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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Downtown

Salad and food spots

You want a meal that is fresh and substantial enough to sustain you through the day.

Based on 665 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Lettuce Eat 1 image 1
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Buffet restaurant

Buffet restaurant offers a big salad bar with fresh ingredients and an all-you-can-eat option at a reasonable price. The atmosphere is casual and friendly, with a waterfront view enhancing the dining experience. The place feels family-owned and unpretentious, focusing on healthy, affordable food.

Salads come from a very clean salad bar with a great selection including chicken salad, pasta salad, and seafood salad. Staff accommodate special requests like egg-free tuna salad and let you make your own size plate.

Food here is consistently fresh and healthy, with clear care in quality and taste. Meals offer a good alternative to typical commercialized options and remain affordable.

People are saying

"The salad bar was super fresh with plenty of toppings."

"This chicken soup feels like home, comforting and made with love."

"The food here is wonderfully fresh and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Lettuce Eat is a weekday-only salad bar open Monday through Friday from 11 AM to 2 PM.

2

They offer all-you-can-eat salads for $15 and to-go salads at $9 per pound.

3

Parking is street-based, so if you donโ€™t work downtown, you need to pay the meter before heading in.

02
D&G Deli and Grill and corporate catering image 1

Restaurant offers a New York-style deli vibe with a casual, friendly atmosphere and cozy, clean dining area including outdoor sidewalk tables. It feels like a family-owned spot that values authenticity and quality, attracting a steady flow of locals who appreciate fast, fresh service.

Salads come fresh with quality produce and options like wild coho salmon or double tuna. Staff prepare them quickly in front of you, offering good size portions such as the chef salad for $15.

Food offers great variety and arrives served hot. The healthy breakfast burrito stands out enough to order twice.

People are saying

"This lunch spot has really tasty, fresh-made sandwiches and wraps."

"I found the food here to be amazing and delicious."

"I found their salads to be excellent and consistent."

Good to know

1

Expect busy times during lunch hours, which may affect wait times.

2

Parking can be difficult due to the deli's downtown location.

3

Prices for menu items may have changed; check for current pricing.

03
Russ-Doe's Sandwich Shop image 1

Sandwich shop with outside seating and a cash-only policy supported by an ATM inside. Atmosphere feels family-owned and friendly, attracting workers with budget-friendly prices and a steady, swift-moving line. Located near industrial areas and sports venues, it offers a local institution vibe with hearty, classic sandwiches and salads.

Salads include chicken, tuna, and egg, all noted for strong flavors. Fridge selections offer seafood, potato, and macaroni salads when available.

Food here is consistently great and amazing, prepared by wonderful staff. Meals including drinks cost under $10, offering excellent value.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be really good and fresh."

"I thought the lunch here was magnificent."

"You have to try the chicken, tuna, or egg salad."

Good to know

1

The shop only accepts cash, but there's an ATM inside with a $2 fee.

2

Expect a busy atmosphere, but the line moves quickly.

3

Get there before 1:30 PM as they close early every day.

04
Rojas Pizza image 1
Pizza restaurant

Small pizza spot with authentic New York style and a warm, laid-back atmosphere. Dining area is simple and clean but has some wobbly tables. Known for fresh, delicious pizza with great prices and a chill vibe.

Salads offer good value with options like the Caesar with chicken. The eggplant and grilled chicken garden salad stands out as delicious and fresh.

Food comes out delicious and cooked to order with consistently great taste. Lunch specials offer a good deal for the amount served.

People are saying

"I found the pizza here to be very affordable and a great deal."

"The food here is always delicious and a great bargain."

"I thought the pizza was really good and fresh."

Good to know

1

Meter parking is available right outside the restaurant.

2

Lunch specials offer great value for the amount of food provided.

3

Expect a busy lunch rush, especially during weekdays.

05
City Grille & Raw Bar image 1

A historic 300-year-old oak tree wrapped in sparkling lights anchors the courtyard, setting a gorgeous, light and airy atmosphere inside the restaurant. Several rooms offer varied vibes, from cozy and intimate to more open spaces with natural sunlight and tasteful decor. The place balances a quiet, refined energy with moments of liveliness depending on the room and time.

Beet and goat cheese salad offers a refreshing taste with a good portion size. Caesar and wedge salads come highly rated for their balanced flavors.

Food here delivers an out of this world experience with amazing flavors and top notch service that matches the high standards of the dishes.

People are saying

"The seafood here is well-seasoned and flavorful."

"The food here was phenomenal and worth the visit."

"The Caesar salad here is incredible."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with half-price appetizers.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially during busy hours.

3

Parking is available only with valet service.

06
Desert Rider Sandwich Shop image 1

Quaint sandwich shop with old school charm and no-frills design offers indoor seating and a friendly, communal atmosphere where people gather like old friends. It stays busy at lunch with consistently good, affordable sandwiches and salads that have stood the test of time.

