Jack_Dec16_ForOnline

december 2016

2 jack december 2016

2nd annual holidays in hemming // dec. 17, 11 A.M. - 3 P.M. 

FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC // hemmingpark.ORG/holidays 

FASHION & FOOD 

TRUCK TAKEOVER 

weekly programming 

• Food Trucks & Live Music 

• Vagabond Coffee 

• Toddler Tuesday 

Special Events 

12/2: Nonprofit Business Expo 

12/4: Art Fusion with MOCA Jax 

12/7: First Wednesday Art Walk 

12/10: Force Fest: Going Rogue 

12/15: Jaxsons Night Market - 

Fashion & Food Truck Takeover! 

12/17: Holidays in Hemming 

let’s 

be 

friends 

Visit hemmingpark.org 

for details

letter from the editor 

the voice for the core 

editor 

Nan Kavanaugh 

creative director / designer 

Christine Tarantino 

graphic designers 

Beth Blacker 

Jessica Wait 

general manager 

Sean Scullion 

copy editor 

Roxie Reeve 

lists compiled by 

Samantha Arora 

contributors 

Caren Burmeister 

Tim Gilmore 

Nate Mayo 

Michelle Obi 

Renee Parenteau 

Kristen Penoyer 

Bob Mack 

Kerry Speckman 

Roosevelt Watson III 

stock photography provided by 

Thinkstock 

I LOVE THE VIBE OF A CITY DURING THE 

HOLIDAY SEASON. 

Everything just seems a little less gritty and a little 

brighter. People seem happier with more pep in 

their step. Shops twinkle with vibrant window 

displays, and bakeries work overtime to crank out 

sweet treats. Cities across the world hum at a different 

frequency during the holidays, and Jacksonville 

is no exception. 

2016 has been a crazy year for us living in the urban core. We have seen so many 

visionaries leave organizations (Hemming Park, RAM, Ground Works Jax, MOCA 

and the Cummer just to name a few) for new horizons. More new restaurants and 

shops opened than I can count, (shout out to Manifest Distilling, Wolf & Cub and 5 

Points Tavern), and staples like La Cena and Burro Bar closed up shop. 

This has been a year of flux for our urban core. As we wrap it up this holiday 

season, we need to celebrate those who paved the way for change in our city and 

those who are here making change to come. 

Let’s try to harness the holiday buzz and carry it deep into 2017, energizing our 

urban core with good tidings, comfort and joy! 

Happy holidays from us to you, 

For advertising information please contact: 

SEAN SCULLION 

sean.scullion@morris.com, 904.359.4179 

jackaboutjax.com 

© 2016 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Jack is published and distributed monthly 

throughout the urban core neighborhoods of Jacksonville and select 

locations outside of the city proper by Times-Union Media, One Riverside 

Ave., Jacksonville, FL 32202. We welcome event listings for events that take 

place in Murray Hill, Avondale, Riverside, Downtown/Brooklyn and the San 

Marco/South Bank neighborhoods, but they must be submitted 3 weeks in 

advance of the month of publication. Priority is given to content of general 

interest. Jack is not responsible for cancellations or changes to events after 

publication. Please send your listings to nan.kavanaugh@morris.com 

Nan Kavanaugh 

editor, jack magazine 

Send story ideas to nan.kavanaugh@morris.com 


The Magnificat Cafe 

231 N LAURA ST., JACKSONVILLE, FL 32202 

(904)353-3588 

www.themagnificatcafe.net 

Bonjour! 

Paris style cafe 

in the heart of 

Downtown Jacksonville! 

Our culinary creations 

include French cuisine 

mixed with 

American traditions. 

Monday-Friday 11-2pm 

904.353.9423 

1017 Park St. in 5 Points 

Mon - Sat 11-6 • Sun 1-4 

904.236.4770 209 N. Laura Street 

904.236.4770 • 209 N. Laura Street 

10% OFF 

your 

your 

purchase 

purchase 

of 

of 

$20 

$20 

or 

or 

more 

more 

Expires 12/31/16 

Expires 12/31/16 

www.mochamiski.com 

www.mochamiski.com 

$ 

20 $ 

20 OFF OFF 

hand-painted portrait by Jami Childers 

hand-painted portrait by Jami Childers 

Must present ad. Limit one discount per customer. 

Must present Expires ad. Limit 12/31/16. one discount per customer. 

Expires 12/31/16. 

• Art Classes 

• Guest & Exhibitions 

Monroe 

Monroe 

Galleries 

Galleries 

monroegalleries@gmail.com 

40 West 904-881-0209 

Monroe St. 32202 

monroegalleries.com 

904-881-0209 

monroegalleries.com 

CHAMBLIN 

BOOKMINE 

4551 ROOSEVELT BLVD. 

(904)384-1685 

YOU CAN SAVE 

“YES, 

BIG 

Jacksonville’s 

premiere shop for 

boutique WHEN YOU effects, BUY USED 

Stop By Today guitars, amplifiers, 

to Trade-in Your Used 

repairs 

BOOKS 

and more 

and ‘No Longer Needed’ 

Books For a Generous 

Store Book Credit! 933 edgewood ave. s 

jacksonville, FL 32205 

CHAMBLIN’S 

UPTOWNmockshopmusicexchange.com 

215 N. LAURA ST. @mockshopmusicexchange 

(904)674-0868 

“ 

334-324-1818 

700 E. Union Street, Bay 3B, 

Jacksonville, FL 32206 

The Union 

Art Studios 

and Gallery 

Where Art Works 

Open by appointment 

theunion3b@gmail.com 

www.unionartstudios.com 

www.facebook.com/theunion3b 

A unique source for the exploration and discovery 

of great wines. 

31 West Adams Street, Ste. 104 

WineDecadence.com 

20% Off 

one regular priced item 

Must present ad. Limit one discount per customer. 

Expires 12/31/16. 

SUPPORT 

COR E 

BIZ 

jackaboutjax.com jack 

5

contents december 

2016 

18 

14 

20 

Cover photo by: 

Renee Parenteau 

FEATURES: 

14 

18 

Street Talk: Holidays in the City 

Our top happenings to celebrate the season 

22 

You Don’t Know Jack: The Embers 

Revolving legends from the iconic rotating restaurant 

JACKED UP 

12 Mover Shaker 

14 Street Talk 

18 You Don’t Know Jack 

#HUNGRY JACK 

20 Kitchen Talk 

22 Taste Test 

24 Last Call 

25 Where2Eat 

20 

22 

Kitchen Talk: Behind the Line and Ahead of the Game 

Restaurateur Chef Jon Insetta is a team player 

Taste Test: The Perfect Cup of Coffee 

Will Morgan, owner of Vagabond Coffee shares tricks of the trade 

GO + DO 

26 Where2Go + What2Do 

OUTSIDE THE SECTIONS 

8 Jack Online 

10 Jack Social 



7

jack digital 

jackaboutjax.com 

We are always looking for ways to tap the digital age here at jack magazine. 

If you have the scoop on some online awesomeness happening in our city, 

let us know. 

instagram.com/jackaboutjax.com 

twitter.com/jackaboutjax 

facebook.com/jackjacksonville 

Check Out “Another Round” with 

Kerry Speckman and DJ Chill Will 

Kerry Speckman and DJ Chill Will’s weekly podcast 

“Another Round” is awesome. You need to listen 

in pronto. Boozy interviews conducted with local 

movers and shakers broadcast from a table at 

European Street Cafe ... what’s not to love? 

Visit thespecktator.com to subscribe 

Like FREE Stuff? 

WE DO, AND WE KNOW YOU DO TOO! 

Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and 

Instagram @jackaboutjax to be looped 

into our weekly giveaways to score some 

free tickets to hot happenings in the 

urban core. 

MEET DOWNTOWN 

OBI BROWN 

Life downtown is quirky, to say the least. Living 

in downtown Jacksonville is an experience gifted 

only to those brave urbanites that have chosen 

to call the heart of our city home. Jacksonville 

native and former punk, Michelle Obi is hitting the 

streets for jack to capture in words the antics of 

downtown living. Check out her new bimonthly 

blog, Downtown Obi Brown at jackaboutjax.com. 

DO YOU DIG TRUE 

WEIRD STORIES? 

Prof. Tim Gilmore’s website is a must do. 

It is like falling down a rabbit hole, 

so get ready to lose hours of your life as you explore 

strange hidden histories of our region. 

Visit jaxpsychogeo.com and get lost 

[ BE ON THE LOOK OUT ] 

We are busting out a new website designed just for urbanites 

in the Bold New City of the South. 

The new jackaboutjax.com will give you the scoop on where to go and 

what to do in the city any day of the week. 



9

jack social 

#jackaboutjax 

From killer bites to hot tickets, we want to share your photos as you explore our urban core. Be sure to tag us on Instagram 

in your city adventures at #jackaboutjax. Each month, we will pick our top 15 favorites and showcase them here. Why? 

Because this is your magazine, and we love you. 

@trads_garden_center // Alex and Van getting in the 

@artrepublicjax // Sky high views at dusk today of @ 

1 2 Christmas spirit this morning! 

@904tography // Detour finds before work … 

3 4 

their mural close to 10 stories up! 

@rivercitybrewcatering 

@thomanthonyhair // @thekatzdownstairz You don’t 

@krisko530 // Taverna San Marco // That’s a whole 

5 6 7 

know what jam they’re going to perform next!! I love it!! 

lotta pizza 

Porchfest 2016 

@devouringjax // Celebrate #nationalsandwichday 

at one of my favorite lunch spots @pinegrove_jax 

Congrats to Shannon 

Redding (@shreddingk), 

winner of our Toast 

of the Coast Cocktail 

Competition ticket 

giveaway! We hope you 

and your date have a 

fabulous time. Be sure to 

follow us on Instagram to 

get the scoop on ticket 

giveaways! 

@intbladesandshears //Movember has started. 

@theelbowjax //TOMOROWW: Come have a drink or two 

@904tography // Welcome to Freakville 

@silvercowjax // This is how we like to do a Wednesday 

8 9 10 11 

with your friends at Art Walk After Dark. 

evening – a glass of mead and warm camembert topped 

with truffle oil, chili pepper and fresh rosemary 

@devouringjax // Intuition Ale Works // A great place to 

@solunayogaspa // Giving thanks in ABUNDANCE! 

@thomanthonyhair // From one concert to the next!! 

@artrepublicjax // Optical illusion takeover by @ 

12 13 14 socialize, drink local beer and enjoy some great local food 

@coe22 

15 astro_odv_cbs. Teal and black sure does look good 

on our city! 

10 jack december 2016 

By tagging #jackaboutjax on Instagram, you are giving us one-time permission to print your photo in jack magazine with a caption taken from your Instagram tag.

Compiled by Samantha Arora 

MURRAY HILL 

Edible Arrangements 

Lauren Little 

09/19/2016–12/15/2016 

M–F 8am–7pm, 

Sat 8am–5pm 

3651 St Johns Avenue 

AVONDALE 

Publix Super Market: 

7749 Normandy Blvd. 

FIVE POINTS 

Bold City Brewery 

Organizer: Kazzie Gregory 

11/19/2016–12/15/2016 

Thur–Fri 3pm–11pm, 

Sat 1pm–11pm 

2670-7 Rosselle St 

J. Riley Williams, PLC 

Organizer: Ashley Powell 

11/17/2016–12/15/2016 

M–F 9am–5pm 

2141 Park St 

RIVERSIDE 

Publix Super Market 

2033 Riverside Ave 

(Riverside Market Square) 

DOWNTOWN 

Anytime Fitness 

Organizer: Ernie Perez 

11/15/2016–12/15/2016 

24 hrs a day 

100 N Laura St, Suite 200 

Wells Fargo 

Organizer: Brit Bradley 

11/21/2016–12/15/2016 


1 Independent Dr 

Ed Ball Building 

214 N Hogan St 

Jacksonville Fire and 

Rescue Department 

515 N Julia St 

SAN MARCO 

Publix Super Market 

5858 Atlantic Blvd 

Edward Jones Investments 

Organizer: Brenda Vick 

10/14/2016–12/15/2016 

M–F 9am–4pm, Closed Noon–1pm 

4466 Hendricks Ave 

Ferguson Enterprises 

Organizer: Jean Fortier 

11/18/2016–12/15/2016 

M–F 6:30am–5pm 

3003 Philips Hwy 

Hardage Giddens Oaklawn 

Cemetery and Funeral Home 

Organizer: Thomas Harris 

10/01/2016–12/15/2016 


4801 San Jose Blvd 

Holmes Stamp & Sign 

Organizer: Elena Rend 

11/21/2016–12/15/2016 


2021 St Augustine Road E, Suite 2 

Sherwood’s 

Organizer: Tim Dewey 

11/20/2016–12/15/2016 

M–F 9am–11:30pm 

1105 San Marco Blvd 

Thigpen Heating & Cooling 

Organizer: Jennifer Cruz 

11/01/2016–12/15/2015 

M–F 7:30am–5pm 

2801 Dawn Rd 

You may also drop off a new, 

unwrapped toy at any Duval 

County Publix and any Duval 

County Fire Station. 


