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

Cool little bar. We came here for a show on a Saturday evening. Restrooms are awesome. The 30's type decoration is super cool. Service was the bar was terrible. I'm not sure if they did not staff enough people, or having patrons sit at the bar during the show was a bad idea. Either way having to flag down bartenders and waiting 10+ minutes for a drink was kind of a buzz kill. read more

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Nice Service and Ambiance. Drinks were great and we had a very good time, we will go again.

Surprisingly for how spacious the place was besides me and my boyfriend they were only two other people for about an hour before a couple more people came in. So it's a great place if you don't like being around a lot of people because they're plenty of places to sit or stand. It was also pretty dark lit so the ambience was very cozy. The only light that I noticed came from the bar, the movie and the baby little candles they had on each table. The drinks were all very delicious and unique! And the staff were all very sweet. I will say the only downside is that they are a bit on the pricier side so if you go ham, your wallet will definitely feel it. But it is a great place to hang out with your friends and have a fun drink. read more

The Volstead - Bar area - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

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If you are picky about your drinks you won't be let down here. I'm extremely particular about the simplest of drinks, an Old Fashioned. But the staff here ensures they have the proper ice blocks, and it's served stiff as it should be. Outside of that if there is a cocktail that I know is requiring more skill they are the first and only place I will go to for my special cocktails. The atmosphere here is dark but it gives speak easy vibes. Also, the entrance is fun the first few times. read more

Delicious drinks and cool atmosphere! Smack down in the middle of downtown jacksonville. It's a great bar that has a cool vibe. They try to replicate a speakeasy. From the outside, this place doesn't look like a bar. There's a large menu of cocktails they can make with their bartenders who are very talented. I highly recommend this place. It's very dark and personal in case you'd like to go with someone special. They are very clean. Do not service food. read more

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So I had the opportunity to do a bar crawl this last Saturday and we started at the Volstead honestly, it was very nice. The ambience was great. The service was great. Everybody was very accommodating because this bar crawl that we were attending nobody at these participating bars had any idea that it was happening some found out the day of the bar crawl. Most of all the bars that were involved either didn't do it at all or they accommodated and I can say about one or two of the bars on the list actually accommodated to the people that pay for the bar crawl, and the other ones just completely wouldn't even barge which had nothing to do with them, but it was very disappointing, but still had a fun time and really glad we started off here because they set the mood for the rest of the night read more

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I was in Jacksonville for business and decided to check this place out after a crazy workday. I had actually bookmarked this place years ago when I was in Jacksonville and finally got around to trying it. I am really glad I did. It has a speakeasy feel, as you would expect from a place called, the Volstead. For you non-history nerds The Volstead Act was the enforcement mechanism of Prohibition, when liquor was outlawed from 1920-1933. The entrance is unmarked, as a speakeasy should be, so I walked passed it at first. Once I found it, you walked into a little barbershop area, through a curtain, and voila. I was there for happy hour, so it wasn't crowded. There was ample seating both at the bar and the chairs and sofas around the bar. This also meant that there were some great cocktail deals. I started with a daquiri. I love a classic daquiri (Hemingway style, not the frozen concoction you get a pool bar). I also had a gin and tonic. Both were great, but the standout was a drink called Road to Redemption. It was not a happy hour special, but the bartender told me it was unique and only around for a limited time. I'm glad I hung around and tried it. It was so delicious and one of the best drinks I've had in a while. I hope they decide to keep it around. The bartender was friendly and efficient. I really dug the vibe and would definitely recommend to anyone in the area. If, I find myself back in town I will return. read more

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This place is everything it's cracked up to be. The best part to me was the ambiance. It's dark and romantic... not too dark but just perfect so you can enjoy your drink and your company. They don't have food but they do have great drinks. The only thing I'm not too fond of is the ordering process. Being that it's a smaller place, and everyone is sitting around the bar...you literally have to stand over someone and get in their personal space if you wanna be seen by a bartender. I don't think I took any photos, but if you can name it...they can make it. #Cheers. read more

Love this hidden gem. It's all dark and mysterious but their drinks are delicious and their Service is pretty good too. It gets packed on the weekends. Ambiance is like no other. Hopefully the photos tell you a bit of the story. Very cute spot for a date. read more

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Great service and great drinks not much more I need to say. During my short visit to Jax I visited this place back to back nights. Check them out read more

The Volstead - Tequila old fashioned - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

Great drinks and atmosphere, eclectic drink menu that's always changing as well , definitely worth checking out read more

