Lunching in Downtown Jacksonville

[BridgeTroll]

The times described work for me... barring those never ending OMG incidents at work...

[Bewler]

Or he could go to Tommy's Pizza, Blue Bamboo or Crazy Sushi.

OR he could go to ill forks dawg.

[David]

At least you've still got unique and delicious places like McDonalds and KFC.

Or he could go to Tommy's Pizza, Blue Bamboo or Crazy Sushi.

Southside does have way more lunch options than downtown, but it doesn't match the ambiance. Plus there's hardly any hotdog vendors for those days that you're running short on time and don't care what you put in your body.

[thelakelander]

The Southside is also insanely spreadout so you must travel by car to reach the majority of options.  To accurately compare, DT's dining options would have to be tossed in with surrounding areas like San Marco, Riverside/Avondale, Durkeeville, Springfield and Murray Hill.

[copperfiend]

Lake, I agree. The three places I listed are relatively close to each other. My point in posting them was to counter that there are more than just fast food options. There are locally owned places serving good food.

[viCARIous]

Hey everyone, glad you enjoyed the reviews... boy, doing the research for this article was tough, I tell you.  So many great places in downtown Jax - just ate at the International Cafe yesterday for the first time and had some very flavorful and tender Nicaraguan pork frito with rice and beans and fried plantains.  Gotta check it out if you haven't already.

@iluvolives - so you knew the pre-Cari Phil!  I probably don't want to hear those stories:)  We're loving Riverside  - it's a whole different world from the beach.  The food's better, too... !

[Bewler]

Lake, I agree. The three places I listed are relatively close to each other. My point in posting them was to counter that there are more than just fast food options. There are locally owned places serving good food.

You still don't get the same ambiance in that area though.

[Wacca Pilatka]

Where is the International Cafe?

[Keith-N-Jax]

Food looks great. I will be starting a new job at St.Luke in Aug so hopefully yall can set this lunch date well before then. I think Friday I am going to check one of these places out.

[viCARIous]

The International Cafe is on Hogan Street near Hemming Plaza - check out my review and some photos on Yelp!  http://www.yelp.com/biz/international-cafe-jacksonville

[Wacca Pilatka]

Thanks.  Sounds tasty.

[jbroadglide]

Okay then with Cari's seal of approval, how about those who work downtown and wanted to meet for lunch head over to the International Cafe around 12noon on Wednesday June 30. Noon it will be busy but so will every place else downtown. Maybe plan on taking a lunch hour and 15 minutes. We can work out the final details later, like how will we all recognize each other since many of us have never actually met face to face.
See you on June 30.

[newzgrrl]

A trick I've learned for expediting lunch all over town is to meet between 11:30 and 11:45. That way, your order is in when the crush of people arrive.

Even though I (unfortunately) do not work in lovely Downtown, I may join the lunch date. Hmmm, sounds like an afternoon: drive to the Southbank, take the Skyway over, meet MJers for lunch, ride back, drive back, return to reality and then redouble my efforts at finding a job in the Core. 

[downtownjag]

Okay then with Cari's seal of approval, how about those who work downtown and wanted to meet for lunch head over to the International Cafe around 12noon on Wednesday June 30. Noon it will be busy but so will every place else downtown. Maybe plan on taking a lunch hour and 15 minutes. We can work out the final details later, like how will we all recognize each other since many of us have never actually met face to face.
See you on June 30.

YUM, I think Wednesday is taco day!  FYI, the chipotle chicken sandwich, on french bread, is pretty good

[Cliffs_Daughter]

... how about those who work downtown and wanted to meet for lunch head over to the International Cafe around 12noon on Wednesday June 30. Noon it will be busy but so will every place else downtown. Maybe plan on taking a lunch hour and 15 minutes...

I AM THERE!