Arepa Please — Restaurant in Jacksonville

Update: I brought the family today and it wasnt the same. It could be the recent stress from the hurricane or someone called in sick today and everyone working there needs a break. When I arrived, I noticed multiple tables that were dirty and needed a wiping. The garbage can were customers are supposed to dump their food scraps and stack their plates was overflowing and it was disgusting. I wasn't greeted with a smile as I was on my first visit. The look on his face was more like... "I can't wait for this day to be over." I do completely understand as the last couple of weeks, 2 hurricanes, bla bla bla. I get it... so I'm giving them the benefit of doubt. The food was amazing and honestly there arepas are some of the best. Definitely still worth a visit, I just hope the staff is having a better day when you go..

Original review: I stumbled across this place scrolling on IG and felt like I really needed to try it. I was not disappointed! This place is a little slice of South America in the heart of Jacksonville. I ordered "La Morena" off the secret menu and it was absolutely amazing. My Colombian wife is going to be mad that I came here without her, so I'll probably be back this weekend with her. I don't want to listen to her complain that i was eating Arepas without her. I'll update my review with more pictures when I do... Definitely worth a stop and will definitely be a part of my lunch time rotation when...

7/28/25 - Update. I ate here for the 2nd and last time today after realizing that they had pages of pornography on the wall. It's from an old Playboy magazine but it's still appalling to know such things are in this place where children are eating. To add insult to injury, I discovered that the men's restroom has no handicapped assistance bars beside the toilet. Unacceptable! I will not return until these matters of deep concern are addressed and rectified.

My first time visiting this place. I just came over after spending a half hour on an exercycle at the YMCA, which was less than 2 miles away.

The place is trendy and spacious and I had no trouble ordering my food and finding an open table. They had some country western music playing.

I chose the gyro on a pita, topped with a Greek salad and a drink for less than $13. They were gracious to include a serving of the creamiest, most delicious potato salad at no extra cost. The pita was very fresh and easy to bite and chew. The gyro meat was excellent and lightly seasoned. I chose to wash it down with half and half iced tea. I already told my Tica (Costa Rican) wife and we will have to return some time soon.

They keep the restaurant clean and I hope they will stay around...

Excellent! Light! Fluffy corn arepa (gluten free!) made to order fast, stuffed with succulent, flavorful and plentiful fillings. Our favorites are The Queen (cold creamy chicken salad w huge chunks of ripe avocado!) and the Pabellon (shredded flavorful beef, black beans and fried plantains)! Goodness! Mouth watering and savory! So fast! I always order extra plantains that come sweet, fried, dusted in cojita cheese. Yum! There is a parking lot right there and a beautiful Instagram worthy muraled wall on the side of the building! The inside has a cool vibe with amazing art: projectors on the art make it look alive! I’m captivated! Music is always a comfortable level and sets a good tone while conversation is still priority. They just get so many things right! I really love this place! All 3 visits whenever I pass through this town have been delicious! Always love when my travels take me past this...