I had the absolute pleasure of visiting The Volstead on two separate back to back occasions this week and YES, YES, I'll absolutely be back! Tuesday night, more of a 6:30pm late happy hour experience... there was a great what seemed like after work crowd going, just the right buzz in the air... very friendly bar tenders, conducive environment to catch up with my friend and have some laughs! Wednesday night 8:30pm, Art Walk, group of 6 of us... bar was pretty full, quick, friendly attentive service from the bartenders.. amazing vibe, good mixed crowd from the casually dressed (my crew) to the fancy, maybe post Xmas party crowd goers... live music starting as we were winding down to head to dinner... There is an abundance of Speak Easy old world charm in this place... they have service, atmosphere, and great craft cocktails dialed in... I want more! read more

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Very nice bar! The few times that I have been the bartenders have been very pleasant. Music is not too loud. Great place to meet up with friends to chat and enjoy a nice cocktail. read more

Warning: this is gonna be hipster heresy. Ok, I have something to confess. It's a huge trend that I just can't really get behind. The speakeasy bars. Hold the Bitters The handcrafted, infused with herbs and inflated prices, fancy cocktail bars. I get it though. It's a creative ploy. Yes, prohibition-era places with dubious sounding names are super mysterious. In Orlando there's Herman's Loan Office and Hanson's Shoe Repair. And right in downtown Jacksonville is Volstead. Throwback themes. I see what you're doing. Old school, vintage, blah blah. Don't get me wrong, the decor is unique and interesting - old jukeboxes, typewriters and cameras. On their own those items are totally fascinating. And the bartenders with their combed hair, vests and suspenders also make you feel like you're on a 20's movie set. But this only works as a backdrop. As a replacement for your usual Saturday night spot it totally falls short. In my personal experience, these bartenders unapologetically take about 4 times as long to make drinks that costs 3 times as much as usual and taste 12 times as strange as anything you've ever had. Maybe this makes me a little basic. I prefer gin and tonic WITHOUT huckleberry extract, bitters or a sprig of holly. When you look at the menus of a speakeasy, you will be confronted with a list of concoctions that sound enigmatic - and at first a bit romantic and intriguing. But they usually taste bizarre. There's drinks with charcoal and egg whites. Why? I feel like I am in science class and we all started sipping the chemical compounds sitting in front of us. Now, sure, moscow mules come in cool glasses and ginger beer is fun. A well-made old-fashioned can be delightful. But 9 out of 10 times you're getting something that costs more and tastes worse. Maybe It'd be Fun in a Tiara? And so much pretentiousness. We could talk about authenticity and say, "ok but these bartenders are sandwich, I mean cocktail, artists who enjoy the refined things. Really? I saw one extract one of the fancy giant square ice cubes out of a whiskey tumbler after hearing the guest wanted it neat. C'mon. The thing is I love Hemingway. I love the drama, the class and romance that these places promise to be. But I'm not Miss Scarlet from Clue. Nor am I a starlette with a feather boa and diamonds dripping from my ears. If I were, I might accompany a duke, prince or mayor to have one Tom Collins, but then I would want to go to a more comfortable location - a place where the taste of my drink isn't a gamble. While there is an alluring vibe, aged bitters leave me with an unpleasant feeling. Volstead's saving grace was a kick-ass band that played Dave Matthews and Ed Sheeran. The band was soooo loud for the small place, and my group couldn't hear enough for much small talk, but the tunes were so good. They almost made me forget about the black powder floating around in my cocktail glass. Almost. read more

The bar was great and matched the positive reviews I read here before choosing this spot. There was this person just up the street, near the bus stop. He was yelling and kicking something. We ended up crossing the street to give him space. He, while not connected to this establishment at all, was part of my overall experience. read more

Top Shelf Tuesday is top notch so grab your tophat as you head downtown and make sure to replace the O with a heavy I for your bartenders TIP then you'll be in tip top shape. & Shhh!!!...speak easy my friends.. read more

