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Guide to SW Jacksonville

Lunch and date spots

A midday meal feels much more intentional when it happens during a date.

Based on 727 Opinions
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Updated July 2026
01
Bodrum Mediterranean Kitchen image 1
Bodrum Mediterranean Kitchen image 2
Bodrum Mediterranean Kitchen image 3
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Restaurant offers cozy, inviting atmosphere with private tables tucked into tiny rooms. Decor is beautiful and unique, evoking a Mediterranean vibe with bright, clean space. Turkish music plays softly, enhancing the relaxed, intimate energy.

Lunch features a lamb gyro lunch special and a lamb shawarma lunch special served with spicy fries and soda. Turkish sweets like baklava are available to take home and complement the meal.

Warm atmosphere suits date nights and intimate gatherings. The Bodrum platter offers a satisfying shared meal, making it a cute spot for couples.

People are saying

"The Greek food here is amazing, especially the spanakopita and falafel."

"The Date Spots here have amazing, authentic Mediterranean food with generous portions."

"This lunch spot's lamb gyro special is delicious and satisfying."

Good to know

1

The restaurant closes at 8 PM on weekdays.

2

Expect a casual dress code; no formal attire needed.

3

Parking is available on the street, but it can be limited during busy hours.

02
1928 Cuban Bistro - Ortega image 1

Cozy, modern space with authentic Cuban culture and vibrant atmosphere featuring modern pop and reggaeton music at lively volume. The environment feels clean and casual, inviting guests to enjoy flavorful dishes and strong, bold coffee in a relaxed setting.

Lunch offers great portions with dishes like the rice plate that suit both lunch and dinner well. The experience stays consistent and satisfying.

Couples can enjoy dining in together with a variety of dishes like Cuban Sandwich, pork empanadas, and Congri rice plate with ground beef and tostones. The spot works well for relaxed, casual meals at different times of day.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, fresh, and cooked perfectly."

"This Lunch Spot's Cuban sandwich has great bread and tender meat."

"The Cuban food here is amazing, perfect for Date Spots."

Good to know

1

Orders must be placed at the cashier, which can lead to longer wait times.

2

The restaurant closes at 6 PM on weekdays and 4 PM on Sundays.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted, but cash is preferred for small purchases.

03
ZBest Tunis image 1
Restaurant

Restaurant offers a modern interior with a warm and welcoming atmosphere that feels lively yet peaceful. The vibe is infectiously giddy without being silly, creating a fun and pleasant experience. It stands out as a hidden gem known for its friendly energy and inviting space.

Offers a solid setting for company lunches and casual meetings. Serves both lunch and dinner with consistent quality.

Offers a Philly cheesesteak that closely matches the original, paired with Cajun curly fries. Seafood and kabob platters provide solid options for sharing on a date.

People are saying

"The fried shrimp here are large and cooked perfectly."

"The staff here is super friendly and helpful at this lunch spot."

"You have to try the Philly cheesesteak, it's the best in Florida."

Good to know

1

Everything is cooked to order.

2

The total wait time was nearly an hour during a lunch shift.

3

They sold 30 fried shrimp for $9.99.

04
Sonny's BBQ image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Barbecue restaurant offers cozy, friendly atmosphere with ample space between diners and college football games playing in the dining room. The drive-thru operates quickly and efficiently, supporting both dine-in and takeout. The vibe feels like gathering around a warm campfire, creating a welcoming and pleasant experience.

Lunch features ribs and sliced pork with options like the sampler and lunch specials. Meals come out delicious and satisfy groups during weekday visits.

Attentive service stands out with staff consistently checking in. Meals offer satisfying flavors that both partners enjoy, creating a relaxed date night atmosphere.

People are saying

"The food here is really tasty and came out fast."

"The servers here are so attentive, it's like they're always there for you."

"This lunch spot's food, especially the ribs, was delicious."

Good to know

1

Thursdays feature a rib and pork special for $12.

2

Family deals feed up to nine people for around $100.

3

No reservations are accepted due to pandemic changes.

05
Pho 99 Vietnamese Grill Jacksonville image 1

Spacious, modern interior with wood floors and low music creates a calm, friendly atmosphere. Seating includes tables, booths, and bar spots suited for groups. Meals end with a hot towel, adding a thoughtful touch to the relaxed dining experience.

Lunch features quick service and attentive staff. The menu includes a Pho special that draws attention.

Offers a homey vibe ideal for couples. Seafood dishes and Shrimp PHO stand out as popular choices for dates.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and fresh."

"The pho and dumplings here are amazing Date Spots."

"The Pho here is delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers discounts on drinks and appetizers.

2

There is plenty of parking available in the shared lot.

3

A 3% credit card processing fee is added to the bill.

06
Fancy Sushi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small sushi restaurant offers an upscale, quiet atmosphere with an intimate setting. The vibe stays chill and pleasant, attracting diners who appreciate fresh, high-quality sushi and well-priced hibachi dishes.

Lunch specials run from 11 am to 3 pm with reasonable prices. Walking at the beach after lunch adds to the experience.

Freshly made California rolls and hibachi chicken stand out as popular choices. The place offers a cozy ambiance and attentive service, with occasional complimentary dishes from the kitchen.

People are saying

"The food here is absolutely delicious and always on point."

"The Japanese food here is yummy with a friendly smile."

"This lunch spot has amazing sushi, especially the holiday roll."

Good to know

1

Lunch specials are available from 11 am to 3 pm.

2

Expect limited variety in sushi rolls offered.

3

The restaurant is known for its fried rolls and teriyaki dishes.

