If you haven’t been through Cocoa Beach lately…there have been some changes!! Especially in Downtown Cocoa Beach. This post will bring you up to date with what’s happening in our little beach town.
Let’s start with City Hall. They took the original city hall that was built in 1962, leveled it, and replaced it with a new state of the art building. The new city hall is over 29000 SqFt and includes a community room with a kitchen, storage for the city, restrooms, and under-building/ground-level parking. City officials and personnel will occupy secure office spaces on the second floor, which also has the Cocoa Beach City Commission chamber. It also features a large outdoor green space with a performance stage for future events. The address is still 2 S Orlando Avenue at the Minutemen intersection. I like the stage they have on the south side of the building and the tide clock right above it.
Heading east one block, the corner of Minutemen and Atlantic Ave looks completely different. You remember the old Bernards Surf. It sat vacant for a while and was tore down in 2017 and then became a vacant lot for a few years. It went from being Area 142 and is currently under renovation to become Dirty Birds Tiki Bar and restaurant. They will have an island-inspired menu with authentic Polynesian tiki drinks that will transport you straight to paradise. The owner of Dirty Birds, Daniel Todd; has a little street credit with Cocoa Beach already. He owns and operates the Alibi just down the block and the 4th Street Filling Station. So, if you like either of these gems of Cocoa Beach…you will probably love Dirty Birds when it opens.
Right across the street from Dirty Birds, at the former YenYens location, is Destination Downtown Food Hall. First of its kind on the Space Coast, Destination Downtown will offer a distinctive culinary experience. There will be 7 local food vendors that offer freshly prepared dishes and a craft beer & wine bar in a modern & family friendly setting. By the looks of the building, they should be open soon. https://www.destinationfoodhall.com/
Just north of Minutemen at 65 N Atlantic is another new addition to downtown Cocoa Beach. This was the former location of the Ocean Dunes condos that has severely damaged by a hurricane in 2008. Construction started in 2020 on the site for the brand new Surf condo and was completed this year. All 25 units recently closed. Ground level of the Surf is the Coa restaurant and lounge. The menu is described as New American Fusion. There’s an extensive wine menu. Premium cocktails that include a nitro draft espresso martini. I have yet to try it, but have heard great things about the lounge and the restaurant.
Cosmic Tiki just had its official grand opening. This one is for the kiddos. Its an arcade/game room perfect for birthday parties and family fun events. You can play pinball, cornhole, whack-a-mole, rock climbing, air hockey & more. They also have a swimming pool to take a dip in.
Rebellion Beachside Bar & Bistro along with the Rebellion Cantina, are conveniently located right next to each other. The Bar & Bistro is the old Roberto’s, and the Cantina is right next store. The Bistro has a offer a French-inspired bistro experience, serving classic dishes such as steak and frites, mussels and frites, and similar fare. The Cantina is a walk up window wth outdoor seating. They offer a variety of tacos and an assortment of beers, wines, and other beverages.
If you enjoy the occasional cigar and whiskey…stop by the Office By Blend and Barrel to relax and indulge yourself.
My old office was at 1 S Orlando Ave for years. The building has been transformed into several boutique-style businesses. There is the My Sea Moss shack offering skin care and natural beauty essentials. There is the Glam Wellness Spa that offers skin tightening, wrinkle reduction, and an assortment of other non-surgical rejuvenations for the body. Medium Cool Goods apparel & events. Their website states, “clothes deserve a second chance, not your ex”. Recently opened Kabob-a-licious, which offers kabobs, sandwiches, and wraps.
Cocoa Beach is known for its murals, and there are a dozen(+/-) new ones to discover throughout the downtown area. The Rebellion Bistro building has fresh ones in the alley and on the north side of the building. Check out the ones near the Tiny Turtle on Minutemen and N Brevard Ave. Besides these new murals, your old favorites are still out there to enjoy.
Speaking of old favorites, a lot of your old favorite restaurants and bars are still in business, too. Tiny Turtle, The Fat Donkey, Jazzys, Jonathans, Coconuts, the Beach Shack, Flavor Kitchen, Whisk & Grind, Heidi’s, Simply Delicious, Foxtail Coffee, Juice N Java, Surfinista, Salty Sisters…and many, many more. We have well over 40 bars and restaurants in downtown Cocoa Beach. Go visit one of your old favorites and maybe discover a new favorite. Let me know in the comments what your first stop will be.
Questions about Cocoa Beach or an upcoming move? I am here to help. Either drop a comment below or give me a call at 321-795-1854
Eric Larkin is a Broker Associate with Real Broker, LLC. He lives, works, and plays in the Cocoa Beach area. If you have questions about moving or relocating to Cocoa Beach and the Space Coast, let me know! I get calls, texts, direct messages & comments on my posts every day about the real estate market and things that are happening in Cocoa Beach and the Space Coast that I love answering. Ask me your questions on moving, relocating here, or anything about the community. I am here to help. I have been helping buyers and sellers with their real estate needs since becoming a real estate agent in 2003. My focus is always on helping, answering your questions, and doing everything possible to make certain you have a smooth transaction from beginning to end.
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