Dos Gatos
A cocktail lounge on Forsyth across from the Florida Theatre, open since 2009, which in downtown Jacksonville bar years is a long time. The pre-show and post-show room for anything at the Theatre.
Jack Rabbits
A 300-capacity club on Hendricks, across from the Balis Community Center, that has been booking original bands for more than twenty-five years. Beer and wine only, and all ages, which is part of why it has lasted.
Pete's Bar
Duval County liquor license number one, issued in 1933 the year Prohibition ended, in a building that was Jensen's Market before that. Cash, pool tables, and no interest whatsoever in being discovered.
Shantytown Pub
A longtime Springfield dive with an outdoor area and room for dogs. Go when you want a neighborhood bar that still feels like one.
BellyUp! Jax / Nightlife
Nightlife Jacksonville
Some rooms are a restaurant at eight and a different building at midnight.
Dance floors, DJs, live music, and kitchens still firing after most of the city has closed.
3 spots
The Albatross
Underbelly did not disappear. Longtime local music bookers Mike Ciero and Steve Blaisdell took over, renamed the Bay Street room The Albatross, and gave its menu the names of Jacksonville music venues that actually did close.
The Casbah Cafe
A Middle Eastern cafe and late-night lounge in the Shoppes of Avondale. The weekly calendar moves through happy hour, trivia, live music, belly dancing, and a Sunday jazz jam that keeps the village awake after dinner.
The Walrus
A Murray Hill bar that serves only plant-based food, pours beer and wine, books local live music, and stays open late, with an arcade and pool tables. The rare room that belongs on a vegan list and a nightlife list at the same time.
What these spots are known for
The same nightlife spots, sorted by the reasons people actually pick them.
Neighborhood Institutions
What has been here forever?
Live Music
Where can I eat and hear a real band?
Late-Night Food
What is still open?
Craft Cocktail Programs
Who is taking the bar seriously?
Origin Stories
Who built this and why?
Historic Rooms
What was this building before?
Rooftops and Patios
Can we sit outside?
Vegan and Plant-Based
Where can I eat with no asterisks?
Community Quotes
Recommendations from real Jacksonville locals, always attributed to whoever wrote them.
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