didn't think dinner was worth it all. And this might seem nitpicky, but they seemed to go for the cool-small-neighborhood-vibe, and there was this woman supervising who looked completely out of place. Way too casual if she expects people to fork over money for her average tapas.
So will I go back?..... I don't know. Probably if we're with some people that are dying to go, but otherwise.... no. -
Review from Jay L.
12/11/2008
Thanks Hunt, for an excellent review that made me n' the Glabella take a trip over to Riverside.
We made it in for a late lunch and were excited to find a new spot in that area to get a qualtiy bite.
It wasn't quite what I imagined it would be. The actual decor is very bright and open, with white walls and some black paint accents. There are little knickknacks around too. There is a bar/counter and maybe 6 or 7 tables in the whole place. I figured it'd be a little darker and warmer, but that's ok.
As for the menu and our choices...
Arg, we didn't try the hummus...though I think we shall next time.
In Spain, I remember this little egg omelette/quiche like thing that I had that was great. They'd cut it into slices and serve it during our tapas hours...So, I was excited to see that they had a Spanish Tortilla on the menu. The 13Gypsies version was ok, but not fantastic. It was basically a raised, thick egg thing, kinda like a fritatta with potatoes. Honestly, it wasn't seasoned all that well and just tasted like an omelette without cheese. Do I dare say that I make a better version at my own home?
We also had the Coconut Chicken Curry which was great. It had chunks of breast meat that were inexplicably tender and moist. I'm a dark meat guy usually, but this white meat was perfect. The flavor had a curry bite to it but it wasn't overposering or spicy. The sweetness of the curry was a perfect counterpoint.
The garlic shrimp was also tasty, but pretty expected. It was peeled shrimp bathed in a buttery garlic sauce. They were fresh and had a nice satisfying crispness to them.
Finally, we also had a piece of the manchego cheese. They picked a decent cheese, but I don't think I would get it again, just because it's cheese and not something they prepare on premises.
Oh, how could I forget the bread? They make their own bread there and it's fantastic. It's dense, has some chewiness and is great for sopping up sauce and whatnot.
While I can't 5 star it, I really did enjoy it and we look foward to going back. Next time I'd try a sandwich or something. -
Review from Ed L.
Jacksonville, FL
9/15/2008
I found this little bistro on Stockton on the recommendation of Hunter. Thanx man! I'm positive I would have driven past it if not for his review. I met a friend for lunch and we split 3 dishes, a Honey Garlic Humus with warm flat bread, Coconut Mango Curry Chicken and the Angry Bull. Here are my findings and how they score.
Humus, 5 stars, if you remotely like humus, you'll love it.
Chicken, 5 stars .A perfect blend of spices and sweet.
Beef, 3 stars, inconsistently tender but great taste, crushed garlic garnish.
Ambiance, 3 stars. can be distracting if seated beside loud talkers.
Menu and wine selection, 5 stars. "Exciting to the culinary imagination."
Service, 6 stars, Hunter said he "didn't know what kind of voodoo is happening here", couldn't quite put his finger on what was so different about 13G. It's the server Hunter, it's Kiki, (the queen of hearts) and no touching, she's taken by the chef and owner. No wonder he's such a good cook.
Desert, Flan, 2 stars, I prefer it more like custard, it was a little pasty.
Parking , 3 stars. -
Review from Michael E.
Jacksonville, FL
3/3/2009
When you think 13 Gypsies, three words should come to mind: Tapas, quality, and ambiance.
I had a terrible day at work and wanted dinner that would help me forget about the horrible condition of our financial markets, the ubiquitous doom and gloom delivered by the media and my employer trying to extract from me 60-80 hours of productivity in 40 hours.
13 Gypsies was just the answer on this cold night.
Having experienced tapas in town and in other cities, this is truly a gem in Jacksonville. The reason it was great is the conversation was wonderful and we ordered each tapa based on our mood at the time. It also helped our table was tucked in the corner with a view of Stockton and College to observe what was happening outside from the inside.
