Stopped into Volstead Speakeasy on a Wednesday night as a walk-in and had no trouble grabbing a seat at the bar. The aesthetic is unique with a relaxed atmosphere. I'll let the photos from other reviews do the talking, but if you enjoy a good backstory, ask about the history of the space. My mission for the night was simple: end the evening with a great gin cocktail. I started with the Donna Bella from the menu. It was well made, but I thought the bitters were a little too forward for my taste. Next, I asked for an off-menu modification: a Water Lily for Teresa, but made with Roku Gin. It was a strong contender--aromatic, balanced, and beautifully floral. If you're a fan of a French 75, this is a fun cocktail to explore. It's less citrus-forward and leans into a floral profile with a character that's hard to compare to anything else. For the final round, I went with bartender's choice. Mick asked a few questions about my flavor preferences and absolutely nailed it. They crafted a cocktail with Roku gin, snap pea cordial, aloe liqueur, egg white, lemon simple, mint, and citrus that was easily the highlight of the night. Fresh, layered, and memorable, it's a drink that deserves a permanent spot on the menu....Mission accomplished. If you're willing to wander beyond the barbershop business front and you consider yourself a spirit explorer, Volstead is well worth the visit. Go for a round...or two. If you're local, this could easily become your staple spot. For what it is, strong craft cocktail bar option. Bartenders choice is the way to go. read more

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I went when they had the house band, pretty good music, nice easy environment, wasn't too crowded. I don't drink so I can't speak for that, I came for the music. The house band is pretty good, a little bit on the young side, but they seem to get the job done. OK. After the house being played a set, they had a sit in sessions with various musicians, which is always nice. The atmosphere is subtle and quiet at least for a club. Location is great, and the staff seemed friendly. It's good to have a place in Jacksonville with an environment like this and a place where you can go and listen to jazz/blues. I wish there was more like this, maybe with a little bit of older, jazz, musicians and more people who appreciate jazz as it didn't seem like the audience was 100% jazz lovers, but that doesn't detract too much especially since there's not a lot of places in Jacksonville that do what they're doing here. read more

Such a gem. This place will forever be the place I want to take people to when going downtown. It's a total vibe. Plus the drinks are amazing and the selection is fire! And I found out they do brunch Saturdays! Say what!' So cool, definitely will need to check that out! read more

The Volstead - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

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My drink here yesterday the Salma Hayek was literally a 9.5/10. It was so perfectly balanced and presented. A slightly sweet herbal strawberry tequila drink. I would order it again and again. My husband was very impressed by his blueberry flavored drink as well. Bartenders were smiley but could have checked in more frequently. Also the room has a pretty off putting smell to it - def need some candles or air fresheners lol. (It was much better after the bartender made a drink that she lit on fire) read more

The Volstead - Salma hayek- delicious herbal strawberry cocktail - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

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The Volstead was our second to last stop on a downtown Jacksonville drinking challenge recently. This was another "how have we never been here?!" type of thing because the place is just so rad. Total speakeasy feeling with a great cocktail menu and fantastic servers. When I say "speakeasy feeling", I mean it feels that way to me because there's no sign outside. As a matter of fact, The Volstead is literally hidden behind a barber shop. If you didn't know it was there, you wouldn't find it. To me, that's a speakeasy. During our run through the downtown drinking challenge we had great servers at every stop however, The Volstead was VERY busy by the time we made it there. Easily the busiest bar in downtown Jacksonville on the night we went. The servers we on top of it though, serving a LOT of people at the same time. The weren't rude to us or anyone else, at least while I was observing. The drinks they made were great that night as well as when we went back a few weeks later with friends. This is another place we would've never know about without that DTJax drinking challenge and we're sure glad to know about it now. read more

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Love, love this place! When you come down Adams Street and you see people going in an unmarked door, you've found The Volstead. There isn't a sign or neon lights - you have to look for this place and it's worth finding! It's a retro prohibibition era drinking establishment (hence the name) that has to be experienced. The Volstead is a classy and tastefully decorated cocktail lounge with a 1920's speakeasy theme. They have a great selection of cocktails offered with a selection of bottled beer as well. The bar is devoid of obnoxiously loud music or TVs, fostering an environment conducive to socializing and enjoying the company of friends and fellow patrons. Excellent vibe and attentive staff! read more

The Volstead - The Salma Hayek - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

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The Volstead was hands-down, the most recommended bar in all of Jacksonville. Many people told us to go here. We are from LA and no stranger to Mixology. However, this Mixology is done with that offbeat fun art student vibe. The music is great. The client tells eclectic and everyone appears approachable. This is also a great place to people watch as everyone appears smart an eclectic, and nowhere to hang. One of the best whiskey sours served up with egg white I've ever had in my life. It was strong Made well by a no-nonsense Bartender and it drank as such. read more

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One of the most chill speakeasy's in the city. The bartenders are serious craftspeople. The Salma Hayek is an intoxicating and refreshing beverage, and its flavors transport you to a fabulous marina at sunset. read more

