A Day in Downtown Davie: Where to Eat, Shop, and Unwind
Why Downtown Davie Deserves More Love
Most people think they have to leave Davie to find something special. They drive east for beach bars or north for breweries. But the truth is, there is a lot happening right here — if you know where to look.
Downtown Davie has always had a heartbeat. It is where the old rodeo spirit meets a new generation of small businesses. It is walkable in a way that feels rare in South Florida. And it is filled with places that locals love but may not talk about enough. From third-wave coffee and farm stands to vintage markets and one seriously big rum bar, this stretch of Davie Road offers more than most people realize.
Whether you are a longtime resident or just landed here for school or work, this post is your guide to spending a full day in the neighborhood. We are not talking about chains or malls. We are talking about plant shops, Cuban breakfasts, wild drinks, big flavor, and a few chill surprises along the way.
So clear a day, grab a friend, and let’s walk through a few ways to explore Downtown Davie the right way.
Start the Day — Coffee and Quiet Corners
Every great day starts with a solid cup of coffee. And downtown Davie has a few hidden spots that make it easy to kick things off right.
First up is Grind Coffee Project, tucked just off College Avenue. This is not your average coffee shop. It is a third-wave café with a minimal interior, dialed-in baristas, and housemade syrups that take your drink from good to craveable. The espresso is always on point. The pastries are handmade and change often. And the crowd is a mix of NSU students, creatives, and people who know where to find good coffee. Grab a cortado and take a seat. You will probably stay longer than you planned.
If you are looking for something with a little more heat and a lot more heart, head to Café Canela. It is a cozy Cuban spot with strong coffee and even stronger breakfast game. Think pan con bistec, guava pastries, and cortaditos that come out fast and hot. The vibe is casual. The prices are friendly. And the regulars are all on a first-name basis with the staff.
Both spots are great for a slow start or a quick refuel before you dive into the rest of your Davie day. And both are within minutes of each other, so you can even do a two-stop tasting tour if you are feeling ambitious.
If you are Googling where to get coffee in Davie, these are your spots. Local. Legit. And far from basic.
Midday Moves: Local Shopping and Chill Stops
Once the caffeine kicks in, it is time to explore. Downtown Davie has more than meets the eye — and if you step off the main drag, you will find some real neighborhood treasures.
Start with Plant Daddy Co., a modern plant shop on Davie Road that feels more like an art gallery than a garden store. They specialize in tropicals, rare houseplants, and design-forward planters. But what makes it a local favorite are the little touches: free plant care advice, community workshops, and the staff’s obsession with making your home feel alive. Whether you are shopping for a gift or just want to browse somewhere quiet and green, this place is a win.
If you are in town on a weekend, keep an eye out for Spitfire Farm & Art Market. It is part small-scale urban horse farm, part pop-up creative market. Local makers sell handmade goods. Food vendors serve fresh snacks. And there are usually a few animals roaming the edge of the grounds. It is quirky in the best way and only a few blocks from the heart of downtown.
A few steps away, you can check out the Davie Farmers Market, if it is running. It is not massive, but it has charm. Think tropical fruit, empanadas hot off the griddle, and bunches of fresh-cut flowers for five bucks. Not everything is organic, but it is all full of personality. Go early before the good stuff is gone.
And for a dose of history, walk through the Old Davie School Historical Museum. Built in 1918, it is the oldest existing school building in Broward County. But inside you will find preserved classrooms, vintage photos, and stories from Davie’s earliest days. It is weirdly fun and oddly moving — and a great way to appreciate how far the town has come.
These stops are not touristy. They are lived-in. Local. The kind of places you only find when you take the time to look around.
Lunch Break. Go Big, Go Local
By now, you are probably hungry. And lucky for you, Black Jack’s Rum Bar & Grille is just a short walk from wherever your morning took you. This is not a grab-and-go spot. This is a sit-down, full-flavor, real lunch kind of place.
Start with the conch fritters. Crispy, golden, packed with flavor and paired with a house dipping sauce that you will think about later. Or go for the jerk wings, grilled to order and coated in a rub that hits all the right notes: spicy, smoky, and just a little sweet.
If you are in the mood for something filling but fresh, order the grilled chicken and pineapple salad. It is balanced and bright, with enough flavor to hold its own next to any sandwich or plate on the menu.
