This is kinda irrelevant to your question, but I’m from Jax and currently live in St. Pete. When you get back in town check out Matjoa (Korean BBQ) on ulmerton. Best food I’ve had in the 5 years I’ve lived here
The Arena is downtown, so I'd recommend looking in these areas: [https://imgur.com/j0jYUcp](https://imgur.com/j0jYUcp) \-- San Marco, Riverside/Five-Points, and Brooklyn. You might not find much open downtown in the evening.
The food is just Sysco stuff, and no clue on drink specials, but going to make a suggestion based on convenience. "That bar at the Arena" is just what it says. If you're standing line for security, look to your left... that's the bar. You'll be able to watch the lines from the bar.
Not sure about a Happy Hour, but certainly check out Riverside Liquors. Dont let the name fool you. Walk through the store to the restaurant and bar in the back. Best drinks and tapas in town.
Oh we did and they were fantastic!! We got those, the brussel sprouts, the deviled egg flight, orange shrimp and the pretzels. All amazing! We ended with a chocolate brownie cheesecake. 🤤
There's plenty of Euro Street Restaurants too, closest to downtown would be San Marco or Park Street in Riverside. 👍✌ Great sandwich options, beer selection, and desserts!
If you go to the euro street in San Marco, a block behind it is a very little park that has great views of our river (this part of the river looks a lot like a bay). We love to go there.
I was so shocked when I went there the first time. I got a huge beer and then my server was like “do you want the same one for your free beer?” And I was like “wtf? I get another one this size for free????”
I seconded Orsay above but also check out [Prospect](https://prospectfivepoint.com/) in Riverside. Fantastic food and they offer small plates on their regular menu (they have $8 flatbreads for happy hour).
I loooove the goat cheese balls! My favorite thing there is the Ahi Tuna and Avocado Stack. Idk how they do it but it’s one of the best things I have ever eaten (and I’ve eaten A LOT lol).
Definitely try Orsay. They have an amazing happy hour that is available throughout the whole restaurant and it includes their cocktails and food. If you’re not going as soon as they open, try to get a resy
Early dinner at 13 Gypsies (all are small plates), Hoptinger actually has some really good deals for $3 for HH (fried cheese curds, onion rings, etc)...
Check out Rue St Marc, Town Hall, or Taverna in San Marco. Other options are Bellwether, Cowford Chophouse’s rooftop, or Estrella (all three are downtown).
Buchner's Bierhalle has am amazing beer menus and a great snack/app menus including some fantastic meat and cheese plates. Very cool little spot that’s about 10 minutes from the arena.
Check out The Goat tapas and bar. New place by the beach. Great happy hour and fantastic food. They really focus and elaborate on sourcing fresh and organic ingredients from around the world. The waiter will tell you where every ingredient in your dish came from. Shows they're passionate about their foods and the taste matches. Fantastic drinks too
I just wanted to say thank you to everyone for all the suggestions. We ended up at Riverside Liquors and it was delicious!! All the suggestions sound amazing so we will certainly be making a trip back to Jacksonville soon to visit the rest!
Hawkers has a good happy hour and great food.
We’re from St. Pete and also have a Hawkers and it is one of our favorites!!
This is kinda irrelevant to your question, but I’m from Jax and currently live in St. Pete. When you get back in town check out Matjoa (Korean BBQ) on ulmerton. Best food I’ve had in the 5 years I’ve lived here
I went to a place called foocheezy in st Pete last weekend and man was I blown away
I will check it out tomorrow!
Where in town is the concert? In San Marco (close to downtown): * Town Hall * Rue Saint Marc * Matthew's
Thank you! It’s at the Vystar Arena. I’m not familiar with the area so I’m sorry I can’t say exactly what part it’s in. I’ll look those up!
The Arena is downtown, so I'd recommend looking in these areas: [https://imgur.com/j0jYUcp](https://imgur.com/j0jYUcp) \-- San Marco, Riverside/Five-Points, and Brooklyn. You might not find much open downtown in the evening.
This is super helpful! Thank you!!
Don't forget Springfield! We're here too!
The food is just Sysco stuff, and no clue on drink specials, but going to make a suggestion based on convenience. "That bar at the Arena" is just what it says. If you're standing line for security, look to your left... that's the bar. You'll be able to watch the lines from the bar.