11

jacked up I mover shaker 

THIS CHICK 

IS BOOKING IT 

By Michelle Obi 

Illustration by Roosevelt Watson III 

Concert promoter and entrepreneur Lisa Thomas on our music scene and new horizons 

Lisa Thomas is a magnetic yet humble renaissance boss. Her vibrant eyes glimmer, and when she speaks it’s as if they radiate pure energy. The 

last time we connected, she asked me to play a role in a music video that involved a furry latex poodle mask, a T-Rex, a bloody fight scene and 

clever melodic marauders, a.k.a. the rock band, The Dog Apollo. That was the first time we had touched base in over a decade, and of course, I 

said: “Yes.” Long story short, my character entered the venue with a Chihuahua, and left with a horse. 

Thomas is a creative that always has something cooking, so we decided to ask her a few questions about her journey in the Jacksonville 

music scene and local bands to be on the lookout for. 

jack: You’re truly a Jacksonvillian-ofall-trades, 

but, all along, you’ve been 

“behind the scenes” promoting the 

undeniable genius that is our local music 

scene. Tell us about that journey. 

Lisa Thomas: It started with Thee Imperial 

in 1999. I loved booking bands and dance 

nights spanning different genres giving 

everyone a place to play, hang out and 

practice. We had band practice rooms 

upstairs. We also had Saturday matinees, 

which gave really young musicians a safe 

venue that parents trusted. Josh Dunn headed 

that up. Next, we opened up Rock ‘n’ 

Roll Pizza and that’s another chapter. 

jack: In your eyes, how has the music 

scene has evolved? 

LT: There are more bands, but less bands 

playing out. That’s not necessarily a bad 

thing. Bands have finally learned to not 

overplay the market. Most local bands have 

become more choosey about where and 

when they perform. Key local bands are 

touring more, and taking control of their 

careers. Tim Hall and Ryan Murphy are con- 

sistently pumping out phenomenal shows, 

and we definitely have more avid, discerning 

concert goers. 

jack: Though you have a musical background, 

you say you prefer working 

“behind the scenes,” musically speaking. 

What incognito projects are you 

working on these days? 

LT: I am working on four projects: One is 

an internet radio station — NOBS Radio. 

Another is a booking platform for touring 

artists with developers Micah Cooper and 

Matt Polito. Tim Hall and I are working with 

The Dog Apollo in terms of management 

and booking. Lastly, I’m working on sponsorship 

for Collective Con — an incredible 

comic con drawing approximately 10,000 

people each year. 

jack: Okay, wow. Your brain is on fire. 

Now, let’s talk about your ears. Which 

local bands should we dare not miss? 

LT: I like anything Jeremiah Johnson 

touches: Radical Face, Rickolus, The Dog 

Apollo, Black Kids, Deadaires, Sea Cycles, 

Moyamoya, Willie Evans and TOMBOI. 

jack: Tell us about your new venture: 

the Verde Eco-Salon and gallery in San 

Marco. 

LT: We’re an eco-friendly salon focused on 

sustainable, low-chemical, vegan and vegetarian 

products and color lines. My partners, 

Ronny and Tanya, are all about education 

and top-notch customer service. In our 

gallery, we are currently featuring artists JJ 

Faircloth and Chad Landenberger. 

jack: Finally, tell us what you love most 

about the holidays in the urban core? 

LT: It’s great when all the talented folks and 

friends who have left Jacksonville return! 

Be sure to go to jackaboutjax.com to check out 

Michelle Obi’s new blog Downtown Obi Brown. Living 

in our city is life like no other. 

j 



13


jacked up I street talk 

Our top happenings to celebrate the season 

By Kerry Speckman, Photography courtesy of Times-Union Media 

and The Springfield Improvement Association & Archives 

Oh, the weather won’t be too 

frightful (FUN FACT: the average 

temperature in December in 

Jacksonville is 55.5 degrees). 

And the holidays are so 

delightful, 

Since it’s likely that it won’t snow, 

Let us go, let us go, let us go … 


15

The holidays are officially upon us. In the urban core, in particular, the holiday calendar is as full as Santa’s belly. Lucky for you, we chose some 

of our favorites: the can’t-miss-events, as well as a few tucked far back behind the Christmas tree. 

DOWNTOWN 

For the first time in decades, the Jacksonville Light Boat Parade 

sets sail in December instead of Thanksgiving weekend. 

Considered one of the biggest events in the city — at any time 

of the year, the parade attracts an estimated 200,000 attendees 

who line the Northbank and Southbank (Translation: Get there 

really early or find a friend who lives in the Peninsula or Strand), 

mostly concentrated around the Jacksonville Landing. Nearly one 

hundred vessels from motorboats and houseboats to shrimp boats 

and gravy boats (just seeing if you’re paying attention), cruise 

down the St. Johns with their hulls decked in boughs of lights, 

Christmas decorations and costumed characters with prizes for the 

best decorated. Following the parade is the city’s annual fireworks 

display including its signature waterfall of sparks off the Main 

Street Bridge. 

Jacksonville Light Boat Parade: 

December 30, 7-10 p.m., Northbank and Southbank, FREE 


AVONDALE 

Organized by the Avondale Merchants 

Association, Christmas in Avondale has 

been a tradition for local families for 

more than two decades. The street party 

features a veritable sleigh full of activities 

including pony rides, a game truck, 

live music, silent disco (if you haven’t 

seen one before, you are missing out), 

gingerbread cookie decorating, face 

painting, giveaways and the opportunity 

to write letters to Santa and to U.S. soldiers 

overseas. Limited food and drink 

will be available on the street, but plenty 

of restaurants and bars in the area offer 

holiday cheer. The event also features 

a performance by … wait for it … belly 

dancers. 

Christmas in Avondale: 

December 3, 4-9 p.m., Shoppes of Avondale, 

FREE 

RIVERSIDE 

Folks travel from near and far (we’re 

talking Northside and the Beaches, people) 

to experience Riverside & Avondale’s 

Luminaria celebration. Believed to have 

originated with Spanish merchants in the 

16th century, luminaria are paper bags 

weighed down with sand and a burning 

candle inside For decades, Riverside and 

Avondale residents have lined the streets 

of the historic district with thousands of 

them. While many folks take in the scenery 

by car, bike or on foot, others relax 

on their porches (often with adult beverages) 

and enjoy the people watching. Be 

advised: traffic is a crazy (a “Nightmare 

Before Christmas” one might say), so definitely 

consider carpooling or riding a bike. 

Also, luminaria kits can be purchased from 

Riverside Avondale Preservation with proceeds 

benefiting the organization. 

Luminaria Celebration: 

December 18, 6 p.m., Riverside/Avondale 

Historic District, FREE 

SPRINGFIELD 

Residents and business owners in 

Springfield open the doors to their homes 

as part of the 30th annual Home Holiday 

Tour. Tourists are asked to start at the 

Springfield Improvement Association building 

for maps and to celebrate the season 

with cookies and wassail (look it up, you’ll 

learn something). The tour includes homes 

ranging from Victorian and Queen Anne to 

Colonial Revival and new construction with 

each home fully decked out for the season. 

In exchange for opening their homes to 

complete strangers, home owners would 

ask visitors to wipe their feet and stay out 

of their medicine cabinets. 

Historic Holiday Home Tour: 

December 9 and 10, 5-9 p.m. Springfield 

Improvement Association and Archives, 

210 W. 7th St. Tickets are $12 (prior to 

December 9) and $15 (after December 9, also 

available at the door). j 

MURRAY HILL 

Murray Hill residents have a special bond, 

and every year they share the love of 

their neighborhood with A Very Murray 

Christmas (see what they did there?). Held 

at Murray Hill Four Corners Park, this 

quintessential holiday block party includes 

a chili cook-off and a family-friendly film 

(title TBD). Attendees are encouraged (but 

not required) to bring snacks to share 

with friends old and new. 

A Very Murray Christmas: 

December 11, 5-9 p.m., Murray Hill Four 

Corners Park, 4602 Lawnview St., FREE 

SAN MARCO 

San Marco’s annual Holiday Magic celebration 

is the ultimate family-friendly event 

with roving carolers, train rides, stilt walkers 

and jugglers, bounce houses, petting 

zoo (don’t forget the hand sanitizer) and 

“sleigh” rides. Kids can visit Santa and the 

Missus in Balis Park for gift consults and 

photos; while parents can shop at a variety 

of stores staying open late for the event, 

though the best gift for this event might be 

a parking space. 

Holiday Magic: 

December 18, 6-9 p.m., San Marco Square, 

FREE 


17

jacked up I you don’t know jack 

THE EMBERS 

Revolving legends from the iconic rotating restaurant 

By Tim Gilmore, Photography courtesy of Times-Union Media 

The top floor has stood still for more than 40 years. The Embers Restaurant was a place to “see and be seen.” Its diners viewed a panorama of the 

urban core with each hour-and-a-half rotation as they ate veal cutlets, beef roulade, lobster tail and rainbow trout. 

This is an image 

from a postcard 

of The Embers, a 

250-seat revolving 

restaurant that 

once sat atop 

the Universal 

Marion Building 

in downtown 

Jacksonville. It 

was reportedly 

the world’s 

largest revolving 

restaurant when it 

opened 46 years 

ago. Permission 

granted by the 

Jacksonville Public 

Library Florida 

Collection. 

The Embers was Jacksonville’s answer to the ultra-fenestrated 

revolving rooftop restaurant trend that began with Honolulu’s La 

Ronde, designed by Seattle architect John Graham in 1961 and the 

revolving restaurant at the top of his most famous building, Seattle’s 

Space Needle, built for the World’s Fair in 1962. 

Rotating rooftop restaurants appeared in Atlanta, Toronto, New 

York, Chicago, and Disney World. Though, Florida Times-Union 

Journalist Sandy Gould compared The Embers to a “sleek glassed-in 

spaceship, slowly spinning,” it occupied the top floor of the boxy 

Universal Marion Building, a far cry from the elegant streamlined 

design of the Space Needle. 

The Universal Marion, which now houses the Jacksonville Electric 

Authority at 21 West Church St., was built in 1963 and designed by 

New York modernist architectural firm Ketchum and Sharp. Universal 

Marion Company owned newspapers in Jacksonville and Miami and 

co-financed Mel Brooks’s “The Producers” in 1968. 

It’s too bad you can no longer step from the elevator onto the 

floor beneath the former Embers. The view from the top is spectacular, 

but on the 18th floor, you could once see the great gears that 

rotated the top of the building. 

It’s also too bad, say longtime JEA employees, that they’re no longer 

allowed to bring their families up to the top to watch fireworks 

on the Fourth of the July and New Year’s Eve. 

Charter Oil Company took over the building in 1979 and was 

Fortune 500’s 61st biggest corporation right before it filed for bankruptcy 

in early 1984. Urban legends circulated that the 17th floor, 

where Charter had its executive offices underneath the great gear 

house, contained a panic room where gold was hidden in the walls 

in lieu of more liquid assets. 

Charter Oil Company founder Raymond Knight Mason used the 

whole former Embers Restaurant as his personal office. He looked 

out on the city from every angle. When Charter declared bankruptcy, 

The New York Times referred to Mason as “a swashbuckling Florida 

legend” with “a penchant for deal-making” who “hobnobbed” with 

the likes of Egyptian President Anwar el-Sadat and former President 

Gerald Ford at his estate, Epping Forest, the former San Jose 

Boulevard home of multimillionaire Alfred DuPont and his philanthropist 

wife Jesse Ball DuPont. 

