Brian Nagele
There are many ways to relax with a well-made drink in hand in Jacksonville, Florida, a city well-known for its thriving arts scene and breathtaking coastal beauty. Jacksonville’s bar culture is a testament to the spirit of celebration and hospitality that permeates the city, from its bustling riverfront to its historic neighborhoods. We’d like to take you on a tour of Jacksonville’s vibrant bar scene in this article, introducing you to some of the most alluring spots for a well-crafted cocktail or a refreshing beer. More than just places to drink, these places serve as social gathering places for residents and tourists to enjoy the city’s wide variety of drinks.
11. The Volstead
115 W Adams St, Jacksonville, FL 32202
904-414-3171
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The Volstead is number one on our list of the best bars Jacksonville has to offer—and for good reason. In the heart of downtown Jacksonville, this speakeasy-style pub serves Gatsby-style charm along with its handcrafted cocktails. Hidden away and disguised as a post office just blocks from the St. Johns River, finding The Volstead is only the first step of your adventure. Happy Hour is from 4 to 7 pm, and their drink menu includes beer, wine, and spirits, along with their inspired signature cocktails. The cocktails here are the real star of the show. The Volstead serves comforting classics and innovative combinations for daring drinkers. They even offer a masterclass if you want to learn to make your own!
10. Dos Gatos
123 E Forsyth St, Jacksonville, FL 32202
904-354-0666
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Nestled downtown across from the Historic Florida Theatre, Dos Gatos mixes Latin flare with an absolutely incredible and expansive drink menu to earn its spot in the best bars in Jacksonville. If the extensive alcohol list wasn’t enough, bartenders will happily help you create a custom cocktail with their house-made syrups, shrubs, and sours—so even the pickiest drinkers are sure to find something that suits their taste. Dos Gatos has a cozy atmosphere and a vintage style that is both cool and casual. They host events every night of the week and drink specials on Friday and Saturday nights. Thursdays might not be conventional drinking days, but the 90’s kid in me loves DJ Hollywood’s 90’s rock playlists for “Thursday is the New Friday.”
9. Lemon Bar
2 Lemon St, Neptune Beach, FL 32266
904-372-0487
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Situated right on the ocean at Neptune Beach, the view from Lemon Bar can’t get any better. Located inside the Seahorse Oceanfront Inn, casual beach vibes carry through Lemon Bar’s atmosphere, menu, and drink list. Open from mid-February until Thanksgiving weekend, Lemon Bar offers a variety of drink options, whether you like yours frozen, mixed, on tap, or in the can. They also offer daily specials and a happy hour until 5 pm from Monday to Friday. Go on a Taco Tuesday for $3 tacos and $4 Margaritas on the rocks!
8. The Parlour
2, 2000 1, San Marco Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32207
If you want to relax and enjoy a drink to wind down, the Parlor in Jacksonville is just the place. Creatively hidden behind a sliding bookcase in historic San Marco’s Grape & Grain Exchange, this speakeasy bar welcomes guests with homey vibes and soft jazz. Their menu focuses on a “garden to glass” concept and relies on locally sourced ingredients to make their signature and seasonal cocktails. The Parlor is open from 5 pm until 2 am but is closed on Sundays and Mondays.Pro tip: If you want to enter the Parlor through their alternate side door entrance, you will need to know the password or pay a fee! The password changes daily, so check their Facebook for the latest one before you go.
7. Sidecar
1406 Hendricks Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32207
904-527-8990
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San Marco is also home to Sidecar, a semi-industrial style bar featuring a concrete floor, brick walls, exposed air vents, and some of the best drinks in Jacksonville. Located just off interstate 95, you can find parking within walking distance to Sidecar at the nearby Kings Avenue or Gary Street parking garages. Sidecar has weekly cocktail specials, seasonal drinks, and enough beer on tap to keep even the thirstiest guests happy. They also have a Late Night Pizza Party from 11 pm until 1 am on Fridays and Saturdays, making them one of the most fun bars in Jacksonville too!
6. Flask and Cannon
528 1st St N, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
904-853-6633
Flask and Cannon’s tiki bar charm fits right in with its location beside Jacksonville Beach. With ample oceanfront parking right across the street, beachgoers can stop by for expertly crafted cocktails adorned with orchids or served in pineapples, coconuts, and tiki mugs. Flask and Cannon has an all-day Happy Hour on Sundays and from 3 to 7 pm the rest of the week. If you’re going out as a group, be sure to order their Flaming Scorpion Bowl! It serves a minimum of four people, and with flavors like lime, grapefruit, pineapple, honey, and passion fruit—it’s basically a tropical dream.
