With more than seven local breweries, Northeast Florida has plenty to offer in the way of excellent beer. Engine 15 adds a second level of tastiness, offering food that’s good whether you love beer or not.
If the humidity of late December isn’t too overwhelming, take a seat on the benches outside the Jax Beach eatery/drinkery. Too misty? Step inside for a seat at the bar, or snag one of the old-fashioned salon chairs.
Engine 15 offers a nearly unbeatable lunch deal. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Tuesday through Friday, select entrées are $9 and include a free draft beer, a deal that ensures you’ll have enough cash to order an app or two.
Personally, I love the salty warmth of a soft pretzel, and beer cheese dip only makes it better. Engine 15’s pretzel ($3.50) is from Cinotti’s Bakery on Penman Road; all of Engine 15’s breads are from this Jax Beach institution. The pretzel was airy, fluffy, and hit the salty spot. You’ll want to bottle up the beer dip, or, at the very least, order an entrée that’s smothered in the sauce.
Cue Engine 15’s Frito Pie.
I’ve heard a whole legion of people rave about the Frito Pie and so I was curious if my dislike of Fritos could be subdued by my love of pie.
Once again, love heals all wounds. The once-detested chips, beneath generous mounds of homemade chili and beer queso, absorb the zesty flavors of the chili and, again, that wonderful beer dip. All this is finished with onions, sour cream, and more cheese. Work your way through this nacho/chili combo with a Nut Sack Brown Ale to balance out the rich, savory flavors.
I also tried the Little Piggy Flatbread. The crunchy bacon goes well with a rye beer to cut through the sweetness of the barbecue sauce drizzled all over pulled pork and bacon. The jack cheese and scallions give this flatbread a TexMex hint that I love.
I was glad to see Engine 15 also offers desserts (though it’s spelled deserts on the menu). I ordered Snicker Dumplings ($4), which is a must-have if only for the name alone. As if Snickers aren’t temping enough, Engine 15 kicks things up a notch by deep-frying pieces of the candy bar and covering that in chocolate sauce and powdered sugar. It’s a warm, gooey puff that disappears much too quickly. Still can’t figure out where it all went. Hang on a sec while I change into my sweat pants. Aah, better!
Engine 15 packs a double whammy with excellent drinks and eats, serving bar food that raises the bar on flavor and fun.
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