Living in Jacksonville’s diverse neighborhoods means easy access to distinct community hubs. In Avondale, the historic St. Johns Avenue—also known as the Shoppes of Avondale—provides perhaps the city’s most walkable collection of restaurants, boutiques and specialty shops.
Historic Roots and Recent Revitalization
Planned in the 1920s, Avondale is a National Register historic district. Early infrastructure—including sidewalks, sewers, water, gas, electricity and telephone lines—was installed before lots were sold, and strict guidelines limited commercial development to preserve the neighborhood’s residential feel. Notable buildings, such as a 1927 Henry Klutho‑designed edifice, were designed to blend seamlessly with surrounding homes.
In 2010, Jacksonville’s Town Center Program allocated funds to renovate the St. Johns Avenue business district. The upgrades added patio seating for alfresco dining, enhanced streetscapes and encouraged new tenants to open doors.
Dining and Drinking Options
Josephine ($$$) – A family‑inspired Italian eatery offering house‑made fresh pasta, classic cocktails, craft beer and a broad wine list. Open for dinner, aperitivo hour and weekend brunch.
Le Macaron French Pastries ($$) – Known for colorful, gluten‑free macarons in 20 flavors, plus gourmet chocolates, French gelato and specialty coffees.
Peterbrooke ($$) – An upscale chocolatier featuring hand‑dipped treats, truffles, caramels, gift baskets and gelato.
Biscottis ($$$) – A neighborhood staple for over three decades, serving brunch, lunch and dinner with standout dishes like seared redfish with sweet corn beurre blanc.
The Fox Restaurant ($$) – Traditional diner fare for breakfast and lunch, famous for its extra‑large waffle and quick‑service sandwich options.
Southern Grounds ($$) – A coffee shop with a chef‑driven menu, offering espresso drinks, breakfast sandwiches, grain bowls and a pet‑friendly patio.
The Blue Fish Restaurant & Oyster Bar ($$$) – A high‑energy American eatery known for seafood, a raw bar and Sunday brunch, with happy‑hour specials on oysters and mussels.
Mojo No. 4 BBQ ($$) – Slow‑smoked meats and wood‑fired barbecue, featuring brisket, pulled pork, ribs and hearty sides like collard greens and mac and cheese.
Brick Restaurant ($$$) – Modern American dishes with regional inspiration, served in a brick‑walled space with stained‑glass windows; weekend brunch includes a Spicy Habañero Bloody Mary.
Mellow Mushroom ($$) – Stone‑baked pizzas, burgers, hoagies and over 60 draft beers; the Pacific Rim pizza combines honey ham, bacon, pineapple and jalapeños.
Sushiko Japanese Restaurant ($$) – An intimate sushi house offering a broad menu, including one of Florida’s most extensive vegan sushi selections.
The Happy Cake Shop ($) – A small bakery with a rotating selection of cupcakes, many filled with cream or jam.
Whit’s Frozen Custard ($) – Fresh frozen custard served daily with rotating flavors, custard‑blended treats and custom custard cakes.
The Casbah Cafe ($$$) – Middle Eastern fare, live music, belly dancing and a large hookah lounge; weekly Live Jazz Night runs Sundays 9 p.m.‑midnight.
Cork Thyme Wine Bar, Bodega & Gourmet Market ($$) – A wine bar and gourmet market offering small‑batch wines, craft bites, spice blends and live music on a patio.
Old Cup Café ($) – Tiny coffee shop serving espresso, tea, house‑made pastries and a limited breakfast/lunch menu.
Shores Liquors and Bar ($) – Known locally as Monty’s West Inn Cantina, featuring a drive‑through, bar service, pool tables, darts, karaoke and outdoor seating.
Community Events and Outdoor Spaces
Patio seating along the avenue encourages people‑watching and alfresco meals. Nearby Boone Park provides trails, playgrounds and picnic areas for families. The monthly “Amplified Avondale” event—held on the last Friday of each month—offers art, live music and dining specials, further cementing the strip as a vibrant community gathering place.
Whether you’re seeking a family brunch, a quiet coffee, or an evening of live jazz, St. Johns Avenue delivers a diverse, walk‑friendly experience that reflects Avondale’s historic charm and modern vitality.
Original reporting: Jacksonville Today — read the source article.
