After a day at the beach or visiting a museum, I always love to grab a drink and a bite to eat at one of the many pubs in Jacksonville. There are a staggering 232 bars in Bold City, making it hard to pick a favorite. However, after a year of living here and exploring various areas, I’ve found some great ones worth sharing.
There’s something about a pub or a tavern that feels so welcoming and relaxing. If there’s a great outdoor space, that’s even better! Jacksonville is a huge city in Florida, so depending on where you are, you could be sitting on a rooftop with an ocean view or downtown in a cozy atmosphere.
Besides an endless list of things to do and great cafes and coffee shops to unwind in, Jacksonville boasts historic pubs, taverns with live music, and breweries creating delicious craft beers. Here are some of the best Jacksonville pubs I’ve found so far.
After exploring Jacksonville for a year, I’ve put together a list of my favorite pubs based on atmosphere, food and drinks quality, service, location, and customer reviews. Narrowing it down to 15 was tough, but here are the top picks.
Poe’s Tavern in Atlantic Beach stands out as the best overall due to its amazing location, unique Edgar Allen Poe theme, and delicious food. Just a couple of blocks from the beach, it’s in the heart of the Atlantic/Neptune Beach downtown area. The pub, which has both indoor and outdoor seating, buzzes with energy during the summer but is more relaxed during the off-season. They are known for their great burgers.
Although not located directly in Jacksonville, the Palace Saloon in Fernandina Beach is worth the 40-minute drive. It’s the oldest bar in Florida, open since 1903, and radiates historical charm. Known for its Pirate’s Punch, the Palace Saloon also offers a variety of food options and regularly hosts live music.
When I discovered Hoptinger, it quickly became one of my favorite spots. With two locations, one at the beach and one in the Five Points area, they attract a young, trendy crowd. Their happy hour offers incredible deals on drinks and snacks. The menu includes options like beer brats, burgers, and steak frites.
Keg & Coin is Jacksonville’s first arcade bar and a haven for nostalgia with its old-school arcade games and 15 brews on tap. It’s a super fun place to hang out, offering great beer deals during happy hour.
Shanty Town Pub is a classic dive bar in the Springfield neighborhood, known for its lively music and DJ performances. Recommended by a local, it’s now a favorite of mine too. The pub is loud, grungy, and full of character.
For an elegant setting with a stunning view of the city skyline and the St. Johns River, head to River & Post. The rooftop bar offers great happy hour deals, and the restaurant serves elevated dishes like stuffed mushrooms and ceviche.
Strings Sports Brewery is a fantastic spot for beer lovers and sports fans. With a family- and dog-friendly environment, they offer delicious food and a variety of TVs showing all the big games.
The Stout Snug brings an authentic Irish pub experience to Jacksonville with traditional food and drink options. It’s a lively place that also hosts trivia nights, open mic, and dueling piano events.
Monkey’s Uncle Tavern in Mandarin is a welcoming locals’ bar with friendly staff, great cocktails, and tasty food. The atmosphere is laid-back, with bar sports like darts and a pool table.
Rogue is a trendy pub-meets-dive-bar in Riverside, known for its impressive whiskey selection and fun “ring toss” game. They also offer $0.25 tacos with a drink purchase, making it a popular spot.
Pete’s Bar in Neptune Beach is a historic hotspot that opened in 1933. Located just steps from the beach, it features live music and a lively outdoor bar and patio, especially during the summer months.
Spliff’s Gastropub, located downtown, offers comfort food, craft beer, and a chill environment. Their creative menu includes a variety of mac and cheese options, making it a go-to spot for a satisfying meal.
Kickbacks Gastropub impresses with its cool decor and extensive beer selection. Located in a 100-year-old building, it serves unique dishes and boasts a Belgian basement bar with 24 beers on tap.
Rain Dogs is a low-key tavern that holds live music, open mic, and trivia nights. The friendly bartenders and relaxed atmosphere make it a great spot to unwind.
The Garage is a dog-friendly pub with a large patio and a welcoming atmosphere. It’s a great place for happy hour, offering deals on drinks and live music on weekends.
With so many pubs in Jacksonville to explore, pub crawls and tours are a great way to sample some of the best spots while making fun memories. Popular options include scavenger hunts, drag queen-led pub crawls, and bicycle pub tours.
Overall, Jacksonville’s pub scene is diverse and vibrant, offering something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a pint with live music or a quiet night with a classic cocktail, this list will help guide you to the best spots in the city.