The Volstead - The naked and afraid from their custom menu - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

I absolutely love this place. The Bartenders make wonderful drinks. This Bar is an asset to downtown Jacksonville, Florida. Good times had by all here, no doubt. They have a back part of the bar that can be reserved for special events & occasions. read more

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Had such a high hope to visit this place. Came for happy hour. Unwelcoming and unfriendly bartender. Ordered old fashioned, but as the big ice cube melted, the water from ice tasted like an old fridge like smell, terrible water taste. Could not finish my drink. I was also expecting a speakeasy, but the ambiance felt like i was inside of a big garage. Will not be back. read more

The Volstead - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

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I had a nice experience here at The Volstead. I love the jazz/blues vibes. They have a good variety of drinks. The staff is very chill but still professional. read more

We were going to the Florida theatre for a show and took the short walk down to have a drink before hand. Really great craft cocktails. Loved the vibe. My drink had snow and a rubber duckie. It also tasted great as well! read more

The Volstead - a tall glass of orange juice - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

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Quality is the main reason to come to this speakeasy. I have been there before at night but went there for happy hour during Art fest. The deals for happy hour are pretty good but I went for my favorite drink: the dirty martini. Or in my case filthy! I know I can't make one myself but this mixologist was a true artisan. Just the right balance of vodka, vermouth and olive. Loved it. In previous visits with friends we sat in the back patio and it was really cool. This time since it was daylight out it looked very dingy and smelly possibly from the restaurant next door. Other times I have enjoyed the live music and chill atmosphere. Definitely a good place to grab a drink or 2 knowing it will be worth the while. Generally a good crowd. I even saw a wedding reception here on my first visit. read more

You had me at hearing Nirvana playing as I entered through the curtain~ I have been wanting to go here forever!!! There was always some reason I didn't make it. Tonight's plans changed and I said lets go and Debbie obliged. I think she was quite shocked I hadn't been and after sitting down at the bar- I agree, I am shocked I waited too long to enjoy one of their craft, artisan cocktails. Right now there is an event rolling across multiple venues by Angel's Envy- Toast the Trees and I missed the event here but still could order the craft cocktail and get my passport stamp. What a drink! The hibiscus petals on top, the chocolate bitters you could taste on the back end, just a delicious cocktail. PLUS tonight was Manifest Distillery night~ ahhhh, yeeessssss!!! I ordered the Manifest Citrus Mule and was entered into a contest to win a bottle of their liquor. I LOVE local distilleries- who am I kidding, I love distilleries. They have slowly been stepping up to the brewery level and more and more you can get tastings and tours at distilleries. Manifest is marvelous! And that Citrus Vodka has already been bought and consumed in my household! Our bartender- craft mixologist, liquor artisan was Garrett (I really hope I got his name right) was simply fantastic! Personable, charming, witty and made us some wicked drinks! I cannot wait to return! The music was just my style, the bar classic and a mesmerizing feel! I will be back!!! read more

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Hands down the best speak-easy bar in Jax. Actually, the best I've been to, and probably my favorite bar in general (but I love downtown so I'm partial). Other speak-easies I've been to are usually a bit pretentious and a slightly overpriced. This one has the perfect vibes, decor, decently priced (good happy hour too) and is actually clandestine. Bartenders are friendly and attentive, and they do their best when they're super busy. Check them out anytime, but they have live music for art walk (first Wednesday of the month when Covid is over) and free swing dancing lessons on Sundays. read more

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The entrance will blow your mind (hair) away. Service was amazing and the ambiance was beautiful.

This has been my favorite bar in Jacksonville for years, and it is still the number one place in Jax I bring visitors from out of town. The vibe is immaculate and the staff (namely Reed, per today) is always spectacular. I'm a sucker for a unique cocktail and there are always plenty here. The menu changes, but if you get in soon, try Satanic Cheerleader. I insist that you use this as a first date spot. Hasn't failed me yet. read more

Loved this cool little speakeasy tucked away in downtown Jax. Great atmosphere, great cocktails. Definitely check it out.

