Now that my sister was a permanent Jacksonville resident, it was almost imperative we discover the best this Florida city had to offer. She had spent many years in Central Florida and had a Central Floridian’s appetite for theme parks, breweries, and the hipster effects on restaurants. By exploring Jacksonville, we were saving a fellow family member.

We had already inhaled the sights at the Riverside Saturday Market before also capturing nearby St. Augustine. Now we were back for dinner.

Friends often mentioned TacoLu so for lunch the next day we entered the crowded parking lot of this Mexican restaurant. After downing some creamy guacamole with their chips, we took on a collection of Tacos since that was part of their namesake. Their Baja Fish Taco (Beer battered white fish), Spicy Bird (Chicken in spicy chiles), and Carnitas (pork marinated in sodas) was surprisingly underwhelming. All taco tortillas were so thick it destroyed the flavor of anything inside. In the end we pitifully discarded all the shells and just ate the fillings.

Stuffed with food yet lacking satisfaction, we decided to try the Urban Bean Coffeehouse which restored our faith in Jacksonville edibles. We sipped a simple cold Latte, Mocha Macchiato and a Cold Brew while nibbling on (BONUS!) fresh donut. While patrons studied, a guest took up residence with the piano in the corner and was pa-plinking delicate music. Meanwhile, I was impressed with the not-so-subtle Christian proclamations in the decor such as inspirational books on tables and a sign saying ‘A little bit of coffee and a whole lot of Jesus.’ (Not a ‘whole latte Jesus?’ ohhh missed opportunity)

Meanwhile, I think my sister is in good hands.

Curious to read about the other locations around Jacksonville we checked out during our too-short weekend visit? Just click here.