Hidden Gems in Jacksonville: Unique Places to Explore
Discover the vibrant soul of Jacksonville, Florida, with this guide to the city’s hidden gems. From charming cafes and cozy tea rooms to exciting wildlife sanctuaries and creative cocktail bars, these unique spots showcase Jacksonville’s local flavor and creativity. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, add these must-visit places to your list to uncover the city’s best-kept secrets.
The Ultimate Jacksonville Hidden Gems
Beyond the bustling city streets and popular attractions lies a treasure trove of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. These unique spots capture the essence of Jacksonville with their blend of creativity, flavor, and charm.
Ashes Boutique and Tea Room
📍 332 2nd St South, Jacksonville, FL 32250
🕛 Mon–Sat, 10 AM – 4 PM
Ashes Boutique & Tea Room is known for its cozy atmosphere and beautifully presented afternoon tea
service. It’s a local favorite for everything from bridal showers to a casual tea date with friends. The boutique itself is full of unique, handpicked pieces—from stylish clothing to one-of-a-kind accessories—so you can enjoy a little shopping before settling down with a pot of tea and freshly baked scones.
Zap Cat Espresso Bar
📍 751 Atlantic Blvd, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233
🕛 Daily, 8 AM – 1 PM
Tucked inside the historic Atlantic Theater, Zap Cat Espresso Bar is a cozy haven for coffee lovers and creatives alike. This spot has a piano and guitars, making it a welcoming hangout for musicians and artists. Zap Cat serves up delicious specialty coffees with rotating roasters and seasonal flavors, plus a local favorite—Grom’s Burritos from Jacksonville Beach.
Breezy Coffee Shop Wine Bar
📍 235 8th Ave S, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
🕛 Mon–Sat, 7 AM – 2 PM; Sun, 8 AM – 2 PM
Breezy Coffee Shop Wine Bar in Jacksonville Beach is the perfect spot to kick back with a coffee, fresh-baked pastry, or light lunch before or after a beach walk. They offer everything from breakfast pitas to desserts, plus a selection of beer and wine. With a front patio for people watching and a quieter back patio, Breezy is a local favorite with heart.
Poe’s Tavern
📍 363 Atlantic Blvd, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233
🕛 Mon–Sun, 11 AM – 10 PM
Just two blocks from the ocean, Poe’s Tavern in Atlantic Beach is a cozy spot where Edgar Allan Poe fans and food lovers meet. Known for its killer gourmet burgers with names inspired by Poe’s works—like “The Raven” and “The Pit and the Pendulum”—and a craft beer list featuring over 50 selections, it’s a standout among local gastropubs. The vibe is quirky and inviting, with walls decked out in vintage Poe memorabilia and even pages from his stories. Grab a seat in the palm-lined courtyard or head inside for a pint and a taste of literary history.
Angie’s Subs
📍 1436 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
🕛 Mon–Sat, 10 AM – 9 PM
Angie’s Subs is a Jacksonville staple, famous for its delicious, made-to-order subs and the best sweet tea in town! This cozy sandwich shop, owned by Edward Malin, is all about fresh ingredients, friendly service, and an unforgettable dining experience. Each sub is crafted with care, and the relaxed, welcoming vibe makes you feel right at home. If you’re in a hurry, just call ahead to skip the wait and dive into some of the tastiest subs around.
Grom Sandwich Shop
📍 204 3rd Ave S, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
🕛 Wed–Mon, 7 AM – 4 PM
Grom Sandwich Shop in Jacksonville Beach is a cozy spinoff of the legendary Angie’s Subs, serving up bold flavors since 2012. Swing by for breakfast or lunch and dig into their crowd-favorite Shrimp & Grits, sliders, burritos, wraps, or classic subs. Pair it all with their famous sweet tea for a meal that locals swear by. Whether you’re craving a quick bite or a laid-back feast, Grom has the beachside grub to keep you coming back!
The Greenhouse Bar
📍 200 Riverside Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32204
🕛 Sun, 8AM – 8PM; Mon-Wed, 8AM – 9PM; Thurs-Sat, 8AM – 10PM
The Greenhouse Bar is where nature meets neighborhood vibes! This plant shop-meets-cocktail-and-coffee bar serves up exotic houseplants alongside handcrafted drinks. Start your day with coffee and breakfast bites or unwind with beer, wine, or a signature cocktail. Don’t forget to browse their lush greenery while you sip—because here, every drink pairs perfectly with a new plant friend.
1810 Tacos y Tequila
📍 950 Marsh Landing Pkwy, Jax Beach, FL 32250
🕛 Sun-Mon, 11AM – 9PM; Tues-Sat, 11AM – 10PM
1810 Tacos y Tequila brings bold Mexican flavors and a vibrant atmosphere to Jacksonville! Known for its inventive tacos, hand-crafted margaritas, and top-tier tequila selection, this spot is a go-to for anyone craving authentic bites with a modern twist. Whether you’re savoring birria tacos or enjoying their signature guacamole, every dish is made fresh and packed with flavor. Stop by for happy hour or make it a night out—you won’t leave disappointed!
Flask & Cannon
📍 528 1st St N, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
🕛 Mon-Thurs, 11AM – 10PM; Fri-Sat, 11AM – 2AM; Sun, 10AM – 9PM
Flask & Cannon is the tiki hideaway Jacksonville Beach didn’t know it needed. Inspired by the tropical flavors of Honolulu and Havana, this laid-back bar shakes up an incredible lineup of rum-based cocktails that’ll transport you straight to island time. Whether you’re sipping a classic Mai Tai or something bold and unexpected, it’s always a good time to soak up the breezy vibes and craft cocktail magic at this Jax Beach gem.
