Riverside, Avondale and Lola’s for Lunch

South of downtown Jacksonville along the St. Johns river lie two primarily residential neighborhoods known as Riverside and Avondale.  Riverside saw much growth after the fire of 1901 destroyed most of the inner city of Jacksonville as those whose homes were destroyed decided to build elsewhere.  Riverside was developed out of the former plantation known as Dell’s Bluff granted by the Spanish Florida government in 1801.  

Avondale, originally named Edgewood, planned and platted for Magnolia Plantation in 1884 did develop or grow as the developers had sought.  It remained hunting land until after 1910 when it was purchased by a group chasing to develop the area as an upscale and exclusive subdivision.  Edgewood was renamed Avondale for the the neighborhood in Cincinnati that had been the home of the former owner.  Avondale became the most extensively planned community ever developed in Jacksonville with homes surrounding  pocket parks with include green space forplay grounds, dog parks and walking trails.  The Cummer Museum of Art and the Robert E. Lee High School, one of the oldest schools in the city still in use.  

The Riverside Baptist Church on King Street is beautiful example of Florida Spanish architecture built out of limestone with a hipped tile roof.  The King Street area of Riverside is commercial but what I call subtle old style commercial–there are no buildings more than a couple of stories high.  Two breweries, antique shops and several restaurants are have found homes on King Street.  Lola’s Burrito & Burger Joint called out to us about 1 pm on Thursday.

The menu is very extensive.  We ordered chips and salsa while studying our options.  A waiter delivered a burrito to the ladies seated next to us that could have easily fed a family of four with leftovers.  Since I had spaghetti planned for supper, we decided not to order the burrito instead choosing a beef taco for Steve, grilled fish taco for me and a side of cheesy grilled corn to share.  

Joy