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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Downtown

Cool food spots

You look for dining experiences that have a unique edge or a distinct personality.

Based on 628 Opinions
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Updated July 2026
01
Setlan Coffee Co. image 1
Setlan Coffee Co. image 2
Setlan Coffee Co. image 3
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Coffee shop inside a contemporary art museum features sky-high ceilings and an airy, open space with only four tables. Atmosphere stays calm and cozy, supported by fresh flowers and inspirational espresso spoons. Power outlets make it suitable for quiet work or small gatherings.

Food includes flavorful bakery items and small warm dishes alongside coffee. Every choice on the menu offers amazing taste with consistent quality in both food and drinks.

Open yet relaxing seating creates a super cool atmosphere. The vibe feels fresh and inviting throughout.

People are saying

"The coffee here is fresh, smooth, and full of flavor."

"I found the food options here to be amazing and flavorful."

"This spot is really cool and relaxing."

Good to know

1

Setlan Coffee Co. offers small warm food in addition to coffee.

2

It can be difficult to find a table at Setlan Coffee Co.

3

Setlan Coffee Co. is located inside the museum of contemporary art.

02
Ruby Beach Brewing image 1

Spacious brewery with large outdoor patio, lawn games, and a beer garden creates a relaxed, safe vibe. Regular food trucks complement the excellent selection of craft beers, including notable sours. Indoor and outdoor seating areas offer a cool atmosphere with brick walls and string lights.

Asian food truck serves tasty dishes like a chicken salad sandwich and a smash burger. Food pairs well with a good beer selection.

Space blends industrial and laid-back styles creating a cool vibe. Atmosphere feels relaxed yet stylish.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the large tap list with rotating and seasonal beer options."

"I loved the beers here; there were so many exciting options."

"The beer selection here is really diverse and delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking is free on the street after 6pm.

2

Ruby Beach Brewing does not have table service and does not offer food on its menu.

3

The brewery is dog friendly both inside and outside.

03
Indulgence Southern Bistro image 1
Southern restaurant (US)

Petite space with neat decor and an exclusive feel creates a homey atmosphere. Old school R&B music plays at a comfortable volume, supporting easy conversation. The vibe reflects black excellence with attentive service and a relaxed energy.

Food here is consistently amazing with delicious and flavorful dishes. Service matches the quality, with friendly staff ensuring a great experience.

Cozy vibes create a chill atmosphere that feels relaxed and inviting. The spot carries a cool energy that makes hanging out easy.

People are saying

"The American Food here, especially the salmon croquettes and grits, is perfection."

"I found the food here to be amazing."

"The vibes here are so cool and chill."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to limited seating.

2

Expect a wait time of 2-3 hours during peak hours.

3

Happy hour offers discounted drinks and food.

04
The Greenhouse Bar image 1

Space blends lush plants with stylish, cozy design creating a peaceful urban oasis. Atmosphere stays calm and relaxing, inviting reading, working, or quiet socializing. Plant shop and bar elements add unique charm and variety.

Food features very fresh coffee and dishes with amazing quality. Service complements the freshness well.

Funky interior and nice plants create a cool vibe. The crew adds to the relaxed, interesting atmosphere.

People are saying

"This place's coffee has such a chill, lush atmosphere."

"The food here is so cozy and lush, like a peaceful urban oasis."

"The vibe here is so cool with all the plants."

Good to know

1

Parking can be tricky, but validation is available for nearby garages.

2

The small space makes finding a seat difficult during busy hours.

3

Expect a wait of over 20 minutes for drinks during peak times.

05
Pour Taproom - Jacksonville image 1

Self-pour taps with over 80 beer options create an interactive drinking experience. The space combines retro arcade games, multiple seating levels, and a wine wall, blending a dive bar feel with a modern twist. Live music and multiple screens support a lively atmosphere suited for games and socializing.

Food arrives quickly and tastes absolutely delicious, which is rare for places focused on drinks. The menu offers a wide selection that pairs well with the beer options.

Self-serve taps let you pour your own beer, cocktails, and wine, creating a cool concept. Upstairs seating offers a cozy vibe while the overall design and atmosphere feel super cool.

People are saying

"It's a cool concept to pour your own beer after a learning curve."

"I thought the food here was outstanding."

"The atmosphere and vibe here are really cool."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers from 4-7pm on weekdays.

2

Self-service ordering is required; download the app to place your order.

3

Parking is available in a nearby garage, making access convenient.

06
The Southern Grill image 1
Southern restaurant (US)

Southern restaurant offers a laid back atmosphere with live music and both indoor and outdoor seating. The space includes a spacious patio and multiple large TVs, creating a casual spot for food and games. The vibe is family-owned and community-focused, blending comfort with entertainment.