Ink Factory Brewing
📍 602 Shetter Ave, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
🕛 Wed-Sat, 8AM – 10PM; Sun-Tues, 8AM – 8PM
Ink Factory Brewing blends the best of Jacksonville Beach with a dash of history. Housed in a former publishing warehouse, this microbrewery doubles as a taproom, espresso bar, and coworking space. Whether you’re sipping a locally crafted beer or fueling up with a fresh espresso, the vibe is always relaxed and inviting—perfect for catching up on work or just hanging out.
Egg Boy
📍 1241 Mayport Rd, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233
🕛 Mon-Fri, 6AM – 2:30PM
Egg Boy is Jacksonville’s go-to spot for breakfast that hits the spot. From their mouthwatering breakfast sandwiches stacked with all the good stuff to loaded fries that pack a punch, every dish feels like the comfort food you’ve been craving. With cozy vibes and seriously good coffee, it’s the kind of place where one visit turns into many. Whether you’re fueling up for the day or treating yourself to brunch, Egg Boy is where breakfast dreams come true.
Cinotti’s Bakery
📍 1523 Penman Rd, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
🕛 Tues-Sat, 6AM – 3PM
Cinotti’s Bakery has been a sweet tradition in Jacksonville for generations! From its humble beginnings in Cleveland to its current home on Penman Road since 1990, this family-owned gem has been serving up delicious baked goods with love and faith at its core. Known for their famous donuts, custom cakes, and seasonal treats, Cinotti’s combines old-fashioned charm with unbeatable flavors. Stop by for a warm, welcoming experience and a taste of family history that’s baked into every bite.
Buchner’s Bierhalle
📍 1188 Edgewood Ave S, Jacksonville, FL 32205
🕛 Mon–Thurs, 4PM – 12AM; Fri–Sat, 4PM – 2AM; Sun, 12PM – 12AM
Buchner’s Bierhalle is an authentic German bar that feels like a love letter to Bavaria. Offering 13 rare German beers on draft, alongside an impressive selection of wines from Europe, it’s a cozy spot for traditional German bites like house-made schnitzel, wurst, and giant Bavarian pretzels with beer cheese. Inside, the vibe is speakeasy-esque, with a welcoming beer garden out back for live music and seasonal celebrations.
Show Pigeon Coffee
📍 28 Sherry Drive, Atlantic Beach, FL, 32233
🕛 Mon-Thurs, 8AM – 1PM
Show Pigeon Coffee is more than just a coffee stop; it’s a creative hub built on intentional service and community connection. Founded by coffee enthusiast Jamie and her mother, Nancy, this espresso bar offers a unique menu that rotates through handcrafted drinks and locally baked goodies, from egg sandwiches to seasonal breads. Known for its warm vibes and a welcoming spirit, Show Pigeon keeps coffee sociable and serves up fresh flavors daily.
Tides Tiki Bar
📍 1515 N 1st St, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
🕛 Mon–Thurs, 4PM – 10PM; Fri–Sat, 11AM – 11PM; Sun, 11AM – 10PM
Tides Tiki Bar, located at the Hampton Inn Jacksonville Beach/Oceanfront, is the ultimate beachside hangout. With stunning ocean views and a laid-back coastal vibe, this spot serves up beach-inspired eats like fish tacos, fried shrimp baskets, and island shrimp quesadillas alongside specialty drinks like pomegranate margaritas and frozen cocktails. Perfect for kicking back after a day in the sun, Tides combines casual comfort with great food, refreshing drinks, and occasional live music for a true Jacksonville Beach favorite.
Izakaya Ko
📍 1198 Beach Blvd Unit 9, Jax Beach, FL 32250
🕛 Mon-Thurs: 4:30 PM – 9:30 PM; Fri: 4:30 PM – 10 PM; Sat: 12 PM – 10 PM; Sun: 12 PM – 9 PM
Izakaya Ko is one of Jacksonville’s hidden gems, offering an authentic Japanese pub experience with a relaxed and cozy vibe. The menu is packed with delicious options, from grilled yakitori skewers and steaming bowls of ramen to fresh sushi rolls and creative small plates made to share. Pair your meal with a glass of sake, a Japanese beer, or one of their unique cocktails for the full experience. Whether you’re meeting friends for a casual night out or just craving something different, Izakaya Ko feels like a little escape to Japan right here in Jax.
Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary
📍 1860 Starratt Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32226
🕛 Sun–Thurs, 1 PM – 3 PM; Fri–Sat, 1 PM – 3 PM, 6 PM – 7:30 PM
Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary is a must-visit for animal lovers! Dedicated to rescuing and providing a forever home for big cats like tigers, lions, and leopards, this sanctuary offers a unique chance to see these majestic animals up close. Take a guided tour to learn about their stories and the conservation work happening here. Don’t miss their nighttime feeding events—an unforgettable experience! Every visit helps support their mission to protect and care for these incredible creatures.
The Volstead
📍 115 W Adams St, Jacksonville, FL 32202
🕛 Mon-Sat, 4 PM – 2 AM; Sun, 4 PM – 12 AM
Step back in time at the Volstead, a speakeasy-style bar inspired by the Prohibition era. Named after the infamous Volstead Act, this spot channels 1920s elegance with dim lighting, jazz, and an intimate atmosphere perfect for savoring a cocktail. Known for its collection of small-batch whiskeys and innovative ingredients, The Volstead’s bartenders shake up classic drinks that feel like a nod to history. It’s become a favorite for those looking for a sophisticated night out in a unique throwback setting.
Plan Your Visit to Jacksonville
Discovering Jacksonville’s hidden gems is a rewarding experience filled with delicious flavors, cozy atmospheres, and unique sights. These lesser-known places reflect the city’s heart and soul, making them must-visits for anyone exploring Jacksonville.