When we entered, we were warmly greeted and informed of an approximate 10 minute wait. My dining companion ordered a Dos Equis and I opted for a glass of the full, organic Luzon Verde that reminded me how much I love fermented grapes.
We started with the pallet-cleansing flatbread and marinated cheese. The bread was flavorful, thinly-sliced and had enough bite to it, yet soaked up enough of the tasty olive oil. The variety of cheeses in the olive oil "marinade" set the stage for tonight's savory meal and served as an alternate for the olive oil served with the bread tapa.
Unfortunately, they were out of the pork kabobs, so we opted next for the garlic shrimp and beef skewers. The garlic shrimp were fresh, tender and coated with enough heat. The timing of this tapa after the marinated cheese balanced the density and accelerated our desire to try more dishes. The beef skewers were served on bread and finely seasoned, although it felt something was lacking. Supposedly the spice mix is a derivative of Marco Polo's and, although each bite was enjoyed, it was the least favorite.
We then requested the queso manchego that delivered an unexpected bite to our meal. In terms of aroma, I thought we would merely have cheese and bread, but it turned out to be pungent and coated our tongues, leaving a long-lasting reminder of the goodness that is made from sheep's milk.
To top it off, we ordered the daily special risotto, which blew us away. Creamy, textured in flavor and rich, the plateful was too much for us to finish. One spoonful was enough for at least one minute. We took a break from our conversation and just let the flavors spread and tried to understand the complexity of what is typically a simple dish. It was absolutely wonderful.
Our intention was to end the meal with something light--the honey garlic hummus--but we decided we had to have dessert, so we shared the generous portion tres leches over the flan and bread pudding. Of course, we ordered espressos to accompany a light and dense, creamy and airy, complex and simple tres leches. It was served slightly chilled and complemented the delightful espresso as well as peanut butter does jelly.
Some may complain the restaurant is too small and those people may have never been to a restaurant that far from Jacksonville. Some people may complain they prefer food that is familiar to them (i.e., chain food) and others may find originality is off-putting. Rest assured your choice of restaurants in Jacksonville involve those that are available elsewhere in the country in various strip malls.
For those who seek thoughtful, fresh, savory and delicate meals, add this to your short list. If you are a foodie, you will appreciate how 13 Gypsies boldly pushes the envelope for Jacksonville and demonstrates that the smaller the restaurant, the higher the level of service and personal touch from the chef.
With our tapas, dessert, espressos, one beer and two glasses of wine, our bill totaled $76, excluding tip. Money well spent over a two-hour period with impeccable service. -
Review from Hunter B.
Philadelphia, PA
Updated - 9/14/2008
Knowing we'd be back in the area, there was no doubt about our destination for lunch. The only disappointment was that we weren't able to get that magical hummus again.
But what we did get was every bit as good as the first trip. I had the Double Cow sandwich, and let me just say that this is not your standard roast beef sandwich. It's Angus roast beef, with onions and fontina cheese, grilled in pressed peasant bread (same as chorizo burger), and it's full of flavor. The LDC had a warm artichoke hearts salad with braised chick peas and parmesan vinaigrette. She's still raving about the smoky, zesty flavor right now, a day later.
Here's an anecdote that will tell you all you need to know about the vibe. The Smiths were playing (no, not live). LDC still loves The Smiths, and she offhandedly mentioned this to KiKi, the superamiable server. Next thing you know, there's more Smiths songs. KiKi had changed the CD shuffle (she also loves The Smiths). Now that's catering to your customers.
Look, I don't know what kind of voodoo is happening here. Maybe it's the prayer candles. Plus amazing food, friendly service, and good tunes. I'm leery of overhyping this place based on a couple of sandwiches and salads. But both trips have been excellent. And next weekend, we plan to try 13Gypsies for dinner so we can actually get the tapas. In the meantime, it's still highly recommended.Listed in: Jacksonville Area Favorites
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/6/2008 First to Review
Two words: Go now.
A few more words ... 13Gypsies is a special place. One random and totally… Read more »
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Review from Tim F.
