Sierra Grille

Sierra Grille may be a chain restaurant but it sure doesn't seem like one. The only "official" web site lists locations in Connecticut... and that's it. It's hard to tell how wide spread this place truly is but it's safe to say that's it's not as homogenized as the more recognizable burrito joints out there. I, by no measure, mean to disparage the competing big-chain, fresh-burrito-centric fast-food restaurant and I must admit to liking most of them as well. Moe's, Qdoba, and Chipotle (whose arrival at the Town Center got me so excited that I only got around to visiting within the past couple weeks) are all great but you know about them already.

The Sierra Grille on Belfort was once a regular work-time lunch spot for me. By regular I really mean once a month but I rarely ever eat out during the week so this was usually the one place I'd go. Then one day I arrived at the glass doors, hungry and excited only to find the place shut. They'd moved to a location near the intersection of Southside and Baymeadows, a high traffic area without a doubt, but I don't see why they had to close the Belfort location as it was always packed solid during lunch.

So a few years have gone by and I don't feel that betrayed anymore so we decided to stop by the "new" location for a post-yard work Sunday lunch.

Multiple signs proudly boast that no freezers, microwaves, or canned goods are used in the creation of your food at The Sierra Grille. The meats are lean, the produce is fresh, and the salsa is made on location. And this is one of the best reasons to visit The Sierra Grille, the salsa is some of the best around. There are quite a few varieties offered at the salsa bar, my absolute favorite being the roasted tomato, and they can also be purchased by the pint. Pint? I could drink this stuff by the gallon.

The burritos are fairly large and packed with fresh ingredients. I often opt for the fish burrito which differs depending on what the catch of the day is but I haven't been let down yet. For people used to overseeing the construction of their burritos at the aforementioned chains, there may be a greater risk of disappointment here where they don't offer you that luxury but I've found that, overall, the ingredients tend to be of a much better quality, even if they aren't in the proportions that you'd prefer.

If you live in the area, remember that Tijuana Flats is across the street. I'd recommend alternating between both places often for your fill of freshness and fire.

Sierra Grille
8221 Southside Blvd
Jacksonville, FL 32256
(904) 642-6530

331 Marsh Landing Pkwy
Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
(904) 273-2090