Five Points restaurant, rooftop popular for poutine, brunch, chicken dinners set to close

After more than a decade in Five Points, Black Sheep Restaurant is closing.

The restaurant, launched in October 2012 by Jacksonville restaurateur/chef Jonathan Insetta, will close after service on Saturday, May 27, the restaurant announced on social media Wednesday evening.

“With heavy hearts we are announcing our closing at the end of May,” the social post began. “We want to express our gratitude to all our Black Sheep employees, both current and alumni. We’d also want to thank all of our patrons from over the years, it has been our pleasure to serve you!”

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Located in a modern, three-story triangular-shaped building at 1534 Oak St., Black Sheep represented the start of a new era of dining in the historic neighborhood. Its rooftop bar, one of the first in the area, offered sweeping views of the downtown skyline and the rooftops of neighboring century-old homes.

When the restaurant opened, Insetta described Black Sheep’s menu as "American Regional with a Southern influence," featuring dishes inspired by his childhood, including Beet Salad, Fried Green Tomatoes, Black Hog Farm Chicken & Dumplings, Beef Short Rib Pot Roast, Mac & Cheese, Cheese Grits and more. Popular entrees included Braised Shortribs, Mayport Shrimp Ceviche and Bar-B-Q Pork Belly.

Its Sunday-night Southern fried chicken dinners quickly gained a following. And weekend brunch on the rooftop was unlike any other in downtown’s historic neighborhoods.

Black Sheep followed the openings of Insetta's Chew (downtown) and Orsay (Avondale), of which the latter remains open. Insetta’s Black Sheep Restaurant Group also operates downtown’s Bellwether, which opened in April 2017.

“It’s been an awesome 13 years serving our community,” the social post concluded.

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This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Black Sheep restaurant closing in Jacksonville's Five Points