The 28 Best Drinks in Jacksonville
After a long day there is nothing more satisfying than sitting down at a local #OnlyinJax bar and sipping on a hand-crafted beverage.
Downtown Jacksonville
Jacksonville's heart is in its Downtown urban core.
Graced by the beautiful St. Johns River, and minutes away from pristine white sand beaches, Downtown Jacksonville is truly unique. Cross over one of the bridges spanning the river or take a sunset water taxi ride for the best city views! Listen to live music by local musicians, enjoy a guided nature talk and delight in the marine life that can only be found along the St. Johns River in downtown Jacksonville. Don't miss seeing the St. Johns River dolphins from the river taxi.
Nestled between skyscrapers and the St. Johns River, Downtown Jacksonville’s North and South banks have an urban vibe with a cool atmosphere. Fortune 500 companies call the City’s core home. During the week, thousands of professionals and visitors fill the streets enjoying unique lunch and dining destinations, world-class museums, and a variety of nightlife options, from casual bars to upscale lounges.
Eat & Drink
The city’s core has over 90 restaurants to choose from, anything from food trucks, to casual eateries, to upscale bistros with eclectic menus
While visiting Downtown be sure to enjoy a great meal at Bellwether, Indochine, Cowford Chophouse, Morton's The Steakhouse or grab a whisky sour at The Volstead. Here are some of the best bites.
Bellwether - This casual yet sophisticated restaurant will offer an eclectic mix of timeless fare for lunch and dinner. Featuring outdoor dining, a full bar and private dining options. Don't miss the Korean Broccoli, it is a crowd favorite!
Cinco de Mayo - Wanting authentic Mexican cuisine in Downtown Jacksonville? Cinco de Mayo has you covered. Enjoy their specialty drinks, vibrant atmosphere and of course delicious food.
Cowford Chophouse - Jacksonville’s Cowford Chophouse brings luxury and great views to downtown. The steakhouse has a rooftop bar with craft cocktails and a plush interior. If you’re looking to splurge, check out their Wagyu filet—you won’t be disappointed. Don't miss the rooftop for spectacular views.
De Real Ting Café - Downtown, you can experience the ultimate Caribbean experience at Da Real Ting Café. They serve authentic Jamaican food. At night, you can experience live music when bands and DJs take over the back room. When you check it out, try the Jamaican patty lunch—a fan favorite!
Happy Grilled Cheese - Three words: Gourmet. Grilled. Cheese. Come to the food truck turned Jacksonville staple and pick out your unique and one-of-a-kind cheesy goodness.
James Weldon Johnson (formerly Hemming) Park - The Park features food trucks and live entertainment Monday-Friday.
Indochine - Voted Folio Magazine’s “Best Thai Restaurant” 3 years in a row, Indochine is the place to go for anyone who loves Thai food, wants to try Thai food, or just likes food at all. Their crab Rangoon is the must-try here, with real lump crab and curried cream cheese. This is not your average Rangoon.
Juliette's Bistro - Located in the Jacksonville River City Downtown Hotel, Juliette’s Bistro has been serving up delicious First Coast cuisine for 27 years. The BBQ buttered shrimp combines some of the best Jacksonville and Juliette’s has to offer with local fresh shrimp cooked with Duke’s Brown Ale from local Bold City Brewing.
On the Fly Sandwiches & Stuff - At On The Fly, a local food truck, the sandwiches are definitely worth a try, but the stuff is where it’s at. Sweet potato planks, topped with melted bleu cheese, pulled pork and their special On The Fly Sauce – that’s some really great “stuff.”
Sweet Pete's - Sweet Pete’s makes over 10,000 pounds of caramel a year, and for good reason. People can’t get enough of the sweet stuff. Made right here in Jacksonville, Sweet Pete’s caramels are a true Only in Jax treat! Be sure to try the signature sea salt caramels.
Fizzies & Fare - Located inside Sweet Pete's, Fizzies & Fare offers light bites, over-the-top milkshakes, champagne cocktails, hundreds of sodas and more in a bubbly, whimsical space.
See & Do
Downtown Jacksonville boasts 5.6 miles of beautiful riverfront, including almost 3 miles of riverwalk, perfect for a stroll or a jog by the St. Johns or stop at the iconic Friendship Fountain.
The NFL's Jacksonville Jaguars play Downtown at the Sports Complex, as does the city's minor league baseball team, the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp, the Jacksonville Icemen, and arena football team the Jacksonville Sharks. Downtown museums include the Ritz Theatre & Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville, and the Museum of Science and History. Other attractions to visit include Sweet Pete's (our local candy factory with free tours!) don't leave without tasting Pete's signature sea salt caramels. Visit the Jacksonville Public Library and don't miss the Imagination Squared Exhibit! or the outdoor courtyard! You can get out on the water on one of the many tours offered by St. Johns River Taxi and Tours.
Stop in to a Visitor Center
We have a visitor center in Downtown Jacksonville on North Laura Street in the heart of the city and one at the Jacksonville International Airport. Stop by to say hello and learn more about things to do in the area from a local expert. Grab some info on downtown talking tours.
Downtown Transportation Options
There are many ways to get around Downtown. Drive and park at one of the more than 43,000 public parking spaces or use public transportation or the Skyway. The Skyway connects Downtown’s Southbank to its Northbank in less than five minutes for free. You can also enjoy incredible views and move between Downtown points of interest on the water taxi. To help you find your way, Downtown Ambassadors are always nearby ready to give directions and suggestions to visitors, spot them by their bright orange shirts. Go Tuk’n partners with the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) to offer pay-to-ride shuttle service in the Downtown Jacksonville, to view the stops download the Tuk'n Ride app from the Google Play and Apple app stores.
Downtown Tours & Itineraries
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