In the middle of bustling Downtown Jacksonville, many little gems of the community are waiting to be explored. Offices and skyscrapers live right next to an artistic explosion of museums and constant events, with many local businesses sprouting up in between. One such local gem is just across the Main Street Bridge, a bit hidden on 45 West Bay Street – a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it drive-by spot if you’re not actively searching for it at least. But its name is still proudly displayed on its outside window: Urban Grind. A quaint little coffee shop, though what it lacks in interior size, it makes up for in atmosphere and comfort.
Having both a few meter parking spaces right outside the door, and being right next to one of downtown’s public parking lots, does help attract customers though through sheer locational luck.
The coffee and food is really good too – I got a spiced brown sugar latte and a blueberry muffin (heated up) upon visiting, and they were both just the pick-me-ups I needed. They have loads of other flavors for their coffees as well, and even milk substitutes and sugar-free flavor options. They even make smoothies if you’re not feeling like espresso yourself that day. Plus, they have more than just muffins to satisfy your hunger – danishes, cookies, and even lunch sandwiches on your choice of bread!
While you may just come in for an easy access cup of coffee or fun choice of food, however, you instantly stay for the atmosphere of its building. You can eat inside the tiny store at their little counter set up at their window, giving a pretty good view of the street outside, while you could look behind yourself at the little cafe.
Just beyond Urban Grind’s exit door, however, is a tiny seating area aptly titled “Urban Garden”. Brick walls with wooden platforms meeting fake grass and cute little outdoor tables, the little open air square feels right at home in the artistic urban jungle of the area.
Truly a coffee shop that tries to bring a blend of good vibes to the city, becoming a must-stop shop for a local morning treat, Urban Grind fits right into both the artistic and business sides of downtown Jacksonville!
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A local girl with a love of writing and food, who has transitioned into writing articles about all the local food spots, in order to encourage everyone to explore and take in the tastes of their community! With a bachelor’s degree in Communications & Media from FSCJ and a bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies – Film & Screenwriting, I hope to get the community more engaged with their surroundings and take in all they have to offer! I’m glad if any of my articles encourage anyone to try new things or get out into the world!
Roughly bi-weekly uploads, but also taking everything one day at a time and going at my own pace~ Also will cover more than just food; looking forward to all of the local events I can attend on our First Coast as well!