5. The Rogue
927 King St, Jacksonville, FL 32204
904-551-1350
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Jacksonville’s Riverside neighborhood is home to the Riverside Arts Market, Willowbranch Park, and The Rogue. Set apart by an extensive whiskey selection and eclectic Moulin Rouge vibes, The Rogue is one of Jacksonville’s best and most fun bars. Visiting The Rogue isn’t complete without a bathtub selfie (trust me!) and trying out your hand at a game of ring toss. If your ring lands on any of the bottles, you get a free shot of the alcohol it landed on! Stop by on Tuesday for Blackjack night or Happy Hour every weekday from 5 to 7 pm.
4. River & Post
1000 Riverside Ave Suite 100, Jacksonville, FL 32204
904-575-2366
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River & Post is a full-service restaurant crowned with a rooftop bar and unbeatable views in Jacksonville’s Five Points neighborhood near Riverside. It’s located within easy walking distance to both Riverside Park and the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens, and parking can. They also offer a Saturday and Sunday Brunch, making River & Post excellent for both day trips and nightlife. If you’re wondering where to get a drink in Jacksonville that also has great food–River & Post’s rooftop lounge offers a selection of charcuterie, salads, flatbreads, appetizers, and even sushi. Happy Hour is from 3 to 6:30 pm to get your evening started early.
3. Hoptinger Bier Garden
Multiple locations
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If you’re not sure where to go out in Jacksonville, the Hoptinger Bier Garden and Sausage House has two Jacksonville locations—one in Five Points and one in Jacksonville Beach. Whether you spend a day in the city or a day at the beach you’re not far from fantastic Bavarian-inspired food and beer. Both locations are open for brunch and until 2 am with a special late-night menu after midnight. Their Five Points location has two separate floors and a rooftop lounge so you have plenty of space to hang out. Hoptinger Bier Garden’s drink menu includes traditional cocktails, beer cocktails, and a draught beer list so long it should come with its own index. With 60 rotating taps and a “Build Your Own Bloody” menu for custom Bloody Marys, the choices seem endless.
2. Aromas Cigar & Martini Bar
4372 Southside Blvd #101, Jacksonville, FL 32216
904-928-0515
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Aromas Cigar & Martini Bar is located towards southeast Jacksonville, in the Shoppes of Deerwood Lake. Right off Southside Boulevard, it’s not far from all the shopping, dining, and entertainment found at St. John’s Town Center and the Markets at Town Center. Aromas is one of the best bars in Jacksonville to wind down after a busy day. Aromas is Florida’s largest cigar bar allows guests to enjoy live music with their drinks and cigars in the main room, or sample over 200 beers featured in the Ice Bar in their Beer House. For discerning cigar aficionados, Aromas also offers membership for Club Robusto, where members can meet and relax. In keeping with their upscale style, they also enforce a more formal dress code from Thursday to Saturday after 8 pm, so leave your swim trunks at home.
1. Cuba Libre at Havana Jax
2578 Atlantic Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32207
904-399-0609
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Cuba Libre at Havana Jax is one of Florida’s largest nightclubs but takes it a step further by offering authentic Cuban food and salsa dancing. It’s just off of Atlantic Boulevard in the St. Nicholas neighborhood and has its own parking lot for easy entry. Toast to the best bars in Jacksonville! From rooftop lounges to cozy taprooms, find your perfect spot for a night out in this vibrant city. Voted one of the “Best of Jax 2021”, Cuba Libre offers late-night dining, live bands, and hookah along with its nightclub—complete with a full liquor bar and VIP section. The doors open at 9 pm on weekends and Saturday is Latin night so get your dancing shoes ready!
Why Trust Us?
When it comes to local restaurant recommendations, we pride ourselves on being a reliable and trustworthy resource. Our suggestions are not just based on our personal experiences, ensuring a more authentic and well-rounded perspective, but also on extensive online research. We diligently searched the internet and reviewed 5 credible sites and blogs, including Wanderlog.com and Mybartender.com.
We compiled all the findings in one location and sorted them by the frequency of mentions to ensure you receive top-notch recommendations. We strive to present you with a curated list of establishments that truly stand out, allowing you to enjoy the best dining experiences possible.
Interested in the sources we consulted? Check out the list of all 5 sites we referenced below this paragraph, offering transparency and an opportunity for our readers to explore further. Our commitment is to deliver trustworthy and unparalleled recommendations, helping you make informed decisions on your culinary journeys.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g60805-Activities-c20-t99-Jacksonville_Florida.html
https://mybartender.com/places/best-bars-jacksonville-fl/
https://floridatrippers.com/bars-in-jacksonville/
https://wanderlog.com/list/geoCategory/7211/best-bars-and-drinks-in-jacksonville
https://www.unation.com/stuff-to-do/best-bar-hopping-in-jacksonville/
