New Nightlife and Old Faves

May 7, 2010
by
3 mins read

by jack diablo
This time last year, the buzz on the Downtown nightlife seemed to focus on the opening of the Sinclair. The year before that it was the Ivy Ultra Bar. Well, to borrow a line from a friend, the “good depression” has been incredibly kind to the Downtown bar scene. Downtown Jacksonville’s recent cultural renaissance (can we go ahead and call it that?) has witnessed the opening of two new establishments over the past year and the expansion of a third. Dos Gatos and Lit have joined the ranks of the existing, established nightlife community. Poppy Love Smoke, which has been part of the scene for a few years, has recently seen major expansion.
Dos Gatos may be new to Jacksonville, but its owners, Jason and Joy Albertelli, share a wealth of experience in the service industry. Before returning to his hometown, Jason oversaw the operation of multiple bars in Los Angeles and San Francisco. Albertelli saw a need for something new and different in the bar scene of his hometown so he and his wife decided to do something about it. As Jason puts it, “There’s a ton of cool kids in Jax, but the bar owners feed them the same old mediocrity: bad music, bartenders who don’t know anything about what they’re doing or selling, and zero atmosphere or style.” The Albertelli’s responded by opening Dos Gatos at 123 East Forsyth.
Another addition to Downtown is the equally discreet new bar Lit. Located just around the corner from Dos Gatos on Ocean Street between Bay and Forsyth, Lit has no exterior signage either. To find this almost secret new spot, you need only look for the bizarre but tasteful facade of angled wooden blocks and the single velvet rope that is only put out during business hours. Don’t judge the book by its cover. Although the entrance seems to suggest a small but cozy speak-easy, Lit’s high ceilings and interior arrangement create an atmosphere that feels open and spacious while maintaining an intimate charm. The bar can equally accommodate a handful of folks or a shoulder-to-shoulder crowd without feeling too crowded or too empty. The designers seem to have taken tips from the native architecture as well by preserving the brick walls and restoring a hundred year-old hand-painted advertisement mural that covers the wall behind the bar.
Whereas Dos Gatos took its cues from the LA bar scene, Lit has a more New York vibe to it with it’s subdued lighting (hence the name) and sleek design elements. There is a lounge feel to it at first but the open dance floor area has the potential to accommodate a full-blown dance party as Nick Puzo, aka DJ NickFRESH, is keenly aware. He hosts Act Like You Know, the bar’s new service industry night on Mondays. Although ALYK is only a few weeks old, Nick watches the crowd grow each time as he whips up what he calls a “terrific hybrid of soul, funk, italo and other groove-driven sounds” to dance away that case of the Mondaze. With no cover and cheap drink specials, it is the place to cut loose on what is otherwise a pretty dull night. Nick has DJed successful nights at bars all over town but believes that Downtown’s inherent walkability and the diversity of its options are what make it the best nightlife destination in Jacksonville. “A lot of new happenings are going on, offering a wide variety of things to do,” he says. “Entertainment is available here.”
The cigar and wine bar, Poppy Love Smoke at 112 East Adams Street, offers a different take on the nightlife experience. Poppy Love Smoke is a place to chill out and relax. To help you unwind, the bar boasts a full walk-in humidor filled with hundreds of premium cigars as well as a 2,500 bottle wine rack. If a quiet evening with a few friends is what you’re looking for, PLS may very well be worth checking out on your next Downtown excursion.
All three of these new bars are located in close proximity to what is shaping up to be a hot new section of Downtown, particularly during Art Walk. With all of these bars within one block of the unofficial nucleus of activity that is the old library, combined with the opening of The Lettershop (see article on page 12) just another block east on Forsyth, there’s a lot of potential to attract thirsty Art-Walkers during the widely-attended event.
Of course, there are many old Downtown favorites still doing their thing and bringing people out to party as they see fit. No look at Downtown nightlife would be complete without mentioning what has come to be known as the entertainment district on East Bay Street. Mark’s, Dive Bar and Club TSI can all be found on the same block allowing choosy club-goers several options right in a row. The Ivy Ultra Bar is just a short walk west and from there it’s only a couple of blocks to Lit, Dos Gatos, London Bridge and Poppy Love Smoke. Slightly off the beaten path on Downtown’s west end one can still find something to do at Cafe 331 or the Sinclair. And of course, the Jacksonville Landing is always an option with live entertainment in the courtyard and a variety of bars and restaurants to satisfy just about any taste.
With the new nightlife destinations and the continued success of the trusty old standbys, Downtown Jacksonville is shaping up to become the destination for those seeking the ultimate nightlife experience in Northeast Florida. So make it a point to check out what all the fuss is about and head Downtown to try something new. You’ll like what you find, I promise.

Folio is your guide to entertainment and culture around and near Jacksonville, Florida. We cover events, concerts, restaurants, theatre, sports, art, happenings, and all things about living and visiting Jax. Folio serves more than two million readers across Jacksonville and Northeast Florida, including St. Augustine, The Beaches, and Fernandina.

Current Issue

SUBMIT EVENTS

Submit Events

Advertisements

An Evening with Jason Isbell
The Amp
Collision Homecoming
JWJ Park Events
omaha-steaks-banners

Date

Title

Current Month

Follow FOLIO!

Previous Story

downtown jacksonville is where it's art

Next Story

Way more than books

Latest from Feature

They Take Their Pants Off for Charity: Cupid’s Undie Run

Words by Ambar Ramirez Often called the month of love, February brings plenty of ways to celebrate — Galentine’s parties, pajama and pizza nights, and, of course, Super Bowl gatherings. But perhaps the most unforgettable way to embrace the spirit of the season is by running a mile down Jax

A Broadway-loaded FOUR PHANTOMS Experience

Whether it’s a version of the movie or one of myriad of productions on Broadway and other venues around the world, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA is one of the longest-running and highest-grossing shows in Broadway and West End (London) history.  It originated in London, as its author is none

RIVERDANCE is 30 years young

Riverdance 30 – The New Generation is not only bringing new choreography to the show, but it is also introducing a new generation of dancers, none of whom were born when Riverdance first took to the stage 30 years ago.  Emissaries for the show, Irish siblings Anna Mai and Fergus

Empty Register: The Band That Spans Across City Lines

Words and Photos by Amiyah Golden  A couple months back, I was enjoying a night that was filled with a variety of tunes under the Riverside Arts Market Bridge. As I watched the next group prepare for their set, the static flow of expectancy was instead disrupted by something

Political Schemes and The TikTok Ban 

Words by Ambar Ramirez In the weeks leading up to the TikTok ban, there were faint glimmers of hope that it might be delayed. But alas, influencers who had risen to fame on the endlessly addictive platform began bidding their followers goodbye; Red Note quickly claimed the top spot
July 5th Cleanup
GoUp

Don't Miss

The Avett Brothers

November 15 The Avett Brothers St. Augustine Amphitheatre (904) 471-1965

Paula Poundstone

Paula Poundstone “Twitter is the postcards in my head.” It’s