Nightlife in Hogan

Blue Bamboo sits on Jacksonville’s south side, spinning hip Asian flavors with Southern comfort food inside their fresh, inviting space. Considered one of the best restaurants in town, you’ll find dishes like red curry shrimp & grits, honey-seared ahi tuna and peppercorn beef filet on offer at Blue Bamboo, which also holds cooking classes and does the occasional catering gig. Known for their dim sum Sundays and exotic cocktails like Thai-garitas and hand-muddled mojitos, the cream colored walls, white linen tables and red hanging paper lanterns give the place a comfortable feel. Don’t leave without trying the dragon whiskers (fried zucchini).

The door opens and beaded Peruvian curtains clack a greeting to the arrivals. As the new diners sit, the sun, too, sits on bay windowsills and turns the orange walls a rich burnt red. Weekend live music strikes up and Pisco’s waiters erupt from the kitchen, arms lined with lime-infused ceviche and plated morsels of octopus and mussels. As three flat-screen TVs broadcast the Peruvian station and remind diners of the owners’ native roots, stir-fried chicken and steak entrees descend upon tables beside posses of plantains, roasted corn, and fresh cilantro. While sipping on sangria or lemonade, patrons can peek into the banquet room to prophesy a possible get-together or peek into a neighbor’s traditional corn drink for prophecies from the spirit of Orville Redenbacher.

Since opening in 1980 as a German deli, European Street Cafe has steadily increased the scope of its menu to accommodate an eclectic mix of French, American, and Mediterranean influences. In addition to a beer selection that features 20 drafts and 150 bottles from foreign and domestic producers, the bistro-style eatery?s four locations ply patrons with hot and cold sandwiches. Bavarian bratwursts and spicy kielbasas appear alongside corned-beef sandwiches and pitas with homemade tabbouleh. Taking care to offer vegetarian and gluten-free alternatives, chefs pile sandwich ingredients upon the diner's choice of bread, including pumpernickel, sourdough, and ciabatta. Beyond the ever-expanding menu, certain locations also lure in passersby with trivia nights that test visitors' knowledge of food-fight physics.