The Volstead - The Salma Hayek - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

So it seems that every time I end up in Jacksonville for work, I also end up at The Volstead... which in turn makes it my favorite bar in Jacksonville!. I love the dark speakeasy vibe, the bartenders are great for making a reccomendation, and the drinks are top notch. Last time I was in I had a few rye old fashioneds from two different bartenders with the shift change and they were all excellent. Next time I'm in town, I'll be back for sure. read more

One of my favorite downtown bars. The bartenders are talented mixologist. The interior is dark and sultry just like a speakeasy. Live the vibe! They offer Happy Hour 7 days a week! read more

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One of my favorite bars in Jax! It's a little speakeasy with dark room and old movies playing on the projector. The cocktails are delicious and bartenders really know their stuff. Menu has a lot of creative and fun drinks. Even when they are busy, the service is usually pretty quick! read more

The Volstead - NYE menu - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

I love the speakeasy vibes of this bar! I also enjoy the fact they have tasty mocktails!! They even had live music that just set the tone for my experience. Definitely a nice chilled place to visit for a night out with friends/family. read more

Will is a true master mixologist. Tell him what you enjoy drinking, then leave it to his "Dealer's Choice." Sit back, enjoy the show, and you're almost certain to be delighted by the creative cocktail he crafts just for you. read more

Went on a weekday night, our bartender Channing was awesome. The bar was fairly busy and he held things down fr, drinks went out really quickly, and he didn't forget you as he went around the bar. Really enjoyed all the drinks we had here, we tried some holiday specials, as well as some dealer choice drinks which he did an awesome job with as well. The vibe was right, dark and friendly lit like a speakeasy should be would definitely go again. read more

The Volstead - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

10/10 High recommended. Great spot for pre-your post evening drink. Especially pre-evening events because they have a wonderful happy hour. Love the cocktail curation and the bartenders are amazing. Come with friends or come alone bc you'll leave with new friends. Just an absolute vibe in there. read more

The Volstead - Forget build a bear - Build a Spritz! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

Loved James and our drinks. The communication between bartenders was great watching them talk about who was doing what was impressive. Cocktails were great. I like the flexibility of cocktails. Would go back and recommend! read more

The Volstead - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

No food, amazing ambience, hidden gem. Drinks under 10 and hardy. No food, but saw a couple bring in find from a restaurant nearby . read more

The Volstead - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

Yum, service, excellent atmosphere..FUN ,SUN IS SWING NIGHT! Food is nearby not in house. read more

The Volstead - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

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I like the Volstead! Very cozy and classy.. it's a little hard to find when you outside they should put a sign in front so people know where to go but beside that great environment read more

The Volstead - I love the Volstead. Very cozy and classy - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

If you're looking for a spot with an incredible atmosphere and killer craft drinks, this cozy Downtown favorite hits the spot every single time. It's got that perfect, low-key 1920s elegance where you can actually sit, talk, and sip a high-quality cocktail. read more

Awesome! Loved the quiet vibe. Super chill, but cool. Had help with my drink since I know nothing about booze. My wife is the dirty martini and I'm the one with the umbrella in my drink. Our mixologist was patient, kind and very welcoming. We then hung out in comfy leather chairs and got engrossed in the silent movie playing on the wall. Great start to our date night. We'd go back in a heartbeat. read more

This speakeasy absolutely stole my heart. We decided to pop in here, but first we had to get past the working barbershop in the front! Once we got inside I fell in love. You have to visit this place just to experience the ambience. We were able to grab a bit of food to snack on while there which was homemade beef jerky that is made by the bar owner's grandfather. The bartenders are very attentive and the drinks were amazing. Definitely my new favorite bar in Jacksonville and I will be bringing all of my friends here! read more

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This is a great speakeasy type place with handmade cocktails. It's hard to find but worth it.

Really cool experience. Had a hard time finding this but that contributes to the whole appeal. When we finally found it I was like are we sure? Lol. So it was daytime, well lit outside but coming inside you have no idea when and where you are. The decor, lighting, atmosphere, ambience, everything was so dark and mysterious. I really appreciate the enigmatic appeal. The old fashioned was too notch! All other drinks on the menu sounded wonderful and the other selection I chose was eccentric for sure. These aren't your typical drink choices but grateful to have a variety of choices. read more

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Located behind the barbershop on Adams. I walked by thinking we past it.... But there it was... look for the door entryway with the letter "V" inlayed into the street tile. Beware - VERY strong drinks! The interior has the old timey vibe with a bar, some tables and chairs for seating. Any party size would be comfortable and welcomed. The bartenders were very friendly and helpful in taking our orders. Overall, 8/10. We will definitely be back. read more

Second time visiting and the winter menu was perfect. We love the atmosphere and the amazing bartenders. It's def a great place for a fun date read more

