Jacksonville Restaurants: Hole in the Wall, Part 8

[Metro Jacksonville]

Jacksonville Restaurants: Hole in the Wall, Part 8



Six more Jacksonville restaurants to check out.

Read More: http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2014-nov-jacksonville-restaurants-hole-in-the-wall-part-8-

[Redbaron616]

Totally agree with the microwave comments. A good restaurant will cook things either on a stove or in a conventional oven. Worth the wait over microwaved food.

[Noone]

Another nice list. I really enjoy this.

[coredumped]

Sad to hear you didn't like Wally's, I've always enjoyed it there.

You're brave to eat at "the spoke," it's become an institution in Arlington, but I'm not daring enough to get anything to eat there

By the way, you were right across the street from Tasy Taco:
http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/44/1845011/restaurant/Arlington/Tasty-Tacos-Jacksonville
you should pop in next time!

[Jessicapants]

Microwaving falafel is a sin, as far as I'm concerned. It could be the world's best falafel before it went in the microwave but it will always come out of the microwave with terrible texture and off-flavors.
The Olive Tree in San Marco and Noura Cafe in Lakewood are my go-to Jacksonville places for falafel that doesn't come from a microwave. I'll take Hovan and Hala in a hurry.
But life is too short for terrible falafel.

[TheCat]

Sad to hear you didn't like Wally's, I've always enjoyed it there.

You're brave to eat at "the spoke," it's become an institution in Arlington, but I'm not daring enough to get anything to eat there

By the way, you were right across the street from Tasy Taco:
http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/44/1845011/restaurant/Arlington/Tasty-Tacos-Jacksonville
you should pop in next time!

Broken Spoke:

I'm going back for a 50 cent wings (Wednesday). It may not say much but the burger's lettuce and tomato were crisp and not wilted and pithy (unlike my experiences at The Brick in Avondale).

I didn't dislike Wally's. I'll be back but I'm not going to get anything that requires the microwave. They have to toss that thing out. It ruins what is otherwise mostly "homemade food". I don't get it. I feel like they care about their ingredients and prep but maybe don't realize how the microwave impacts the food...?

Tasty Taco is next on the list.

[TheCat]

Microwaving falafel is a sin, as far as I'm concerned. It could be the world's best falafel before it went in the microwave but it will always come out of the microwave with terrible texture and off-flavors.
The Olive Tree in San Marco and Noura Cafe in Lakewood are my go-to Jacksonville places for falafel that doesn't come from a microwave. I'll take Hovan and Hala in a hurry.
But life is too short for terrible falafel.

I know! At least prep the falafel the way pita pit does, on the flat top grill.

I use to like Olive Tree but the last two times I went I left disappointed. The oil on the falafels tasted old/burnt and everything was a bit too salty. They were my favorite in town at one point.

I have to go back to waffa and mike's. They used to be my goto. It's been awhile though. Every time I am on Main street I end up at Island Tropics.

[Boricua]

I think you should try Puerto Plata 2045 Bayview Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32210 if you want some really good latin food at good portions. Really enjoyed this list, gonna have to try some out.

[Charles Hunter]

Whe you were at Broken Spoke* you were next door to the best donut shop in town - The Donut Shoppe.

* Guns checked at the door - if you don't have one, they rent you one.  (just kidding, I think)

[ben says]

I think you should try Puerto Plata 2045 Bayview Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32210 if you want some really good latin food at good portions. Really enjoyed this list, gonna have to try some out.

Literally just walked in the front door after trying this place for the first time. Really solid, I enjoyed it. Tostadas weren't good - everything else was amazing. I'd go back in a heartbeat.

[TheCat]

Whe you were at Broken Spoke* you were next door to the best donut shop in town - The Donut Shoppe.

* Guns checked at the door - if you don't have one, they rent you one.  (just kidding, I think)

We went to to the Donut Shoppe. It is everything you want in a donut.
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2013-dec-jacksonvilles-hole-in-the-wall-restaurants-part-iv#.VHVTu5PF9qk

I've been meaning to try the donut spot off off N. Main street, Donuts Etc. (I guess the et cetera are "copies")



Their yelp profile:

http://www.yelp.com/biz/donuts-etc-jacksonville


As for Broken Spoke, I had a good time. There were only two other people at the bar when we went and they were super excited about Broken Spoke food. 

The bartender was a very kind motherly type who smokes no less than three packs a day.

I was surprised that the college kids at JU haven't taken the bar over. It's the perfect place for college contradictions.

[TheCat]

I think you should try Puerto Plata 2045 Bayview Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32210 if you want some really good latin food at good portions. Really enjoyed this list, gonna have to try some out.

I've been! And, I enjoyed it. I'll check it out again.

[fieldafm]

I think you should try Puerto Plata 2045 Bayview Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32210 if you want some really good latin food at good portions. Really enjoyed this list, gonna have to try some out.

Literally just walked in the front door after trying this place for the first time. Really solid, I enjoyed it. Tostadas weren't good - everything else was amazing. I'd go back in a heartbeat.

If you like Puerto Plata, I'd also suggest El Palermo in Orange Park. My favorite Cuban place in the area.

[blfair]

I've been meaning to try the donut spot off off N. Main street, Donuts Etc. (I guess the et cetera are "copies")



Their yelp profile:

http://www.yelp.com/biz/donuts-etc-jacksonville

Donuts, Etc is legit. If you go inside expect to have a table or two full of regulars drinking coffee and giving you the stinkeye -- a good sign probably. I'm told they supply donuts to quite a few places downtown, and my tastebuds concur.

[TheCat]

I went back to Yummy Pho last Friday. This place is awesome. The best egg rolls and I love the shrimp rolls. Everything tastes and feels so incredibly fresh.

Some scoop, which may be true:

I heard that two of the original chefs at Bowl of Pho left that establishment to start Yummy pho, which may explain why BOP is not as good as it used to be.