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.
Southside
The Southside area offers shopping, riverfront outdoor activities and historical sites.
The mostly residential areas of the Southside are brimming with history and nature and boast some of the most stunning river views in Jacksonville.
The Southside has blossomed into a bustling business center. The St. Johns Town Center - a 1.1 million-square-foot, open-air lifestyle center offering innovative new retail, residential, hotel, and dining choices for Jacksonville shoppers is one of the highlights of the area. Just around the corner, the Tinseltown area is hopping with a movie theater, restaurants and specialty shops. The area is also home to the large yet elegant Avenues Mall.
Eat & Drink
Explore Southsides expanse of local restaurants, specialty dishes, and multicultural flavor. Mix and match your favorite flavors and try something new in south Jax!
1928 Cuban Bistro - This vibrant café serves authentic Cuban sandwiches, pastries and coffee that capture the bold flavors and warm hospitality of Havana.
Alien Taco & Tequila Bar - Alien Tacos & Tequila Bar is an out-of-this-world spot for creative tacos, colorful cocktails and a cosmic atmosphere that makes every visit a party. Go for their stock market happy hour where drink prices rise and fall based on demand!
Culhane's Irish Pub - An upbeat Irish pub in Tinsletown that will keep you coming back for its stew and other Irish classics.
Midtown Table - Midtown Table offers hand-crafted pastas, wood-fired pizzas and seasonal plates in a warm, contemporary setting perfect for gathering.
Purple Roots - Purple Roots fuses Filipino and American flavors into creative dishes that are both comforting and exciting, with plenty of personality on every plate.
Soupa Noodle Bar - They specialize in steaming bowls of pho, ramen and other noodle favorites, made with slow-simmered broths and fresh, flavorful ingredients.
The French Pantry - This cozy pantry has a menu that changes daily, but whatever the offering of the day is you know it will be fresh, made from scratch and absolutely delicious. The bruschetta is the most popular among locals and they have several options to try.
Dine and drink local! Every restaurant and every chef, every brewery or coffee shop, every bakery and bar —they all have a unique story to tell.Chef Tom GrayPrati Italia, Town Hall and Electric Dough Pizza Co.
International Alley Along Beach Boulevard is Part of Jacksonville's Global Food Corridor
Once a railroad route to the Atlantic, Beach Boulevard was dedicated in 1949 and has since transformed into a vibrant corridor of international culture and cuisine. Today it’s a global food destination, home to diverse markets, eateries, and one of the city’s largest international food courts where visitors can explore flavors from around the world.
See & Do
Southside is one of Jacksonville's busiest neighborhoods. With ample shopping, entertainment and dining, it is no wonder that so many residents call Southside home.
Once a wide expanse of dairy farms and beautiful marshes, Southside would be unrecognizable to those farmers today. With 2 premier malls, endless dining options and entertainment complexes, you're sure to find something to enjoy. Southside is a perfect place to stay to get a full view of the city life since it is only a short drive to either Downtown or the Beaches.
Avenues Mall - Avenues Mall is a classic indoor shopping destination featuring major retailers, specialty stores and dining options.
iFly - Ever wanted to experience skydiving but too nervous to do the actual thing? Try indoor skydiving that simulates the feeling of free-fall in a safe, high-tech wind tunnel - no parachute or plane required.
St. Johns Town Center - Jacksonville’s premier open-air lifestyle mall, home to high-end brands, popular restaurants and stylish boutiques in a walkable setting.
Topgolf - Topgolf blends driving range fun with a lounge-like atmosphere, offering climate-controlled bays, food, drinks and games for all skill levels.
Southside Neighborhood Historic Facts
1. Brackridge Park
Address: 8650 Newton Rd Jacksonville, FL 32216
Duval County purchased the land for the park in 1954 from the Skinner Family, who by 1905 had accumulated 30,000 to 40,000 acres on the Southside. Initially a soil borrow pit and then a sanitary landfill, the property was developed and opened as a park in 1974.
2. University of North Florida
Address: 1 UNF Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32224
The University’s campus was first established in 1969 when 1,000 acres between Downtown Jacksonville and Jacksonville Beach were set aside for development of the University. Construction on classrooms and buildings began in 1971, and UNF opened its doors to 2,027 juniors in the fall of 1972.
3. The Orange T-Rex
Address: 10150 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32246
Leftover from the 1970’s Goony MiniGolf Course, this large concrete dino has stood tall since the early 1970’s. The T-Rex is the last remaining artifact from the era. In 2007, UNF’s building and construction management students gave the orange beast a makeover. To this day, the T-Rex can be seen from Beach Blvd and at night, its eyes glow red.
4. Mayo Clinic
Address: 4500 San Pablo Rd S, Jacksonville, FL 32224
In 1986 Mayo Clinic brought 40 medical and surgical specialties to North Florida. Their development in the 1980’s has led to the growth of Jacksonville’s Medical Tourism industry. Jacksonville's Davis family originally donated the 400 acres of Southside land – just west of San Pablo Road to the Mayo Clinic.
5. St. Johns Town Center
Address: 4663 River City Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32246
The land that is now home to the St. Johns Town Center was once private land owned by the Skinner family. This land was used by the family as hunting grounds and cattle-grazing territory. Through the development of the mega shopping center, the cattle history remains. There is still a cattle tunnel that leads the from the westside of the town center under J Turner Butler Blvd. Every shop and dining experience you can think of is at the St. Johns Town Center.