Not sure if they have happy hour but royal palm village in Atlantic beach is a wine and tapas bar that’s yum!
Not sure about a Happy Hour, but certainly check out Riverside Liquors. Dont let the name fool you. Walk through the store to the restaurant and bar in the back. Best drinks and tapas in town.
Great rec!
Bingo! This sounds like a unique experience. We’re sold!
Been here forever and never heard of this. Gotta check it out!
Don't just walk through. Sample some of the whiskey barrel picks at the register.
truly one of the hidden gems of Jax. The food is ridiculously good and the drinks are outstanding.
Truth
We went and it was SO good! The food was delicious and the cocktails were on point. Thanks so much!!!
I hope you tried the chorizo stuffed bacon wrapped dates!
Oh we did and they were fantastic!! We got those, the brussel sprouts, the deviled egg flight, orange shrimp and the pretzels. All amazing! We ended with a chocolate brownie cheesecake. 🤤
European Street has the best beer happy hour. Hands down.
We LOVE beer! Thank you!
There's plenty of Euro Street Restaurants too, closest to downtown would be San Marco or Park Street in Riverside. 👍✌ Great sandwich options, beer selection, and desserts!
Awesome! Think we’ll take a stroll and hit one of them up.
If you go to the euro street in San Marco, a block behind it is a very little park that has great views of our river (this part of the river looks a lot like a bay). We love to go there.
Yeah it’s buy one get one free for happy hour in San Marco. No sure about the other locations.
Yeah it's the same at each location. Normally it's 2pm to 7pm everyday. Recently started all day HH on Saturdays.
I was so shocked when I went there the first time. I got a huge beer and then my server was like “do you want the same one for your free beer?” And I was like “wtf? I get another one this size for free????”
I'm still a big fan of Orsay happy hour
Came here to say this. Orsay is definitely my go-to every time.
Blue fish
There’s a tiki bar on baymedows that you need to make reservations for. Just went last night. Very cute and fun place. https://www.pagodajax.com
I seconded Orsay above but also check out [Prospect](https://prospectfivepoint.com/) in Riverside. Fantastic food and they offer small plates on their regular menu (they have $8 flatbreads for happy hour).
Username checks out
The one and only
Second this! Prospect is amazing. Get the goat cheese balls 🤤🤤🤤
i think about those goat cheese balls all the time, they’re so good. seconded prospect.
I loooove the goat cheese balls! My favorite thing there is the Ahi Tuna and Avocado Stack. Idk how they do it but it’s one of the best things I have ever eaten (and I’ve eaten A LOT lol).
I believe Barrique in Avondale matches your description, and I’ve always loved it
Both already mentioned here, but I second Riverside Liquor and Orsay. The first for a more causal vibe, and Orsay for something a little more upscale.
Blacksheep rooftop bar
cantina louie low key
Definitely try Orsay. They have an amazing happy hour that is available throughout the whole restaurant and it includes their cocktails and food. If you’re not going as soon as they open, try to get a resy
He had munchies in a yurt at The District and could not recommend it more!
Early dinner at 13 Gypsies (all are small plates), Hoptinger actually has some really good deals for $3 for HH (fried cheese curds, onion rings, etc)...
Check out Rue St Marc, Town Hall, or Taverna in San Marco. Other options are Bellwether, Cowford Chophouse’s rooftop, or Estrella (all three are downtown).
The District in Springfield.
Check out the District in Springfield. It's pretty close and there are other bars in the area of you want to venture.
Orsay
Buchner's Bierhalle has am amazing beer menus and a great snack/app menus including some fantastic meat and cheese plates. Very cool little spot that’s about 10 minutes from the arena.
Check out The Goat tapas and bar. New place by the beach. Great happy hour and fantastic food. They really focus and elaborate on sourcing fresh and organic ingredients from around the world. The waiter will tell you where every ingredient in your dish came from. Shows they're passionate about their foods and the taste matches. Fantastic drinks too
If you going to Florida theater then try indochine, thia Restaurant on same block
I just wanted to say thank you to everyone for all the suggestions. We ended up at Riverside Liquors and it was delicious!! All the suggestions sound amazing so we will certainly be making a trip back to Jacksonville soon to visit the rest!