Sierra Grille

We tried this place after my husband found them while working a construction job at the beach. The atmosphere was nice, the mural a little stereotypical, but that's how Mexican restaurants translate to the US. Anyway - the food was great. I loved the burrito. It was filling, fresh, hot and delicious. The service was friendly, as well. I tried the cherry limeade, and I thought it was good, but probably not something I'd order again. It was a little syrupy for me, but this is coming from someone who doesn't drink sodas. The salsas looked fresh, but they lacked in flavor. The pico de gallo was bland and tasted like nothing but tomato. I couldn't taste the onions, cilantro or any salt. Don't get me started on jalapenos, because pico is supposed to have it, but I know in the American versions it doesn't and serves as a "mild" salsa. The roasted tomato salsa was a nasty looking green/black/brown concoction, and I was reluctant to try it, but to my surprise, it was the best salsa on the entire bar... Since it's all made fresh, I can only attribute my disappointment with the salsas to someone on prep being a little off. I really hope that's not a consistent issue. I'll definitely be back, though.

Now I have eaten at Sierra from the beginning and enjoyed most of them. I have ordered the tacos and burritos and they are good. I'm just not a big fan of rice and beans in my rittos. I did order a Mexican pizza once and have ordered it almost every time since. They are just a really good blend of crispy tortilla and cheeses with a good amount of meat to go along. It's baked and then topped with lettuce, green onions, and tomatoes. Then you  add the sour cream and or one of the salsas from the fresh made salsa bar. Now I do return from time to time just for this dish. Now I would also like to say that this place is spotless. There's this guy named Danny that has been working here for 14 years now and he personally keeps the place cleaner then the whistle. I really think that he was here the first time I came into Sierra Grill.

I moved to JAX in 2003, and I eat here at least 2 or 3 times a week for lunch.  My favorite is the Surf & Turf burrito followed by the steak or shrimp soft tacos.

My only complaint is the quality of the sweet and unsweetened tea.  (I like mine half sweet & half unsweet.)  The only way to describe the taste is that it is downright nasty.  (I omit a star from the rating for the tea.). I don't know what they do to screw it up so bad, but someone there needs to check into it ASAP!  All they need to do is sample Chick-fil-a or Firehouse for great tasting tea and follow suit.