My heart jumps a bit when I am dressed up for an evening out, arrive at my destination, and do not immediately find a parking space. I know this sounds backwards, but hear me out. This means I am going somewhere special, and I am about to find out why.
An ancient oak canopy has enfolded Palmetto Walk Shopping Village for decades. Some of us remember the shops and eating spots that have occupied these spaces over the decades. However, for about 15 years, Bar Zin has occupied the center position of Palmetto Walk, with its sister restaurant Cucina South about 500 feet to the west.
When Patti Burch and I arrived at Bar Zin for dinner the other evening, we wondered why the porch was filled and people were streaming in. A wine-tasting was happening in the adjoining Amelia Island Wine Company, but that’s not why the Bar Zin porches were full. The bar and dining room were also full. And it was early yet! Was there an event in town? What were we missing?
Our server Paul started us off with a full-bodied red zinfandel that was perfect for our toast to the coming fall. Cheers! A small plate of something would be nice while we lingered over wine. How well I remembered my oyster-loving partner was still talking about the Bar Zin fried oysters weeks later. We craved a vegetable pick-me-up, so would it be onion, artichoke, or the French country salad? Ah, Brussels sprouts, still the star appetizer! These sprouts were dark and crispy, with a gloriously umami Bar Zin sauce.
The chef’s specials got our attention. Patti’s flounder had an autumnal treatment with a Parmesan crust, asparagus, and potatoes. I chose grilled pork over mushroom risotto topped with a root vegetable-pear relish. Cascading complex tastes made this dinner another memorable experience. For a sweet finish, we enjoyed a beignet.
Bar Zin’s chef is well-known for elevated comfort food. For example, his meatloaf is ground Wagyu beef with a cremini mushroom demi-glace served with spinach over mashed potatoes. A cheeseburger is on the menu, of course. Pot pie sometimes. Tuna Crunch is a favorite of mine, classic Chicken Piccata is Patti’s go-to favorite. Look for mussels, shrimp, scallops, tuna, lobster, or crab on the rotating seasonal menus. Really good comfort food is what Bar Zin promises.
We asked Paul about the crowd. Nothing special was going on, just another night. He said working at Bar Zin reminds him of a country club, where the staff knows people’s names and preferences. Some people eat at Bar Zin once a week, some a few times per week. This is the ambience I enjoy. If you have dietary or ambience needs, talk with Heather. You will want a reservation, so do communicate with her.
One thing that sets Bar Zin apart is the choice of places to sit. In the dining room are soft seats against the wall, tables, and high-tops for the long-legged. For larger parties, they offer a long table and even a cute round booth in the corner. The bar, the patio, and the front porch offer other options. Each area has a different vibe. Find your own Bar Zin.
Bar Zin is located at 4924 First Coast Highway in the Palmetto Walk Shopping Village. For reservations, call (904) 310-6620.