12/2/2009 1 photo
Mediterranean Tapas? Ingenious! (Not to mention delicious)
I was glad that I drove a little out of my way to this intimate restaurant for lunch. There are plenty of tapas, sandwiches and salads to choose from.
Bread, although extra, is made fresh daily and certainly worth the small $2 charge. Soups are a bargain at $3. I started off with Black Bean soup with chorizo, which tasted terrific and completely different from Black Bean soup in South Florida which I was expecting. I also ordered the Moroccan Curry Chicken tapas $8, which was fabulous. Between the bread, soup, and chicken it was more than enough food.
Service was prompt and friendly. Definitely would return here, just not on a Monday, when they are closed.Listed in: Show 'em some love!
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Review from John F.
Jacksonville, FL
10/8/2011
Very good Spanish food, reasonable prices. My only issues are the relatively small menu for a tapas place, and the space itself is very... compact.
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Review from Hilary L.
Denver, CO
5/22/2010
People LOVE this place. I mean love. Passionately. Fervently. Intensely. Love this place.
I like this place. I think the tapas are all pretty reliable, the menu is really interesting, and I love that this kind of place has finally opened up in Jacksonville's Riverside Neighborhood, known for being artsy and eclectic, so a perfect fit for this "innovative" place.
Maybe it's having come from the Bay Area/San Francisco, where delicious food hits you in the face as you walk down the sidewalk and is completely unavoidable, but this place isn't AS amazing as everyone makes it out to be. And maybe it's like how I never saw Titanic because there was so much hype that it kind of ruined it for me, that the hype for this place kind of overwhelms me.
But, again, I will say that this place is really good. The food is of the Mediterranean Tapas genre. All the food is made in house, including the bread and the sausage, fresh each day. The Honey Garlic Hummus [$7] is really amazing. I am always curious about the Risotto Del Dia [Market Price]. And the sausages are always, always, always delicious.
The atmosphere is really nice, but the restaurant is TINY. I think there are only like 10 tables in the place, maybe 15. And since it is such a popular joint, it can be hard to get in. Also, don't attempt to bring a group here on any night other than a Tuesday or some other offbeat time. I tried that once for a friend's bachelorette party and literally got laughed at over the phone by whomever was working there at the time. How absurd of me to think they could take a group of ten on a Saturday night. Pah-leez.
It has been featured on the Food Network [for Diners, Drive-Ins, & Dives - again not seeing how it is any of those three], which is really exciting and great for the city of Jacksonville!
Point being, the food is great. The atmosphere is nice but tiny. And the hype is huge. Definitely worth checking out just so you will know what all the talk is about. -
Review from Jennifer K.
Phoenix, AZ
6/9/2010
Definitely make reservations here - there are only a few tables and you don't want to miss out on dinner at 13Gypsies.
Everything we ordered was delicious. The hummus with honey was surprisingly good - everyone agreed it was one of their favorite dishes, which was unexpected. The risotto on the menu was out, but they substituted a pancetta risotto. The price was steep for the portion we received, but it was still good.
The atmosphere and ambiance, combined with the true tapas-style menu, makes this a great place to spend the night eating and drinking wine while talking with friends. -
Review from art f.
Annandale, VA
1/27/2010
Not just the best food I've had in Florida (OK - I'm rather limited to the Jacksonville area) but one that could hold its own in Madrid or Barcelona.
We had garlic shrimp, blackened octopus, cod in a spicy parmesan cream sauce, crab bisque risotto, Moroccan-spiced carrots, and mushroom polenta. A theme of the cuisine is the integration of gypsiy and Moorish influences on Spanish cuisine. Overall the best Spanish food I've had in the USA.
Menu is great for several visits but over time one could wish for more choices. A very small space where reservations are essential. Great selection of very affordable Spanish reds.
The kitchen and dining room were supervised by a matron who vigilantly watched both rooms with hardly a shift in body posture. Occasionally she would give an instruction to the cooks.
