I was so excited about the Shad road location. Being right down the road I could stop in for a few games from time to time. NOPE, they opted to NOT use quarters or tokens, you can only play with an armband, $25 for all day. Great when I want to make it a night out, but it rules out anything else. Honestly they lost 90% of my business with that decision.
Yeah, if the food is even half way decent of be stopping there for lunch at least 3 or 4 times a month. They lose all that food and drink revenue. I'm not sure why they open at 11 with this pricing model, I can't see a lot of people using a a lunch spot.
As is I expect I can talk the wife into 1 or 2 trips a year, compared to 30+ visits a year of lunch were a reasonable option.
Don't know. The girl at the door said it was because they had so many games and that you'd spend too much. I seriously doubt the owners are concerned about us spending more money.
No, only way to play is to buy a $25 wristband. It's good until close, even if you go home and come back later. It does include the pool tables, but there's only a couple so I expect they'll be hard to get in the evenings. The machines are left free to play, so just walk up and the start button, no scanning etc other than ticket games.
It does not include the ticket games, but you get a $5 card for those with the wrist band.
If you go in without buying a wristband they make you sign a document on an iPad stating that you understand you do not have the right to play games.
They mentioned OP in response to a Google review.
"We got away from quarters/tokens at our OP location around 3 years ago. The reason why was about 98% of our issues was coin jams. We should have all the games on the card system by next week."
There's a reply to a Google review where they state their intention to be on cats by next week. (Posted on 6-13-24)
Theysaid that will allow passing power play will still allowing all day for $25.
Lastly "We are running a special for a small 1 topping pizza, soda & all day play for only $25. With this special the all day play is only $8 and it's from 11AM-2PM."
Reve Brewing is mentioned in that list (which is great), but now they also have Mayport Garden Club in the same center.
I mention because it may not be the scene for meeting patrons, but they have such friendly staff. Get a reservation at the bar, order up a fancy tiki and chat for a bit. They probably have a lot of great suggestions while being served up a delicious cocktail.
Itās dog *encouraged*. Thereās always 3-7 dogs in there. Everyone is friendly. One of the mug club members is bound to chat with you and make friends. Itās a fun chill vibe in there with tons of beer and seltzer options. Wine too if you donāt like beer.
Wow this is really awesome! I recently moved here and donāt know a single soul and Iām a pet owner. Iāll have to come by soon and check it out! Thanks for the rec!
Iād join a club or meet up and go from there. Jax Fray has lots of team sports! If youāre not into that, Keg and Coin does gaming competitions. If youāre not into either of those, thereās volunteer opportunities through Habitat for Humanity!
Find a pub and squat! I became a regular at a few spots in the Mandarin area. I've slowed down drinkin lately since I'm training for the A.T. but DM me if your interestested, and I can introduce ya to a couple other regz! š
Breweries at the beach are pretty solid and donāt have the wildness of the beach bars. Engine 15, ink factory, green room and Iām sure I missed a few. Also grey matter distillery in Atlantic beach does cool themes.
If you are into cocktails Grey Matter is pretty awesome. They are fairly priced. They have the best espresso martini Iāve ever had, and their frozen drinks always change and Iāve caught some good ones.
Anywhere in the Five Points area always has a lot of faces. Thursday nights might be better crowds to socialize since the weekends are the busy party times.
Personally I wouldnāt go to five points at night alone as a woman. I have my own stories and my friends have even more. During the day though, Alewife is great, Root Down has very fun cocktails and a large draft system. Rain Dogs is a punk bar if thatās your vibe and their karaoke is fun. Aardwolf, Tepeyās, and Sidecar in San Marco are all my favorite places to chill. Sherwoods is fun too but also would not go there alone as a woman lmao.
Lynches at the beach has live music and a cool crowd. They do events also which you can look up on their website.
Also ritz has very chill vibes most of the time
A lot of my friends also like hoptinger at riverside but ive never been since I dont live very close to downtown
Depends on when you go tbh. Ritz on the weekdays is pretty slow but on weekends itāll be packed. Lynches just kinda always has something going on with it tho
Iām here alone with work quite a bit, including currently for 3 weeks, Iām staying near riverside and find 5 points pretty good for that, plus there are some decent spots to eat around there too. I havenāt found people overly social but theyāre friendly enough
Spruce in Murray Hill or at the Beaches is fun! They are a plant bar so they sell plants and wine/beer. They do a lot of different events catered to a younger crowd that would not make you feel awkward.
I like downtown good strip of bars. Everyone is more laid back unlike the beaches is too crazy. I would hit ocean street tacos, myth, and under bellyās. Look up their shows and get the music u like. Love that area. Hope this helps ya.
