10 Best Nightlife Experiences in Jacksonville

Penthouse Bar at Casa Marina Hotel & Restaurant offers a historic Spanish-style environment where you enjoy fresh ocean breezes on the rooftop. The Lounge Bar boasts spectacular views of the ocean and you can expect to catch live music in the evening. The intimate setting of the room allows you to enjoy a conversation with friends as well as your drink of choice.

The bar has indoor and outdoor seating and is known for its excellence in service. If you make it from 3 pm to 7 pm, you can enjoy beverages from the happy hour drink list, just in time for the sunset.

Aromas Cigar, Wine, and Martini bar has it all when it comes to variety. They carry hundreds of differing brands of spirits, a selection of more than 300 varieties of wine, and the attached Beer House at Aromas which houses more than 200 varieties of beer, from local craft brews to international brands.

If you’re seeking exclusivity and V.I.P. privileges, look no further than Club Robusto, the private area of Aromas designated to their V.I.P. club members only. Club Robusto displays an astonishing selection of cigars, a walk-in humidor, plush leather seating, the finest spirits that side of the Mississippi (such as Louis XIII), and a special $100+ per shot drink menu.

Cuba Libre Ultra Lounge is one of Jacksonville's most innovative and attractive nightclubs. Having been open for decades, Cuba Libre has partying down to a science, offering the perfect balance of New York-style party vibes with Jacksonville's beach style.

When they’re not hosting top DJs and artists, they are known to turn up the Latin beats on the weekends and keep the environment fresh by exploring different themes throughout the weekdays. Ask the bartender for an espresso martini to keep you dancing into the night. If you’re in Jacksonville for a birthday party or wedding, Cuba Libre offers their venue for private bookings as well.

Dos Gatos is a funky favorite in Jacksonville's night scene for cocktail fans. Known as the original cocktail bar in town, the mixologists of Dos Gatos push the bar on style, flavor, and attitude. Each member of the bar team is skilled in crafting their special beverages (of course, the classics are always available).

The exposed brick interior and unique decor make this the perfect bar to get lost in the music. Alternately, take a seat at the lounge bar just upstairs. The music varies from live bands to DJs and it's even known to set up a karaoke mic when the night is right. Dos Gatos is one of the most energetic places to dance in Old Town Jacksonville.

The Parlor will take you back in history to the 1920’s Prohibition era. The speakeasy comes to life when you make your way through the secret side entrance (good luck finding it) from 'Grape and Grain Exchange', an attached bar that helps keep this special gem a secret.

The hidden bar echoes to the sounds of yesteryear when the live Jazz band hits the stage, and the dancefloor is as active as the bar, which offers a quality selection of spirits. The bartenders mix beverages very well here. The parlor not only offers good beverages, but it’s truly a one-of-a-kind experience in Jacksonville.

Leader Board Arcade Bar & Pizzeria has that nostalgic ambience that can entertain the kids as well as awaken the kid at heart. They display an impressive selection of classic arcade games as well as the latest in gaming, from pinball machines to PlayStation consoles, and if you are skilled enough to land a 'high score', your name will be displayed on the daily record board for all to see.

The prices for games haven't changed much since the 80s, ranging from $0.25-$2.00. Leader Board is an interactive, fun bar with cold beer, a wide range of entertainment, and hand-crafted deep-dish pizzas – the perfect recipe for a night to remember.

Do Re Mi is not your typical 'on stage' karaoke bar where you make a fool of yourself in front of a large crowd, but rather a private party room for groups of friends to sing and shout to the songs of their choice while ordering food and beverages.

Once the ice is broken in the room, there’s usually a tussle for who will sing next, ensuring an evening of good laughs. The rooms are different sizes to suit small or large parties. Sing your heart out and make a funny pose for the ‘gram with the several props offered by the Do Re Mi Staff.

BestBet Poker Hall in Jacksonville will test your skills at 1,2, and 3-card poker, Pai Gow, and Ultimate Texas Hold 'em. The 20,000-sq-ft poker hall boasts over 80 poker tables as well as a digital section of casino games, and you can bet on thoroughbred horse races and other sporting events as well.

If you’re feeling hungry, BestBet is known for its fresh sushi menu and delightful cocktail selection that you can enjoy at the poker table. If you catch a lucky streak on Friday you can carry on chancing your luck because BestBet is open 24 hours over the weekends.