Jacksonville, Florida, is gaining a reputation for its rooftop bar scene. More establishments are taking advantage of the warm weather and beautiful scenery by serving al fresco.
With no shortage of options, you’ll want to know which spots are worth visiting.
Today, we’re rounding up the city’s best outdoor pubs.
Let’s raise a glass!
Grab a Drink and Take in the Views at a Jacksonville Rooftop Bar
Known as the River City by the Sea, Jacksonville, Florida, has it all. With sunshine, beaches, and vibrant nightlife, there’s something here for everyone.
This destination, located in the state’s northeast corner, combines the Old South with a cosmopolitan feel. The scenery is more like Savannah and Charleston than Miami. Think sprawling magnolias, public art installations, and historic neighborhoods.
While many beach towns charge a premium for everyday goods and services, JAX is surprisingly affordable. However, this city doesn’t lack luxury. World-class golf courses, restaurants, and museums are around nearly every corner.
Further, this area features the country’s most extensive urban park system. In addition to more than 400 city parks, you’ll find two national and seven state-run units.
Check Out These 5 Cool Rooftop Bars in Jacksonville
What better way to take in the scenery in Jacksonville than one of its many rooftop bars? We’re hard-pressed to come up with an answer, so instead, we’ll give you five top spots to sip a cocktail and enjoy the sights.
#1 Hoptinger Bier Garden and Sausage House
This is the spot for want brews from a Bavarian beer garden and food from an American gastropub. In fact, they dubbed their style Baverican for that very reason.
Both of their locations have over 60 taps pouring out your favorite craft brews. However, only the Hoptinger’s in Five Points has a rooftop bar. The spacious setting features a billiards table, foosball, and shuffleboard. There’s also a large metal sign reminding patrons of their values. It reads, “In hops we trust.”
MandoMedia.com released their annual Rooftop Bar Index, which named Hoptinger Bier Garden #1 for the Best Value Rooftop Bar in the World.
Their food offerings consist of a mishmash of cuisines. Burgers and hotdogs form the backbone of the menu. You can get a German bratwurst, fish and chips, or soft pretzel sticks with beer cheese sauce if you’re craving something from across the pond.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can choose the Burger or Sausage Roulette. You’ll get either a hamburger or a sausage, but the rest is up to the chef. It’s a roll of the dice, but one that’s bound to be in your favor.
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#2 Cowford Chophouse
Despite its location atop the historic 1902 Bostwick Building, this spot is modern and chic. The restaurant sprawls across several floors, capped off by the open-air terrace. Inside, you’ll enjoy arched windows, high ceilings, herringbone floors, and 300-year-old heart pine features.
But the rooftop bar brings a contemporary feel to this Jacksonville establishment. Frosted glass and stainless steel might make you forget you’re in a vintage location. You’ll have unbeatable views of the skyline and the St. Johns River beyond the transparent banister. It’s fairly casual, but you’ll want to dress up a bit if you plan to eat inside rather than on the terrace.
Of course, this is a steakhouse, so bring your appetite. Cowford Chophouse offers just about any cut you could ask for, from a filet to a tomahawk. You can even order American Wagyu beef. Other items from the grill include salmon, lamb, and pork. Or, hit the raw bar for fresh, succulent oysters or steak tartare.
If you’re only in it for the drinks, they have one of the best wine lists in town.
#3 Estrella Cocina
For coastal Mexican cuisine in Jacksonville, there’s no better place than Estrella Cocina’s rooftop bar. Seven floors up, you’ll have views of the river below and the city’s expansive skyline.
With a fun-yet-upscale atmosphere, you’ll feel right at home here. They serve lunch and dinner, as well as late-night snacks. We suggest making a reservation as they fill up fast.
The food at Estrella is out of this world. You’ll enjoy crispy calamari tostadas, seasonally inspired tamales, or pork carnitas with baby-back ribs. A whole section of the menu is devoted to their ceviche selections. Top it off with an order of cinnamon-sweet sopapillas with pastry cream and fruit preserves.
But even if you aren’t here to eat, the cocktails will surely hit the spot. Indulge in a cucumber or hibiscus margarita. The Abuelo features barrel-aged Shoreline bourbon and Earl Grey syrup, rounded out with Angostura and mole bitters.
No matter what you choose, you can’t go wrong.
#4 Casa Marina Hotel
From the third floor of the historic Casa Marina Hotel, the Penthouse Lounge has unparalleled views of the Atlantic Ocean. This rooftop bar is a favorite in Jacksonville for weddings and other special events. And once you see it for yourself, you’ll understand why.
Oozing with vintage charm, the boutique hotel will set the mood for you.
On weekends, you can have al fresco brunch and listen to live music. The menu includes specialties like warm crab avocado toast and a breakfast charcuterie with pancake medallions, bacon, sausage, eggs, cheeses, and berries. On other days, you can enjoy a selection of small plates.
They offer weekday drink specials and happy hours, so you can always try something new. In fact, their drink list is one of the most creative in the city.
The Fluffernutter features Stillhouse peanut butter s’more whiskey, banana cream moonshine, chocolate liqueur, and a dash of half and half. Their Sweet Heat is a mixture of peach-infused vodka, lemon, and something they call “house-made Firewater tincture.”
We’re unsure what that is, but we want to try it!
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#5 Coop 303
Located in the heart of North Beaches Town Center, Coop 303 serves up regional cuisine and cocktails in a funky, modern environment. Built over three stories, you’ll have your pick of intimate alcoves or outdoor seating. And, of course, this Jacksonville gem features an inviting rooftop bar.
The garden-style terrace compliments their cocktail list that’s full of fresh ingredients. Their signature beverage, Bless Your Heart, includes vodka, homemade lemonade, and fresh strawberry puree. Or you can cool off with a Coop Collins with Hendricks gin, simple syrup, cucumber, lemon, and mint.
Coop 303 is open daily and offers brunch on the weekends, with lunch and dinner on other days. Interesting combinations, such as the Monte Cristo Cuban, combine old favorites in new ways. The menu includes selections for most dietary restrictions, so you can find something you’ll love.
Just two blocks from the Atlantic, this bar and restaurant is the perfect pit stop during a day at the beach.
Before you hit the bars, explore Secret Jacksonville: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure.
For the Best Rooftop Bars in Florida, Make Your Way To Jacksonville!
Vibrant Jacksonville, Florida, has no shortage of rooftop bars where you can quench your thirst. Whether you’re looking for a laid-back spot to relax or an upscale locale to wet your whistle, you’ll find it here.
The next time you’re on the Sunshine State’s northeast coast, these spots are worthy of a stop. You just might discover your new favorite watering hole!
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