Top 5: Jacksonville Bars

Jacksonville, Fla., has both beautiful beaches and a vibrant nightlife. With a wide array of bar options to choose from, you don’t want to find yourself in just another run-of-the-mill venue. Here are some of the locals’ favorites for your next visit.

The Volstead

The Volstead, named after the infamous Volstead Act which began Prohibition, celebrates Jacksonville’s history as a prime shipping point for illegal production and transportation of liquor. The bar carries an array of tempting signature cocktails, like the Beetnik, which contains gin, beet, rosemary, red bell pepper, balsamic, ginger beer and bitters.

Engine 15 Brewing Company

Engine 15 Brewing Company brews their own brands in two Jacksonville locations and has won awards for both their pub and the beer itself. The beer aficionado who runs the place was inspired by the multitude of beer options he encountered during his travels working in the airline industry. You’ll definitely want to try the Liquid Lunch, which comes with two half portions of delicious entrees like beer brats and Frito pie alongside a draft beer.

Ragtime Tavern

Ragtime Tavern is just a short walk from the shore and as its name would suggest, it serves plenty of Cajun cuisine and fresh seafood. Their locally brewed beer, however, is what keeps winning awards. Ragtime Tavern has been in business for more than 25 years, which attests to the great food and drinks and casual, family-friendly atmosphere.

The Blind Rabbit

The Blind Rabbit is a burger and whiskey bar with two locations, one on the river and one on the beach. Both are fun, hip and overflowing with amazing drink and meal options. The cocktail list is short, but includes everything a whiskey lover needs. The dinner menu is eclectic with a Southern flair. Save room after your meal for a maple bacon milkshake, spiked with bacon-infused Buffalo Trace bourbon!

Alewife

Alewife is part-beer, part-shop, part-beer school. The sleek and sparse furnishings are masculine, fun and somehow very fitting. Sit down at the bar for a selection from their extensive list of craft beers from around the country and order takeout from one of the nearby eateries, or show up for Craft Beer 101, an informational class and beer tasting.