But if you came hungry — and you should have — go for the fish and chips. Made with fresh snapper, not cheap white fish, this dish is a favorite for a reason. Or try the FRITA burger, a prime beef and chorizo blend topped with spicy ketchup and crispy potato straws.
Everything is made from scratch and comes out hot. And during the happy hour window, you can add on a two-for-one Shipwreck cocktail to keep the energy rolling.
Ask your server about the Captain’s Card if you live or work nearby. It gets you ten percent off every visit, no strings attached. And if you are the type who loves a good deal, Shipwreck Rewards will let you earn points every time you eat.
This is your lunch spot. And your new go-to when you want to bring someone else out for the first time. Come once and you will get it.
Slow it down or head back out
After a big lunch, you have two options. You can lean into relaxation or head back out for one more adventure. Luckily, Downtown Davie makes it easy to do either.
If you want to keep it mellow, take a short walk to Bergeron Park. It is a simple green space just off Orange Drive, shaded by oaks and bordered by a quiet walking trail. There is no playground. No music. Just benches, grass, and the kind of calm that feels rare on a weekday afternoon. Bring a book. Or just sit and digest.
If you are up for a short drive, head to Tree Tops Park, just ten minutes west. It is one of the most beautiful outdoor spots in Broward County. Think winding trails, towering trees, boardwalks over wetlands, and open fields where horses sometimes pass through. It is big enough to get lost in for a bit. And peaceful enough to reset your whole week.
If it is a Saturday or Sunday, and you are looking for something with more buzz, consider swinging by Yellow Green Farmers Market in Hollywood. It is a little beyond the downtown zone, but worth it if you want to browse local vendors, eat your way through food stalls, and listen to live music. You can grab a snack to go or just wander the maze of produce, coffee stands, and handmade goods.
Afternoons in Davie do not need to be fast-paced to be worthwhile. Sometimes the best thing you can do is find a quiet corner, breathe deep, and let your food settle.
Evening Plans: Drinks, Dinner, and a Deck with a View
By now, the sun is low and the day feels complete. But you are not done yet — not if you are within walking distance of Black Jack’s.
Come back for round two, or settle in for the first time if you missed lunch. This is where the town winds down, catches the game, and lets the cocktails flow.
The energy changes at night. The deck lights flick on. The crowd fills out. And that two hundred inch screen becomes the main event during game nights, fights, or playoff runs. You do not have to be a sports fan to enjoy it. Just someone who likes good sound, good company, and a breeze coming in from the street.
Dinner hits different here. The mojo pork is rich and slow-cooked. The Monster Burger lives up to its name. The Black Cherry Rum Old Fashioned comes with depth and a little edge. And if you are feeling theatrical, order the Davie Jones’ Locker and watch the flame dance across the lime.
The menu is built for sharing, or for taking your time with a single plate and a strong drink. Happy hour kicks back in late night from eleven to close, which means your second Shipwreck comes without guilt.
Sometimes there is live improv. Sometimes it is a rodeo afterparty. Sometimes it is just a regular night that turns into something better because you chose the right place to land.
End your day where it feels good to stay a while.
Why Staying Local Pays Off
You do not have to drive across the county to find good food or a great time. You do not need valet parking or ocean views or a rooftop bar with a two-hour wait. Sometimes the best day is the one you spend close to home, walking into places where people know your name, or at least your drink order.
Downtown Davie is growing, but it has not lost its roots. It still feels like a town. Still has places run by people who live nearby. Still has businesses that remember what you ordered last week and ask how your day is going without checking a screen.
When you choose to eat, shop, and unwind locally, you are doing more than saving gas. You are building habits that support real people. You are discovering places that will start to feel like your own. You are investing in the town you live in, even if you only just got here.
At Black Jack’s, we are proud to be part of that. Whether you come by for brunch, dinner, or something cold after work, we will be here. With the grill hot. The drinks ready. And the same open door that brought you in the first time.
You do not need to go far to find good food, strong drinks, or something a little unexpected. Next time you are planning a day out, start here in Davie. And if you need a place to land — for lunch, for happy hour, or for one last round — we will be behind the bar at Black Jack’s.
