A La Carte Catering & Party Planner

Haven’t tried the food yet, but the reason for this bad review is that everywhere on the internet it has posted that they are closed on Wednesdays. Upon arrival, it’s actually closed Sunday-​Monday (today is Monday). I would have appreciated if they had changed their hours online too so I wouldn’t have driven so far. Wish I could’ve tried the food!

Had lunch today. Lobster roll and chowder. The chowder was excellent. Soft, not rubbery clams. The lobster roll was horrible. You’ll pay $ 18 for a roll and chips. Therefore, you should be getting quality lobster right? Mine tasted old, and like a dirty, uncleaned fish tank. It left a bad taste in my mouth for an hour and I felt nauseous. The husband who did most of the cooking has retired, and now the wife has taken over. The menu has changed and there are no more fried foods (belly clams, etc). Go here if you want to pay $ 12 for a chicken salad sandwich/​chips, or sub-​par lobster. Jokes on you.

I absolutely loved this charming café! My search for a lobster roll led me to this spot. The restaurant is very tiny, it has a space for take away meals and a room of yarn for sale. It is also decorated with all things New England. I felt like I was at a spot in Newport, RI.
The lady who took my order was very friendly. I enjoyed the lobster roll that I ordered, which was all meat. I especially liked the sign in the restaurant urging patrons to talk on their cell phones outside. I wish this was a standard restaurant rule!
I cannot wait to return to try other things on the menu. This is a perfect lunch spot.

This place is great! Food was amazing, it has authentic Maine sodas, and is run by wonderful people. Not sure why there are bad reviews… Must have been some grumpy people! We love it!

Never been treated so rudely in my Sixty years by a person who owns, serves or manages in a service business. Wouldn’t know how the food was, even though I have no problem paying for a $ 20 seafood sandwich, because myself and my entire table left. No substitutions and a phonebook sized rule book to follow. No cell phones (even though my guest was a Emergency Medical Provider) etc. etc. RUDE RUDE RUDE Even in all my years in Boston, I was never treated this rudely any where.

Eating here is an occasion so price is not an issue. If you love fresh Maine Lobster Rolls and fried Ipswich Clams treat yourself. They overnight the seafood from the Boston area which explains the cost so don’t be shocked. Friday — Saturday — Sunday — Monday — Tuesday Full Lunch Menu Served From 11:00 a.m. — 2:00 p.m.
Indoor Seating and Outdoor Seating on the Decks.

A La Carte has been on my check list for awhile and I finally crossed it off on my birthday, for lunch. After a morning of riding bikes at the beach, we parked and went into A La Carte. In my 13 years in Jacksonville I’ve never accidentally stumbled upon this spot, so be sure to use your GPS as it’s easy to get to but not on the main beach thoroughfare.
I went with the lobster roll ($ 17), which was small but tasty. The bread was buttery and fresh. The lobster was good and it wasn’t too mayonnaise-​y. It came in a red plastic basket with a bag of Cape Cod kettle style potato chips. My boyfriend ordered the shrimp po’boy. The nice couple at the table next to us ordered the fried clam bellies and let me try one (it was good). The owner had overheard it was my birthday and brought out a whoopie pie, complete with candle, in my honor. She was very friendly.
There’s an area complete with freezers offering quite the assortment of take out items. There’s a small gift shop area as well that they’re apparently turning into a knitting class room.
While pricey it’s fresh seafood they’re getting from up north. I wouldn’t rush back but it was worth checking out and it’s a cozy, quiet lunch spot.

We discovered this restaurant a few years ago while visiting my husband’s grandparents. We are from New England and were amazed at how much the food was just like home! The clams were excellent! The owners are super friendly. Every time we come to Jacksonville we stop here… at least once!

Maybe I should lower my food expectations when I go to JAX Beach. Don’t get me wrong. There are some pros about this place. It has easy parking. It’s quaint & cozy like the other reviewers had to say. The food is fresh, hot & comes out relatively fast. The owners, I’m sure, are good people and super nice. However, #1 — A restaurant (even though it’s a small place & opened limited hours) needs to have a server or waitress separate from the cook & cashier. You lose a lot of the customer service without one. Con #2 — Not into smelling like I just came out of a fryer after sitting for lunch. The place really needs to be opened up a bit for better ventilation or you may want to sit outside to eat. CON #3 — Overpriced mediocre food. Seriously? A shrimp basket with shoestring fries & a crab sandwich (a bit salty) with a bag of chips with a small bowl of clam chowder (NO DRINKS) should never cost close to what I paid UNLESS the food is absolutely amazing. It wasn’t. If it were amazing, I would have been happy to drop down the $ 42.34 (for LUNCH!) that I did. Here’s a suggestion: create sauces, dips or even an aioli or offer something other than ketchup or that Pink Louie Sauce. It would have at least increased the food’s value. But even then, I would have expected to be offered a GLASS OF WATER for that price. **NOTE: Drinking water should NEVER be an option in any restaurant. It should be SERVED & FREE, regardless. I understand that I could have purchased a bottle of water – and maybe it’s just a Jax Beach thing, but this is a huge turn-​off as a customer. Con #4 — My sweet tooth was upset. :(The chocolate dessert with marshmallow fluff should have been amazing. Since I love desserts, I was hoping their «Whoopie Pie» would have made up for the unremarkable food here. It was not even enjoyable. It wasn’t even chocolatey.
Overall, I know this review may sound a little harsh, but I’ve given my honest opinion. Remember, I am reviewing the FOOD here & for the money spent in this economy for which we’re in — I probably won’t be back. I was still hungry… sorry.

My wife and I had lunch there and this is a quaint little sea food restaurant with great charm and fantastic food. A little pricey but well worth it. Authentic New England style food. Owner is a wonderful lady from the New England area. This is a must eatery if you come to the Beach for the day.

Had some lobster sandwiches and and lobster bisque. Very quaint and cozy eatery run by a lovely couple. They encourage touring the restaurant. The day I visited, the shop was really busy. It was a bit pricey, which caused the start deduction. I am not saying that it wasn’t yummy, but value to cost… it was great for my first and probably my only.

i overheard some older people at a thrift store talking about a 20.00 lobster roll which was to diiie for at a la carte. so i decided to check it out seeing as how my guy loooves lobster. i went into a la carte which is a little tough to locate. they have quite a cutesy gift shoppe in the front. i was immediately greeted by a sweet older woman. i ordered 2 bowls of clam chowder & a lobster roll lunch. they have great sodas from up north — one of which being blueberry soda which YOU MUST TRY! its SO good. their clam chowder has TONS of clams in it which is rare. most places are just full of potatoes and canned clams. their clam chowder is heavenly and well worth what you pay. the place seems a bit overpriced — but once you get your food — you wont regret a dollar that you spent. they put love and care into every bit of food they make. the sweet older lady sent me home with a prepackaged dinner from their catering service. i was pregnant & i think she understood how easy it was for me to cook. their food is impeccable! but the service is a great reason to return.