This Florida Foodie Favorite Just Opened Its First Brick-and-Mortar Location
Jacksonville’s food scene just got a whole lot tastier. Flatz, the local favorite that built a loyal following, finally opened its first permanent spot on Roosevelt Boulevard in April 2025. What started as a beloved pop-up is now a full-fledged bar and grill where you can grab their famous flatbreads and smash burgers while sipping cold beer or wine.
If you’ve been waiting to try their food or want to see what all the hype is about, now’s your chance to experience Flatz in their brand-new home.
1. From Pop-Up to Permanent
Opening day arrived on Saturday, April 25, and the Jacksonville community showed up ready to celebrate. Flatz made the leap from temporary setups to a real restaurant with four walls, a full bar, and plenty of seating. The journey from pop-up to permanent location shows how much locals believed in what they were serving.
Located at 2952 Roosevelt Boulevard, the new spot gives fans a place to gather any day of the week. The restaurant keeps things simple with a focused menu that lets the kitchen perfect every dish. Owner Matt and his team created a welcoming space that feels comfortable whether you’re stopping in for a quick lunch or settling in for the evening.
The move to a brick-and-mortar location means Flatz can now offer draft beer and wine alongside their food. Guinness flows from the tap, and the bar stocks options that pair perfectly with burgers and flatbreads. Operating hours run Wednesday through Sunday, with late nights on Fridays and Saturdays until midnight.
The restaurant stays closed Mondays and Tuesdays, giving the team time to recharge and prep for another busy week.
2. Those Legendary Smash Burgers
People drive across town specifically for these burgers, and one taste explains why. The smash technique creates crispy, caramelized edges on the beef patties while keeping the inside juicy and flavorful. Each burger gets generous seasoning and comes loaded with fresh toppings that add crunch and brightness to every bite.
The bacon double smash burger stands out as a customer favorite. Two beef patties get topped with crispy bacon, melted cheese, and all the fixings you want. Nothing about these burgers feels skimpy—the portions satisfy without breaking your budget, and the quality ingredients shine through in the flavor.
Reviews consistently praise the burgers as some of the best in Jacksonville. One regular customer claimed it was the best smash burger on the planet and immediately ordered a second one. The hot, fresh preparation means your burger arrives at the table ready to eat, with the cheese still melting and the patties perfectly cooked.
Staff even accommodate special requests like extra ranch on the side, making sure every guest gets exactly what they’re craving.
3. Flatbreads That Steal the Show
While burgers grab attention, the flatbreads deserve equal billing. These aren’t your typical pizza knockoffs—each one brings original flavor combinations that surprise and satisfy. The kitchen uses quality ingredients and creative topping choices that make every flatbread feel special.
The hot honey pepperoni flatbread has developed a cult following among regulars. Sweet honey meets spicy heat, balanced perfectly with salty cheese and savory pepperoni. One customer described it as tasting like heaven, and that mix of hot, sweet, and salty creates an addictive flavor profile you won’t find everywhere.
The buffalo flatbread offers another popular choice, especially for those who like bold, tangy flavors.
Flatbreads work great whether you’re dining in or taking food to go. The crust comes out with the right amount of crisp, holding up to generous toppings without getting soggy. Couples often order one burger and one flatbread to share, giving them a chance to try both menu highlights.
The reasonable prices mean you can experiment with different flavors without worrying about the bill, and the portion sizes ensure nobody leaves hungry.
4. Crispy Fries Worth Ordering
Sometimes the simplest items reveal a restaurant’s attention to detail. The fries at Flatz prove this point every time an order hits the table. Cooked until golden and crispy, each fry gets a light seasoning that enhances without overpowering the potato flavor.
The texture strikes that perfect balance—crunchy outside with a fluffy interior. They arrive hot and fresh, maintaining their crispiness even as you work through the basket. The subtle seasoning adds just enough flavor to make them interesting on their own, though they also pair beautifully with burgers and flatbreads.
Multiple reviewers specifically mentioned the fries in their feedback, which says something when burgers and flatbreads dominate the menu. One guest noted they’d happily return just for a couple of beers and a basket of fries on trivia night. The kitchen doesn’t cut corners on sides, treating fries with the same care as the main dishes.
