Business Details
Downtown Jacksonville Restaurant Serving French & Southern Fusion Cuisine
The Candy Apple Caf & Cocktails is a full-service restaurant located in Downtown Jacksonville, Florida, specializing in French cuisine with Southern influences. Established in 2025, our scratch kitchen utilizes the freshest locally sourced ingredients from trusted farm partners like Blue Buddha Exotic Foods and White Oak Pastures to create a diverse menu featuring gourmet brunches, unforgettable lunches, and customizable catering options. Our commitment to quality extends to our gluten-free offerings and handcrafted cocktails, which have earned us the title of Best New Restaurant from Jacksonville Magazine.Housed in the historic Seminole Club Building on the edge of Hemming Park, we offer a unique dining experience complemented by chic dcor and a fun atmosphere. Our venue accommodates events ranging from intimate gatherings to large celebrations for over 200 guests, with dedicated spaces like The Dessert Bar and The Candy Palace. We pride ourselves on delivering exceptional service, as evidenced by testimonials from satisfied clients who praise our attention to detail and ability to create memorable experiences for corporate events, private parties, and daily patrons.
Services
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Event Spaces
Details
- Year established: 2025
Highlights and features
- We offer farm-to-table French and Southern fusion cuisine with locally sourced ingredients.
- Our historic venue accommodates events from 20 to 300+ guests.
- Awarded Best New Restaurant by Jacksonville Magazine.
- Gluten-free and customizable catering options available.
- Experienced team specializing in corporate and private events.
What people say
Extraordinary food and service
Event of a lifetime
Carefully customized details
Professional planning
Perfect day
Services
Brunch
Our weekend brunch menu features French-inspired Southern dishes made from scratch using locally sourced ingredients. Guests enjoy creative options like truffle grits and bourbon-braised short rib alongside classic cocktails such as mimosas and Bloody Marys. The vibrant atmosphere makes it perfect for leisurely weekend dining.
Catering
We provide customized catering services for corporate events and private parties with menus tailored to client preferences. Our team handles everything from intimate gatherings to large-scale events, offering farm-to-table cuisine and professional service that has earned rave reviews from past clients.
Event Spaces
Our historic building features four distinct event spaces accommodating groups from 20 to 300+ guests. The Dessert Bar, Candy Cane Lane, Liquorice Lane, and The Candy Palace offer unique settings for weddings, corporate functions, and special celebrations with full catering and bar services included.
Dinner
Tuesday through Saturday evenings feature an elevated dinner menu blending French techniques with Southern flavors. Diners enjoy dishes like seared scallops with Southern-style grits and seasonal produce from our farm partners, paired with craft cocktails and an extensive wine selection in our chic dining room.
Lunch
Daily lunch service offers lighter fare with gourmet sandwiches, salads, and small plates made from scratch. The menu includes gluten-free options and features ingredients sourced from local farms, served in a vibrant atmosphere perfect for business meetings or casual outings.
People
Liz Earnest
Co-Owner
Liz Earnest co-owns The Candy Apple Caf & Cocktails with her daughter Jennifer. With extensive experience in the hospitality industry through their previous ventures, Chefs Garden Catering & Events and the Cummer Cafe, she brings decades of culinary expertise to this new restaurant concept.
Jennifer Earnest
Co-Owner
Jennifer Earnest partners with her mother Liz to operate The Candy Apple Caf & Cocktails. Building on their successful catering business experience, she focuses on creating memorable dining experiences while maintaining the high standards of quality and service that have defined their culinary careers.
Questions
What are The The Candy Apple Caf & Cocktails' operating hours?
We're open Sunday 10 AM-5 PM, Monday 11 AM-3 PM, Tuesday-Thursday 11 AM-9 PM, Friday 11 AM-10 PM, and Saturday 10 AM-10 PM.
Does the restaurant offer catering services?
Yes, we provide customized catering for corporate events and private parties with menus tailored to your specific needs and guest count.
Can I host large events at this venue?
Our facility accommodates events from 20 to 300+ guests across four distinct spaces, including full catering and bar services for your event.
Are there gluten-free menu options available?
Yes, we offer gluten-free alternatives across our menu while maintaining the same high standards of quality and flavor.
What parking options exist for guests?
A dedicated parking lot is available for restaurant patrons during operating hours, with additional street parking nearby.
Has the restaurant received any awards?
We were honored as Best New Restaurant by Jacksonville Magazine for our innovative cuisine and exceptional dining experience.
