Jacksonville's craft beer scene is booming, offering a diverse range of breweries, pubs, and bars catering to every palate. This guide highlights 24 of the best beer bars in Jacksonville, ensuring you'll find the perfect spot for your next pint. We've categorized them to help you navigate this exciting landscape.
Exploring Jacksonville's Diverse Beer Scene: Top Choices
Whether you're a seasoned beer connoisseur or a curious newcomer, Jacksonville has a beer bar for you. We've carefully curated this list to showcase the variety and quality this city offers. From gastropubs with extensive selections to intimate breweries showcasing their own creations, your ideal beer experience awaits.
Gastropubs with Extensive Beer Lists
These establishments blend delicious food with impressive beer selections, providing a complete dining and drinking experience.
- The Bold Bean Coffee Roasters: While known for coffee, their beer selection is surprisingly robust, featuring local and international brews. Their unique atmosphere blends the best of coffeehouse and pub cultures. They regularly rotate taps, ensuring variety.
- Pavo Real: This sophisticated spot boasts a carefully curated beer list alongside a globally-inspired menu. Their focus on quality ingredients extends to their beer choices. Expect unique finds and excellent service.
- The Loop: A popular spot with a lively atmosphere and an extensive tap list featuring both local and international craft beers. This is a great place for groups and socializing, with a menu that caters to different tastes.
- The Beaches Corner: This local favorite offers an exceptional selection of both domestic and international brews, including rare and hard-to-find beers. The laid-back atmosphere and friendly staff make it a must-visit.
Breweries with On-Site Production
These bars offer the unique opportunity to sample beers crafted right on the premises.
- Aardwolf Brewing Company: Known for its experimental brews and inviting atmosphere, Aardwolf has solidified its place in the Jacksonville craft beer scene. Expect innovative flavor profiles and regular events.
- Intuition Ale Works: A Jacksonville staple, Intuition consistently produces high-quality beers, from its flagship offerings to more experimental batches. Their taproom is a must-visit for any beer enthusiast.
- Engine 15 Brewing Co.: This brewery offers a more industrial aesthetic, complementing its strong lineup of craft beers. Their outdoor space is great for enjoying the weather while sampling their latest creations.
- Pinglehead Brewing Company: This brewery boasts a relaxed and community-focused atmosphere, perfect for catching up with friends and sampling their diverse beer selections. Their unique brews often have interesting and creative stories behind them.
Unique and Thematic Beer Bars
These bars offer something a little different, with unique atmospheres and specialized offerings.
- Mellow Mushroom: This pizza chain also has a robust beer list, offering a solid selection of craft beers to complement its delicious pizza.
- Burro Bar: This lively spot is a great option for those seeking a combination of excellent tacos and a large beer selection. The casual atmosphere makes it ideal for a fun night out.
- Southern Swells: A beach-themed bar with a good selection of local and regional craft beers. It’s a great spot to enjoy the ambiance while enjoying your drinks.
- The Vine: This wine bar also features a curated selection of beers, appealing to those with more eclectic tastes. It offers a more refined atmosphere than many typical beer bars.
Dive Bars with Great Beer Selection
These bars may be more casual, but they still offer quality beer in a laid-back atmosphere.
- The Ritz Jacksonville Beach: A classic beach bar that serves a good selection of beers along with other alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, all while offering a relaxed atmosphere.
- O'Steens Restaurant & Bar: A casual, family-friendly restaurant with a diverse beer selection. It's a great option for enjoying a beer with a meal.
- Jack Rabbits: A classic dive bar with a solid beer list, Jack Rabbits is a true Jacksonville institution. It provides a no-frills experience with a dependable beer selection.
- Mojo Kitchen & Lounge: Offers both a casual and comfortable setting to enjoy a wide variety of dishes and a fantastic drink menu; beer included!
Upscale Beer Experiences
For a more sophisticated approach to craft beer.
- Fishlips Waterfront Bar & Grill: This waterfront bar provides breathtaking views and a good beer selection to complement its seafood menu. The experience is as much about the location as the beer itself.
- Baleen: This upscale restaurant has a refined beer menu to match its high-end dining experience. Expect high-quality beers and an impeccable service.
Neighborhood Gems: Local Favorites
These bars often boast a loyal following thanks to their unique character and atmosphere.
- Casa Marina Hotel: Offers beautiful ocean views and a selection of beers to complete the luxury experience.
- St. Johns Town Center: This area has a number of establishments with diverse beer selections within the shopping area. Explore and discover your new favorite!
- Riverside: This historic Jacksonville neighborhood offers a variety of bars and pubs with unique beer selections.
- Avondale: Similar to Riverside, Avondale offers a diverse selection of unique establishments with great beer.
Breweries Outside the City Center
Don't forget to explore breweries located outside the city's core.
- Ancient City Brewing: Although technically in St. Augustine, it’s within a short drive and well worth the trip for their unique brews and relaxed atmosphere.
- First Magnitude Brewing Company: Another excellent brewery just outside of Jacksonville, offering a unique selection and beautiful setting.
Finding Your Perfect Jacksonville Beer Bar
This guide is just a starting point. Jacksonville's beer scene is constantly evolving, with new bars and breweries opening regularly. Use this list as inspiration to explore and discover your own favorite spots. Remember to check individual bar websites for updated hours, menus, and special events. Cheers to your Jacksonville beer adventures!