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A great spot kind of hidden with little to no signage to find the place. Inside, a nice lay out, and roomy enough even when it is crowded. There is a back alley smoking area too if that is your kind of thing. The drinks are always made well and the staff is on top of it. Drinks are definitely over-priced but it's downtown so I expect nothing less. read more

This is undeniably my favorite bar in all of Jacksonville. My husband and I had one of our first dates here and we have fallen in love with every bit of this bar. From the speakeasy setting to the incredible bartenders, The Volstead is the only place we go to. We have been for every menu change in the last 4 years and have never been disappointed. The minds, souls, and creativity of the bartenders really come to life in each and every cocktails they serve. We love The Volstead! read more

The Volstead - Two incredible drinks whipped up by the best bartenders in town. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

This place was amazing! I definitely want to return before closure. Very relaxing and chill compared to dance bar which was a change of pace of my past nightlife experiences. Live jazz band, great drinks and great crowd. Staff were very friendly as well! I'm glad I finally ventured her since I've always walked by but never checked out this spot as I always thought this was a little post office. Try the Irish Mule and French 75! read more

The Volstead - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

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Seriously coolest bar in Jacksonville that I have ever been to! Need to mail a letter? Stop by and then enjoy a hand crafted cocktail! Having a rough day? The underground prohibition atmosphere makes for amazing day drinking! Want to visit the past of Jacksonville and maybe watch a little TV? Visit the lavatory! Lacking art in your life? Adventure out to the back alley have and admire your surroundings. read more

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I came here for my birthday weekend and had a blast learning to swing!! I got the Apple Sazerac drink that was made I. Front of me and lit on fire. It was a good night. read more

The Volstead - Apple Sazerac drink. Bourbon, Brown Sugar, Cinnamon and an apple slice. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

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Sweet Swing dancing in Sunday nights. Loved the friendly atmosphere, everyone was relaxed and talkative. Once I learn some swing dancing It will be more awesome. Great drinks, and A fun place for Sunday nights or any other nights here in jacksonville read more

I used to really like this place. But waiting 20 mins on repeat occasions even to be acknowledged (not served) when the bar isn't very busy is unacceptable. And I just paid $25 for one Manhattan -- one. Though I upgraded to Casa Rep, I still wouldn't pay over $20 IN MANHATTAN for that Manhattan. Indifferent service and being more expensive in JAX than NYC just doesn't work. I'm giving 3 stars to balance between the good recent past and the 1-star present. read more

My favorite bar in Jacksonville! The ambiance of this place is awesome! Small dark bar with live music and black and white movies playing in the background. The bartenders are awesome and know how to make a drink! Some of the cocktails are even lit on fire! A must visit whether you're on vacation or a local. read more

The Volstead - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

How I love The Volstead....let me count the ways... I truly love going to The Volstead for a delicious cocktail. In my opinion, it's one of the top cocktail bars in Jacksonville. What I love about it besides the fantastic drinks, is the cool elegant and laid back sophisticated ambiance. The Volstead is one of my top stops to go for drinks with friends and to be at a bar where I can actually talk to them without yelling, "WHAT???" with awful music blaring in the background that you can find at other establishments. I can go here, order a drink, chat with friends and feel like an adult! It's so refreshing. The patrons here are eclectic, varied, which is what I love about it. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable and friendly, shout out the "Magic Mike Osito", one of the best bartenders in Jax! Whenever friends come visit from out of town, this is one of the places I take them to show how truly awesome Jacksonville can be! read more

The Volstead - Matt in action - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

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This is a really cool Prohibition bar. The bartender is our top shelf mixologist and very attentive to detail and aware of their clientele. They probably make eye contact and ask if you have been served rather than avoiding you. They also have a projector screen of the three stooges playing without sound. The front part is an old post office with antique mail items. The cocktails are all specialty cocktails with a huge selection of unheard of drinks. The price is reasonable, the atmosphere is dark, with lounging, and a wraparound bar. The only reason I give this a four star is because of the loud obnoxious Dj. The music doesn't fit the scene and doesn't represent their mission (upon reading the origins of said missions that includes the genre of music that should be playing) of the bar listed on the menu. If you're in the area, DEFINITELY check this place out! read more