Salads feature chicken and options like the Rider Salad and Arabian Club. Potato salad stands out as tasty and well-liked. Some salads, like the deluxe, may lack tomatoes.

Food comes out hot and flavorful with a simple menu that delivers consistently good meals. Prices stay low while the quality stays high, making it a solid choice downtown.

People are saying

"I thought the salads here were the best."

"I found their sandwiches to be great and cheap."

"The food here is always so good."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging; expect to circle the block multiple times.

2

The deli gets busy at lunch, so plan to arrive early.

3

The shop offers both dine-in and take-out options.

07
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.

Caesar salad stands out with high quality and arrives quickly. Chicken Caesar and classic versions both offer solid flavor alongside other menu items.

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.

People are saying

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

"I thought the food here was outstanding."

"I had an amazing chicken Caesar salad."

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.

08
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.

Salads feature fresh ingredients and come in lighter options like the Greek salad with blue cheese, grilled shrimp, and homemade ranch. Grilled chicken and spicy chicken salads offer healthy choices that satisfy.

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

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."

"I loved the Greek salad with shrimp and homemade ranch."

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.

09
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.

Salads come very fresh and well made here. The Caesar salad gets special care, and the house salad pairs well with the crab cakes.

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

People are saying

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

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

"The Caesar salad was made with care."

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.

10
Casa Dora Italian Cusine & Pizzeria image 1

Old-fashioned Italian diner with walls covered in autographed photos of musicians creates a nostalgic atmosphere. Jazz and blues play softly, enhancing a cozy, welcoming vibe that feels like stepping into a grandparent's kitchen. Regulars enjoy a family-friendly setting with a host who adds warmth through humor and hospitality.

Salads come with homemade ranch dressing and the owner can prepare special salads on request.

Italian food stands out with consistently excellent flavors and delicious dishes that make every meal memorable.

People are saying

"I thought the Italian food here was the best I've ever had."

"The food here tastes homemade and is full of authentic Italian flavor."

"The Italian food here is so authentic, it feels like mom's cooking."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted on show nights, and menu items may be limited.

2

Expect higher prices on show nights, with entrees averaging $40 per person.

3

Nightly specials are available, offering unique dishes each evening.

11
Morton's The Steakhouse image 1

Upscale steakhouse offers a modern elegant decor with a rooftop view of the river. Atmosphere balances lively energy and quiet sophistication, complemented by a well-placed bar and fitting music. Guests enjoy expertly crafted cocktails and perfectly prepared steaks in a refined setting.

Freshness stands out with the house salad offering a light, flavorful experience. The wedge salad and shrimp Louie wedge salad add variety and depth to the salad options.

Food offers a fine dining experience with consistently excellent and delicious dishes.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and cooked perfectly."

"The service at these dinner spots is so attentive and friendly."

"The house salad is fresh, light, and full of flavor."

Good to know

1

Happy hour ends at 6:30 pm in the bar area.

2

Seating is limited due to the restaurant's layout.

3

The dress code is not strictly enforced; casual attire is common.

12
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.

Spinach and kale salad offers a fresh, leafy option alongside the wedge salad. Both pair well with hearty dishes like filet mignon and steaks.

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

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 servers here are so friendly and helpful with the salads."

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.

13
New Kazu Sushi Burrito image 1
Sushi restaurant

Sushi restaurant with a Japanese theme and local flair offers a dive-bar-like atmosphere that is somewhat dark and in need of renovation. The place serves sushi burritos and hibachi bowls known for strong flavors and generous portions. It operates in a downtown environment with limited parking but is accessible by public transit and wheelchair friendly.

The menu features a variety of salads including poke salad and seaweed salad. Salads often come with miso soup as a side.

Food comes out fresh and tasty with a unique combination of flavors and colors. Service is quick when it's not crowded, making the experience smooth.

People are saying

"I found the sushi burritos here to die for."

"I always ordered a poke salad, but today it came as a bowl with rice."

"The food here is fresh and tasty."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is wheelchair accessible for easy access.

2

Parking can be hard to find due to the downtown location.

3

They accept cash, debit, and credit cards for payment.

14
Ruth's Chris Steak House image 1

Elegant steak house offers breathtaking riverfront views and a welcoming atmosphere with live jazz and piano music. The space fills quickly, especially the bar area without reservations. Guests enjoy expertly crafted cocktails alongside perfectly cooked prime steaks.

Salads come fresh with every bite and include a Classic Caesar that stands out. The salad pairs well with the full meal options featuring steak and shrimp.

Food here stands out for its excellent quality and fabulous taste. Every dish comes with fantastic service that complements the dining experience perfectly.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be excellent."

"The service at these dinner spots made our experience special."

"The Caesar salad here is out of this world."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4 to 6 PM, only at the bar.

2

Reservations cannot be made in the bar, leading to busy times.

3

The restaurant hosts special events like Mother's Day celebrations.

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Downtown, Jacksonville

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