The Embers closed in the early 1970s and the space today serves 

as a JEA conference and banquet room. For graphic designer 

Stephanie Robertson Feria, however, that top floor will always be the 

place where her parents took her to celebrate her 16th birthday. In 

Dorothy Fletcher’s 2013 book “Lost Restaurants of Jacksonville,” she 

quotes Feria, “My dad ordered alcoholic drinks for the adults and a 

Shirley Temple for me.” Her supposed Shirley Temple knocked her 

back in her seat. Her dad told her, “Enjoy!” The waitress winked. 

j 


READ MORE: 

If you love hidden histories and strange tales, 

visit Tim Gilmore’s website jaxpsychogeo.com 

for more fascinating stories of our core 

and region. 

Universal Marion 

building that later 

became the Charter 

Oil Building, currently 

headquarters to 

JEA. Built in 1963. 

Featured the world’s 

largest revolving 

restaurant, long-since 

closed, on top of the 

building. 


19

Check out nomnomjax.com 

and natedoesfood.com for 

Nate Mayo’s scoop on hot 

eats and special events on 

the First Coast. 


#hungry jack I kitchen talk 

BEHIND THE LINE AND 

AHEAD OF THE GAME 

Restaurateur Chef Jon Insetta is a team player 

By Nate Mayo, Photography by Kristen Penoyer 

Whenever people ask me where to eat in Jacksonville, Orsay Restaurant is always the top 

recommendation. I eat out a lot, and Orsay is the restaurant I visit the most. They even know 

where I like to sit. I hosted my first food event there, multiple brunch and dinner events, and 

even my birthday. I’ve brought every person that I know for dessert and/or happy hour, and it 

continues to win best restaurant every year. Chef and Owner Jon Insetta, went to the Culinary 

Institute of America (CIA) in New York; one of the best culinary schools in the world. He also 

owns Black Sheep Restaurant, an urban core favorite. Insetta is a food scene powerhouse, and 

the first thing I wanted to know was what drives him. 

I asked him why he decided to invest 

in Jacksonville, and the answer was simple: 

community. Before CIA, he went to 

culinary school at Florida State College 

of Jacksonville (FSCJ) and made lasting 

connections. “In college, I did a study 

abroad in London. After living in different 

cities from Jacksonville, I just felt a natural 

need and want to come home. It’s a community 

that raised me, it’s a community 

that I cared about and I felt it could be a 

positive force for change in a special community 

that is coming up,” Insetta says. “I 

had a lot of support here. My head chef 

[at Orsay] right now, Mike McKinney, we 

started together at FSCJ. I had a lot of 

support in the industry here.” 

Insetta is excited about the transformation 

of our urban core dining scene 

and the community of chefs that are 

working to make it a dining destination. 

“I think we’re at a special moment. I 

think it’s outstanding. From 13 Gypsies, 

to what Chef Tom Gray is doing, to what 

Scotty Schwartz is going to do, to Chef 

Kenny Gilbert, and to what Sam [Efron] is 

doing at Taverna — it’s a special time right 

now within the community,” he says. “We 

all care about each other. We’re all friends. 

We all work for the same goal, and that 

goal is not for our individual restaurants to 

get on the map — it’s for the city to get on 

the map. Regionally we’ve already started 

getting some respect. Forbes wrote an article 

that we are in the top 5 up-and-coming 

food scenes.” 

Insetta doesn’t have to cook in the kitchen 

anymore, but I always see him behind 

the line at his establishments working 

alongside his staff. I asked him if it was 

because he loved it. “Yeah, I’ve always 

been attracted to working the line,” Insetta 

says. “It allows me to keep in touch with 

my coworkers, and also with the concept 

I’m trying to put forward; it allows us 

to deepen that language that we speak. I 

really enjoy the line. I enjoy the challenge 

of a line. It’s one of the things that attracted 

me most to this business.” 

As a former athlete, Insetta equates his 

role in the restaurant to that of a coach, 

and his staff as a team. “I played basketball 

growing up. When you have a group 

of people going for a common goal and 

it works together, and you look to your 

brother and your sister and you know 

what you went through that night to 

accomplish that, those are the nights that 

you live for. The reality is those nights 

only happen once in a while. You immediately 

know as a group where you succeeded 

and where you failed, and you’ve gotta 

constantly improve and get better, but you 

do it together as a group. I think when 

you have a group fighting for a common 

goal, there is a sense of camaraderie which 

is very rare in todays’ world because the 

goal is so pure, and I just don’t see that in 

many industries,” he says. 

In 2017, his newest project, Bellwether, 

will be opening downtown. It is a concept 

similar to Black Sheep, with the 

same lunch menu with a few additions. 

He and his team just recently 

opened Black Sheep at Intuition Ale 

Works’ Doro District location. On top of 

all that, a fast casual kiosk is still in the 

works for Hemming Park. Insetta is a vital 

player in putting the Jacksonville culinary 

scene on the map. And I can’t wait to see 

what he does next. j 


21

#hungry jack I taste test 

THE PERFECT CUP OF 

COFFEE 

Will Morgan, owner of Vagabond Coffee shares tricks of the trade 

By Caren Burmeister, Photography by Christine Tarantino 

But is it possible to make that same cup at home 

without being a highly trained barista or investing 

hundreds of dollars? Will Morgan, owner of 

Vagabond Coffee, thinks it is. 

With a few tools and a consistent process 

refined over time, home brewers can make coffee 

just as good, or maybe even better because they 

can adjust the flavor to their own taste, he says. Morgan trains 

employees to explain the process to customers and is adding 

a home brewing video to Vagabond Coffee’s website. He also 

plans to schedule classes at the shop on Edgewood Avenue in 

Murray Hill. 

What fascinates Morgan the most about coffee is its complexity. 

Experts believe that coffee has more than 1,500 aromatic 

and flavor compounds, making it more complex than 

wine, he says. The notes depend on many factors, including 

the variety itself, the soil where it’s grown, the ripeness of the 

coffee fruit when it’s picked and a roasting process that can 

bring out the bean’s unique flavor or render it bitter. Coffee is 

a stone fruit, and “the stone” or bean inside is what is used to 

make coffee. 

“Coffee is science,” Morgan says. “There’s so much science 

in it.” 

Of course, good coffee starts with a good bean. Morgan 

suggests a green, or natural bean, which refers to coffee that’s 

dried with the cherry on and not roasted. To make the most 

flavorful cup of coffee at home, Morgan recommends the pourover 

method. While it may take more time, this process pro- 

There’s nothing like walking into your favorite coffee shop and savoring a cup of joe that tastes as good as it smells. 

duces a fantastic cup of coffee because it enhances the bean’s 

best flavors. 

Starting with a whole bean, versus pre-ground beans, will 

make a fresher cup of coffee. A hand grinder, which creates an 

even textured grind that properly releases its aromatic oils in 

the water, is a handy tool for the process. A pourover dripper, 

filter and filter holder are also needed. Vagabond and many 

other independent coffee shops in the core sell the proper 

tools needed for a pourover. 

Morgan recommends weighing the water and the coffee 

grinds prior, so the process can be repeated or adjusted for 

your preferred strength. Vagabond Coffee uses 24 grams of 

coffee to 330 grams of water, Morgan says. 

Bring the water to boil, and then let it cool a bit so it 

doesn’t scorch the coffee. Place the grinds in the filter inside 

the pourover dripper, and place the pourover dripper over 

your cup, or vessel to hold the coffee. Pour the hot water over 

the grinds slowly and evenly, so the grinds don’t dry out. The 

coffee is ready to serve in about three-and-a-half minutes and 

will yield a 12-ounce cup. 

Morgan is not afraid that education on home brewing will 

harm business because, he says, “We put our own fingerprint 

on our coffee” served at Murray Hill and Hemming Plaza. 

“This is a labor of love for us,” he says. 

For more information about Vagabond Coffee, visit vagabondcoffee.com 

j 


The key to a perfect cup of coffee is starting 

with great beans, a good grind and an even 

pour over using a pourover dripper. 

Did You Know? 

Coffee is made from the seed of a fruit 

similar to a cherry. The pit, or bean, is 

what is used to brew coffee. 


23

hungry jack I last call 

THE BEAST 

UPTOWN KITCHEN & BAR’S 

BLOODY MARY 

By Nan Kavanaugh 

Photography by Bob Mack 

The holidays are all about throwing down, and the Bloody Mary at 

Uptown Kitchen & Bar is not for the faint of heart. A combination 

of their house-made Bloody Mary mix and a double shot of local 

distillery Marlin & Barrel’s Venture Vodka, garnished with everything 

but the kitchen sink and rimmed with a secret blend of spices; 

this cocktail is the perfect holiday-party-hangover hair of the dog. 

Cheers to indulgence! 

The Beast is featured on Uptown’s new cocktail menu, so ask for it 

when you go in! For more info visit uptownkitchenandbar.com 


# hungry jack 

Where2Eat Right Now 

Compiled by Samantha Arora 

Jacksonville’s Urban Core is a dining destination for serious foodies, for good reason. Here is why. 

MURRAY HILL 

Bella Vita Pizzeria 

(Italian) 

1044 Edgewood Ave S 

(904) 384-8482 

Mon-Sat: 11am-10pm; Sun closed 

Dreamette 

(Ice Cream) 

3646 Post St 

(904) 388-2558 

Mon-Sat: Noon-8pm; 

Sun: Noon-7pm 

Edgewood Diner 

(American) 


(904) 524-8711 

Mon-Sun 7am–2:30pm 

Magnolia’s Pub 

(Waffle Sandwiches, Bar) 

1190 Edgewood Ave. S 

Hours: Mon-Fri: 3pm to close; Sat- 

Sun: 10am to close 

magnoliaspub.com 

Maple Street Biscuit Company 

(Southern, Breakfast & Brunch) 


(904) 518-4907 

Mon-Thu: 7am-2pm; Fri-Sat: 

7am-2pm, 5pm-9pm; Sun Closed 

maplestreetbiscuits.com 

Moon River Pizza 

(Pizza, Italian) 

1176 Edgewood Ave 

(904) 389-4442 

Mon-Sat: 11am-10pm; Sun Closed 

moonriverpizza.net 

Perfect Rack 

(Pool Hall, American) 


(904) 384-0587 

Mon-Wed: 4pm-midnight; Thu: 

11am-midnight; Fri: 11am-2am; Sat: 

5pm-2am; Sun: 5pm-midnight 

Vagabond Coffee 

(Coffee, Pastries) 

934 Edgewood Ave 

(904) 479-6848 

Mon-Thu: 6:30am-9pm; Fri: 

6:30am-10pm; Sat: 7am-10pm; Sun: 

8am-8pm 

vagabondcoffee.com 

Wok N Roll 

(Chinese, Asian Fusion) 


(904) 387-5515 

Mon-Thu: 10:30am-10pm; 

Fri-Sat: 10:30am-11pm; Sun: 

11:30am-10pm 

AVONDALE 

Biscottis 

(Traditional American, Breakfast 

& Brunch) 

3556 St Johns Ave 

(904) 387-2060 


10:30am-Midnight; Sat: 8am-Midnight; 

Sun: 8am-9pm 

biscottis.net 

The Blue Fish Restaurant and 

Oyster Bar 

(Seafood, American) 


(904) 387-0700 


11am-11pm; Sun: 10:30am-10pm 

bluefishjax.com 

The Brick Restaurant 

(American, Breakfast & Brunch, 

Bar) 


(904) 387-0606 

Mon-Thu: 11am-10pm; Fri: 

11am-Midnight; Sat: 10:30am-Midnight; 

Sun: 10am-10pm 

brickofavondale.com 

Casbah Café 

(Middle Eastern, Hookah Bar) 


(904) 981-9966 

Mon-Sun: 11am-2am 

thecasbahcafe.com 

Chomp Chomp 

(Burgers, Sandwiches, American) 

4162 Herschel St 

(904) 329-1679 

Mon-Thu: 10:30am-10pm; Fri-Sat: 

10:30am-11pm; Sun Closed 

Fox Restaurant 

(American, Diner, Breakfast 

& Brunch) 


(904) 387-2669 

Mon-Sat: 7am-2:30pm; Sun: 

8am-2:30pm 

Green Man Gourmet 

(Gourmet. Market) 