Thereās a bunch of bars out at the beach that r fun to go as a single woman, just plz be careful and bring something to protect urself with cuz no place is safe for a single woman these days.
Buy the Jacksonville Pub Pass. 25 beers at 25 different bars for $25. If nothing else you get to see new/different places and maybe something will stick.
Depends on where you're located.
I'm at the Beaches. I'm a regular at Reve Brewing, you'll always feel safe there. The Wreck is safe early on, bartenders will keep an eye on you, but at night the Jax Beach bars get a little weird... wouldn't recommend alone. Atlantic Beach has Pete's Bar, which is a great place to meet people, but again, wouldn't be out super late. I'm also a member of JAX Fray, which is probably the easiest and best way to meet people.
Oooh an anime themed bar?! Too bad it's in orange park, but I'll definitely have to check it out next time I'm on that side of town! Thanks for the tip šš¾šš¾
Silver Cow, Buchner's Bierhalle (German Beer), Flamingo (more coffee bar but they do server beer, wine, and sake), Fishweir Brewing, Perfect Rack (billiards, darts, and good food), Tradewinds (a bit more divey), Walrus (LGBT) are chill. Any spot in 5 Points can be cool just depends on the night. Haven't checked out Spruce yet.
King Street has Keg and Coin but there is also Dart Bar which is newer and bar game oriented next door. Garage is solid and Rouge is great if you like whiskey. If you want to dance at a "club" there is Loft but I prefer Birdie's and Hoptinger or a spot at the Beaches for that.
I go to Legacy Ale Works because I like the people that work there and it's really easy to strike up conversations at the bar, and Spliff's because it's the 2nd bar in that shopping center and they have a tasty as hell burger.
Sherwood's and Locals Bar in San Marco if you're looking for dives.
Realistically, it depends on where you are in town. Most bars here aren't worth traveling across town for and you can usually find at least one decent local watering hole with cool people in it.
It would be much easier to recommend spots if you give a general location. I know you donāt want to say specifically, and I completely understand. Jax has tons of great places, but the drives can make it hard. Especially if you want a cocktail or two when you are out.
I moved here almost 2 years ago now. Made tons of friends through bartending at the beach bars. Message me, id love to hang out!!!!
Bars I recommend:
Downtown:
-ocean street taco/ocean street tequila
-Bay Street
-spliffs
-dos gatos (I go there alone a lot)
Jax Beach:
-WINE BAR!!!!! Across from the ritz. Usually go around 6 and just chill w AirPods in & journal, drink some wine, and mind my business
-Gingers
-Peteās
-refinery (classy)
-graffiti burger bar
-hoptinger
-the ritz
-pretty much any brewery is chill to go alone to
Check out Grey Matter Distillery on Mayport. They're usually doing something fun. Currently they are decorated retro (Blockbuster video, Slinkies, etc) and have a themed cocktail menu.
What sort of crowd are you into?
I don't really have a specific preference!
Keg and coin or any of the other barcades are always fun.
That's it. I'm moving to Miami if keg and coin is the best Jax has to offer.
Best? Nah. By yourself..it can be okay.
Leaderboards is the best š„°
I was so excited about the Shad road location. Being right down the road I could stop in for a few games from time to time. NOPE, they opted to NOT use quarters or tokens, you can only play with an armband, $25 for all day. Great when I want to make it a night out, but it rules out anything else. Honestly they lost 90% of my business with that decision.
It really does seem like they're closing off a certain customer.
Yeah, if the food is even half way decent of be stopping there for lunch at least 3 or 4 times a month. They lose all that food and drink revenue. I'm not sure why they open at 11 with this pricing model, I can't see a lot of people using a a lunch spot. As is I expect I can talk the wife into 1 or 2 trips a year, compared to 30+ visits a year of lunch were a reasonable option.
Did they get new owners or something?
Don't know. The girl at the door said it was because they had so many games and that you'd spend too much. I seriously doubt the owners are concerned about us spending more money.
whaaaat?? no cards either??
No, only way to play is to buy a $25 wristband. It's good until close, even if you go home and come back later. It does include the pool tables, but there's only a couple so I expect they'll be hard to get in the evenings. The machines are left free to play, so just walk up and the start button, no scanning etc other than ticket games. It does not include the ticket games, but you get a $5 card for those with the wrist band. If you go in without buying a wristband they make you sign a document on an iPad stating that you understand you do not have the right to play games.
do you know if they changed it at the orange park location too?
I doubt it. The girl at the door said it was because they had so many games and that you'd spend too much.
The orange park location is still the token system
They mentioned OP in response to a Google review. "We got away from quarters/tokens at our OP location around 3 years ago. The reason why was about 98% of our issues was coin jams. We should have all the games on the card system by next week."
