Within the beautiful and historic W.A. Knight building built in 1921 still boasting its original brick and wood beams, you’ll find The Volstead.
The Volstead is the latest addition to Downtown Jacksonville’s nightlife. The lounge, in name and decor is a tip of the hat to the history of prohibition, both nationally and locally.
“The National Prohibition Act, known informally as the Volstead Act, was enacted to carry out the intent of the Eighteenth Amendment, which established prohibition in the United States. The Anti-Saloon League’s Wayne Wheeler conceived and drafted the bill, which was named for Andrew Volstead, Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, who managed the legislation.”
~ Wikipedia
The act was later repealed in 1933 in between, as alcohol became scarce, people sought ways to bring the forbidden drink into the United States. With it’s port Jacksonville became a logical stop. Top bootleggers such as William The Real McCoy operated out of The River City.
The Volstead invites you to indulge in decadent Bourbon, Whiskey, and Scotch and to enjoy classic cocktails made with a unique twist, all in a place of elegance and intimacy, a place The Real McCoy would approve of.
The Volstead plans to serve Jazz age cocktails, along with their version of contemporary ones, and enough of their own creations to keep your glass fresh and exciting.
They’re still the new kid on the block and new things with a nod to the past will continue as they grow. One such thing happens on Mondays. They feature a classic film, projected onto a screen in the lounge area.
They had their first ever Movie Monday the first Monday of 2014. It was “King Kong” which was filmed in 1933 by Jacksonville’s own, Merian Caldwell Cooper who grew up just five blocks from the W.A. Knight building.
Thank you, Volstead! Keep mixing those drinks in the future while sharing the best of the past.
The Volstead
115 W. Adams St.
Jacksonville, FL 32202