Volstead is always such a good time. It's worth the $12 cocktails. The artistry is exceptional and they change menus every season. I love bringing friends here and getting one or two drinks. The drinks are strong and in a way that's perfectly balanced. They have events every month but I haven't been to any. Please look for the guy outside that checks IDs. I told my coworker about this place and felt awful that he didn't know exactly where it was and never got in. It's supposed to be a bit speakeasy-ish. I guess it worked. read more

The Volstead - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

Dark, atmospheric and great hidden spot. Haven't ate there but the drinks are on a rotation so that's fun and they've always been delicious. Service has been just fine read more

Cheyenne (was hoping to get the correct spelling on my reciept) is awesome. One MUST TRY her Bolder Bean cocktail. On the menu, the base spirit is gin. She must've read me (or she naturally just provide good service) when I inquired about the drink and asked if I prefer whiskey. Duh! Admittedly, I was afraid the ingredients might take the profile to a place iI wouldn't be fond of. However, I thoroughly enjoyed the balance of the cocktail. For my next drink, I asked for a whiskey-based classic. Instead, she pointed me to a gin-based menu item that worked well with whiskey. VERY happy with her rec. I was enjoying Cheyenne's recommendations so much so that I had to renege on my "two-drink promise" to my wife and opt for one last hurrah. For my last cocktail, I thought I'd challenge her with a vague profile. "I want a whiskey-based cocktail with an egg-white foam." After a brief second, she came up with a spin of an off-menu classic that hasn't been offered to me from other mixologists when I make that request. Her idea: Raspberry bourbon smash tied together with my foam. It was delicious! Bottom line... I'm definitely coming back. I may not have any other reason to be in Jax other than Volstead. I'll even go out of my way if I have to. 'Til next time, Volstead. 'Til next time. read more

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This place is really cool. It has the whole speakeasy thing going on and is surprisngly effective. I sat next door at the poke place for about an hour for lunch earlier that day and had no idea it was next door. I sat at the bar and the bourbon selection is huge. Not a ton there by way of unicorn bottles but most people dont drink them anyways, just ask the price and keep it moving. There was a deal going on for cheap Miller cans so I had a few of those and a couple pours of Michter Sour Mash which is hard to come by in VA. I chatted with the manager for awhile and he was a cool guy. Overall, I really liked this place. The vibe is cool, it was really busy in a good way, and the staff was friendly. I'll definitely be back next time I'm in town for work. read more

5 Stars for a perfect hand-crafted cocktail (or three) and really friendly bartenders (which is a true rarity in dark, trendy spots filled with obscure liquors and homemade syrups). Our mixologist, Christopher, crafted a beautiful Old Fashioned for me and my friend ordered a specialty drink from the menu. It had whiskey, lime, and a sriracha and herb-infused syrup-- the last one had me a little worried. Christopher, the gem that he was, assured me it wouldn't be spicy. Our trust hadn't been built yet... but after the Old Fashioned, I was ready for a walk on the wild side. Girls Gone Wild, they'd call me. So I went for it and ordered the mystery cocktail with the sriracha syrup. And two more of them after that. Aside from the fabulous concoctions made by the fabulous Christopher, there was also a friendly gentleman offering to deal us in to a game of blackjack. We opted against it this time (the poker-face had left my body two drinks ago), but it was cool that he was offering it. Above him played an old black and white film projected on the wall. It goes without saying that this bar is of the hipster persuasion. And that's not meant to be derogatory. Most places where you can get a strong, but subtle drink involves at least a few mustaches and ironic tats. Would I recommend this to a friend? YUP. Did I feel it the day after? For 24 solid, nauseating hours. Side-note-- I miss the liver of my twenties. read more

Favorite bar in Jax by far; what a true bar should be! Alice and Cody were awesome and made the best strawberry lavender moscow mules I've ever had. Will always be back! read more

Perfect place to come to have a drink alone, with your significant other, or with friends. Love the laid back feel of this speakeasy themed bar. In addition to the bar area, they offer comfortable seating throughout on various couches and chairs. The dim lighting is relaxing. I love their speciality drinks, and the bartenders always give a very good pour. The bartenders are also very attentive and friendly. You won't find yourself standing at the bar waiting forever to get the attention of the bartender. This is my favourite bar in town, and it definitely warrants a trip downtown. read more

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We stumbled upon this place when we were downtown because it was in the area. We walked right past it at first because the entrance looks like a post office. Then we walked behind the curtain and we amazed that there was a bar back there. Our bartender was very nice and and knowledgeable on the drinks. Their drink menu rotates every quarter so they always have new drinks to try. We really enjoyed our drinks. The bar is really perfect for a date night and has a great speakeasy vibe. We will definitely be back. read more

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This place is awesome. It's hard to find which gives it the true speakeasy feel. The bartenders were very nice and happy to answer any questions. The pricing is very fair considering this is a premium bar. Super lowkey chill vibes with dim lighting and candles. read more