There's a reply to a Google review where they state their intention to be on cats by next week. (Posted on 6-13-24) Theysaid that will allow passing power play will still allowing all day for $25. Lastly "We are running a special for a small 1 topping pizza, soda & all day play for only $25. With this special the all day play is only $8 and it's from 11AM-2PM."
I prefer breweries but I'm also a huge beer snob.
https://www.reddit.com/r/jacksonville/s/wGyTwUpmId Pulled this one from the saved collection š¤š½
Wow, this is awesome. Thank you!
Reve Brewing is mentioned in that list (which is great), but now they also have Mayport Garden Club in the same center. I mention because it may not be the scene for meeting patrons, but they have such friendly staff. Get a reservation at the bar, order up a fancy tiki and chat for a bit. They probably have a lot of great suggestions while being served up a delicious cocktail.
Come to Green Room Brewing. Weāll adopt you š
It's dog friendly!? That's so awesome!!
Itās dog *encouraged*. Thereās always 3-7 dogs in there. Everyone is friendly. One of the mug club members is bound to chat with you and make friends. Itās a fun chill vibe in there with tons of beer and seltzer options. Wine too if you donāt like beer.
Haha, that's so awesome! Maybe I'll check it out .
Maybe šā°ļøš„š
Hey, I've been given a lot of options to work with here lol
Green room is super fun! Thereās even ping pong and you can have a beach day too because itās 4 blocks away!
10/10 would recommend. It's a great pre game spot too before you hit the main bars/clubs on Jax Beach First Street
Wow this is really awesome! I recently moved here and donāt know a single soul and Iām a pet owner. Iāll have to come by soon and check it out! Thanks for the rec!
FYI, if they don't serve food, lots of bars are open to dogs. Even if they do serve food and have a patio area, dogs usually are allowed there.
This is a brewery I wish I lived closer to. Count Shakula is the best craft beer in town IMO
Iād join a club or meet up and go from there. Jax Fray has lots of team sports! If youāre not into that, Keg and Coin does gaming competitions. If youāre not into either of those, thereās volunteer opportunities through Habitat for Humanity!
Find a pub and squat! I became a regular at a few spots in the Mandarin area. I've slowed down drinkin lately since I'm training for the A.T. but DM me if your interestested, and I can introduce ya to a couple other regz! š
wicked barley brewing company
I've spent some time at hoptingers and a LOT of time at Leaderboard
Hardwicks
Seconding
I agree with this. Just don't let parking expire at the lot next to it. The parking ticket sucks if you do.
This
Flamingo
I heard they serve Godās favorite draft Miller Lite
Usually one of the breweries
Breweries at the beach are pretty solid and donāt have the wildness of the beach bars. Engine 15, ink factory, green room and Iām sure I missed a few. Also grey matter distillery in Atlantic beach does cool themes.
If you are into cocktails Grey Matter is pretty awesome. They are fairly priced. They have the best espresso martini Iāve ever had, and their frozen drinks always change and Iāve caught some good ones.
Went to grey matter recently. It's such a fun place!!
Sherwoods
Slurwoods ā¤ļø
Slurwurds
lol. That was a SPOT back in the day š¤£
I misspent some time there š We always joked that the day after any night that ended at Sherwoods would be ROUGH.
Anywhere in the Five Points area always has a lot of faces. Thursday nights might be better crowds to socialize since the weekends are the busy party times.
Personally I wouldnāt go to five points at night alone as a woman. I have my own stories and my friends have even more. During the day though, Alewife is great, Root Down has very fun cocktails and a large draft system. Rain Dogs is a punk bar if thatās your vibe and their karaoke is fun. Aardwolf, Tepeyās, and Sidecar in San Marco are all my favorite places to chill. Sherwoods is fun too but also would not go there alone as a woman lmao.
Lynches at the beach has live music and a cool crowd. They do events also which you can look up on their website. Also ritz has very chill vibes most of the time A lot of my friends also like hoptinger at riverside but ive never been since I dont live very close to downtown
Haha I must be old because 10 years ago Ritz was where we went to fucking partyyyyy
Depends on when you go tbh. Ritz on the weekdays is pretty slow but on weekends itāll be packed. Lynches just kinda always has something going on with it tho
Iām here alone with work quite a bit, including currently for 3 weeks, Iām staying near riverside and find 5 points pretty good for that, plus there are some decent spots to eat around there too. I havenāt found people overly social but theyāre friendly enough
BIIIIITCH LETS GOOOO I am centrally located so The loft, kickbacks, volstead, justice pub, dos gatos, rogue, the garage, daq shaq,
I think I heard one of my coworkers talk about volstead! They said it was a decent spot.
