Blog

By: Brooke Lasky, Intern

Unsure of your plans for Valentine’s Day? No need to stress! We mapped out your whole night with that special someone (or your squad) for a perfect evening in #DTJax.

Head for drinks and appetizers to start off your night right!

The Volstead | 115 W. Adams St.

Head to the Volstead to start off your night. It’s an old-school jazz club vibe and high-end bourbon, whiskey and scotch, have captured the hearts of the coolest happy hour crowd around.

Drop in this Thursday and enjoy drink specials from 4-6 p.m. and then again from 10 p.m. until close! If you are looking for a spark, try their Baked Apple Sazerac. Get ready to sit back and watch the light show—it’s something you’ll have to see to believe!

River and Post | 1000 Riverside Ave. #100 

The latest and greatest place to impress a date with valet service and an unbeatable view of the St. Johns River and Downtown Jacksonville! Including outdoor couches and fire pits that complement the snazzy rooftop bar that serves all the way until 2 a.m. In case of inclement weather, there’s a retractable roof and a connected indoor bar that allows you to still enjoy the view!

Dos Gatos | 123 E. Forsyth St.

If you’re looking for a happy hour with some character, Dos Gatos is the place to be! Dos Gatos is Jacksonville’s original cocktail lounge located directly across from the Historic Florida Theatre. The art of the cocktail is on display nightly as the talented staff create real drinks for people who like real drinks. The most diverse selection of spirits and a healthy beer list, as well. Try one of their signature drinks, the Red Dawn, a modern spin on a classic mule perfect for Valentines Day!

Dinner and a show

Fionn MacCools Irish Pub |2 W. Independent Dr. 

Bring your Valentine to Fionn’s for a three-course dinner special plus wine specials from 5-11 p.m. Make your reservation before Wednesday, February 13 and receive another 25% off (for a TOTAL of 50% off) a bottle of their featured wines, or a bottle of Piper Sonoma Champagne for $25! Details.

NOLA MOCA’s Valentines Day Dinner | 333 N. Laura St.

Enjoy a three-course prix fixe dinner with a glass of champagne, free gallery admission and a free Movie on the House film screening of My Beautiful Launderette in the MOCA Theatre. What better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than with dinner and a movie? The experience goes from 5-9 p.m., with the film begining at 7 p.m. So, make your reservations early if you plan to catch the movie! Details.

Make your reservations today for NOLA’s Valentine’s Dinner by calling NOLA MOCA at 904-224-0113.

1904 Music Hall | 19 Ocean St. 

1904 Music Hall Presents: THE WERKS and Custard Pie! This concert is open to all ages and features eclectic music for all. Doors open at 8 p.m. and you can purchase tickets here.

Breezy Jazz Club |119 W. Adams St. 

Join the Breezy Jazz Club as they host their Red and Whites Valentine’s Day event! It’s all about the romance with live jazz with Eric Carter at 6 p.m. Tickets are $25 at the door and includes chocolate strawberries and champagne! What’s more romantic than that? Details.

Florida Theatre |128 E. Forsyth St. 

Jo Koy is one of today’s fastest growing comics, selling out comedy clubs and theatres across the country on his Break The Mold Tour. Jo is known for his explosive and infectious energy onstage and this Valentine’s Day, he is performing at the Florida theatre at 8 p.m.! Purchase your tickets now and get ready for a great laugh! Details.

Omni Hotel | 245 Water St.

If you are ready for some dinnertime sleuthing, then check out The Dinner Detective’s shows at Omni Hotel from 7-10 p.m.! This interactive, murder-mystery dinner is a full night of fantastic entertainment.

The evening begins with cocktails and mingling. But be on the lookout, because the murderer will be mingling too. While you enjoy a four-course plated dinner, new clues will come up, new characters will be introduced and everyone will turn into a suspect. Be the first person to figure out who done it, and you could win the “top sleuth” prize for the evening!

Omni Hotel in Downtown Jacksonville also has a Valentine’s Day package that features a bottle of champagne, chocolate covered strawberries and a full American breakfast! Details.

Intuition Ale Works | 929 E. Bay St.

Come out for a night of hilarious comedy and great local brews from 8-10 p.m. This comedy tour takes top comedians who you’ve seen on TV and sends them out on the road to perform at breweries and wineries throughout the country. Find out which local wines pair best with hysterical laughter when The Brewery Comedy Tour comes to Jacksonville! Details.

Take a walk and enjoy a picnic

If you’re looking for a peaceful and romantic spot for Valentine’s Day to enjoy a nice walk in the park, then take a trip to Hemming Park Downtown! The view gives you a fantastic view of the heart of Downtown Jacksonville and of course some peace and quiet with your sweetheart.

Friendship Fountain is another great option that also offers a beautiful river view! The newly renovated fountain has been the meeting place for many couples over the years. Some locals may even believe the fountain has mystical powers! This park is even a perfect spot for a wine and cheese picnic followed by a walk along the riverbanks watching the city light up!

Valentines Day Sunset Cruise for two!

Join the River Taxi for a Valentine’s Cruise Thursday night from 5-7 p.m. on the St. Johns! Listen to live music by Dave Med Music while enjoying views of a beautiful sunset and sipping complimentary champagne. Details.

Galentine’s Day

Don’t have a boo? No problem! This Valentine’s Day, indulge in a night out with your gal pals and experience all #DTJax has to offer!

Happy Hour

MLG at Sweet Petes| 400 N Hogan St.

Celebrate GALentine’s with your girl squad. Join Sweet Pete’s and MLG for a special happy hour perfect for a little girl time on Wednesday, February 13 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Each ticket includes Complimentary hors d’oeuvres, two glasses of Prosecco and a Sweet Pete’s Chocolate Tasting. Details.

 

River City Brewing Company’s Anti-Valentine’s Day Party | 835 Museum Cir.

Not a fan of Valentine’s Day? Go celebrate NOT being a fan of Valentine’s Day or being single with The Kalani Rose Duo hosted by River City Brewing Company from 5:30-9:30 p.m.! Head to their website for a close look at their Valentine’s Day Pre-fix menu! Details.

While you’re in the neighborhood, check out our Events Calendar for everything going on in #DTJax as well as our Directory to learn more about all the restaurants, shops and nightlife spots to enjoy. And of course, if you’re coming downtown and don’t know where to park (over 43,000 parking spots), don’t worry! Check out parkdtjax.com for helpful information (‘cause we’ve got your back!).