(904) 384-0002 

Tues-Sat: 11am-9pm; Sun 

12pm-4pm 

The Loop Pizza Grill 

(Pizza) 


(904) 384-7301 

Sun-Thu: 11am-9pm; Fri-Sat: 

11am-10pm 

looppizzagrill.com 

Harpoon Louie’s 

(American) 


(904) 389-5631 

Sun-Thu: 11am-10pm; Fri-Sat: 

11am-11pm 

harpoonlouies.net 

Mellow Mushroom 

(Pizza, Bar, Sandwiches) 


(904) 388-0200 

Mon-Fri: 11am-2am; Sat-Sun: 

10am-2am 

mellowmushroom.com 

MOJO no.4 Urban BBQ 

Whiskey Bar 

(Barbecue, Cocktails, Southern) 


(904) 381-6670 

Sun-Tue: 11am-10pm; Wed-Thu: 

11am-11pm; Fri-Sat: 11am-midnight 

mojobbq.com 

Old Cup Café 

(Bakery) 

3604-2 St. Johns Ave 

(904)389-2122 

Tues-Thu: 9am-8pm; Fri-Sat: 

8am-6pm; Sun 12pm-6pm 

Pinegrove Market & Deli 

(Grocery, Deli, Butcher) 

1511 Pine Grove Ave 

(904) 389-8655 

Mon-Fri: 10am-8pm; 

Sat: 8am-7pm; Sun Closed 

pinegrovemarket.com 


25

Pulp 

(Juice Bar) 


(904)379-6908 

Mon-Fri: 7am-11pm; Sat: 8am-11pm; 

Sun: 8am-10pm 

pulpaddiction.com 

Restaurant Orsay 

(French, American) 

3630 Park St 

(904) 381-0909 

Mon-Wed: 4pm-10pm; Thu-Fri: 

4pm-Midnight; Sat: 11am-Midnight; 

Sun: 11am-10pm 

restaurantorsay.com 

South Kitchen & Spirits 

(Southern, American) 

3683 Park St 

(904) 475-2362 

Sun-Thurs: 11am-10pm; 

Fri-Sat: 11am-12pm 

south.kitchen 

Sushiko Japanese Restaurant 

(Japanese, Sushi Bar) 


(904) 388-5688 


11am-11pm; Sun: Noon-9pm 

sushikojax.com 

RIVERSIDE / FIVE POINTS 

Black Sheep Restaurant 

(American, Lounge) 

1534 Oak St 

(904) 380-3091 


Fri: 10:30am-Midnight; Sat: 

9:30am-Midnight; Sun: 

9:30am-10pm 

blacksheep5points.com 

Al’s Pizza 


1620 Margaret St 

(904) 388-8384 


11am-11pm: Sun: Noon-9pm 

alspizza.com 

Bakery Ribault 

(European Bakery) 

813 Lomax St 

(904) 683-5074 

Tues-Fri: 7am-3pm; Sat: 8am-6pm; 

Sun-Mon Closed 

BREW 

(Coffee & Tea, Bar) 

1024 Park St 

(904) 374-5789 

Mon: 7:30am-4pm; Tue-Fri: 

7:30am-Midnight; Sat: 9am-Midnight; 

Sun: 10am-9pm 

brewfivepoints.com 

China Joy Chinese Restaurant 

(Chinese) 


(904) 388-8396 

Mon-Thu: 10:30am-10:30pm; 


11:00am-10pm 

Choban Grill 

(Greek, Mediterranean) 


(904) 723-1617 


chobangrill.com 

Corner Taco 

(Mexican, Food Truck) 

818 Post St 

(904) 240-0412 


11am-10pm; Sun: 11am-9pm 

cornertaco.com 

Cozy Tea 

(American, Tea Room) 

1023 Park St 

(904) 329-3964 

Mon-Thu: 11am-4pm; Fri: 11am-3pm; 


cozyt.com 

Derby On Park 

(American) 

1068 Park St 

(904) 379-3343 

Mon Closed; Tue-Thu: 

7:30am-10pm; Fri: 7:30am-Midnight; 

Sat: 9am-Midnight; Sun: 

9am-3pm 

Einstein Bros Bagels 

(Breakfast & Brunch) 


(904) 354-0991 

Mon-Fri: 5am-4pm; Sat-Sun: 

6am-3pm 

einsteinbros.com 

Firehouse Subs 

(Sandwiches, Deli) 


(904) 674-2204 

Mon-Sun: 10:30am-9pm 

firehousesubs.com 

Five Points Tavern 

(American, World) 


(904) 549-5063 

Tue-Thu: 11am-10pm; Fri-Sat: 

11am-11:45pm; Sun-Mon Closed 

fivepointstavern.com 

Grassroots Natural Market 

(Grocery, Health Market, 

Sandwiches) 

2007 Park St 

(904) 384-4474 

Mon-Sat: 9am-8pm; 

Sun: Noon-5pm 

thegrassrootsmarket.com 

Hawkers Asian Street Fare 

(Tappas, Small Plates, Asian 

Fusion) 

1001 Park St 

(904) 508-0342 



eathawkers.com 

Hot Wok 

(Chinese) 


(904) 339-0888 



hotwokjacksonville.com 

Hovan Gourmet Mediterranean 

Restaurant 

(Middle Eastern) 

2005 Park St 

(904) 381-9394 

Mon-Fri: 10am-10pm; Sun Closed 

hovan.com 

Kaika Teppanyaki 

(Asian Fusion, Sushi Bar, 

Teppanyaki) 

1012-1 Margaret St 

(904) 355-5168 

Mon-Thu: 11am-3pm & 

4:30pm-10pm; Fri: 11am-3pm & 

4:30pm-11pm; Sat: Noon-11pm; Sun: 

Noon-10pm 

kaikateppanyakijax.com 

Kostas Pizza Italian 


1053 Park St 

(904) 355-3820 



pizzaitalian5points.com 

Larry’s Giant Subs 

(Sandwiches) 


(904) 674-2794 


larryssubs.com 

Mossfire Grill & Lounge 

(Tex-Mex) 


(904) 355-4434 

Mon-Thu: 11am-10pm. Fri: 

11am-11pm; Sat: 11am-10pm; Sun: 

11am-9pm 

mossfire.com 

M Shack 

(American, Burgers, Fast Food) 


(904) 423-1283 

Mon-Sat: 11am-10pm; Sun: 

11am-9pm 

mshackburgers.com 

Motion Sweets 

(Bakeries) 

1020 Park St//(904) 551-3665 

Tue-Sat: 11:30am-Soldout; 


motionsweets.com 

Sake House 


824 Lomax St 

(904) 301-1188 

Mon-Thur: 11am-10pm; Fri-Sat: 


sakehousejax.com 

Sun-Ray Cinema 

(Cinema, Sandwhiches, Dawgs, 

Pizza) 

1028 Park St 

(904) 359-0049 

Check movie listings 

sunraycinema.com/menu 

Sushi Café 

(Sushi Bar) 


(904) 384-2888 



sushicafejacksonville.com 

sweetFrog 

(Ice cream & Frozen yogurt) 


(904) 619-9745 



11:30am-10pm 

sweetfrogyogurt.com 

Tapa That 

(Tapas/Small Plates, Vegan, 

Cuban) 

820 Lomax St 

(904) 376-9911 

Mon Closed; Tue-Thu: 5pm-10pm; 

Sat: 10am-2pm & 5pm-10pm; Sun: 

10am-2pm 

tapathat.com 

Tijuana Flats 

(Mexican, Tex-Mex) 


(904) 389-5630 


11am-9pm 

tijuanaflats.com 

Timoti’s Seafood Shack 

(Wild caught seafood) 

1043 Park St 

(904) 374-8892 


11am-3pm 

timotis.com 

RIVERSIDE 

The Blind Rabbit 

(Burgers, Bar) 

901 King St 

(904) 337-0146 

Mon-Thu: 11:30am-10pm; Fri 

Closed: Sat-Sun: 11:30am-2am 

theblindrabbitwhiskeybar.com 

Bold Bean Coffee Roasters 

(Coffee & Tea, Café) 

869 Stockton St 

(904) 855-1181 


6:30am-11 pm; Sat: 7am-11pm; 

Sun: 7am-6pm 

boldbeancoffee.com 

Bold City Brewery 

(Brewery) 

2670-7 Roselle St 

(904) 379-6551 

Mon-Wed Closed; Thu-Fri: 

3pm-11pm; Sat: 1pm-11pm; Sun 

Closed 

boldcitybrewery.com 

Bottega By Liz Grenamyer 

(American, Sandwiches) 

919 King St 

(904) 387-8483 

Mon-Fri: 10am-7pm; Sat: 

11am-2pm; Sun Closed 

cateringbyliz.com 

Carmine’s Pie House 


2677 Forbes St 

(904) 387-1400 


11am-9pm 

carminespiehouse.com 


Cool Moose Coffee Company 

(Breakfast & Brunch, Coffee 

& Tea) 

2708 Park St 

(904) 381-4242 

Mon Closed; Tue-Fri: 7am-3pm; 

Sat: 8am-4pm; Sun: 8am-2pm 

coolmoosecafe.net 

Cummer Museum of Art & 

Gardens 

(Museum, Botanical Gardens, 

Café) 


(904) 356-6857 

Mon Closed; Tue: 10am-9pm; Wed- 

Sat: 10am-4pm; Sun: Noon-4pm 

cummermuseum.org 

European Street Café 

(Sandwiches, German) 

2753 Park St 

(904) 384-9999 

Mon-Sun: 10am-10pm 

europeanstreet.com 

The Garage 

(American, Bar) 

2692 Post St 

(904) 894-7465 

Mon-Fri: 3pm-3am; Sat-Sun: 

11am-3am 

garagejax.com 

Il Desco 

(Italian) 

2665 Park St 

(904) 290-6711 

Mon-Thurs: 4pm-10pm; Fri 

4pm-11pm; Sat 4pm-Midnight; 

Sun 12pm-9pm 

ildescojax.com 

Kickback’s Gastropub 

(American, Gastropub) 

910 King St 

(904) 388-9551 

Mon-Sun: 7am-3am 

kickbacksgastropub.com 

Lola’s Burrito & Burger Joint 

(Mexican, Bar, Burgers) 

1522 King St 

(904)738-7181 


11am-9pm 

lolasburritojoint.com 

Nourish Juice Café 

(Organic Juice Bar) 

1510 King St 

(904)574-3557 


9am-5pm 

Panda House Chinese Fast Food 

(Chinese) 

2700 Post St 

(904) 388-5203 

Mon-Sat: 11am-9:30pm; Sun 

Closed 

Pattaya Thai on King 

(Thai, Vegan) 

1526 King St 

(904) 503-4060 

Mon Closed; Tue-Sun: 11am-2:30pm 

& 4:30pm-9 pm 

ptgrille.com 

CHECK OUT 

DRY BAR 

Hit Dry Bar before you hit the town this holiday party season. The newest addition 

to Brooklyn Station, Dry Bar has a full menu of fantastic hair fixes that will leave you 

looking fabulous for whatever event you have on the agenda. For more information 

visit: thedrybar.com/Jacksonville 

Primi Piatti 

(Italian) 

2722 Park St 

(904) 389-5545 

Mon: 11:30am-2:30pm; Tue-Fri: 

11:30am-2:30pm & 5:30pm-9:30pm; 

Sat: 5:30pm-9:30pm; Sun Closed 

primipiattijax.com 

Riverside Liquors 

(Tapas, Entrees, Retail) 

1251 King St 

(904) 356-4517 

Retail Hours: Mon-Sat: 10am-10pm; 

Bar Hours: Mon-Sat: 4pm-10pm; 

Kitchen Hours: Mon-Thurs: 4pm-9pm; 

Fri-Sat: 4pm-10pm; Sun Closed 

The Silver Cow 


1506 King St 

(904) 379-6968 

Mon Closed; Tue-Wed: 5pm-Midnight; 

Thu: 4pm-Midnight Fri-Sat: 

4pm-2am; Sun: 4pm-Midnight 

silvercowjax.com 

Southern Roots Filling Station 

(Coffee & Tea, Health Market, 

Vegan) 

1275 King St 

(904) 513-4726 

Mon Closed; Tue-Fri: 8am-6pm; Sat: 


southernrootsjax.com 

Sumo Sushi 


2726 Park St 

(904) 388-8838 



sumosushijax.com 

Sweet Theory Baking Co. 