07
El Potro Mexican Restaurant image 1

Mexican restaurant with authentic decor and pleasant, family-friendly atmosphere offers a comfortable, low-key dining experience with music at a moderate volume. The place features well-maintained buffet options and draws a crowd seeking genuine Mexican flavors in a relaxed setting.

Lunch features a wonderful buffet with a variety of options. Service stays fast and friendly, especially during busy work hours.

Buffet offers a variety of dishes with great chimichanga flavor. The owner and his wife create a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

People are saying

"The food here is excellent and full of flavor."

"The food here is authentic and has such great flavor."

"I loved the lunch buffet, especially the guacamole."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3 to 7pm every day.

2

Taco Tuesday is popular, leading to busy dining hours.

3

A buffet is available during certain hours and is well supplied.

08
Caribe Breeze Food Market image 1
Caribbean restaurant

Small, cozy space combines a market and a hidden jewel restaurant serving authentic Cuban and Dominican dishes. Warm, welcoming atmosphere invites a steady flow of patrons enjoying generous portions with rich, traditional flavors. Menu lacks pricing labels, adding to the unique, mom-and-pop vibe.

Lunch includes sandwiches, boxed lunches, and an a la carte menu with empanadas and chicharrones.

Baked chicken comes seasoned perfectly and is incredibly tender, served with white rice and black beans. The spot feels like more than a convenience store, making it a casual choice for couples.

People are saying

"The food here is so flavorful and delicious."

"You have to try these hidden gems; the portions are overflowing and packed with flavor."

"The food here is flavorful and overflowing, a truly heartfelt experience."

Good to know

1

The market opens at 9 AM, but hours can be inconsistent.

2

Prices for food items can vary significantly, so check before ordering.

3

Credit cards are accepted, but confirm pricing before paying.

09
South Of Philly image 1
American restaurant

Family-owned American restaurant offers authentic Philly cheesesteaks with fresh bread and generous portions. Atmosphere is cozy and affordable, with a varied menu and a casual vibe that draws a steady lunchtime crowd. Simple interior and lighting keep the focus on quick, satisfying meals.

Lunch offers great food with a lunch special that includes plenty of fries. Prices stay reasonable, making it a solid spot for midday meals.

Philly cheese steak stands out as a popular choice here. Couples return regularly, enjoying the consistent quality and familiar flavors.

People are saying

"I thought the Philly Cheesesteak was authentic and delicious."

"This Lunch Spot's cheesesteak is loaded with steak and perfectly cheesy."

"These Philly cheesesteaks are hearty and filling, perfect for sharing."

Good to know

1

Lunch special includes a cheese steak sandwich, fries, and a drink for $10.99 on weekdays.

2

The restaurant is run by a husband and wife team, adding a personal touch.

3

Expect a crowded lunch hour, especially on weekdays.

10
Crystal River Seafood image 1
Seafood restaurant

Seafood restaurant with wood decor and a USA-themed interior offers a cozy, casual atmosphere that feels friendly and laid-back. The environment stays calm on quieter days and fosters a community vibe. It serves homestyle fried seafood with fair prices and generous portions.

Lunch offers great prices with specials like bite-sized shrimp paired with a loaded baked potato. Service is attentive and polite, making it a solid spot for a midday meal.

Seafood platters for two offer a shared dining experience with options like crab legs and grilled snapper. Sides include baked beans and cheese grits, making it a solid choice for a date night meal.

People are saying

"The Seafood here is great, and the service is outstanding."

"The seafood platter for two is great for Date Spots."

"The food here is amazing and yummy."

Good to know

1

All-you-can-eat shrimp and crab legs available on Mondays from 4โ€“8 PM for $39.99.

2

A 3.5% surcharge applies for credit card payments, not advertised until payment.

3

On Thursdays, enjoy 30 shrimp with two sides for $18.49.

11
Shut Em Down Authentic Southern Restaurant image 1

Southern restaurant offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere with a down home feel and nostalgic R&B music. The interior is clean and charming with original booths and tables, creating a relaxed vibe. Fried chicken stands out as a signature dish, drawing people who appreciate authentic, hearty meals.

Lunch offers nice-sized portions that satisfy midday hunger. The spot works well for a quick, casual meal during a trip.

Smothered pork chop stands out as a really good dish. Food generally earns positive reactions, making it a solid choice for a date meal.

People are saying

"I thought the fried chicken was the best I had."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is so good."

"The soul food here is so authentic, it tastes like mom's cooking."

Good to know

1

The restaurant closes for special occasions; check ahead before visiting.

2

Expect longer wait times during peak hours due to high DoorDash orders.

3

The portions are generous for lunch, but prices may be higher than expected.

12
Dick's Wings and Grill Argyle image 1
Chicken wings restaurant

Modern sports bar with numerous TVs and arcade games creates a lively and upbeat atmosphere. Music and live performances add to the inviting vibe, while outdoor cornhole offers extra entertainment. Seating includes uncomfortable booths designed for quick turnover, distinguishing it from similar wing spots.

Lunch offers solid wings and fries with reasonable prices. The spot stays quiet on Sundays, making it easy to chat during meals.

Bar offers a casual spot for a couple of beers and appetizers. Burgers stand out as a solid choice for a relaxed meal together.

People are saying

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

"Our server Ashley L was outstanding and made us feel relaxed."

"The hospitality here makes it a great spot for Date Spots."

Good to know

1

Karaoke happens every Friday night, making it a lively evening option.

2

Cornhole competitions take place every Friday, adding a fun twist to the night.

3

Trivia night is hosted every Thursday with engaging hosts and a friendly atmosphere.

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