Food comes out quickly and tastes excellent with consistently great flavors. Breakfast options stand out as very good and satisfying.

A cool atmosphere sets the tone with a wide variety of food options and cool people to hang out with. The aquarium adds an extra layer of interest to the vibe.

People are saying

"I found the food to be tasty and prepared perfectly."

"The BBQ sauce was off the chain and the pork was tender."

"It's a cool place to hang out with a great atmosphere."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs Monday through Friday from 4 to 7 PM.

2

Trivia night occurs every Tuesday with a lively atmosphere.

3

Live music features rotating bands on Friday nights.

07
Cowford Chophouse image 1

Old bank building with original style and safe deposit boxes creates a unique setting. Rooftop bar offers skyline views and a relaxing atmosphere with patio heaters and valet parking. Quiet, private rooms support intimate gatherings and clear conversation.

Food here offers excellent quality with fine dining presentation. Service matches the food with consistent attentiveness.

A rooftop bar offers cool views of the city along with good drinks. The setting provides a relaxed vibe with a focus on the scenery.

People are saying

"The food here is pretty good to the best pork chop I ever had."

"The food here is amazing, especially the proteins."

"The rooftop bar has cool skyline views."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with great deals on appetizers.

2

Reservations are recommended to avoid long waits during peak hours.

3

The rooftop bar offers a unique happy hour experience with stunning views.

08
Underbelly image 1
Live music venue

Small venue offers intimate live music with great sound quality and phenomenal BBQ. Crowd is diverse and lively, creating an amazing atmosphere close to the bands. Setup ensures no bad views and includes thoughtful touches like a water cooler near the soundboard.

Food comes out a bit slow but tastes really good and satisfying. The venue pairs great food with a full bar and music.

Music fills the space with a cool vibe that stands out. Staff like bartenders and door guys add to the laid-back atmosphere.

People are saying

"You've got to try their smoked turkey; it's moist and full of smoky flavor."

"The food here is great, especially the BBQ."

"I thought the vibe here was really cool."

Good to know

1

Tickets cost $30 when purchased in advance and $48 at the door.

2

Parking is available nearby, but it can be challenging during events.

3

The venue serves a full bar and hot BBQ made to order.

09
Myth Nightclub | Element Bistro image 1

A nightclub with state-of-the-art lighting and LED ceiling creates a visually stunning, concert-like atmosphere. The energy stays high with bass-heavy music and top DJs spinning house and hip-hop beats, while an outdoor stage and bar offer a lively alternative space. The venue blends upscale design with a relaxed vibe, attracting a diverse crowd ready to dance all night.

Energy-boosting dishes fuel dancing. Food inside the venue and bistro is consistently tasty and decent.

Very cool house music and EDM fill the space. The venue features cool decor and visuals with a great setup and an awesome entryway.

People are saying

"The nightclub's DJ kept the bass-heavy music rocking all night."

"I thought the food here was so good and tasty."

"The setup and entryway were awesome, and the space felt cool."

Good to know

1

Free cover before 11pm on weekends is available.

2

Expect a steep cover charge for renowned performers.

3

Myth Nightclub hosts electronic Thursdays with big name headliners.

10
Urban Grind Coffee Company image 1

Small coffee shop centers on a covered courtyard patio with rustic wooden chairs and garden seating. Atmosphere stays relaxed and welcoming with 90s alternative music and peaceful vibes. Cyclists bring bikes inside while enjoying fast, reliable Wi-Fi and specialty coffee.

Food and coffee come out hot and fresh. The menu features wonderful pastries and consistently great dishes.

Outdoor and indoor patios create a cool vibe with garden seating. Fast, friendly service adds to the atmosphere.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the great coffee here."

"The food here is great and tasty."

"The outdoor space has a really cool atmosphere."

Good to know

1

Parking is parallel parking downtown, and options may be limited.

2

The shop is handicap accessible for easy access.

3

There is outdoor seating in a covered courtyard for a pleasant experience.

11
THAT BAR AT THE ARENA image 1

Sports bar combines indoor and outdoor spaces with two patios featuring bars. Atmosphere stays lively yet comfortable, with numerous TV screens and a festive vibe that draws energetic crowds before and after events.

Food offers ample portions at decent prices with fast service. Quality ranges but often impresses and pairs well with the lively atmosphere.

Atmosphere feels laid-back and inviting with a cool design inside. People there add to the vibe, making it a great spot to hang out before and after events.

People are saying

"The bar staff here is amazing and hustling."

"I found the food here to be surprisingly good."