Whether you order them as a side or share a basket with friends, these fries deliver consistent quality that keeps people coming back. They’re proof that mastering the basics matters just as much as creative menu items.
5. The Vibe and Atmosphere
Walking into Flatz feels like discovering your new neighborhood hangout. Video screens cover nearly every wall, making it an ideal spot for watching games or UFC fights. The layout balances sports bar energy with a welcoming restaurant feel that works for families, couples, and groups of friends.
A pool table adds entertainment beyond eating and drinking. The bar area showcases an impressive setup with draft beer options and a wine selection that covers different tastes. Clean, modern design choices create a space that feels fresh and inviting rather than trying too hard to be trendy.
The crowd reflects Jacksonville’s diverse community, with a mix of ages and backgrounds all enjoying good food and cold drinks. Parents bring kids for family dinners, while others stop in solo for a burger and a beer at the bar. The atmosphere stays lively without getting overwhelming, and the staff maintains a friendly, welcoming attitude that makes first-timers feel like regulars.
Whether you’re there for a quick lunch or planning to stay through the evening, the vibe adapts to what you need from the experience.
6. Draft Beer and Wine Selection
Adding a full bar transforms Flatz from a food spot into a complete dining experience. The draft beer selection includes crowd favorites like Guinness alongside craft options that appeal to beer enthusiasts. Every pour comes out cold, just the way it should be.
Wine options round out the drink menu for those who prefer grapes over grains. The selection covers reds and whites that pair well with both burgers and flatbreads. Prices stay reasonable, matching the restaurant’s overall commitment to value without sacrificing quality.
Having beer and wine available makes Flatz work for different occasions. Stop by after work for a drink and appetizer, meet friends to watch a game with a few rounds, or enjoy a full dinner with drinks that complement your meal. The bartenders know their stuff and can make recommendations based on what you’re ordering.
One reviewer specifically called out the cold craft beer as a highlight of their visit. The bar setup looks professional and inviting, encouraging guests to settle in for more than just a quick meal. This addition elevates Flatz beyond fast-casual dining into a destination where you can actually spend an evening.
7. Service That Makes You Feel Welcome
Great food only goes so far if the service falls flat. Flatz clearly understands this, based on the consistent praise for their staff across dozens of reviews. From the moment you walk through the door, someone greets you with genuine warmth that sets the tone for your visit.
Owner Matt frequently works the floor, chatting with guests and making sure everything meets expectations. This hands-on approach creates accountability and shows customers that leadership cares about their experience. The entire team follows this example, going out of their way to ensure everyone has a great time.
Staff members accommodate special requests without making you feel like a burden. They check in at the right moments without hovering, and they clearly take pride in the food they’re serving. Multiple families mentioned feeling comfortable bringing kids, which speaks to the welcoming, patient attitude the team maintains even during busy shifts.
The service strikes that sweet spot between attentive and relaxed, professional without being stuffy. One guest summed it up perfectly by saying the staff was amazing and very welcoming. In an industry where turnover runs high and indifferent service has become almost expected, Flatz stands out by actually caring about the people they serve.
8. Prices That Won’t Break the Bank
Quality food at fair prices feels increasingly rare these days. Flatz manages to deliver both without compromise, making it accessible for regular visits rather than special occasions only. The menu pricing reflects a commitment to serving the local community, not just chasing maximum profit margins.
Burgers, flatbreads, and sides all come in at price points that let you order what you actually want instead of what you can afford. Families can feed everyone without anxiety about the final bill. The drink prices follow the same philosophy, with beer and wine priced to encourage ordering a round or two without second-guessing.
Multiple reviews specifically mentioned the incredible or reasonable prices alongside praise for food quality. This combination creates real value—you’re not paying premium prices for average food, nor are you getting cheap food that disappoints. The portions justify the cost, arriving generous enough to satisfy without requiring extra orders.
For a new restaurant still establishing itself, the pricing strategy shows confidence in building a loyal customer base through fair treatment rather than quick profits. Whether you’re a college student on a budget or a family looking for weekly dinner options, Flatz makes quality dining achievable without financial stress.
