Marjorie MillerI could say I wrote this article from a club in Atlantic Boulevard—but then you’d picture me jumbling words between lasers and bass drops. Although with how fuego Jacksonville’s nightlife is, it wouldn’t be far off.
Rest assured, I made this article sober and sitting. That doesn’t change the fact that I’m a regular of the city’s rave haunts.
The question, though, is which spots really bring the heat? Well, we gladly did the research (who says no to a night out?) and answer that here.
Myth Nightclub
From myth.element
Address: 333 E Bay St Suite 105
Contact Details: +1 904-330-1964
Operating Hours: Thu to Sun – 6 pm to 2 am
Website
Known for its tech-savvy acoustics, Myth Nightclub surely knows how to party. Toss in the LED video ceiling—the only one in Jax—and it’s no wonder the club draws revelers of all ages.
Events-wise, there’s no rinse-and-repeat. One night, it’s glow sticks and bass drops with local DJs; the next, it’s darkwave and eyeliner with goths ruling the dancefloor.
Big names like Darude are also regular performers—so yes, “Sandstorm” has shaken Myth’s hallowed walls more than once.
Tip: You can reserve a VIP table here.
Jack Rabbits Live
From jackrabbitslive
Address: 1528 Hendricks Ave
Contact Details: +1 904-398-7496
Website
Heavy and raw is the sound of Jack Rabbits. It’s one of those rare clubs where punk, indie, and metal nab the limelight, with the occasional ska also two-stepping its upbeat energy to the mosh pit.
The great news is there are rarely any gatekeepers or unfriendly clubbers here—the place is ever-warm. And with the 300-person capacity, it hits the sweet spot between intimate and there’s-enough-room-to-headbang-without-elbowing-others.
Tip: There’s no liquor, only beer. Factor that when planning your trip.
Fifty Seven Heaven
From dj6burgh
Address: 1975 Wells Rd, Orange Park
Contact Details: +1 904-276-5071
Operating Hours:
- Thu – 7 pm to 12 am
- Fri to Sat – 7 pm to 2 am
Fifty Seven Heaven doesn’t care what decade you vibe with—when you’re here, you dance. Seriously, I’ve grooved in its hip dance hall with 80s, 90s, and 2000s hits.
Those spicy-hot Latin nights, though, are what I especially live for. Can you really top Salsa beats and bartenders pouring classic margaritas? I can’t. That’s why you’ll catch me swaying like J.Lo on Fridays.
Tip: Call to confirm the dress code deets. It’s often changing.
Park Place Lounge
From parkplacelounge
Address: 931 King St
Contact Details: +1 904-389-6616
Operating Hours: Daily 12 pm to 2 am
Website
For over 31 years, Park Place Lounge has been flying the rainbow flag high in the history-rich Riverside. That makes it one of Jax’s longest-running safe spaces for the LGBTQIA+ community.
It also doubles as a home for music stans, particularly those who’d rather do karaoke and disco than sleep. The patio alone has 3 mega-sized TVs for music videos, while inside, 13 more keep the bops running.
Just note that it leans more on chill than “clubby.” You can still dance, of course, especially during their tea dance events.
Tip: Consider checking their daily specials and events. That way, you’ll know which day suits your preference best.
Cuba Libre at Havana Jax
From doeboilady
Address: 2578 Atlantic Blvd
Contact Details: +1 904-399-0609
Operating Hours:
- Tue – 9 pm to 2 am
- Thu – 5 pm to 12 am
- Fri to Sat – 9 pm to 1:45 am
If you’ve been keeping score, you already know I have a soft spot for Latin sounds, so Cuba Libre had to make the list.
When someone says “nightclub,” this is the first spot that pops into my head. There’s a sprawling dance floor, leather lounges for cooling off, and a projected screen lighting up the whole room.
As for the soundtrack, it’s usually Latin pop the whole night, made all the sweeter by the world’s best dancing partner—an ice-cold craft cocktail.
Tip: Special deals, like a complimentary table and bottle of champagne, are posted on their ‘Gram.
Eclipse Bar Riverside
From 904happyhour
Address: 4219 St Johns Ave
Contact Details: +1 904-228-4663
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Wed – 8 pm to 2 am
- Thu to Sat – 3 pm to 2 am
- Sun – 8 pm to 2 am
People like to slap the “dance club” label on Eclipse, but it’s certainly way more than DJs rocking an EDM or hip-hop rave. This spot knows how to spice things up.
We’re talking regular themed nights that swing from punk concerts to dance-and-drink parties. Even “Pineapple Parties” go down here. They don’t mean the fruit, btw (so maybe leave your grandma out of it).
Can’t forget about their drink deals, either. Paying $5 for 5 jello shots or $7 for flavored vodka is always a win in my book.
Tip: You can bring pups to their patio!
Underbelly
From resurgencegothnight
Address: Bold City Downtown, 113 E Bay St
Contact Details: +1 904-374-9351
Operating Hours: Daily – 11 am to 7 pm
Website
Smoky BBQ, a whiskey lineup that features 50 options, and live shows that go from gritty to glittery—Underbelly is that spot. That’s probably why most of Jax collectively lays back here.
I’ll focus more on the shows, though. Live burlesque, goth-themed parties, and even Shrek-inspired raves (read that right) are their staples.