"It's a cool little spot to hang out before and after games."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is a great time to visit for discounted drinks.

2

Parking is available but can be crowded on game days.

3

Food ordering can be slow due to no designated seating area.

12
Dorothy's Downtown image 1

Space combines modern elegance with a vibrant, inviting atmosphere featuring a covered courtyard and distinct dining and cocktail areas. Energy feels warm and lively, with a stylish mix of old and new decor. Cocktails are eclectic and well-crafted, complementing a menu known for standout dishes and desserts.

Food here stands out for its excellent quality and consistent praise. The menu pairs well with a great atmosphere and attentive service.

Inside, the atmosphere feels super cool with a nice vibe. The space offers a cool setting that stands out.

People are saying

"The salmon dish was good, and I loved the presentation."

"The food here, especially the crab cakes, is amazing."

"The crab cakes and voodoo balls were really good."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with food and drink specials.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends, to avoid long wait times.

3

Parking meters only accept credit cards, so bring one for payment.

13
Ocean Street Tacos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Outdoor patio connects to an arcade game room, creating a quaint and lively space with giant Jenga and Connect 4. Colorful murals and Mexican music set a festive vibe, while pet-friendly seating and umbrellas offer comfort. A DJ and live music stage add to the energetic atmosphere.

Food features authentic Mexican flavors with fast service and a clean environment. Dishes come out quickly and taste solid, making for a lively and enjoyable meal.

Live music on a small stage creates a cool hangout vibe. The back garden offers a chill atmosphere with friendly, cool staff.

People are saying

"The fish and brisket tacos here are delicious and fresh."

"The back patio has a bar and games like giant Jenga."

"The food here is absolutely delicious."

Good to know

1

The lively atmosphere on the back patio occurs on the 2nd Sunday of every month from 12-6pm.

2

This downtown staple offers Taco Tuesday specials and daily specials.

3

Expect prices for tacos to range from $5.50 to $9.00 each.

14
Bay Street Sports Grill image 1

Rustic decor and multiple TVs create a fun, relaxed vibe with a small town feel in a big city. Pool tables, skee ball, and darts add interactive entertainment alongside good music and occasional live DJs. The atmosphere suits casual gatherings with affordable drinks and food.

Burgers stand out with consistently excellent quality. Food arrives fresh and hot, served with great service ensuring accuracy and satisfaction.

Laid back vibe sets the tone with cool music playing in the background. Comedy shows add a fun element but can get loud for kids.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, hot, and tasty."

"The bartenders here are awesome and really attentive."

"The DJ was jamming and the music was cool."

Good to know

1

Parking is available on the street or in the public parking building in front of the Hyatt hotel.

2

Drinks are reasonably priced, and food portions are good for the price.

3

The prices for liquor are on the high end.

15
Intuition Ale Works image 1

Brewery space features a gorgeous rooftop beer garden with garage doors that open to fresh air, creating a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere. Crowds gather for live music and games, enjoying well-crafted beer and casual seating. Accessibility and comfortable temperature add to the inviting vibe.

Food arrives quickly, usually within 10-15 minutes, even when busy. The menu features beer-themed bar food that is consistently tasty and pairs well with a wide selection of drinks.

The spot has a cool environment that stands out. It feels like a cool place overall.

People are saying

"It's a great spot to come and enjoy some beers."

"I enjoyed the great beer selection and the food was pretty good."

"I found the environment here to be cool."

Good to know

1

Parking is free with concert tickets, but can be a hassle on game days.

2

The brewery only serves beer, with no other drink options available.

3

Last call is at 6:30 PM, and the bar closes at 7:30 PM.

16
Pizza Dynamo image 1
Pizza restaurant

Spacious modern pizza restaurant with stylish indoor-outdoor seating and a nostalgic vibe featuring 1980s decor and arcade games. Atmosphere is lively and laid-back, with sports on big screens and Spanish music playing. Crowd enjoys authentic Italian pizza alongside a full bar and live music in the attached tap room.

Slices of pizza offer a quick and satisfying meal with consistently fantastic flavor. Calzones serve two easily and maintain the same high quality across visits.

Old school video game and pinball machines create a retro gaming vibe. Pizza Dynamo offers a cool spot next to the taproom with a social atmosphere that can get noisy and chaotic.

People are saying

"The thin crust pizza has a nice char and is perfectly crispy."

"The food here is huge, fresh, and delicious."

"The pizza here is damn good and great."

Good to know

1

The restaurant has cleanliness issues, with unclean tables and fruit flies present.

2

Pizza prices start at $10 for two slices, which some find unsustainable.

3

The establishment does not offer any drinks, including bottled or soft drinks.

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Downtown, Jacksonville

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