The Volstead - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

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Sunday swing dance fun and craft cocktails galore. Bar tenders are amazing and make the best most artfully crafter libations. read more

The Volstead - Espresso martini and Gin Sour - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

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Love every time. The ambiance is nice and intimate. The lighting is moody and wraps you up to make you cozy. The drinks are phenomenally crafted by the mixologist. I have even been there for a special events. The service can feel slow if it gets crowded but that's only because each drink is crafted. read more

This was one of the first places I went in Jacksonville! It's SUCH a cool hang. Really cool atmosphere inside. The bartenders always look so cool prohibition era too. The drink menu is super fun and they have really cozy little chairs so you don't have to just be seated at the bar. Very nice place for a girls night or to meet up with a date! read more

Really neat speak easy. The front looks like a barbershop but the back is the bar! They play movies on the wall! I got the Golden Banana which was good! read more

The Volstead - Front entrance - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

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Great service, great ambiance and delicious cocktails. Volstead is what you would expect from a speakeasy type of bar. It is a hole in the wall and easily missed but once you find it, the bar is pretty cool. My friends and I decided to check out this place right before a concert and it was the best decision we made that night! Our bartender was equally awesome, she made suggestions and actually informed us that it was happy hour. I ended ordering an old fashioned because it is my favourite drink while my friends ordered a double grand marnier near and my other got the prettiest sappling and talked about how yummy it was. The old fashioned was strong and tasty. We didn't have time to try other cocktails but we were already talking about coming back whenever we are in town. Honestly if you're ever in Jacksonville, do yourself a favor and check out this spot; you won't regret it. read more

The Volstead - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

We visited the volstead on a Friday night. The best way I can describe this place was all the vibes and fun of a speakeasy but without the annoying exclusivity. They had some comfy couches and bar seating and a movie projected on the wall. It was a great time. Their drink menu is small and very unique. I got a Jessica rabbit which can only be described as somewhere between a margarita and a V8. The carrot taste really came through, and so did the vinegar. It was refreshing and light and I finished it really fast, but I don't know if I'd order it again. It was such a unique drink. I've really never had anything like it. They also had a good beer selection that a few of my colleagues put to work. We enjoyed the atmosphere a lot and all of the bartenders were really friendly. I loved this place, and I'd definitely go back. I also love their name. read more

The Volstead - two cocktails on a bar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

Needs new staff!!! Never have I seen such disgraceful attitudes in an establishment. I don't know how this place is in business with how I've seen some of the staff treat regular people just trying to enjoy an evening. it's pretty sad when I can hear others complain About the same things as they walk out! read more

Best classic whiskey sours in town. Pseudo speak easy. Dark but friendly service. Relax don't rush enjoy the atmosphere people and music.

A very nice and laid-back place with a very friendly bartender! My first time visiting and I plan on returning to a perfectly hidden gem located downtown. read more

Hubby and I swung into The Volstead for a nightcap on Friday night. We parked right down the street and walked over. I loved the speakeasy vibe as soon as we walked in. We went right over to the bar and ordered a couple of cocktails. I ordered a Chocolate Rain and he ordered an Old Fashioned. We found a couple chairs, sat down and enjoyed each others company. The cocktail I ordered wasn't something I would normally order and I didn't like it too much. Hubby went with his go-to and enjoyed his Old Fashioned. The ambiance is reason alone to come back and try a different cocktail. read more

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An excellent little bar downtown. Love the speakeasy theme and the movies on the back wall. It's nice that they don't feel the need to drown out conversations with music so it's perfect for dates or to spend time with friends. The staff is always friendly and skilled at their craft. An extra win is that their Happy Hour is 4-7 everyday. read more

The Volstead - Well made Old Fashioned - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

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Great atmosphere and fantastic drinks. Feels like a Speakeasy. It's easy to miss if you don't know to look for the barber shop.

We enjoyed this place. Atmosphere was nice. Only small complaint was the bar was full and there was no real place to go and place an order for a drink. You kinda had to hover behind people who were sitting at the bar. I would recommend a server who serves the tables/chairs or have a dedicated spot at the bar for people to walk up to so they can place an order. read more

Overall this hidden speakeasy is amazing! Its hidden store front with the "JAX POST" vibe is cool. I've been here a few times for the Bartenders Brawl but never on a regular night. Total for the 2 hours while I was here there was a max of 20 people in the establishment. Its cool it see this "speakeasy" bar not crowded with people and and be able to "observe" it in its "natural" environment. The bar design was an interesting, the concept it reminded me of a "Thrust" or "Runway" style stage. Im theater terms this allows the performers in this case the bartender with a greater interaction with the audience or customer in this case To my knowledge during the week they only have one Bartender on staff compared to the weekend aka Friday and Sat. This unique concept allows individual attention and space (during covid) but still flourishes on the weekends during the busiest time. I should have written a review in 2017 when I was introduced to this amazing establishment via a former F & B industry coworker. read more