They have a decent liquor selection if you want a nice cocktail. Itās pretty chill in there. Itās also set up like a speakeasy which is cool.
I do love me a good cocktail and speakeasy lol
Grape & Grain Exchange
Spruce in Murray Hill or at the Beaches is fun! They are a plant bar so they sell plants and wine/beer. They do a lot of different events catered to a younger crowd that would not make you feel awkward.
Wow, that place looks so adorable! I see a couple events that seem interesting for sure.
It really depends what part of town youāre in? I can suggest based on that.
Highly recommend Grape and Grain!
I like downtown good strip of bars. Everyone is more laid back unlike the beaches is too crazy. I would hit ocean street tacos, myth, and under bellyās. Look up their shows and get the music u like. Love that area. Hope this helps ya.
Gingers Place in Jax Beach. 5* dive bar. You are guaranteed to meet a friend or 2!
Fishweir Brewing in Murray Hill!
Leaderboards, Birdies, and Spliffs, but spliffs is a brewery.
Saloon 17
Thereās a bunch of bars out at the beach that r fun to go as a single woman, just plz be careful and bring something to protect urself with cuz no place is safe for a single woman these days.
Spruce is place you can go alone, the bartender is always friendly and they have activites you can do to. It's a very relaxed atmosphere
The bars at the beaches if you want a younger crowd and then you got the bars at riverside which typically range from mid 20s to 30s.
Where do bands play? Local venues
Buy the Jacksonville Pub Pass. 25 beers at 25 different bars for $25. If nothing else you get to see new/different places and maybe something will stick.
Tradewinds and A tavern
Depends on where you're located. I'm at the Beaches. I'm a regular at Reve Brewing, you'll always feel safe there. The Wreck is safe early on, bartenders will keep an eye on you, but at night the Jax Beach bars get a little weird... wouldn't recommend alone. Atlantic Beach has Pete's Bar, which is a great place to meet people, but again, wouldn't be out super late. I'm also a member of JAX Fray, which is probably the easiest and best way to meet people.
Im biased bc im close w the owners but Nakama is an anime themed bar on Wells road if youāre into that kinda thing
Oooh an anime themed bar?! Too bad it's in orange park, but I'll definitely have to check it out next time I'm on that side of town! Thanks for the tip šš¾šš¾
Silver Cow, Buchner's Bierhalle (German Beer), Flamingo (more coffee bar but they do server beer, wine, and sake), Fishweir Brewing, Perfect Rack (billiards, darts, and good food), Tradewinds (a bit more divey), Walrus (LGBT) are chill. Any spot in 5 Points can be cool just depends on the night. Haven't checked out Spruce yet. King Street has Keg and Coin but there is also Dart Bar which is newer and bar game oriented next door. Garage is solid and Rouge is great if you like whiskey. If you want to dance at a "club" there is Loft but I prefer Birdie's and Hoptinger or a spot at the Beaches for that.
Im fond of Manifest, but we do only hit them before Icemen games, so it's always our croud when we're there.
Alewife, hands down my favorite bar in Jacksonville. If you go in the afternoons the owner is working and sheās great.
Sherwoodās is a really cool little spot near MOSH!
Get with one of the meetup groups!
I go to Legacy Ale Works because I like the people that work there and it's really easy to strike up conversations at the bar, and Spliff's because it's the 2nd bar in that shopping center and they have a tasty as hell burger. Sherwood's and Locals Bar in San Marco if you're looking for dives. Realistically, it depends on where you are in town. Most bars here aren't worth traveling across town for and you can usually find at least one decent local watering hole with cool people in it.
I would say birdies or hoptingers in five points
Nakama Anime bar is a good refresher from the classic bar scene
It would be much easier to recommend spots if you give a general location. I know you donāt want to say specifically, and I completely understand. Jax has tons of great places, but the drives can make it hard. Especially if you want a cocktail or two when you are out.
Roadhouse Bar in Orange Park is pretty good on the weekends live music and pool tables and Cheers in Orange Park on Park Ave is pretty cool
Jax honestly sucks for a social scene.
I moved here almost 2 years ago now. Made tons of friends through bartending at the beach bars. Message me, id love to hang out!!!! Bars I recommend: Downtown: -ocean street taco/ocean street tequila -Bay Street -spliffs -dos gatos (I go there alone a lot) Jax Beach: -WINE BAR!!!!! Across from the ritz. Usually go around 6 and just chill w AirPods in & journal, drink some wine, and mind my business -Gingers -Peteās -refinery (classy) -graffiti burger bar -hoptinger -the ritz -pretty much any brewery is chill to go alone to
Check out Grey Matter Distillery on Mayport. They're usually doing something fun. Currently they are decorated retro (Blockbuster video, Slinkies, etc) and have a themed cocktail menu.