It’s a new year so you will be seeing all sorts of “Best of” articles, memes and columns. Some even did theirs in the middle of last year. How you decide who the best anything was for the year before the year is over seems a little sketchy, but that’s none of my business.
This article is part of a series showcasing the best in Jacksonville, Florida. We did ours differently than most. Our best is not just a popularity contest as many others are. We accepted votes, via our facebook page, to get a list of the top twenty as selected by the citizens of Jax. We then sent Deputy Examiners into the field to independently rate each burger, beer, cocktail, happy hour, etc…
We took those totals and came up with a list of the five best in each category as well as 5 honorable mentions. There were a few categories that didn’t have twenty and in that case we used the top half for our in field examinations. Our best of are not listed in any particular order, they represent the best Jax has to offer in their respective categories. We have left the best part for you; try each one and decide for yourself which is The Best in Jax! Best dive bars in Jacksonville;
Birdies is in the heart of 5 Points. The drinks are stronger and cheaper than what you’ll find elsewhere. There’s a large covered outdoor patio where a mostly chill, laid back attitude abounds and people watching is not only readily available, but encouraged. Most nights they run $3 wells 9:00 pm until Midnight or some other decent special(s).
Pete’s Bar in Neptune Beach; Pete’s has been appearing on best of lists since 1933.
Local legend has it that they opened up the day after Prohibition ended.
They have pool tables, ping pong tables, foosball and a jukebox
Pete’s is all about tradition, old one’s and making new ones. You haven’t been to Jax if you haven’t been to Pete’s.
Shantytown Pub in historic Springfield gives you art, music and beer all in one place with a great vibe, mellow staff and atmosphere galore, surprisingly so in a little hole in the wall, one you’ll be drawn back to, time and time again.
The Wall Street Deli & Lounge in 5 Points. When it comes to old school dive bar Wall Street wins hands down; it’s smoky, loud and dirty, albeit a little cleaner after the great roof leak cleanup of 2015. The service is friendly and entertaining, occasionally it’s obnoxious, and or obnoxiously entertaining but for the most part it is based on your own attitude as Karma is quickly returned at The Wall Street. The drinks are reasonably priced. They have darts, TV, occasionally popcorn and or hot food is available. On Sunday’s they usually have a Bloody Mary special.
Honorable Mention; Across the Street, The Jug Saloon, The Rogue, and Monkey’s Uncle Tavern and Liquor Store.