The Volstead - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

The Prohibition-era lounge mimics the fast-paced atmosphere of a craft cocktail bar one would find in New York, Chicago, or San Francisco. Luckily for us, the Volstead resides in Downtown Jacksonville. One step inside and you're immediately transported to a 1920's Speakeasy. The live Jazz band certainly heightened the experience. Their swing-dance style provided the bar with great energy for the entire evening. I had three cocktails from the bar: Jax Sour, Grandma's Ice T and the Old Fashioned. The Sour was frothy and had a unique twist to it. The Old Fashioned was absolutely killer! These I'm still having daydreams about. The Grandma's Ice T didn't do it for me, but I'm not a fan of sweet, fruity drinks. That's on me. All cocktails are made to order. All ingredients are fresh, while the bartenders are true mixologists - muddling, slapping and pouring like seasoned vets. Whiskey flights are available, which are very hard to find. There's even a sitting room toward the entrance, which is prime location. It's almost as if you're sitting on a movie set. Kudos x 1000. I cannot wait to visit again! read more

The Volstead - Jacksonville Sour - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

Great speakeasy atmosphere with a fun and knowledgeable staff. Drinks are excellent! Will be back soon

This is my new favorite place to go! The drinks are great and the service is awesome as well. I love the fact that the bartenders put so much thought and detail to each drink they make. read more

The Volstead - Espresso martini & old fashioned - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

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What a find! We stopped in both before and after a show at The Florida Theatre. Excellent cocktails and the atmosphere is fabulously eclectic- a really bonus to the downtown Jacksonville scene. We DID walk past it twice so be sure and check the address before heading here - now we've found it we'll be back !! read more

If I could only choose one bar to go to from here on out it would be Volstead. From concept to execution, this is an incredible place to grab a drink with friends and unwind. You have to walk through a velvet curtain into the bar itself, which is dark, well decorated, and, during the week, quiet enough to have a good conversation. The drinks are expertly mixed and served, with many spotlighting fresh ingredients. I'm going through a bit of an old fashioned kick as of late, so I went with this the last time I was there. Garrett did a great job mixing it, and took the time to talk with my friend and I about what we'd like and what to potentially try. Having bartender in DC's Adams Morgan, I think it is important to take the time to note when you experience well-crafted drinks or great bartenders. The Volstead has both and will continue to be a spot I visit to catch up with friends and unwind from a long day. read more

The Volstead - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

I love this place. It is in the heart of downtown and has a cool upbeat vibe. The entrance just speaks to come in... Look around...have a drink....enjoy yourself. The horseshoe shaped bar has ample comfortable seating and lots of space for standing on a booming night. Other seating is comfortable and great for gathering with friends or a spicey date night. It's also a place that feels good even if you are traveling single. The bartenders are fabulous. They really listen and want you to love your selection. At the Volstead making drinks is an Art and your drink is Art as well! Crafted with care, poured into beautiful serving vessels with a taste fit for royalty. That's how I feel about every drink I've ordered here. The choices are endless! They have the best Old Fashioned ever. From a simple gin and tonic to a flaming absinthe cocktail you will not be disappointed. read more

The Volstead - Mike makes a mean Baked Apple Sazerac!!! #hot - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

First time checking this place out. It was a Saturday and not super busy around 10pm. It was guest bartender night so no menu. We just told the bartender a few things and they came up with a drink. For example: I said fruity and any liquor but gin and I got this pinkish/red fruity drink with a sprig of rosemary. It was so delicious! Another friend got a lemon party and it was super tasty as well. We will definitely be visiting again! read more

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

Ambience is essentially what you pay for. Signature cocktails are crafty but ultimately not my favorite. Old fashion WIN here but mostly..just for the feel and very relaxing vibes in a low lit and social environment. Great experience but not gunna get much as far great bartender recommendations with their own signature or specialty options off menu. GREAT experience but not a place I'd return to for anything off surface level. read more

Oh my goodness what an amazing bar! We had dinner out and finished out the night at Volstead. It was a Thursday evening so it was very low key. They had great music playing and a great vibe happening! I love how they go for more of a speak easy feel. I got the Apple sazerac and it tasted just like apple pie in a glass! They cut the apples fresh and caramelized them right in the glass! My friend had an old fashioned. Both of these cocktails were crafted perfectly! The bartender took her time to make sure they were made perfectly and it did not go unnoticed! Amazing atmosphere, great company and impeccable service topped off with incredible drinks was a recipe for a perfect night cap! read more

The Volstead - Apple sazerac - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida