A Foodie’s Guide to 14th Ave in Vero Beach, FL
Downtown Vero Beach’s dining scene stretches well beyond a single street, but 14th Avenue serves as its culinary backbone. Within just a few walkable blocks, food lovers will discover an impressive mix of restaurants, cafés and places to unwind, with something to enjoy from the first cup of coffee through dinner and drinks after dark. This isn’t intended to be a complete directory of every place to eat downtown, but rather a curated taste of the remarkable variety waiting along Vero Beach’s main downtown corridor.
Coffee & Breakfast
There’s no better way to begin a day exploring 14th Avenue than with a great breakfast and a fresh cup of coffee. Baci Trattoria is a foodie’s paradise, where the owner is always experimenting with funky new dishes and putting an unexpected spin on familiar breakfast favorites. The menu rarely feels predictable, which means there is almost always something new and delicious to discover.
More Ways to Start Your Morning
From locally roasted coffee to a freshly made bagel sandwich, here are a few more breakfast stops worth discovering along 14th Avenue.
Coffee House 1420 — A chef-owned coffee shop that lives up to its motto, “At the Corner of Downtown.” More than just a place for coffee, you can also grab a freshly baked pastry or breakfast sandwich while catching up with friends or planning the day ahead.
Beach Bum Bagel Cafe — For something a little simpler and more casual, Beach Bum Bagel Cafe has been serving the Vero Beach community for years. Choose from quality bagels, breakfast sandwiches and other familiar favorites for a satisfying start before exploring the rest of downtown.
Rio Coco Cafe — A longtime part of Vero Beach’s local coffee scene, Rio Coco brings its house-roasted coffee to 14th Avenue in addition to its main location near the airport. Pair your cup with one of their baked goods or light bites for an easy downtown breakfast stop.
Lunch on 14th Avenue
Lunch time on 14th Avenue now comes with a front-row seat to the action. Formerly Sean Ryan’s Pub, Vero Sports Bar & Grill is downtown Vero Beach’s newest addition and a full-scale sports bar unlike anything else within 50 miles. More than 30 televisions surround a centrally located bar, while plenty of family-friendly seating makes it an inviting place for groups of all ages. With a refreshed menu featuring sports-bar favorites alongside a few dishes carried over from the previous menu, it’s poised to become downtown’s new gathering place for watching the big game.
More to Explore for Lunch
Whether you’re craving pizza or an Italian sandwich, these 14th Avenue stops offer two more delicious ways to enjoy lunch downtown.
Armani’s Italian Market — More than a place to grab a great sandwich, Armani’s is a full-service Italian market filled with fresh, frozen and chef-prepared hot and cold items. Whether you’re stopping in for lunch or bringing something home for later, it’s downtown Vero’s one-stop shop for Italian favorites.
Focaccia 14th Ave — Although it has only been downtown for a little over a year, Focaccia has already become a popular place to grab a slice. Step inside and you’ll find plenty of ready-to-go options, or stay and order a whole pie. Our recommendation? The Grandma Pie—it’s delicious!
Dinner on the Avenue
As evening settles over downtown, 14th Avenue offers plenty of reasons to stay for dinner. We’ve been big fans of Armani’s Cucina for years, and the restaurant is now approaching its sixth anniversary. It was previously featured on our foodie show, Holy Grail Eats, for its Pear & Gorgonzola Fiocchi, but our latest obsession is the Pesto Gnocchi with shrimp in a rich Gorgonzola cream sauce—oh, so good! Whether you dine inside, enjoy an alfresco meal on the patio or stop in for a pizza, Armani’s offers something to please even the most discerning foodie.
More Dinner Destinations
As evening arrives, these restaurants offer even more ways to experience the flavors of 14th Avenue.
The Oar — Although this upscale downtown restaurant is known primarily for seafood, don’t overlook its signature Pork Chop. Served over sweet potato mash, the grilled chop is topped with pear chutney and sliced almonds, creating a delicious balance of savory and sweet that makes it well worth ordering.
Blue Agave — Specializing in New Mexican cuisine, Blue Agave offers a wide selection of tacos, burritos and nachos, along with a few fun specials. Try the Ceviche, previously featured on Holy Grail Eats, or order the enchiladas—one of our personal favorites and a dish we return to often.
Vero Prime — For a classic steakhouse experience in the heart of downtown, Vero Prime offers an upscale setting suited to date nights, celebrations or an evening out on 14th Avenue. It’s a natural choice when the occasion calls for a great steak, a glass of wine and a more refined dinner experience.
Save Room for Something Sweet
No foodie journey along 14th Avenue is complete without something sweet. Located in the heart of downtown, Downtown Dipper Ice Cream Shop offers a wide variety of flavors served in a cozy, welcoming setting. Whether you stick with an old favorite or ask the friendly staff for a recommendation, it’s an easy place to stop for a scoop before continuing your downtown adventure—or calling it a delicious night.
Drinks After Dark
When dinner is over but the evening isn’t, 14th Avenue offers two standout places to settle in for a well-made drink. Whether your preference is an inventive craft cocktail or a great glass of wine, downtown makes it easy to keep the night going.
Curfew — With former Treasure Coast MasterChef finalist Chef Red leading the kitchen, Curfew is certainly a worthy dinner destination—but its cocktail game is equally strong. Settle into the cozy Florida Room or grab a high-top near the bar and let the talented team mix something creative for a lively night out with friends.
Post & Vine — Housed in a former post office, Post & Vine combines a large indoor bar with a covered outdoor patio featuring a second bar and wood-fired pizza oven. It’s another strong choice for dinner, but the cocktails are equally impressive—especially one of the best Espresso Martinis we’ve tasted anywhere.