It's the first Wednesday of the month which means Art Walk downtown and Volstead is definitely the bar to patron. The speak-easy themed bar is right in the heart of all the action of the monthly event making it a crowd favorite. The dim lights, black and white classics playing and suspenders all add to the chill vibe of the bar. Tonight I tried a new signature cocktail the Rockford Peaches which is perfect drink mixed with their spirit of choice whiskey. If you want a nice afterwork vibe Monday through Friday or even to learn some new dance moves on a Sunday night this is the place to be read more

The Volstead - Rockford Peaches - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

A lovely hole-in-the-wall bar in Downtown Jax, this place remains one of my and my boyfriend's favorite places to hang out when we get drinks. The bartenders are skilled, crafty, and amazing. The drinks are delicious. The atmosphere is chill, dialed down, laid back. Some important notes: there is a bar theme of a speakeasy during prohibition. But there's not a speakeasy dress code, so you don't have to come in a flapper dress and suit. Also, it's a little dark in there, I guess like most bars so, you should probably already be expecting that. read more

My wife and I stopped by before a concert last night in Jacksonville. We love scoping out craft cocktails lounges whenever we travel. I was extremely disappointed in the 'seasonal' drinks. That was the only menu available. I can appreciate craft, but the bar manager has to rein in some of their bartenders on creativity for things you put on the menu. When push comes to shove, the drinks have to taste delicious. Some of their drinks had 7 or 8 ingredients. I couldn't even pinpoint what I didn't like about some of their drinks because there was so much going on. After being disappointed by 2 different drinks a piece we had them mix a classic for us and it was delicious. The bar tenders were friendly and it was a nice speakeasy vibe. But if you're going to market yourself as a cocktail lounge, your craft cocktails better be delicious. Take classic cocktails and put your own spin on them. Don't try to reinvent the wheel. But if you feel as if you must reinvent the wheel, it better be delicious at $14 a glass. read more

Hands down one of thr best bars in jax.. hidden jewel great drink profiles...enough said... go enjoy

Fast service and beautiful ambience. I played chess with a friend in candlelight and it was a good atmosphere for it. Price range is reasonable and the bartender was straight to the point but still personable. I would come back. Come here if you want to solitude, too. It seems like a place to just rewind and still experience some peace. read more

Really love it here at the Volstead. The drinks are really well done. The atmosphere is cozy. The bartenders are attentive. After a long hard day at work there's nothing better than relaxing with an Old Fashioned made the old fashioned way. Delicious! read more

Prohibition era bar. Sounds like an oxymoron. But it works. Driving down Adams you can see how ideal the location. You will miss it every time. Several times I tired to follow that dot on my GPS, and I'd here "Recalculating." I finally had to walk the streets and locate this very lite up bar on the dark. Walking in my eyes glow to what appears to be a Pintest DIY light display using mason jars. The front sitting room is what I pictured most homes would look like in late 20s - early 30s. Maybe after watching a Alfred Hitchcock movie in the theater you stay up all night scared to go to bed? I toured the area briefly. I just hope that authentic looking fire extinguisher works if needed. In the main room we find a comfortable spot to sit and take in the rest of the room. On the wall (from some hidden place) projections of black and white film clips play. I was lost in images waiting to see if Charlie Chaplin would appear when the waitress comes to take our orders. I ordered the Rasberry Rickie (taking a sips makes you feel like you should be barefoot on the porch of at least 10 area ranch house with horses - just a very light Spring time feel but it's still pretty strong.) And something else? For the life of me I can't remembered. I can't remember what anyone else ordered but everyone was impressed with their drinks. Most stuck to the list of signature drinks but bartenders were very knowledgeable in recreating a drink for another friend who could only faintly remember the ingredients. Memories seem to fade when you're in a bar? I don't think they allow smoking - but again I can't remember. Server was super nice and helpful. Drinks were great. They advertised swing lesson on Sundays. Only think they are missing are flappers and I think they are better without them. This place is the Bee's Knees! read more