(Vegetarian) 

1243 King St 

(904) 387-1001 

Mon-Tues Closed; Wed- 

Fri 8:30am-6pm; Sat-Sun, 

10am-5pm 

facebook.com/ 

SweetRevolutionBakingCo 

Tamarind Thai 

(Thai) 

1661 Riverside Ave #123 

(904) 329-3180 

Mon-Fri: 11am-10pm; Sat: Noon- 

10pm; Sun: Noon-9pm 

13 Gypsies 

(Spanish, Basque, Tapas/Small 

Plates) 


(904) 389-0330 

Tue-Thu: 11am-2pm & 5pm-9pm; 

Fri-Sat: 11am-2pm & 5pm-10pm; 


13gypsies.com 

Tres Leches Eatery 

(Breakfast & Brunch, Sandwiches, 

Spanish) 


(904) 551-4375 

Mon: 10am-3pm; Tue Closed; Wed- 

Sat: 10am-3pm & 6pm-10pm; Sun: 

10am-2pm 

treslecheseatery.com 

Whiteway Delicatessen 

(Deli, Sandwiches) 

1237 King St//904) 389-0355 

Mon-Fri: 7am-3pm; Sat-Sun 

Closed 

BROOKLYN 

Brixx Wood Fired Pizza 

(Pizza) 

220 Riverside Ave Ste 102 

(904) 300-3928 

Mon-Sat: 11am-1am; Sun: 

11am-11pm 

brixxpizza.com 

BURGERFI 

(Hot Dogs, Burgers) 


(904) 355-3066 



burgerfi.com 

Burrito Gallery 

(Mexican) 


(904) 355-4889 

Mon-Wed: 7am-Midnight; Thu-Fri: 

7am-2am; Sat: 11am-2am; Sun: 

11am-10pm 

burritogallery.com 

Corner Bakery Café 

(Bakery, Café) 


(904) 355-5330 


7am-8pm 

cornerbakerycafe.com 

HOBNOB 

(Food + Social Exchange) 


(904) 513-4272 

Mon: 11am-9pm; Tue-Thur: 

11am-10pm; Fri: 11am-11:30pm; Sat: 

10am-11:30pm; Sun: 10am-9pm 

hobnobjax.com 

The Hyppo Gourmet Ice Pops 

(Frozen Deserts) 


(904) 551-0361 

Mon-Thu: 11am-9pm; Fri-Sun: 

11am-10pm 

thehyppo.com 

Johnny’s Deli and Grille 

(Deli) 


(904) 356-8055 


Little Joe’s Café by Akel’s 

(Deli, Sandwiches) 


(904) 791-3336 


Closed 

akelsdeli.com 

Zoës Kitchen 

(Southern, Mediterranean, Greek) 


(904) 355-9637 


zoeskitchen.com 


27

DOWNTOWN 

Adams Street Deli and Grill 

(Sandwiches, Deli) 

126 W Adams St 

(904) 475-1400 


Sat-Sun Closed 

Akel’s Delicatessen 

(Deli, Breakfast & Brunch, 

Sandwiches) 

315 W Forsyth St 

(904) 309-8889 

Mon-Fri: 6am-2:30pm; 


akelsdeli.com 

American Grill 

(American, Sports Bar) 

2 W Independent Dr, Ste 201 

(904) 353-7522 


11am-Midnight; Sun: 11am-10pm 

Atrium Café & Grill 

(Café) 


(904) 634-1811 


Azucena Corner Deli 

(Deli) 

100 E Forsyth St 

(904) 479-1999 



Benny’s Steak & Seafood 

(Seafood, Steakhouse) 


(904) 301-1014 

Mon-Fri: 11:30am-10pm; Sat-Sun 

11:30am-11pm 

bennyssteakandseafood.com 

Big Pete’s Pizzeria 


118 N Julia St 

(904) 356-2680 


Closed 

The Brick Coffee House 

(Donuts, Sandwiches) 


(904) 354-9945 

Mon-Fri: 6:30am-4pm; Sat-Sun 

Closed 

brickcoffeehouse.com 


(Mexican, Bar) 

21 E Adams St 

(904) 598-2922 

Mon-Wed: 7am-Midnight; Thu-Fri: 

7am-1:30am; Sat: 11am-1:30am; 

Sun: 11am-8pm 


Burritos Puebla 

(Mexican) 


(904) 442-3963 



The Candy Apple Café & Cocktails 

(French, Southern, Cocktail Bar) 


(904) 353-9717 

Mon: 11am-3pm; Tue-Thu: 

11am-9pm; Fri: 11am-10pm; Sat: 


candyapplecafeandcocktails.com 

Casa Dora Italian Café 

(Italian, Music Venue) 


(904) 356-8282 

Mon-Sun: 10:30am-9:30pm 

casadoraitalian.com 

Chamblin’s Uptown 

(Café) 

215 N Laura St 

(904) 674-0868 

Mon-Fri: 8am-5pm; Sat: 9am-4pm; 

Sun: Noon-5pm 

chamblinbookmine.com 

Charlie’s Café 

(Café) 


(904) 515-5098 



Chicago Pizza & Sports Grille 

(Pizza, Bar) 

2 E Independent Dr 

(904) 354-7747 


11am-2am; Sun: 11am-10pm 

chicagopizzajax.com 

Cinco De Mayo 

(Mexican) 


(904) 329-2892 


D & G Deli & Grill 

(Sandwiches) 

233 E Bay St 

(904) 634-0328 

Mon-Fri: 7am-2:30pm; Sat: 

7:30am-2:30pm; Sun Closed 

dandgdeliandgrill.com 

Danny’s Place 

(Deli, Breakfast & Brunch, 

Sandwiches) 

200 W Forsyth St 

(904) 353-8155 



De Real Ting Café 

(Caribbean, Buffet) 


(904) 633-9738 

Tue-Fri: 11am-3pm; Fri: 6pm-3am; 

Sat: 8:30pm-3am; Sun-Mon 

Closed 

Desert Rider Sandwich Shop 

(Sandwiches) 


(904) 353-5654 

Mon-Fri: 6:30am-3pm; 


Element Bistro Bar and Lounge 


333 E Bay St 

(904) 707-0474 


elementjax.com 

Fionn McCool’s 

(Irish, Pub) 


(904) 374-1547 

Mon-Sat: 11am-2am; 

Sun: 11am-Midnight 

fionnmacs.com 

Folkfood 

(Street fare) 


(904) 333-8392 


Hooters 

(American) 


(904) 356-5400 

Mon-Thu: 11am-Midnight; Fri-Sat: 

11am-1am; Sun: 12pm-11pm 

hooters.com 

Indochine 

(Thai, Vietnamese, Japanese) 

21 E Adams St 

(904) 598-5303 

Mon-Fri: 11am-2:30pm & 

5pm-10pm; Sat: 5pm-10pm; 

Sun Closed 

indochinejax.com 

Jacksonville Sports Tavern 

(Burgers, American) 

234 A P Randolph Blvd 

(904) 361-3547 

Open 3 hours before sport 

complex events 

jaxsportstavern.com 

Jenkins Quality Barbecue 

(Barbecue) 

830 N Pearl St 

(904) 353-6388 

Mon-Thu: 11am-12am; Fri: 

11:30am-1am; Sat: 11am-1am; Sun: 

12pm-7pm 

jenkinsqualitybarbecue.com 

Juliette’s Bistro 

(American) 

245 Water St 

(904) 791-4995 

Mon-Sun: 6:30am-10pm 

omnihotels.com 

La Class 

(American) 

400 W Bay St 



Magnificat Café 

(French, Sandwiches) 


(904) 353-3588 



themagnificat.net 

Nature’s Table 

(Juice Bar & Smoothies, Soups) 

301 W Bay St 

(904) 355-3200 



NOLA MOCA 

(American) 


(904) 366-6911 

Mon-Wed: 11am-2pm; Thu: 

11am-2pm & 5pm-8pm; Fri: 

11am-2pm; Sat-Sun Closed 

mocajacksonville.unf.edu 

Olio 

(Sandwiches, Breakfast & 

Brunch, Salad) 

301 E Bay St 

(904) 356-7100 

Mon-Thu: 8am-3pm; Fri: 8am-3pm 

& 5pm-10pm; Sat-Sun Closed 

oliomarket.com 

Pho A Noodle Bar 

(Vietnamese, Thai, Soup) 


(904) 353-0320 

Mon-Tue: 11am-2:30pm; Wed-Fri: 

11am-2:30pm & 5pm-9pm; Sat: 

5pm-9pm; Sun Closed 

phoanoodlebar.com 

Pho’s Fever 

(Vietnamese) 

311 W Ashley St 

904) 683-9947 


11am-6pm 

River Club 

(American, Catering) 


(904) 354-1111 

Mon: 9am-3pm; Tue-Fri: 

9am-10pm; Sat: 4pm-10pm; 

Sun Closed 

jaxriverclub.com 

Russ-Doe’s Sandwich Shop 

(Deli) 

1745 E Church St 

(904) 353-9065 



Spliff’s Gastropub 

(Gourmet Comfort Food) 

15 N. Ocean St 

(904) 844-5000 

Mon-Thur: 11am-2am; Fri: 

11am-3am; Sat: 6pm-3am; 

Sun Closed 

spliffsgastropub.com 

Super Food & Brew 

(American, Vegetarian, 

Sandwiches) 


(904) 723-1180 

Mon: 10am-4pm; Tue-Thu: 

10:30am-8pm; Fri: 10:30am-10pm; 

Sat: 11:30am-10pm; Sun Closed 

superfoodandbrew.com 

Trellises Restaurant 

(American) 

225 E Coastline Dr 

(904) 634-4540 

Mon-Sun: 6am-2:30pm & 

5pm-10pm 

Urban Grind Coffee Company 


45 W Bay St 

(904) 516-7799 



urbangrind.coffee 

Urban Grind Coffee Company 


50 N Laura St 

(904) 806-5535 



urbangrind.coffee 

Vagabond Coffee 

(Coffee, Pastries) 

Hemming Park, corner of Laura St & 

Monroe St 

(904) 479-6848 

Mon-Fri: 7am-4pm; Sat: Check 

events schedule 

vagabondcoffee.com 


Village Bread Café 

(Deli, Breakfast & Lunch) 


(904) 683-7244 



villagebreadcafe.com 

Zap’s Grill 

(American) 


(904) 379-3225 


10am-9pm; Sun: Noon-5:30pm 

Zodiac Bar & Grill 

(Greek, Mediterranean) 


(904) 354-8283 

Mon-Tue: 11am-3pm; Wed-Thu: 

11am-9pm; Fri: 11am-10pm; Sat: 


thezodiacbarandgrill.com 

SPRINGFIELD 

The Conch Shell 

(Caribbean, Seafood) 

1637 N Main S 

(904) 899-3800 

Mon-Wed Closed; Thu-Fri: 

6pm-9pm; Sat: 11am-9pm; 

Sun Closed 

Hola Mexican Restaurant 

(Mexican) 

1001 N Main St 

(904) 356-3100 


9:30am-4pm 

holamexicanrestaurant.com 

Island Tropics Restaurant 

(Caribbean) 


(904) 355-9050 


10am-9pm 

islandtropics.net 

Tapas Old World 

(French, Italian, Tapas Bar) 


(904) 379-7850 


Three Layers 

(Coffee & Tea, Bakeries) 

1602 Walnut St 

(904) 355-9791 



Tunis Seafood & Wings 

(Seafood, Chicken Wings) 

1935 Main St 

(904) 354-3600 


Uptown Kitchen & Bar 

(Breakfast & Brunch) 


(904) 355-0734 

Mon-Wed: 7am-10pm; Thu-Fri: 

7am-11pm; Sat: 8am-11pm; Sun: 

8am-3pm 

uptownkitchenandbar.com 

Wafaa N Mike Café 

(Mediterranean) 


(904) 683-8313 


Yummy Cakes by Mia 

(Cupcakes) 

157 E 8th St 

(904) 237-2756 

Tue-Sat: 11am-6pm; 


SAN MARCO / SOUTHBANK 

Kitchen on San Marco 

(Southern, American, Gastropub) 


