Jacksonville is a huge city, and that means there are a lot of choices when it comes to finding a place for a drink.  Whether you’re looking for a place for a casual first date or to meet up with friends, these 16 choices are bound to have something that you will like.  They are some of the best bars in Jacksonville, FL.

1. Best Wine Bar:  The Wine Cellar 

This bar is located in downtown and is a popular place among young professionals.  The wine list is extensive, but you'll find some good ones for not a lot of money.

The Wine Cellar

1314 Prudential Dr.

(904)398-8989

Yelp: 49 reviews, 3 1/2 stars

2. Best Beer Bar: The Blind Rabbit 

This bar has been a staple of the Kings Rd area for years.  It's very popular among young people who are just looking for a nice place to have a good time without spending a lot of money.

The Blind Rabbit

 901 King St. 

(904)337-0146 

Yelp, 155 reviews, 4 stars

3. Best Sports Bar:  Scoreboard Sports Bar and Grill 

This place has been a staple of Arlington for so long that they don’t even bother with having a website.  It's the place to go when you want to watch the game with friends.

Scoreboard Sports Bar and Grill 

6051 Merrill Rd. 

(904)744-6199  

Yelp, 6 reviews, 4 stars

4. Best Whiskey Bar:  Whiskey Jax 

Besides the full selection of spirits, this restaurant also has some of the best desserts in town.

Whiskey Jax 

10915 Baymeadows Rd. 

(904)634-7208 

Yelp, 95 reviews, 4 stars

5. Best After-Work Drink Spot:  Miller’s Southside Ale House 

Besides drinks, this place features a full menu.  You’ll find over 75 types of beer along with wine and spirits, but most people come here for the fabulous food and appetizers.  

Miller’s Southside Ale House

9711 Deer Lake Ct 

(904)565-2882 

Yelp, 79 reviews, 3 1/2 stars

6. Best Dive Bar: The Rogue 

It’s in a really old building, but the staff is super-friendly.  They play a game where for $2 patrons can buy 5 carnival rings.  If you toss the ring around a bottle of liquor on the shelves, you get a free shot.   

The Rogue 

927 King St. 

(904)487-4220 

Yelp, 39 reviews, 4 stars

7. Best Cocktails:  Mitchell’s Fish Market 

This restaurant is known for it’s seafood dishes as much as it’s known for its unique cocktails.  The bar’s signature drink is an Intercoastal.  Invented by the bartender, it features muddled strawberries and cilantro.

Mitchell’s Fish Market

5205 Big Island Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32246

(904) 645-3474

Yelp 109 reviews, 3 1/2 stars

8. Best Live Music:  Cliff’s Bar and Grill 

Best Bars in Jacksonville FL

Source:flickr.com

You’ll find all kinds of music here.  The restaurant features country, jazz, and rock groups from all over the city.  Music isn’t just limited to the weekends either; it’s possible to visit anytime and hear a band.

Cliff’s Bar and Grill 

3033 Monument Rd 

(904)645-5162 

Yelp, 9 reviews, 4 stars

9. Bar with the Best Outdoor Space:  Casa Marina Rooftop Lounge 

This combination of tavern and grill is located on the beach.  You’ll get great views of all of Atlantic Beach from the roof and enjoy good drinks and seafood.

Casa Marina Rooftop Lounge

207 Atlantic Blvd. 

(904)241-7877 

Yelp, 99 reviews 3 1/2 stars

10. Most Expensive and Worth It:  Aromas 

This upscale bar and humidor is frequented by the professional class, but it’s a great place to visit on the weekends.  Even if you don’t smoke, Aroma’s features live music and entertainment, making it worth the trip.

Aromas

4732 Southside Blvd 

(904)928-0515

Yelp, 35 reviews, 3 1/2 stars

11. Best Local Joint: River City Brewing Company

This restaurant, bar, and brewery has been a fixture of downtown Jacksonville for decades.  While it has changed ownership and been remodeled several times, it’s still one of the best places to go to meet up with friends or celebrate a birthday.

River City Brewing Company

835 Museum Circle 

(904)398-2299 

Yelp 138 reviews, 3 stars

12. Best Day Drinking Spot:  The Landing 

This isn’t exactly a bar, but if you want to catch a few drinks in the middle of the day it’s the best place to do it.  The Landing is an area with a lot of restaurants, bars, shopping, and museums along the St. John’s River.  You’ll find a lot of good places to meet friends or even take a client. 

The Landing

2 West Independent Dr. 

(904)353-1188

13. Best First Date Bar:  Matthew’s 

This bar and restaurant has a great wine list.  The menu has a lot of classic options, including steak and seafood.  

Matthew’s 

2107 Hendrick’s Avenue,

San Marco, 32207. 

(904) 396-9922.

Yelp 101 reviews, 4 stars

14. Best Juice Bar: Pulp

You’ll find all of the typical smoothies, teas, and coffee here, but they also have a good selection of nutritional beverages and supplements as well.

Pulp 

1962 San Marco Blvd. 

(904)396-9222. 

Yelp 43 reviews, 4 stars

15. Best LGBT Bar: The Metro

This nightclub and bar has been in the city for over 13 years and is open to everyone.  Many people come out to the Metro for the shows, to meet people, or just to have a good time.

The Metro

859 Willow Branch Ave
Jacksonville, FL 32205

(904) 388-7192

Yelp 19 reviews 3 1/2 stars

16. Best New Bar: Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurant 

This restaurant and bar is currently in its soft opening phase, but already there are some great reviews of its wine list and food.  The Mexican Drunken Shrimp and the short rib risotto are very popular.

Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurant 

4850 Big Island Dr. 

(904)559-4999 

Yelp 54 reviews, 4 1/2 stars