Tip: If you want a slice of their famous BBQ menu, stop by from Tuesday to Saturday.
Birdies
From birdiesfivepoints
Address: 1044 Park St
Contact Details: +1 904-329-4291
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Fri – 4 pm to 2 am
- Sat to Sun – 12:30 pm to 2 am
While Birdies may not fit 500 people on the dance floor, it definitely ticks off that “intimate club” energy. No surprises there, as this spot is technically a neighborhood bar meant for drinking $5 beer or Old-Fashioned on an airy patio.
That said, it still brings the energy when needed. Most times, the music is funky and upbeat—with disco, R&B, and soul as the DJ’s faves.
Some oldies also get air time, typically on Fridays.
Tip: If you want to score cheap drinks, pop by when the Jags play.
Dynasty Lounge
From jaxnitelifepromo
Address: 6347 Philips Hwy
Contact Details: +1 904-423-0895
Operating Hours: Daily – 6 pm to 2 am
The energy is always high at Dynasty Lounge, thanks to its upscale yet casual setting fuelled by Spanish elements. Yup, that means this is another one of those nightclubs where flamenco or tango gets played a lot.
They do things extra as well. For example, if you order a bottle, they’ll serve it with sparklers for that extra oomph.
Tons of performers grace the stage, too. DJs, unsurprisingly, are what you’ll usually see, with up-and-coming rappers, like YTB Fatt and Lil Poppa, following.
Tip: This is one of the pricier options, so call to plan your budget accordingly.
InCahoots Nightclub
From t.r.i.b.e.k.a.h
Address: 711 Edison Ave
Contact Details: +1 904-353-6316
Operating Hours:
- Tue – 9 pm to 2 am
- Wed to Fri – 6 pm to 2 am
- Sat – 9 pm to 2 am
- Sun – 6 pm to 2 am
If there’s ever a spot I’d call the Beyoncé of queer nightclubs, it’s InCahoots. When you’re the most decorated LGBTQIA+ in Jax, you get that title.
I mean, where else can you bounce from drag dramatics to dance floor mayhem to game room bets to go-go shows in one night? That’s right—here, in this multiroom hangout with 4 unique bars and always brilliant shows.
Even better, drinks get price cuts. Care for $1 or 2-4-1 drinks?
Tip: The entire place is yours if you book it for a private party.
Indigo VIP Restaurant & Lounge
From indigojaxvip
Address: 5063 Normandy Blvd
Contact Details: +1 904-329-4293
Operating Hours:
- Thu – 7 pm to 12 am
- Fri to Sat – 9 pm to 2 am
I used to think that Indigo was only hyped because of its American and soul fare. Boy, was I wrong—while their wings are indeed lip-smacking, the parties are something else.
Rarely a dull night with their packed schedule. For instance, I attended a “black glow” party with $5 shots, and it was fire, with DJs dropping kicky beats all night.
Their astrology-themed events are a hit as well. If it’s your sign getting the spotlight, your first drink won’t cost anything.
Tip: Happy hour deals often rain on Wednesdays, from 9 pm to 4 am. It can shift, though, so ring them up.
theLOFT
From ari_doesallthethings
Address: 925 King St
Contact Details: +1 904-551-1350
Operating Hours: Tue to Sat – 8 pm to 2 am
Facebook
If you’re not game for getting lit on the dance floor, it’s best to skip theLOFT. This King St mainstay rarely does chill, especially when their DJs start blasting the season’s hottest dance beats.
Surprisingly, Wednesday nights go harder with punchy EDM and $3 White Claws. Weekends obviously see more clubbers, though, generally college students.
The rest of the week, you’ll spot clubbers from every postcode and pay grade.
Tip: If you also want to do karaoke, head here on a Tuesday.
The Ritz
From djamplifiedlotus
Address: 185 3rd Ave N
Contact Details: +1 904-246-2255
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Fri – 12 pm to 2 am
- Sat to Sun – 12 pm to 2 am
Ah, yes, The Ritz—the full-service bar that starts off looking like a 1945 pub…until the weekend rolls around. That’s when it justifies its claim of being Jax Beach’s top cocktail and party joint.
Both the tunes and atmosphere are lit, but what takes it to the next level are the drinks. Their bartenders can craft over 400 cocktails and shooters, most of which you can get for $4 to $6 a glass.
Tip: Don’t forget to bring a state-issued ID. The bouncers here are among the strictest around.
Live Bar Seafood
From livebar904
Address: Churchwell Lofts, 331 E Bay St
Contact Details: +1 904-999-8801
Operating Hours:
- Mon – 7 pm to 2 am
- Wed – 8 pm to 12 am
- Thu – 10 pm to 2 am
- Fri – 5 pm to 2 am
- Sat – 7 pm to 2 am
- Sun – 10 pm to 2 am
Live Bar proved to me that seafood and wings are better at a high-energy venue. Last time, I downed their specials while R&B and hip-hop acts brought the heat.
The highlight, however, is their regular themed bashes. It was a costume party last time I dropped by, so I had to dress as my favorite artist.
No problemo if that’s not your style. Events happen almost daily with discounted oysters and cocktails to boot, like the famous Friday shindig for grown-ups.
Tip: For cheaper entry fees, don’t wait until the club gets overpacked, particularly at around 1 am.