(904) 396-2344 


Sat: 4:30pm-11pm; Sun: 10:30am-3pm 

kitchenonsanmarco.com 

Appetites Café & Catering 

(American) 

815 S Main St 

(904) 398-0984 

Mon-Fri: 8:30am-2:30pm; 


appetitescafe.com 

bb’s 

(American, Desserts, Cocktail Bar) 


(904) 306-0100 

Mon-Thu: 11am-10:30pm; Fri-Sat: 

11am-Midnight; Sun Closed 

bbsrestaurant.com 

Basil Thai & Sushi 

(Sushi Bar, Thai) 


(904) 674-0190 

Mon-Thu: 11am-2:30pm & 5pm-9pm; 

Fri: 11am-2:30pm & 5pm-10pm; Sat: 


basilthaisushijax.com 

Beach Diner San Marco 

(American) 


(904) 399-1306 

Mon-Sun: 6am-2:30pm 

beachdiner.com 

The Bearded Pig 

(Southern BBQ & Beer Garden) 

1224 Kings Ave 

(904) 619-2247 

Mon-Sat: 11am-10pm; Sun: 11am-9pm 

thebeardedpigbbq.com 

Bistro Aix 

(French, Cocktail Bar) 


(904) 398-1949 


Sat: 5pm-11pm; Sun: 5pm-9pm 

bistrox.com 

Clara’s Tidbits 

(Sandwiches, American) 


(904) 396-0528 

Mon-Fri: 11am-2:30pm; Sat-Sun 

Closed 

clarastidbits.com 

Chart House 


1501 Riverplace Blvd 

(904) 398-3353 

Mon-Thu: 4:30pm-9pm; Fri-Sat: 

4:30-10pm; Sun: 4:30pm-9pm 

chart-house.com 

Currents Riverview Bistro 

(American) 

841 Prudential Dr 

(904) 306-9512 

Mon- Fri: 7am-2pm; 





(904) 398-9500 


europeanstreet.com 

Green Erth Bistro 

(Persian/Iranian, Vegan) 


(904) 398-9156 

Mon: 11am-2:30pm; Tue-Fri: 

11am-2:30pm & 5:30pm-9pm; Sat: 


green-erth-bistro.com 

Hightide 

(Sandwiches) 


(904) 396-5938 



Hightide Burrito Co. 

(Mexican, Tex-Mex, Gluten-Free) 


(904) 683-7396 


hightideburrito.com 

Hurricane Grill & Wings 

(American, Chicken Wings) 


(904) 393-7933 



hurricanewings.com 

Indochine San Marco & Buddha 

Lounge 

(Thai, Bar) 


(904) 503-7013 

Mon-Thu: 11am-2:30pm & 5pm-10pm; 

Fri: 11am-2:30pm & 5pm-2am; Sat: 

5pm-2am; Sun Closed 

indochinejax.com 

La Nopalera San Marco 

(Mexican) 


(904) 399-1768 


11am-10:30pm; Sun: 11am-9pm 

lanopalerarest.com 

The Loop 

(Pizza, American) 


(904) 399-5667 


looppizzagrill.com 

Maple Street Biscuit Company 

(Breakfast & Brunch, Southern) 


(904) 398-1004 


7am-2pm & 5pm-9pm; 

Sun-Closed 

maplestreetbiscuits.com 

Matthews Restaurant 

(American, Cocktail Bar) 


(904) 396-9922 

Mon-Sat: 5pm-10pm; Sun Closed 

matthewsrestaurant.com 

The Olive Tree Mediterranean Grille 

(Mediterranean) 


(904) 396-2250 

Mon-Fri: 10:30am-8:30pm; Sat: 


theolivetreemediterraneangrille.com 

Rainbow Deli & Grill 

(Deli) 


(904) 202-8188 

Mon-Sun: Open 24 hours 

River City Brewing Company 


835 Museum Cir 

(904) 398-2299 

Mon-Thu: 11am-12pm; Fri- 

Sat: 11am-Midnight; Sun: 

10:30am-4pm 

rivercitybrew.com 

Ruth’s Chris Steak House 

(Steakhouse) 


(904) 396-6200 

Mon-Thu: 5pm-10pm; Fri-Sat: 

5pm-10:30pm; Sun: 5pm-9pm 

ruthschris.com 

Sake House II 

(Sushi Bar, Japanese) 


(904) 306-2188 



sakehousejax2.com 

San Marco Theatre 

(Cinema, Pizza, Quesadillas, Hot 

dogs, Sandwiches) 


(904) 396-4845 

Check movie listings 

sanmarcotheatre.com/menu.php 

The Southern Grill 

(Mediterranean, Southern, 

Barbecue) 

800 Flagler Ave 

(904) 858-9800 

Mon-Fri: 6:30am-2:30pm; Sat-Sun: 

8am-2pm 

thesoutherngrilljax.com 

Stan’s Sandwich & Grill 

(Sandwiches, Breakfast) 


(904) 398-6642 

Mon-Fri: 6:30am-3pm; Sat: 

7am-2:30pm; Sun Closed 

Taverna 

(Italian, Breakfast & Brunch, 

Pizza) 


(904) 398-3005 

Mon-Sun: 11am-3pm & 5pm-10pm 

tavernasanmarco.com 

V Pizza 



(904) 527-1511 


11am-2am; Sun: 11am-9pm 

vpizza.com 

Vino’s Pizza 



(904) 683-2444 

Mon-Sun: 11am-11:30pm 

vinossanmarcoBlvd.com 

Wine Cellar 

(Diner, American) 


(904) 398-8989 


5pm-10:30pm; Sun Closed 

winecellarjax.com 


29

go + do 

Happy Hours 

by the ‘Hood 

MURRAY HILL 

Magnolia’s Pub 

(Waffle Sandwiches, Bar) 

3pm–6pm 

$2 Well liquor mix drinks; $3 House 

wines; $1 off craft beers 



Tradewinds 

(Bar) 

1pm–7 pm 

$2.25 For domestic beers; 

Discount on wines 


(904) 384-0614 

AVONDALE 

The Blue Fish Restaurant 

and Oyster Bar 


3pm–6:30pm 

$3.25 Well drinks; $5 Martinis, margaritas 

and mojitos; $2.25 Domestic 

bottle beer; $4 Wines by the glass 


(904) 387-0700 

bluefishjax.com 

The Brick Restaurant 

(American, Breakfast & Brunch, Bar) 

3pm–6 pm 

$4 Draft beers; $4 House wines; $5 

Well martinis 


(904) 387-0606 

brickofavondale.com 

Casbah Café 

(Middle Eastern, Hookah Bar) 

3pm–7 pm 

$3 Wines by the glass and draft 

beers; $2 Domestic bottled beers; 

Half price hookahs 


(904) 981-9966 

thecasbahcafe.com 

Harpoon Louie’s 

(American) 

4pm-7pm 

$3.75 Wines by the glass and import 

draft beers; $4 Premium draft beers 


(904) 389-5631 

harpoonlouies.net 

Mellow Mushroom 

(Pizza, Bar, Sandwiches) 

4pm–6pm 

$3 Wine by the glass; $3 Intuition 

Ale, Jon Boat and Easy on the 

Eyes drafts 


(904) 388-0200 

mellowmushroom.com 

MOJO no.4 Urban BBQ 

Whiskey Bar 

(Barbecue, Cocktails, Southern) 

4pm–7 pm 

$4 Wines by the glass; $4 Pints of 

Peoples Pale and Dukes Brown; 

$7 Signature cocktails; $3 shots of 

select whiskey 


(904) 381-6670 

mojobbq.com 

Restaurant Orsay 

(French, American) 

4pm–7pm 

Call for Happy Hour Specials 

3630 Park St 

(904) 381-0909 

restaurantorsay.com 

South Kitchen & Spirits 

(Southern, American) 

3pm–6pm 

$1 Off wines by the glass; Half price 

premium house spirits; $1 PBR 

Tallboys 

3683 Park St 

(904) 475-2362 

south.kitchen 




2pm–6pm 

Half price Bold City, Intuition and 

Domestic Drafts; Half price wine 


(904) 387-1400 

carminespiehouse.com 

Il Desco 

(Italian) 

4pm–7pm 

$5 Cocktail on tap; $4-$7 signature 

cocktails; $3 - $4 local beers; $2 

PBR 

2662 Park S 

(904) 29-6711 

Ildescojax.com 

Kickbacks Gastropub / Goozlepipe 

& Guttyworks 

(American) 

2pm–7pm 

$2.50 Well drinks; $1 Off beers; $6 

Pitchers 

910 King St 

(904)388-9551 

Kickbacksgastropub.com 

Mossfire Grill & Lounge 

(Tex-Mex) 

3pm–7pm 

$3.50 House Margaritas; $4 House 

wine by the glass; Discounts on 

draft beer and well liquor drinks 


(904) 355-4434 

mossfire.com 

The Silver Cow 


5pm–7pm 

$4 house wines by the glass; $1 off 

draft beers 

1506 King St 

(904) 379-6968 

silvercowjax.com 

BROOKLYN / DOWNTOWN 

Brixx Wood Fired Pizza 

(Pizza) 

M-F 3pm–6pm, 10pm–12am 

$3 domestic beer bottles, $3 select 

wine by glass, all day everyday $3 

house liquors (except tequila) 


(904) 300-3928 

Brixxpizza.com 

BurgerFi 

(American) 

(No daily specials) 

Special promotion: Buy 1 $4 glass 

Sierra Nevada Oktoberfest, get free 

16 oz. wine glass 

108 Riverside Ave. 

(904) 355-3066 

burgerfi.com 


(Tex-Mex) 

Every day, all day Sunday 

3pm–6pm 

$1 off draft beer, $2 house wines, $3 

wells, $5 house margaritas 

Late night Happy hour M-Sat, 

10pm–Close 

$1 off draft beer, $2 house wine, $3 

wells, $4 Cuervo Tradicional 


(904) 355-4889 


Hobnob 

(Food +Social Exchange) 

T-F 4pm–7pm 

$2 draft cocktails, Half price select 

beers & house wines 


(904) 513-4272 

unityplaza.org/hobnob 

American Grill 

(American, Sports Bar) 

M-F 3pm–7pm 

$3 wells & house wine, $3 house 

drafts 


(904) 353-7522 


Benny’s Steak & Seafood 

All Day Every Day 

2 for 1 well liquors, Half price house 

wines 


(904) 301-1014 

bennyssteakandseafood.com 

The Candy Apple Café & Cocktails 

(French, Southern, Cocktail Bar) 

T, W, F 3pm–6pm, Thurs 

3pm–7pm 

2 for 1 beer, $4 house wine & bubbles 


(904) 353-9717 

candyapplecafeandcocktails.com 

Element Bistro Bar & Lounge 

T-F 4pm–9pm 

$3 Domestic Drafts, $4 Martinis, $5 

Select Craft Cocktails, Half price 

house wines & wells 

333 E Bay St 

(904) 707-0474 

elementjax.com 

Spliff’s Gastropub 

(Gourmet Comfort Food) 

3pm–6pm 

Half off local beers 

15 N. Ocean St 

(904) 844-5000 

spliffsgastropub.com 

SPRINGFIELD 

Tapas Old World 

(Tapas, Bar) 

Tuesdays 6pm–9pm 

Wine specials, $5 sangria, $4 beer 


(904) 379-7850 

Uptown Kitchen & Bar 

(American, Breakfast & Brunch) 

M-F 4pm–7pm 

$4 Wells, $5 Calls, $1 Off wines, $1 

Off drafts & cans. 

