In the case of exploring new restaurants in Jax… I recently visited a really cool bar and rooftop lounge, Estrella Cocina. Serving up fast casual Baja Mexican food that has everyone talking around town.
I’ve heard good and bad things about this spot and wanted to check it out for myself. What it was like, what I ordered, and most importantly would I return again? Keep reading to find out.
Estrella Cocina Is A Prime Location
Estrella Cocina is located in Downtown Jax at 100 West Bay Street. It is one of many much needed restaurants popping up around the city. It is hidden Downtown at the corner of Bay and Laura street. It’s one of those places, you have to know about it to be looking for it. To access it you must enter the Vystar Building and take the elevator to the 7th floor.
The minute you walk out of the elevator and into the space, you fall into an aesthetically pleasing haven made for a good time and Instagram worthy photos. After walking past a full bar you enter a mid size dining area. Modern high and low furniture, earthy light fixtures, and live plants is the decor.
The indoor decor is spectacular. However, the real vibe is about 30 yards to the right leading to the rooftop dining area; the views are breathtaking. In addition to being fully furnished for outdoor dining, you are treated to live views of the Bank of America building, and the Main Street bridge on one side. As you walk around the large deck you catch full panoramic views of The Carling and whatever other buildings Downtown Jax has to offer. This is not something I’ve seen in many Jacksonville restaurants and I love it!
After snapping up tons of pictures like girls do, and sweating like nobody’s business; we came inside and found a table nestled in the corner with great lighting.
With the recent heat index Florida has been experiencing, I wouldn’t be caught dead out in the type of heat eating a taco. Dining inside was the only option.
Estrella Concina Menu Options
Estrella Cocina is a Baja coastal Mexican-style, specialty restaurant. They are self titled “Eclectic Mexican Cuisine”. They offer tacos, salads, enchiladas, and bowls. Nothing on the menu is more than 35.00. We visited during lunch which falls between 11:00 am and 2:59pm. Nothing was over 20.00. Very much ball on a budget here.
I always inquire what my server suggests and he instantly pointed out the Gobernador Tacos. Shrimp, guajillo, poblano, onion, crema, all nestled in a grilled flour tortilla. I worked my ass of at the gym about 3 hours prior, I knew I wanted to indulge in something savory and cheesy. That being said, I went with that, a side salad, and the hibiscus margarita on the rocks, skinny.
My lunch date had the Traditional Chopped Caesar Salad with chicken, and she ordered fresh tortilla chip and a trio of salsas for the table.
Placing Your Order
Our waiter was prompt and explained the ordering process. Basically, you have the now normal post-covid QR coded menu. Once scanned, the entire menu is online, bar included. You simply order and checkout online and your food is brought out shortly after. The QR code has your table number, this is how they know who’s is who.
I’ve never experienced this level of fast casual dining but I dig it. No cash, no paper receipts, no orders are taken. I’m pretty sure more Jacksonville restaurants will offer this type of experience. Especially post-covid.
How Was The Food?
The waiter clearly knew what he was talking about…. my tacos were delicious. I have trained myself to not be so caught up on salad dressings. I won’t say the dressing on my salad was nasty, but it was… different. It was a little sweet. However, it mixed well with the crumbled cheese, red onion, and radish that accompanied my salad. My drink? Marvelous. The Caesar salad was HUGE. It’s no way one person could eat that alone. She too enjoyed her selection.
The chips were interesting. They were a little too greasy but crisp and lightly salted. The three salsa options were good ranging from mild to hot. The hot, was hot. Beware.
Wrapping Things Up: Estrella Cocina
Based on my experience… I give this spot at 10 out of 10. Cool views, fast service, and tasty food. I do want to note, the place was completely empty. It was a Thursday at 2:00pm. This is could possibly play a role in how fast we were served. Either way I enjoyed it and would happily return again.
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Ash
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