After opening my email and being notified I achieved Yelp Elite status, it was absolutely necessary to go celebrate. I had been planning to visit Volstead for a while, but had not had an opportunity. Today I was bound and determined to go. Wow is the word that comes to mind when describing Volstead. Jacksonville has been needing someplace like this for a heck of a long time. An adult establishment with an awesome couple of guys mixing the drinks. These were true COCKTAILS!!!! I tried the Old Fashion, New Fashion and the Manhattan (tasted 2 and actually ordered 1). All three were very good, but the Manhattan rocked my world! To look at it, you would think it was some froo-froo margarita. Not! It was made with the 1776 bourbon, which was 100% proof and darn good stuff. I love a good cocktail, but I have fallen head over heels for the Manhattan. If you're looking for a "Grown Folk" place for a great, well-made cocktail....Volstead is the place. I know I will be treating me extremely well in the future. read more

The Volstead - Manhattan w/1776 bourbon. 100% proof people!!!! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

For those of you who want to enjoy the ambiance of a speak easy minus that pesky prohibition thing, then you'll love this place. Bartenders are always friendly as well as everyone who has ever greeted me at the door. The place is very clean, specialty drinks are actually preferred, and when they play roaring 20 ' s -40 ' s swing music I get giddy. If you aren't into a theme here's the good news, it's still a down to earth bar. No theme required. Simply offered. If you are a smoker (and you refuse to quit) they do have a charming back patio for you to hang at. There are only two things I would improve on and only one of them is reasonable: 1. Get a secret passage or bookshelf that revolves to an actual hidden bar 2. Turn up the music a little bit when the place is hopping. (Not crazy loud. Just louder than the drunk guy behind me) Honestly love going to this bar. read more

The Volstead - Love it here. Just got The Dash! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

This is an adorable little bar located downtown that is beautiful decorated inside. It definitely gives you a retro-style feel of an established speakeasy with a jazzy twist. I agree with Amy S. that this would be a perfect place to enjoy a drink alone and take in the scenery. However, it's also a great place to chill-out with friends, listen to music and enjoy a delicious cocktail or two. read more

When you wanna kick it with the cool kids, here's your spot! The vibe is everything! It's dark, relaxing, and intimate. Makes me feel like I'm visiting DC! Cocktails are well-made and pretty delicious! The "FRED AND GINGER" is the #KittysTitties, don't debate me, just try it! The staff is knowledgeable and accommodating. I enjoy visiting after Art Walk. The live music is yet another plus in an A+++ situation! Gotta Love The V! read more

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Meh... they served everyone that came in after us first. We waited a long time and the drinks were ok. Dark and dank place...

LOVE IT. This was an incredible decision and perfect "first drink stop" while we were at One Spark last week. The weather was amazing... and I wanted a nice, summery cocktail to start the night off right, before switching to beer at the festival. The menu is gorgeous, and after peepin' their website, see it was a condensed One Spark version, so now it's on because I want to try ALL OF THEM. I decided on the Peek a Boo, a gin cucumber-lemonade and it was refreshing, strong and filled with little sip-able bits of cucumber goodness. The Sliced Bread was THAT good... and I usually stick to the clear liquors. Nicely done. There was a band playing, and it did get really loud... but it was perfect for the One Spark energy downtown. And you may have to wait just a bit, but like all good things, right? Love the flapper vibe, dig the feel of this gem. Will be back. read more

The Volstead - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

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Cozy little speakeasy in the heart of Jacksonville. These days, the mixology and craftsmanship of quality coctails define these establishments and the Volstead doesn't disappoint! I had the popular Old Fashioned, the What's Up Doc, and the Baked Apple Sazerac. The drinks were fantastic and the bartender was very hospitable to me and my friend! A good place to drop in and wet your whistle! I'll be back! Rating 7.8/10 read more