Morning Happy Hour 7am–9am 

Same specials, plus $4 Mimosas, 

$5 Bloody Marys, 2 Egg breakfast 

(Bloody Mary, mimosa or cold-brew 

coffee) for $10 


(904) 355-0734 

Uptownkitchenandbar.com 

Bay Street Bar & Grill 

(American) 

M-F 4pm–7pm 

$4 Craft beer of draft, $3 Wells 

119 E Bay St 

(904) 419-3550 


bb’s 

(American, Desserts, Cocktail Bar) 

M-R 5pm–7pm 

$1 off beer, $4 Pinot Grigio, $4 

Cabernet 

Wed 5pm–Close 

Half price martinis 


(904) 306-0100 

bbsrestaurant.com 

Bistro Aix 

(French, Cocktail Bar) 

M-F 3:30pm–6:30pm, 

Sat 3:30pm–7pm 

$ 5 Dirty martinis, various cocktails, 

$5-$7 Wines, apps and pizzas 


(904) 398-1949 

bistroaix.com 

Chart House 


M-F 3pm–6:30pm 

$7 Martinis, $6 Cocktails, $4 Wells, 

$4 Premium drafts 


(904) 398-3353 

chart-house.com 



Everyday 2pm–7pm 

BOGO draft beers, $1 Glasses of 

wine, $2 Off bottles, $1.50 Off bottle 

beer 


(904) 398-9500 

Europeanstreet.com 

Matthews Restaurant 

(American, Cocktail Bar) 

M-F 4:30pm–6:30pm 

$3 Domestic beer, $4 Wells, $5 

Import & craft beer, $5 House wines, 

$6 House martinis 


(904) 396-9922 

matthewsrestaurant.com 

River City Brewing Company 


M-F 3pm–6pm 

$4 House wine & wells, $1 Off house 

brew beer 


Taverna 

(Italian, Breakfast & Brunch, Pizza) 

M-F 4pm–7pm 

$8 Specialty cocktails, $5 Premium 

wells, $5 Draft beer, $5 Wines 


(904) 398-3005 

tavernasanmarco.com 

Ruth’s Chris Steak House 

(Steakhouse) 

4:30pm–7pm 

$9 Cocktails at the bar 


(904) 396-6200 

ruthschris.com 

Hightide Burrito Co. 

(Tex-Mex) 

2pm–7pm 

Half off draft beer, $1 Off can beer, 

Half price appetizers, chips & salsa 


(904) 683-7396 

hightideburrito.com 

Urban Core 

Weekly Calendar 

Every week. Same time. Same day. 

Get to it. 

mondays 

MURRAY HILL 

5k Running Club Meetup at 

Magnolias 

Get your week off to a healthy start 

with a fun 5k around Avondale. 

7pm, Magnolias Pub 


(904)240-1574 

AVONDALE 

Happy Hour All Day 

Live music and a full day of happy 

hour to wash your blues away. 

The Casbah Café 

3628 St Johns Ave / Free 


Trivia Night 

One of the best trivia night’s in the 

core. Grab a slice and a laugh. 



(904) 387-1400 

DOWNTOWN / BROOKLYN 

Y-Fit Boot Camp 

Join the new Winston Family YMCA 

for a free Y-Fit boot camp for this 

outdoor class. Bring water & be prepared 

to sweat. 

11am–Noon, Unity Plaza 

220 Riverside Ave / Free 

Rock n’ Roll Karaoke 

Rock out and drown your Monday 

blues at Dos Gatos Rock n’ Roll 

Karaoke night. 

9pm, Dos Gatos 


Walk-ins welcome 

Monday Night Funk Jam 

$2 drafts & $5 Mac-N-Cheese 

9pm, Spliff’s Gastropub 

15 Ocean St / Free entry 

tuesdays 

MURRAY HILL 

Trivia Night and Military Tuesdays 

at Magnolias 

Active Military get their first drink 

on the house with a meal purchase. 

Cash prizes for trivia winners. 

7pm, Magnolias Pub 


(904)240-1574 

DON’T WANT TO 

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Let us weather the storm! 

We deliver rain or shine! We’re just a call or click away. 

• Grocery Shopping Service 

• Restaurant Delivery Service 

• Express Shopping Service 

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communitycouriersjax.com • 904.327.6810 

PROUDLY SERVING THE URBAN CORE OF JACKSONVILLE 


31

AVONDALE 

Tuesday Boozeday 

Ladies night with happy hour prices 

and champaigne specials for the 

ladies. 




Florida Blue Free Tuesdays 

Free admission to the galleries & 

gardens. 

4pm–9pm, Cummer Museum of Arts 

& Gardens 


Trivia Night Live 

Drink & think with friends from 8 pm 

– 10 pm. Garage Bucks for winning 

teams: 1st place $75, 2nd place $30, 

3rd place $20, 4th place $10. Free 

to play. 

3pm–3am, The Garage 

2692 Post St / Free entry 

Tapas Tuesday 

At the Cummer Café. Reservations 

required (904) 899-6022. 

5pm–7:30pm, Cummer Museum of 

Arts & Gardens 


Blackjack on the Rocks 

Get lucky every Tuesday at the 

Blackjack table at 10pm. 

5pm–2am, The Rogue 

927 King St / Free entry 

Karaoke With Tim 

Game Room & The Shadows 

Theater open. 

10pm–2am, The Metro 

Entertainment Complex 

859 Willow Branch Ave / No cover 


Free Yoga 

A free yoga class for all levels. Mats 

provided free of charge 

5:30pm, Unity Plaza 


Open Mic Stand-Up Comedy 

$3 Craft Beer Specials 



Trivia Night with DJ Scott Young 

Win a bar tab, win some swag, win 

some self-respect. Late night Happy 

Hour 11-1 


119 E Forsyth St//Walk-ins welcome 

Game Night 

Free poker, pool and arcade night. 

7pm–2am, The Hourglass Pub 

3435 Bay St / Walk-ins welcome 

Jacksonville’s “Top to Bottom” 

Walking Tour 

Hear stories of the River City from 

the Great Fire to the First Hollywood 

while gazing atop the tallest building 

in the city & exploring secret underground 

tunnels beneath Downtown. 

Tour includes a look at the Florida 

Theatre. 

10am–11:45am, Jacksonville 

Landing 

2 Independent Dr (meet at escalators) 

/ $20 

Chocolate Bar Your Way 

Factory Tour 

Learn about candy, chocolate & 

Jacksonville’s history, including the 

100-year-old candy mansion. After 

the tour, enjoy a 16-topping 

chocolate bar. (Bar included in 

price). 

10:30am, Sweet Pete’s 

400 N Hogan St / $5 


Art League of Jacksonville 

Observational Drawing Classes 

Students will learn how to improvise 

by drawing from observation in a 

representational manner. Sighting 

and measuring techniques. 

Emphasis on learning to draw using 

different media. Ages 10+. 

3pm–5pm, Balis Community 

Center 

1513 LaSalle St / Rolling registration; 

$80 for 6 sessions, or $60 for 4 

sessions 

wednesdays 

MURRAY HILL 

Wacky Waffle Wednesday 

at Magnolias 


(904) 240-1574 


Burger and Beer Day Magnolias 


(904) 240-1574 


AVONDALE 

Wino Wednesdays 

With Goliath Flores. Free hookah 

with the purchase of a bottle of 

discounted wines. 

9pm–2am, The Casbah Café 



Hospital Happy Hour 

Medical field workers enjoy Happy 

Hour prices. 

7pm–11pm, Dahlia’s Pour House 

2695 Post St / Free 

Game Night 

Game Room & The Shadows 

Theater open; $2 16oz PBR, $3 

Fireball, wells/domestics. 



859 Willow Branch Ave / No 

cover 

One Off Wednesday 

A new, limited-release beer is 

tapped and available 1 day only in 

the tap room. 

5pm, Intuition Ale Works 

720 King St / Free 

Trivia Night 

Two rounds of competition with 

the first at 8pm; the second begins 

at 9pm. Assemble a team & play 1 

or both. Rogue bucks to winning 

teams. 


King St / Free entry 

Wine Down Wednesday 

$1 off all wine by the glass, $3 house 

wines, $5 off bottle wines. 

7pm, Dahlia’s Pour House 


BROOKLYN / DOWNTOWN 

Free Yoga 

No experience necessary; mats 

provided. 

6pm–7pm, Unity Plaza 


Old School Trivia 

Gift cards for 1st & 2nd place finishes. 

2-for-1 cocktails, bucket beer specials, 

lite brites from 4-8pm. 

7pm–10pm, Downtown Cigar 

Lounge 

11 N Ocean St / Free entry 

Whiskey Wednesdays 

Food & whiskey drink specials. Live 

music: Spade McQuade. 

6pm–9pm, Fionn MacCool’s Irish 

Restaurant and Pub 

2 Independent Dr / Walk-ins 

welcome 

Happy Hump Day Karaoke & Poker 

Your choice, or participate in both. 

7:30pm–2am, The Hourglass Pub 


Trivia Night 

$4 Sweetwater Brewing Pints. 



Double Down Live BlackJack 

Your drink is your buy in, so go play 

a hand an hone your skills. 


119 E Forsyth St / Walk-ins welcome 


Pilot Batch Wednesday 

Every Wednesday the crew releases 

a new pilot batch beer brewed in 

small batches. 

5pm, Aardwolf Brewing Co 

1461 Hendricks Ave / Free 

Wine Wednesdays 

$20 All you can drink wine and all 

you can eat appetizers. 

5pm–8pm, River City Brewing 

Company 

835 Museum Cir 


thursdays 

MURRAY HILL 

Karaoke 

Sing out loud and enjoy some good 

drink and company 

Magnolias 


(904)240-1574 

AVONDALE 

Down and In 

$2 Almaza, $3 Val Dieu Blonde, $15 

bottles of wine and 10% off for “checking 

in” 



Themed Thursdays at Eclipse 

Every Thursday has a theme, a movie, 

cheap drinks and great music. $3 

wells, $2 beers and shot specials 

9pm, Eclipse 

4219 St. Johns Ave / Free Entry 


Taco Thursday 

Taco Happy Hour means a free taco 

with every drink purchased from 

5-7pm. Taco menu until 10pm. 



Thirsty Thursday 

$10 all-you-can-drink wells/domestic 

drafts from 10pm-1am. Shows with 

rotating casts at 10:30pm and midnight; 

talent contest during second 

show. Amateur male strip contest at 

1am. 

2pm–2am, The Metro Entertainment 

Complex 


21+ 

Brewery Yoga 

Yoga every Thursday; relax afterward 

in the tap room. 

6:30pm, Bold City Brewery 

2670 Rosselle St #7 / $5 

Thursday Game Night 

Cards Against Humanity, Charades, 

Exploding Kittens, Pictionary, beer 

bingo, trivia. Win prizes and beer 

cash. 

7pm–10pm, Silver Cow 

1506 King St / Free 

Trivia Tonight 

House cash to top 3 teams. Beer 

specials. 

7:30pm–9:30pm, Dahlia’s Pour 

House 


The Loft Thursdays 

Indie-pop dance party. DJs Wes Reed, 

Josh Kemp spin music videos. Kill the 

Keg: Free PBR from 9:30-10:30pm. 

8pm-2am, The Loft 

925 King St / Free to enter 


Free Yoga 

No experience necessary; mats provided. 

5:30pm–6:30pm, Unity Plaza 


Ramona Quimby Presents A Weekly 

Live Music Showcase 

Happy Hour from 4-9pm. Musical performers 

begin 6-9pm. Register for 10% 

off food item: bit.ly/2c5Ku1L. 

4pm–9pm, Element Bistro 

333 E Bay St / Free 

Thursday Night Ladies Night 

Ladies 18+ drink free from 8-10pm; $2 

Ladies Drinks with $1 upgrades from 

10-closing; Ladies in groups of 5 or 


more receive free VIP & a bottle of 

champagne. $10 all-you-can-drink 

drafts for everyone else. Crown & 

Down Happy Hour 6-10pm. Free 

line-dancing lessons 7-10pm. 

Doors 6pm, Maverick’s 

2 Independent Dr, Free entry 

The Elbow Social 

DCL Thursday Takeover with 

“Smoke & Play.” Old-school board 

games. Drink specials 5-8pm. 

Specials for Downtown employees 

with valid business card or ID badge 

(venue’s choice). 

7pm–10pm, Downtown Cigar 

Lounge 

11 N Ocean St / Free 

Thursday is the New Friday 

DJ Hollywood spins ‘90s Rock with a 

little Nu Disco. 

4pm–2am, Dos Gatos 

119 E Forsyth St / Walk-ins 

welcome 

Throwback Thursday 

Late night happy hour specials 

11pm–1am, Spliff’s Gastropub 


Comedy Hourglass 

One of Jax’s best open-mic comedy 

nights. 

9pm, The Hourglass Pub 


Trivia Night 

Grab a drink and a burrito and 

maybe even get a little smarter. 

6:30pm, Burrito Gallery 

Downtown 

21 E Adams St / Free entry 


Vino’s Open Mic 

Three songs or 15 minutes maximum. 