Bottom line is what a gem. Everything tasted fresh, strong, and balanced. -
Review from Grace D.
Jacksonville, FL
4/20/2010 1 Check-in Here
This place makes me want to no longer eat at chain restaurants. What a GREAT AMBIANCE! I went for dinner with a (small) group of friends and we felt like we could have been teleported to some other big city (complete with making RESERVATIONS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED or else forcing you to typically wait a very long time...there are only 5 tables at this place and the tapas style, in addition to the ambiance, makes you want to stick around for a little while).
In short, 13 GYPSIES (http://www.13gypsies.c...) DOES TAPAS RIGHT! I hear they offer BYO (although you may want to call ahead and ask about the corking fee), but wine by the bottle is pretty affordable...so why even bother? -
Review from Curt T.
Jacksonville, FL
1/16/2012
This is a unique dining experience. Be sure to make reservations!
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Review from Jensen H.
Jacksonville, FL
8/3/2009
What a cool restaurant. Plan ahead and get a reservation. You'll be disappointed if you rock up and expect to be seated. This is a quaint restaurant with around six to eight tables. Perfect for a dinner date with your spouse or dinner with friends.
Tapas Menu. We ordered the risotto and it rocked us. The Angry Bull is divine. Don't forget the sausage. I wanted to walk out with it on a stick so I could savor the smell and juicy goodness of it.
Visit and support this restaurant.
You won't be disappointed. -
Review from George S.
Jacksonville, FL
7/22/2010
Reservations are difficult to obtain at 13 Gypsies for two reasons: 1. there are only five tables in the restaurant and 2. the food is extremely good. The restaurant bakes its own fresh bread and serves a somewhat Americanized version of tapas. Their entrees consist of small portions of meat, cheese, gnocchi, etc.. Some dishes, like the highly recommended street style pork kabobs come with flatbread. Others like the coconut mango curry chicken come on their own.
Another delicious option is the fresh chorizo and pears that comes with dates drizzled with spice glaze. The pears and dates cool the natural spiciness of the chorizo and make for a surprisingly delicious dish. Diners are encouraged to order at least two entrees as they are typically inexpensive ($4-8) and relatively small.
To finish out the meal, many enjoy the tres leches. This is an extremely sweet, vanilla cake that will only satisfy someone with a major sweet tooth. Unlike the other dishes, tres leches is very large and can feed two or three. To wash it all down, go with a glass of cool sangria and enjoy this rare taste of good tapas in Jacksonville. -
Review from Natalie B.
Jacksonville, FL
Updated - 1/24/2010
We wanted to check out the new menu items so we corralled two of our good friends for a fun Friday night dinner. The new menu items that were devoured are as follows:
Curried Cauliflower -- Incredible flavor that danced on my tongue!
Shrimp PiriPiri - Beautiful to Look at, even better to eat!
Chef's Pantry-I don't think this is new but it was the first time we ordered it. Pretty much this is what Chef has in house. Ours included plates of garlic confit (omg--to die for), bleu cheese, pancetta and smoked salmon. All items came with toasted Spanish Peasant bread.
Tres Leches cake--Okay again not new, but the person who made it different that before. Kiki (Chef's wife) used to make it. Now his mom makes it! It was amazing!
Other items were our old favorites including: Honey Garlic Hummus, Angry Bull, Chorizo and Pears and Marinated Cheese. All did not disappoint.
This deliciousness was paired with 2 bottles of Spanish red wine. Yes a very happy night indeed!Listed in: My take on Jacksonville Mag's…, The best meals I ever had!
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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1/10/2010
I have returned two more times since my first review. 13 Gypsies continues to amaze me. Both… Read more »
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Review from Jay W.
Pensacola, FL
8/1/2011
We stopped in here on our way thru jax. We were lucky to get a seat, would def make a reservation. It is a small place with only a few tables. The food and wine was excellent though. We had mojo Kobe beef, chorizo and pears, shrimp, and gnocchi. I'm confident anything u ordered on that menu would be top notch. I do wish they had a bigger wine list.
