THE JAXSON | 10 restaurants and bars coming to Downtown Jax

One might describe Downtown Jacksonville as a construction zone these days. The projects receiving the most attention include riverfront parks, sports and entertainment district developments and the plight of the Laura Street Trio. However, several new restaurants and bars are in the works too. Here are 10 that are coming to Downtown soon.

1. Baby Got Brunch

610 N. Julia St .

Former Jaguars defensive end Marcus Stroud plans to open a restaurant called Baby Got Brunch. The 5,000-square-foot restaurant will be located on the ground floor of the Residences at City Place condominiums at Ashley and Julia streets. Stroud envisions a place where people will come for food, live music and conversation. The 94-seat restaurant and bar will offer all-day brunch, along with Southern comfort foods like chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits, macaroni and cheese and short ribs.

2 and 3. Cinotti’s Bakery and Grounds of Grace

100 LaVilla Center Dr .

Jacksonville Beach mainstay Cinotti’s Bakery and Sandwich Shop has been creating top-quality local baked goods since opening in 1936. In 2020, Downtown Investment Authority CEO Lori Boyer identified Cinotti’s as a local restaurant that the DIA could target for expansion Downtown. It appears her dream for this fifth-generation family business is coming true. This month, the Jacksonville Transportation Authority board authorized staff to negotiate a lease with both Cinotti’s and Grounds of Grace, a local coffee shop that supports a ministry that aims to lift children out of poverty. If the deal goes through, Cinotti’s and Grounds of Grace will occupy a shared cafe space on the ground floor of Downtown’s main bus and Skyway station, the Jacksonville Regional Transportation Center at LaVilla. Riders and pedestrians alike can stop in breakfast, lunch and bakery items, along with coffee, espresso and smoothies.

4. The Co-op Frosé & Eatery

218 W. Church St .

An all-day frosé (that’s frozen rosé) bar that originated in Sullivans Island, South Carolina, will be opening soon in the Florida Baptist Convention Building between Sweet Pete’s and the Federal Reserve Building. In addition to 2,000 square feet inside, the frosé bar will include nearly 1,500 square feet of outdoor patio space on the block adjacent to City Hall. With locations currently in Nashville, Chattanooga, Charlotte, Las Vegas and the Charleston area, the Co-op Frosé & Eatery is also known for its breakfast, sandwiches and salads.

5. Decca Live

323 E. Bay St .

A Miami-based development group is nearing completion on a $4.8 million live music venue called Decca Live on Bay Street. Designed by JAA Architecture, the 10,400-square-foot, three story concert venue will include a new rooftop bar atop a main floor with a stage and bar and an area with lounge seating, a smaller bar, exterior patio and restrooms on the second floor.

6. Hotel Bellamy’s new restaurant

1201 Riverplace Blvd.

Sotherly Hotels Inc. recently announced plans to renovate the DoubleTree by Hilton Jacksonville Riverfront on the Downtown Southbank. The $14.6 million project will include renaming the property under Hilton’s Hotel Bellamy brand. Planned improvements include redesigned guest rooms, public and exterior spaces, and food and beverage offerings. Anticipated to be completed by January 2027, the project will include a new riverfront dining concept, complimenting the hotel’s Ruth’s Chris Steak House, along the Southbank Riverwalk.

7. Jersey Mike’s Subs

90 Riverside Ave .

National sandwich shop chain Jersey Mike’s Subs will be opening its latest Jacksonville location in Downtown’s Brooklyn neighborhood at the Brooklyn Station shopping center on Riverside Avenue. The project has an estimated build-out cost of $300,000.

8 and 9. Players Grille

600 Park St. and 1430 Prudential Dr .

In expansion mode, Players Grille is in the process of planning its fourth location in Northeast Florida and first in Downtown Jacksonville. With an intent to open in time for the kickoff of the 2024 NFL season, Players Grille will build out a 4,500-square-foot restaurant and sports bar inside the new Home2 Suites by Hilton hotel in Brooklyn. The restaurant will include indoor and outdoor seating for roughly 160 patrons on the ground floor of the extended-stay hotel that opened in April.

In addition, Players Grille Group LLC intends to establish a new restaurant, bar and event space at 1430 Prudential Drive. Also anticipated to open later this year, it will be located immediately adjacent to the proposed Lofts at Southbank mixed-use self storage project.

10. Pour Taproom and Pizza Jeans

28 W. Forsyth St .

Construction is underway on a $3.65 million build-out for a Pour Taproom and Pizza Jeans restaurant in the VyStar Credit Union parking garage. The restaurant/bar will occupy a 7,634-square-foot ground floor and mezzanine space at the corner of West Forsyth and Laura streets. Based in Atlanta, Pour Taproom is a self-serve craft beer option with locations in Atlanta, Buffalo, Charleston, Durham, Knoxville and Wilmington. The Downtown Jacksonville location will offer more than 80 beers and wines.

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