Downtown Jacksonville’s restaurant scene saw a challenging 2024, with several notable closures, including:
Burrito Gallery: After 18 years of serving Tex-Mex at 21 E. Adams St., Burrito Gallery closed in February.
Jumpin’ Jax House of Food: This popular establishment shut its doors after four years at 20 W. Adams St.
Bento Asian Kitchen + Sushi: The chain closed two of its three Northeast Florida locations, including one at 50 Riverside Ave.
Super Food & Brew: The gastropub, open since 2015, closed in December at 11 E. Forsyth St.
The Bread & Board and Provisions: While not officially closed, this spot has yet to reopen after its closure in May due to issues with its concrete floor.
Openings in 2024: New Additions to the Scene
Despite some setbacks, 2024 saw new establishments pop up in the area:
Cinco de Mayo: This Mexican restaurant opened in January at 301 E. Bay St., taking over the former Olio space.
Cinotti’s and Grounds of Grace: A new café and bakery opened in the Jacksonville Transportation Authority headquarters in November.
The Cereal Box Live: A unique venue offering waffles, smoothies, and live music opened at 245 E. Adams St. in July.
What’s on the Horizon for 2025: Upcoming Openings
Looking ahead, several new restaurants are set to join Downtown Jacksonville’s dining landscape in 2025. These openings include a mix of casual eateries and upscale options:
Decca Live: A live music and dance venue, scheduled to open on January 31 at 323 E. Bay St., featuring a rooftop bar.
Jersey Mike’s: A new sandwich shop is currently under construction at 90 Riverside Ave., in Brooklyn Station.
Pizza Dynamo & Pour Taproom: These two establishments are being built on the ground floor of the VyStar Credit Union parking garage, with construction incentives approved in April 2024.
The Co-op Frose & Eatery: This frose-focused eatery will open soon at 218 W. Church St., offering breakfast and sandwiches.
The Prudential Club: An upscale restaurant and lounge will open at 1430 Prudential Drive, complete with a 9,000-square-foot dining area and a 6,800-square-foot patio.
Vantage Point Coffee: A new coffee shop will open in the Union Terminal Warehouse mixed-use redevelopment, offering pastries and coffee.
More Exciting Developments
Several other spots are in the works, including:
Players Grille: A sports bar and restaurant is under construction on the ground floor of the Home2 Suites by Hilton at 600 Park St.
Flamingo Bar and Café: A Southbank expansion of the Murray Hill concept is coming soon to 1200 Riverplace Blvd.
The HUB: This mixed-use space at 400 Riverside Ave. will feature a Southern Grounds coffee shop and Alder & Oak restaurant, both set to open in 2025.
Additionally, the Dorothy’s Downtown restaurant and Baby Got Brunch, which will offer brunch all day, are both planned to open in the coming months.
Future Outlook
With over a dozen restaurants under construction, in development, or announced, 2025 looks set to be a year of revitalization for Downtown Jacksonville’s dining scene. Despite the setbacks of 2024, the influx of new eateries promises to bring fresh energy and variety to the area.
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