The Best Cocktail Bars In Jacksonville

Jacksonville’s nightlife is diverse – the downtown area and neighborhoods surrounding the St. Johns River offer a variety of clubs, bars and restaurants, ensuring that cocktail lovers will never have a problem finding something good to drink. Here are some of the best places to go for a cheeky cocktail (or two!) in Jacksonville.

1. The Volstead

Bar, American

Adjacent to downtown’s Hemming Park is The Volstead. This speakeasy bar is named after the Volstead Act, a mandate by US Congress that enacted the Prohibition era from 1919 to 1933. Patrons can enjoy a delicious array of signature and classic cocktails in this trendy, underground bar. Customer favorites include the many whiskey-inspired cocktails and the “Baked Apple Sazerac”.

2. Sidecar

Bar, Cocktail Bar, American

Just over a year old, Sidecar has already become quite the hotspot in Jacksonville. Located in the San Marco neighborhood, this cocktail bar and urban beer garden share a door with V-Pizza, a Neapolitan pizza joint, allowing customers to go freely from each establishment. Known for a laid-back atmosphere and a great whiskey and bourbon selection, Sidecar is a good bet for any night of the week.

3. Dos Gatos

Dos Gatos

Smack dab in the middle of downtown, Dos Gatos is one of the most popular spots to have a cocktail in Jacksonville and is frequented by guests of all ages. The bartenders boast an impressive knowledge of signature cocktails, including the ginger-infused “Red Dawn” and the “Orange Jalapeño Martini.” There’s always something to do here as well, with weekly nights of karaoke, live blackjack and trivia.

123 E Forsyth Street, Jacksonville, FL, 32202, United States +1 904-354-0666

4. Birdies

Bar, Pub Grub, American

Near the coast of the St. John’s River is Birdies. This Five Points establishment suits those looking to enjoy a tasty drink without breaking the bank. Birdies sports a full liquor bar, including over 36 varieties of whiskey and bourbon, as well as 34 beers on tap. Known for its hip vibe and indie rock scene, Birdies is a local favorite for unwinding after a long day or starting off the weekend.

5. Restaurant Orsay

Restaurant, Bistro, French

Nestled on Park Street is Restaurant Orsay, a French Bistro with a southern twist. This high end restaurant isn’t just known for its food; Orsay also offers popular cocktails separated into four categories: aperitif, shaken, stirred and classic. Try and arrive during Happy Hour, where Orsay offers daily five or six dollar cocktails.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.