The Top 14 Happy Hour Spots in Jacksonville

Downtown

1. The Volstead

Prepare to indulge

The Volstead has fast become Jacksonville’s premier prohibition-style speakeasy. Its old-school jazz club vibe and high-end bourbon, whiskey and scotch, have captured the hearts of the coolest happy hour crowd east of the Mississippi. Drop in between Sunday and Thursday and enjoy drink specials from 4 to 6 p.m. and then again from 10 p.m. until close. If you’re feeling frisky, order the Baked Apple Sazerac (Bulleit Rye, Apple Pie Moonshine, Absinthe, cinnamon, brown sugar, bitters), sit back, and watch the light show—it’s something you’ll have to see to believe.

2. Myth Nightclub

The premier nightlife experience unlike anything Jacksonville has ever seen

Step into Myth Nightclub and quickly realize you’re not in downtown Jacksonville anymore, but some unimaginable Shangri-La that instantaneously whisks you away to that very happy place. With opulent design elements and architecture inspired by some of the world’s top venues, Myth combines high-tech sophistication with an ultra chic, upscale lounge that massages the senses. Let the bartender lure you onto the dance floor with a lustful libation, or make your way out to the terrace set under a vibrant LED video ceiling and dotted with tiki huts—the only one of its kind in the whole city.

3. Element Bistro & Craft Cocktail Lounge

An amazing new eatery that takes creative mixology to a whole new level

Before surrendering yourself to a night of dancing at Myth, indulge at Element, (Myth’s partner-in-crime), where a dedicated lineup of world-class chefs combine locally sourced produce with a colorful cast of craft cocktails. It’s a spread like no other; from salads to wraps to paninis, soups, small plates and entrees—all of which are handmade, healthy and organic. Show up on a weekday from Tuesday through Friday for happy hour and enjoy a select specialty cocktail for just $5 to pair with your fare. All-in-all, Element is the perfect pre-game complement to Myth, the new happy hour/afterhours combo that has secured its place among Downtown’s elite nightlife and entertainment venues.

4. Dos Gatos

When your passion for drinking needs a home.

If you’re looking for a happy hour with some character, Dos Gatos is your jam. Dubbed as Jacksonville’s original cocktail lounge, inked up bartenders and patrons embody the essence of this ’80s punk and rock-themed Downtown dive, where carefully handcrafted cocktails are tailored to tantalize your taste buds. Try their famous Orange Jalapeno Margarita. It has a kick, but it’s to die for.

Riverside, Brooklyn, Avondale

5. Burrito Gallery

The tastiest margaritas this side of Mexico; now in Brooklyn

Already massively popular in the historical Northbank Core of Downtown, Burrito Gallery has now stuck its claim as the go-to Jax Mex joint in Brooklyn. Pair authentic Mexican burritos, tacos, enchiladas or ‘dillas together with killer house margaritas on tap, or bring an ice cold beer ($1 off for happy hour) outside to the patio and let the streetside vibe and open air ambiance inspire great conversation.

6. Black Sheep Restaurant

Locally sourced southern chow with a bangin’ rooftop view

The hype is real at this modern American restaurant in the Five Points district of Riverside. Fresh locally sourced ingredients are a staple here, but the rooftop bar and lounge is where the magic happens. Sky-high views of Downtown and the St. Johns River keep the happy hour crowd coming back at five o’clock before the sun sets. Plus, the bar menu is a gift from the gods. Try the Chicken Fried Sweet Bread Nuggets or the Florida Lobster Roll, and wash them down with a variety of artisan blends from behind the bar. We like the Dusty Boot (Buffalo Trace bourbon, simple syrup, lemon and lime juices, Jerry Thomas bitters, with a smoked sea salt and cracked black pepper rim).

7. Restaurant Orsay

French inspired. Southern influenced. Locally driven.

Take a slice of Paris and put it in Jacksonville, and voila—you have Orsay. The swanky French-American bistro crafts a range of cocktails as scintillating as the aura itself. Slide straight to the bar for a quaint aperitif or to fancy something shaken and refreshing or stirred and assertive. Order the Just Trust Me and let the bartender blend a specialty cocktail that’ll sing to your soul.

8. The Blue Fish Restaurant & Oyster Bar

Seafood and delicious drinks in beautiful Avondale

Found in the Shoppes of Avondale a historic neighborhood just west of Downtown, The Blue Fish serves a wide array of the freshest seafood available. It's time to enjoy an oyster bar without driving all the way to the beach! Happy Hour EVERY DAY from 3 - 6:30 p.m.

9. European Street Cafe

Two hundred beers and an eclectic selection of food

With more than 200 beers in stock, this original German-New York deli-style bar has long been a fixture in Riverside, and now has a devoted following throughout multiple neighborhoods across Jax. Grab a 22 oz. pilsner or a 2-for-1 draft during happy hour, which starts at 2 p.m. daily and 10 a.m. during football season. The kick is up and it’s good!

By the Beach

11. Engine 15 Brewing Company

Get your Jax Ale Trail stamp on!

With over 50 types of craft beer on tap—including more than two dozen of their own microbrews—this Jacksonville Beach brewpub is the perfect spot to kick off your Jax Ale Trail adventure. After spending all day at the beach, flip-flop your way over to this five-barrel brewhouse pouring year-round, seasonal and limited specialty brews like Orange Cream Ale, Jacksonville Lemon Shandy, Watermelon Blonde, Double Drop IPA or Doolittle Saison Ale. And with so many different varieties to choose from, their $5 flights allow you to sample flavors from all around the world before you find the perfect cold one. Try their Liquid Lunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and get an entree and a house Engine 15 draft beer for just $9.

12. TacoLu

Fish tacos, tequila and mezcal

This Jacksonville Beach taco shack started out as a simple taco stand in 2008, but has since evolved into one of the best Mexican joints in town. Here, the selection of tequila is unmatched, with some Blancos aged up to two months and Reposados for as many as 11. The result—a richer, smoother and more flavorful tasting experience. Enjoy their happy hour weekend brunch on the patio from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., where it’s always bustling with beach goers and taco lovers. See you at the Lu!

San Marco

13. Sidecar

An urban beer garden and cocktail bar in the heart of San Marco

Tucked in the corner of a renovated warehouse, Sidecar boasts a versatile selection of 20 drafts on tap and over 50 bottled beers. All of their cocktails are $10 and under, and the two specialty cocktails on tap are made fresh daily for happy hour. Try the John Shenk’s Redemption (Michter’s bourbon, Luxardo Amaretto, lemon, raspberry and egg white with black walnut bitters) and grab a slice of authentic Napoletana pie from V Pizza next door. Jump in this Sidecar and enjoy the ride.

14. Taverna

The best $5 happy hour wines in San Marco

Taverna’s modern take on classic authentic Italian brings fresh seasonal flavors of regionally sourced produce and meats, and award-winning wines from the old country here to San Marco. The food menu runs the gamut from breakfast entrees and lunch salads to pasta, pizzas and classic sides. But if you swing by for happy hour, you are guaranteed to enjoy some of the world’s best tasting wines for just $5 a glass. Whether it be a Sangiovese from Italy or a Grenache Blanc from France, the husband-and-wife duo behind Taverna takes immense pride in making sure expectations are always high and the carefully curated wine doesn’t lie.