Info: openmikes.org. 

8pm–10pm, Vino’s Pizza 

1430 San Marco Blvd / Walk-Ins 

welcome 

Trivia Night 

Live music: Jazz, Blues. 

7pm, The Parlour 

2000 San Marco Blvd / Free 

fridays 

AVONDALE 

Cabaret Belly Dancing 

Traditional Middle Eastern belly-dancing; 

10% off for checking in. 




Flesh Friday 

$3 SKKY Vodka & Flavors, $4 

Fireball Shots (10pm-2am); DJ 

Timmy; Shows (10:30pm & midnight) 

hosted by Dee Ranged; AJ Neaher / 

Stephen Choate live at 9:30pm. 

2pm–10pm, The Metro 



21+ before 9pm 


Magic Class 

Learn to perform tricks that will wow 

family & friends. Class with Michael 

Chrosniak of Crossroad Magic. 

4pm–5pm, Hemming Park 

135 W Duval St / Free 

THE Friday Night Party 

Various DJs spin a danceable mix 

of indie, throwback rock & fun jams. 

Specials vary. 

4pm–2am, Dos Gatos 

119 E Forsyth St / Walk-ins 

welcome 

Mad Cowford Improv Comedy 

Laughs begin at 7:30pm; Bay Street 

Jam Sessions at 9:30pm. Ladies 

Night; ladies drink $1 wine from 

7-10pm. 



VICE Fridays 

Vegas-style experience. DJ’s, 

entertainers & dancers. Strict 

dress code. 

8pm–2am, Myth NightClub 

& Bar 

333 E Bay St / Free entry before 

11pm, General $5 

Friday Night Groove 

Old school, neo soul, R&B, Hip Hop 

with cocktails, champagne, wine, 

cigar, champagne pairing & hookah. 

Dress: Grown & sexy. 

9pm–2am, Downtown Cigar 

Lounge Jax 

11 N Ocean St / Free entry 

Sounds of the City 

Live Music and DJs in the Outdoor 

Beer Garden 


15 Ocean St 

Generations Friday 

Jax’s finest spinning old school 

and contemporary hip hop. 

$4 Long Islands 

Marks 

315 E Bay St / Ladies Free Entry 


$5 Fridays 

Reduced admission & 3 extra hours 

to explore. 

10am–8pm, MOSH 

1025 Museum Circle / $5 

River Jam Sunset Cruise 

Live music on board the St. Johns 

River Taxi rain or shine. Advance 

purchase. No coolers. 

7:30pm–8pm, Friendship 

Fountain Park 


saturdays 

AVONDALE 

Cabaret Belly Dancing 

Traditional Middle Eastern belly-dancing; 

10% off for checking in. 




Saturday Groove 

Happy Hour 2-8pm. Shows at 9:30 

& 11pm & 12:30am with a rotating 

cast. AJ Neaher / Stephen Choate 

live at 9:30pm. Disco, game room, 

Rainbow Room, The Shadows 

Theater, tiki/patio open. Session 

10pm-2:30am. 




21+ before 9pm (except for special 

events) 


Sounds of the City 

Live Music and DJs in the Outdoor 

Beer Garden 


15 Ocean St 

DJ NICKFresh 

Spinning in the lounge. Grab a drink 

and dance. 



Ladies Night Saturday 

Djs spinning hot music and ladies 

drink free until midnight 

Marks 

315 E Bay St / Ladies Free Entry 

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St. Johns River Taxi: Jacksonville 

Zoo Cruise Tours 

Take a 45-minute guided cruise to 

the zoo & spend the day enjoying 

animals from around the world. 

Return set for 3:45 pm for 4:30 pm 

arrival. Reservations required. Tickets 

include zoo admission. 

10am, Friendship Fountain Park 

1015 Museum Circle / $40 adult, $30 

youth 12 & under 

St. Johns River Taxi: MOSH History 

& Science Cruise Tour 

Learn about the history of 

Jacksonville & the significance the 

river has played in the community. 

Tickets can be purchased online or 

at MOSH. Info: bit.ly/2cUC3Zg. 

1pm & 3:30pm, Friendship 

Fountain Park 

1015 Museum Circle, $15 adult, $12 


River Jam Sunset Cruise 

Live music on board the St. Johns 

River Taxi rain or shine. Advance 

purchase. No coolers. 

7:30pm–8pm, Friendship 

Fountain Park 



33

sundays 

AVONDALE 

Service Industry Sundays 

Live music: Vonn Barlow Trio. 

9pm, The Casbah Café 



Sunday Funday 

Early opening with great eats & 

drinks. 

11am-2am, The Rogue 


Sunday Funday 

Bottomless Mimosas & Beermosas 

for $10. $5 Creole French Toast & 

Happy Hour all day. 

Noon-6pm, Silver Cow 


Service Industry Night 

If you are in the industry, get a 

free shot of Four Roses Whiskey 

& 5 rings for ring toss, each with a 

chance to win more shots. 




Caribbean Sundaze 

Live music from the islands on the 

Coca-Cola Riverfront Stage. 

4pm–9pm, Jacksonville Landing 

2 Independent Dr W / Free 

Southern Fried Sunday 

Potluck supper (no charge, just bring 

something to share), laid back karaoke 

with royal karaoke. Discounts for 

service industry workers. 


3435 Bay St / Free 

The Great Unwind Hangout 

$4 bomb shots and $3 drafts 

Dos Gatos 


Sunday Night Football 

You pick’em, we pour them. 

Myth NightClub & Bar 

333 E Bay St / Free entry before 

11pm 


Sunday Fun-Day 

Live music. Limited menu from 

4pm-7pm; full bar until 8pm. 

4pm–8pm, River City Brewing 

Company 

835 Museum Circle / Free entry 

St. Johns River Taxi: Jacksonville 

Zoo Cruise Tours 

Take a 45-minute guided cruise to 

the zoo & spend the day enjoying 

animals from around the world. 

Return set for 3:45pm for 4:30pm 

arrival. Reservations required. Tickets 

include zoo admission 

10am, Friendship Fountain Park 

1015 Museum Circle / $40 adult, $30 


December 

Hot Tickets 

Our picks for this month’s best bets 

DECEMBER 1 

A Starry Night 

Five Points stores will be open late, 

offering sales and complimentary 

refreshments. DJ spinning holiday 

tunes, photo booth, pop-up dance 

and choral performances meet and 

greet with Santa. 

4pm–8pm 

Five Points 

Second Annual First Coast 

Magazine’s Toast of the Coast 

Craft cocktail competition. Sample 

one-of-a-kind craft cocktails, vote for 

your favorite cocktails, food, live music. 

Tickets are $40 - $45; 21+ event. 

6pm–9pm, Jessie Ball DuPont 

Center 

40 E Adams St 

Movember Movement Jax 

Awareness to prostate cancer, 

testicular cancer and male suicide 

prevention. $25 ticket includes drinks 

from Manifest Distillery, Funkadelic 

Food Truck, and live music. Gift raffle, 

beard and MOstache contest, 50/50 

raffle and blackjack. 

6pm–9pm, Manifest Distillery 


Jazz Discovery Series Presents: 

Patrick Bartley 

Grammy-nominated and award-winning 

saxophonist, multi-instrumentalist, 

and composer and arranger from 

Ft. Lauderdale. 

7pm, Ritz Theatre and LaVilla 

Museum 

829 N Davis St 

DECEMBER 2 

San Marco Annual Tree Lighting 

Ceremony 

Celebrate the season with festive holiday 

cocktails, brews from Aardwolf, 

live music, food and store discounts 

6pm–8pm, Balis Park 

1999 San Marco Blvd. 

Francesca dePasquale & 

David Kaplan 

Winter-themed concert including 

Schnittke’s Silent Night and works 

such as Vivaldi’s “Winter” from the 

Four Seasons, and Prokofiev’s Sonata 

for Violin and Piano, No. 2 in D major. 

Free to public. 

11am, 7:30pm, Friday Musicale 

645 Oak St 

DECEMBER 3 

Zero Prostate Cancer Run/Walk 

5K walk/run, 1-mile walk, Kids’ 

Superhero Dash for Dad & virtual 

Snooze for Dudes program. 

9am, The Jacksonville Fairgrounds 

510 Fairgrounds Pl. 

Black Violin 

African-American violin duo who 

made their mark in popular music. 

6:30pm, 9:30pm, Ritz Theatre and 

LaVilla Museum 

829 N. Davis St 

Jacksonville Giants vs. South 

Florida Gold 

2016 American Basketball Association 

Final Four Rematch. 

7pm, Veterans Memorial Arena 

300 A. Philip Randolph Blvd 

DECEMBER 7 

Art Walk: The Spirit of Giving 

Sixty art walk venues stretch across 

downtown Jacksonville’s core, including 

galleries, museums, cultural and 

educational venues, restaurants, bars, 

businesses. 

5pm–9pm, Hemming Park 

Laura and Duval St 

Jingle Jam for St. Jude 

Christmas-themed acoustic jam 

setting to benefit St. Jude Children’s 

Research Hospital. 

Tickets: $20 - $105. 

7:30pm, Times-Union Center for the 

Performing Arts 

300 Water St 

DECEMBER 8 

Champagne & Shopping at the 

Cummer Shop 

Free admission, additional 20% off all 

merchandise. 

10am–8pm, Cummer Museum of Art 

and Gardens 


DECEMBER 9 

Comedy Get Down 

Cedric ‘The Entertainer’, Eddie Griffin, 

D.L. Hughley, George Lopez and 

Charlie Murphy will perform. 

8pm, Veterans Memorial Arena 

300 A. Phillip Randolph Blvd 

DECEMBER 10 

Hogans Creek Biodiversity Festival 

and Clean Up 

Free, family-friendly day in the park 

to celebrate the National Park Service 

Centennial. Meet Smokey the Bear! 

Arts and crafts, food trucks, games, 

park rangers, outdoor activities. 

10am–3pm, Henry Klutho Park 

635 W. 3rd St 

Festival of Lights 5K & Family 

Fun Run 2016 

1 mile and 5K will both start and finish 

on San Marco Boulevard in the 

Square. Carolers, horse-drawn sleigh 

riders, petting zoo, bounce houses, 

toy soldier stilt walkers, jugglers, 

food and drinks, The Little Train That 

Could, tree lighting, Santa Clause. 

5pm, San Marco Square 

DECEMBER 11 

A Peter White Christmas with Rick 

Braun and Euge Groove 

Peter White teams up again with two 

of the top artists in smooth jazz to 

bring his annual Christmas show. 

7:30pm, Ritz Theatre and LaVilla 

Museum 

829 N. Davis St. 

DECEMBER 15 

Jaxons Night Market 

Go local with your holiday shopping 

at Jaxons Night Market 

5:30pm–9pm, Hemming Park 

Laura and Duval St 

DECEMBER 18 

Luminaria 

Riverside Avondale’s Preservation’s 

biggest fundraiser for a community-building 

event celebrating holiday 

season. Light parades, block parties, 

church festivities, closing of streets, 

bike rides. 

6pm–9pm, Riverside/Avondale 

Historic District 

DECEMBER 19 

A Christmas Carol 

Charles Jones adaptation of Charles 

Dickens’ A Christmas Carol is rich 

with ensemble music. Featuring 

23 performers, live musicians, and 

Broadway-style scenery and costumes. 

7:30pm, Times-Union Center for the 


300 Water St 

DECEMBER 29 

A Drag Queen Christmas 

Holiday spectacular with contestants 

from RuPaul’s Drag Race. 

8pm, Times-Union Center for the 


300 Water St 

DECEMBER 30 

Light Boat Parade 

200,000 people line in the banks of 

the St. Johns River to celebrate the 

holiday season. Fireworks display and 

famous sparkling waterfalls. 

7pm, The Jacksonville Landing 

2 W. Independent Dr. 

DECEMBER 31 

Taxslayer Bowl 

11am, EverBank Field 

1 Everbank Field Dr. 

NYE with Steven Reineke: 

Sinatra - The Best is Yet to Come 

Spend New Year’s Eve with the Jax 

Symphony and enjoy Rat Pack classics 

like “Fly Me To The Moon,” and 

“My Way.” Tickets: $27 - $77. 

9pm, Times-Union Center for the 


300 W Water St 


JACKSONVILLE 


35

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