If you’ve driven down Gate Parkway lately, you’ve probably noticed that massive construction project going up just north of IKEA. It’s hard to miss. The place is called “The Block,” and from the looks of it, they’re aiming to make it the Swiss Army Knife of weekend hangouts.
When it opens in March, The BLOCK Jax will feature 8 restaurants and an on-site brewery. Here’s the list. https://t.co/ODYV799dCX
— Florida Times-Union (@jaxdotcom) February 18, 2026
The idea is basically an oversized outdoor hangout space. Instead of committing to one restaurant, it’s shaping up to be more of a permanent food truck village, with local names like Bearded Piglet, Darkside Tacos, and Chancho King setting up shop. Honestly, it’s refreshing to see local vendors getting a real home instead of another chain popping up.
But the biggest draw might be the layout. They are partnering with Kanine Social for a private dog park (“Barks on The Block”), so yes, you can bring the dog. For the parents, there is a fenced-in play area that reportedly includes a “life-sized Candy Land,” which sounds both terrifying and amazing…