Do you ever feel like putting on your flapper dress or getting all dapper to go out, but you never had any place to go? Never you fear, my friend, The Volstead is your answer. This new bar in the heart of Downtown is the perfect place to get your prohibition era drink on. The staff doesn't miss a beat as their attire reflects the atmosphere too. Besides the full shelf of a whiskey and bourbon selections, The Volstead has quite an eclectic, yet pricey, drink menu. You can go with something classic, like a Manhattan, or side with something new like The Peek-A-Boo which is made with gin, cucumber and lemonade. I wasn't in a bitter type mood on my first trip; my choice was the Fresa Fresco, which is The Volstead's version of a margarita. I expected it to have a little tartness, but it was as sweet as a smoothie - fresh strawberries, lime juice and the tiniest bit of sour. If you don't watch it, the alcohol will creep up on you. Seriously, get down to The Volstead if you have yet to go. It's easily one of the most unique bars in town. read more

Everything's Awesome at the Volstead. Thanks to Yelp I'm a lifer now and choose them as one of my first choices for some FuN.They serve some great specialty drinks and even do some performances with fire. They have great bands come in and dancing on alot of nights. There is a nice patio in the back for chilling also. They are the cool kids in town! read more

The Volstead - VODKA flight - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

Swing dancing and craft cocktails! What a crowd. I never thought I'd find a place like this in the heart of Jacksonville, but this place has a lively crowd, an outgoing staff, and some great cocktails. The best of which is the Baked Apple Sazerac. It's more of a mini show to enjoy at the bar, while you're observing beginners and experts alike on the dance floor. A real sense of history and appreciation for a different time. I can't wait to visit this place again the next time I'm in Jax! read more

The Volstead - Baked Apple Sazerac - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

Honestly just curiously popped my head in here in hopes of a cute cocktail , it appeared there was an event or something going on inside however two employees kindly yelled and greeted me from afar to welcome me in. (Which immediately was greatly appreciated) unfortunately I didn't get either of their names but the woman told me about the raffle and silent auction event they had going on today and introduced me to the bartender whom kindly informed me that they weren't really doing mixed cocktails etc right now because of COVID-19 but he showed me the large array of mixed cocktails that they had to purchase TO GO . They're apparently two cocktails in one little bottle and they are $20 each . Yes I know very pricey , however I must stand strong but what I always say , and that is that people really can buy me with great customer service, and I was shown that from the moment I stepped in the door, unlike many many other places unfortunately. I got the pineapple daiquiri and it's quite delicious! I also just fell in love with the interior and atmosphere of this place immediately, very vintage and comfortable with low lighting and spread out seating . read more

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I tried 3 different drinks and all 3 were almost not drinkable. Could be my taste in alcohol, but my two friends disliked them too. The atmosphere was cool. read more

The Volstead - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

Excellent drink and vibe. Service wasn't that good though. FYI, they don't have a kitchen, so they don't serve food. read more

I was not so impressed with the menu of drinks. The drinks that we ordered from their specialty cocktails were definitely interesting and tasty. The ambiance was ok. The location unfortunately is in downtown and the walk to the bar was bothersome with bums in door way alcoves coming up pan handling and recking of weed. read more

A neat little place that you'd pass right by if you didn't know about it. They have a ton of specialty cocktails, spirits and beers. The staff is friendly, the ambiance is dim and simple, and the prices are moderate for specialty drinks. read more

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

I love the feel of this place. The vibe is amazing. Old time speak easy with inventive and interesting drinks. Nothing here is ordinary. Drinks can be a little pricy but they are strong. Love this place. read more

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This is a really awesome place. Please keep doing what your doing Jacksonville desperately needs y'all. We were in town for business and literally could find nothing in downtown Jacksonville and one of our guys stumbled on this place and we walked in and was blown away. read more

The Volstead - Awesome bar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

One of the neatest bars I've been to in a long time! So cute and great ambiance! The drink menu is extensive. We went with friends and we ordered several of the specialty drinks, but the Fred and Ginger was SO GOOD. Everyone was so attentive and the service was fast. The bartenders were so nice and dressed in period time cloths. Awesome! read more

The Volstead - The best little whiskey bar with kick-a** drinks! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida