In a quiet corner of Historic Springfield, a restaurant has turned a century-old building into one of Jacksonville’s most talked-about dining rooms.
The District SPR opened in 2020 with a simple idea: make every meal feel like an occasion.
What began as a small neighborhood spot has grown into a local favorite, thanks to a team that lives here and cares deeply about this block.
Their story is less about hype and more about showing up, cooking with heart, and giving people a place to gather.
How The District SPR Won Local Hearts
The District SPR was born from a group of neighbors who wanted to invest in their own block and bring new energy to a street that had seen better days.
Felicia Lake, Jorge Gonzalez, Ashley McCaskey, and Jim Broy bought the old Walnut Inn at 2026 Walnut Street in 2019, seeing potential where others saw risk.
They opened The District SPR in 2020, right as the pandemic reshaped dining everywhere, forcing them to adapt before they even found their footing.
Starting at only half capacity with a tapas-style menu, the team leaned into what they had: a historic building, a welcoming patio, and a kitchen led by Chef Marvin Barnes.
The menu grew from small plates to full entrees, but the focus stayed on scratch-made dishes and fresh seafood that felt honest and satisfying.
For Gonzalez and Lake, both Springfield residents, this was never just a business but a chance to help their neighborhood grow and give locals a reason to stay close to home.
That community-first mindset shows in how they run the place and how regulars talk about it, often describing it as their go-to spot for celebrations and quiet weeknight dinners alike.
The restaurant’s outdoor space, called the Peacock Garden, became a signature draw with murals, boho yurts, and a relaxed vibe that gives guests a setting that feels special without being stiff.
Chef Marvin Barnes, a New Orleans native, shapes the menu with Southern and Creole touches, blending familiar comforts with global influences so dishes feel both grounded and a little adventurous.
When the group opened a second restaurant, Dorothy’s Downtown, they kept the same chef and design team, crediting The District SPR as the inspiration and proof that their formula works.
Regulars point to the service as a big reason they return, noting that staff remember names, make smart recommendations, and move the room with ease.
In a city full of options, that human touch keeps The District SPR at the top of many lists and turns first-time guests into loyal regulars.
Food Highlights
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Maple Bacon Deviled Eggs: Creamy yolks topped with crisp bacon and a hint of maple, a playful twist on a classic starter that sets the tone for the meal. 🍳
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Braised Short Rib: Fall-apart tender beef over gouda grits with a rich red wine reduction that feels like Sunday dinner elevated for a night out. 🥩
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Blackened Salmon: Wild salmon with Cajun gravy and asparagus risotto, showcasing Chef Barnes’ Southern-Creole flair in a dish that balances heat and comfort. 🐟
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Crab Cake Trio: Three jumbo lump crab cakes with Cajun remoulade and creamy horseradish for a coastal bite that highlights fresh Gulf flavors. 🦀
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Beef Wellington: Flaky puff pastry wrapped around prosciutto, duxelles, and tender filet, a showstopper done right that draws raves from first-timers and regulars. 🥧
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Radiatori Alla Vodka: Twisted pasta in a silky vodka sauce with crispy prosciutto for a comforting yet elevated plate that feels like a warm hug. 🍝
Atmosphere
Inside, the dining room is moody and intimate, with dark walls and music videos playing softly in the background to create a vibe that feels both relaxed and intentional.
Outside, the Peacock Garden offers a bright, boho escape with murals, yurts, and plenty of greenery for relaxed meals under the sky that make every visit feel like a mini getaway.
Bottom Line
The District SPR is a neighborhood anchor where food, setting, and service all work together to create an experience people want to repeat.
It’s the kind of place locals protect and recommend without hesitation, a spot that feels like home even on your first visit.
Address: 2026 Walnut St, Jacksonville, FL 32206
📞 (904) 513-2544
🕔 Open Mon–Thu, 3 PM–10 PM | Fri–Sat, 11 AM–10 PM | Sun, 11 AM–9 PM