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 bachelor’s student (soon-to-be graduate!) of Communications & Media, with a passion for writing whatever words come to her mind. Taking inspiration from the most complicated feelings to the simplest things like cute clouds; you can transform anything you can imagine into a feast for the eyes and mind, in my opinion. I also like to take pictures of those cute clouds, among other things, whenever a sight strikes me with happiness or intrigue.
I’ve been writing among friends for several years, but my published works right now are my summer internship blogs with Connecting Thru Music (https://connectingthrumusic.org/blog)! I can’t wait to write more blogs here for First Coast Life, whether that be inspirational rambles or about my visits to all the amazing events and sights the first coast has to offer!
