From shows at the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall and the St. Augustine Amphitheater, to lively productions at the Florida Theatre or Times Union Center, the First Coast is a vibrant metropolis that never sleeps. Whether you’re into country western or comedy, rock-and-roll or jazz, Broadway musicals or pop, Jacksonville offers something for everyone. How many times have you asked yourself after a show, where can we get something good to eat late in the evening? We’re starved! And no matter your tastes, there are many late night hangouts offering inspired dishes and cocktails to keep the festivities going after the show. Here are a few late night favorites in and around Jacksonville:

Orsay’s Fabulous Late-Night Menu

BY NATE MAYO

Finding somewhere to eat after 9pm is rough; after 10pm is damn near impossible, unless Waffle House or IHOP is your thing. But what if you want a grass-fed burger, a nice steak, roasted oysters, Croque Madame, creme brûlée, or a cocktail? Then, come to Orsay. They have a late-night menu with all of the above and more. I sat down with Executive Chef Michael McKinney to talk about “4th meal”.

At the moment, the late menu is only available Thursday-Saturday. “Those tend to be the nights that people want to hang out later,” says McKinney. “I’m a huge fan of our mussels, and if you want something comforting and comfortable at night after going to a show, or, if you’ve already gone out to eat and want something light to finish the night with, just grab some sea scallop tartare and a Crucial Taunt [cocktail] and finish your night strong,” he adds. I tried their Sinful Grass-Fed Hamburger that comes with a 7-oz. patty. The buns and pickles are made in-house. I added bacon, cheddar, mushrooms, and a fried egg. You can even add foie gras, if your heart desires. If this doesn’t hit the spot, I don’t know what will. Another crowd favorite is the Tartes Flambées, which are like flatbread pizzas. McKinney mentioned a Rabbit Tenderloin hotdog he’s been testing on lucky guests that could make an appearance as a late night special.

There is a greatest hits selection of discounted cocktails like my favorite, The French Pear Martini! I got to try the Crucial Taunt, garnished with a chili and lime, and the way I like to explain it is Sweet Heat. Bartender Meaghan Leonard told me that Thursdays could be a day where they do cocktail specials.

“We are going to revamp our desserts to push for more late night sales,” says McKinney. In fact, desserts are the whole reason why I know about this menu. My sweet-tooth comes alive at night, usually around 10pm. Marble Slab? Whit’s? Publix frozen aisle? Nah! Let me get some macarons, petit fours and a creme brûlée.

Restaurant Orsay continues to be a favorite in all categories, and an upscale late-night menu is the perfect addition. Check it out Thursday-Saturday from 10pm-midnight.

Cocktail Hour: 4pm-7pm, Night Cap (Th,F,S): 10pm-12am, Weekend Brunch: 11am-3:30pm, Dinner Service: 5pm-10pm, Sat. Cocktail Hour: 11am-7pm

Nona Blue Modern Tavern in Ponte Vedra

BY JENNIFER MELVILLE

A cross between a tavern and a high-end sports bar, this popular hangout offers patrons lively atmosphere and a comfortable destination to relax with friends and discuss the evening’s performance at the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall. Mama’s Meatloaf Sliders and the P.E.I.  Mussels beg to be shared, and the bar boasts 16 craft beers as well as an extensive wine list. Try a delicious new twist on an old cocktail favorite, such as One Night in Bangkok or Lime in the Coconut. Nona Blue Modern Tavern (325 Front Street) is the perfect twist between a tavern and a foodie’s paradise, and it won’t break your wallet either.

Hours: Mon-Thurs: 11 am-Midnight, Fri-Sat: 11am-2am, Sun: 10am-11pm • website

9 Ball Heaven

(2am daily) A traditional sports bar and billiard hall serving american cuisine every night until 2am. Southside 2777 University Blvd W., Ste 12, (904) 683-2630

Bay Street Bar and Grill

(Sun-Wed 11pm, Thur-Sat 3am) If you’re looking for a bite after a show Downtown, Bay Street Bar and Grill features both bar food and liquor until 3am on the weekends. Downtown 119 E Bay St. (904) 419-3550

Bahama Breeze

(Sun-Wed 11pm, Thur-Sat 12am) Laid-back national chain eatery featuring Caribbean entrees & tropical cocktails amid beachy decor. St. Johns Town Center 10205 River Coast Dr., (904) 646-1031

Beirut Restaurant & Spirits

(Sun-Thu 12am, Fri-Sat 2am) A Mediterranean restaurant where you can taste the true flavors of the Lebanese kitchen. Specialties include Nkhaat, Kibbeh, Teblee and Mezze Platters. Southside 3928 Baymeadows Rd., (904) 660-2136

Biggie’s Pizza

(Sun-Thu 12am, Fri-Sat 2am) Featuring the largest slices in town and hip-hop, this beachside pizza eatery is rumored to be opening a second location in 5 Points. Jacksonville Beach 1333 3rd St N. (904) 853-6327

Blackfinn Ameripub

(Sun-Tue 11pm, Wed-Sat 2am) An upscale “ameripub” at the St. Johns Town Center featuring craft beers, cocktails and modern food. Late night dancing, DJs and live music on the weekends. St. Johns Town Center 4840 Big Island Dr, (904) 345-3466

Bottlenose Brewing

(Sun-Thu 11am-12am, Fri-Sat 11am – 2am) A new brewery and craft beer bar has opened in the old World of Beer location. They feature bar food, burgers and interesting items like Nashville chicken with corn cakes. Southside 9700 Deer Lake Court -1, (904) 551-7570

Burrito Gallery

(Closing Time Varies by location) A tex-mex restaurant featuring tacos, burritos, and liquor. There are three locations, two in the Urban Core and one at the beach. Downtown 21 E Adams St. (904) 598-2922 (Mon-Thu 12am, Fri-Sat 1:30am, Sun 8pm), Brooklyn 90 Riverside Ave, #601, (904) 355-4889 (Sun 11pm, Mon-Thu 12am, Fri-Sat 2am), Jacksonville Beach 300 Beach Blvd #1 (Sunday-Wed 12am, Thurs-Sat 1:30am)

Casbah Cafe

(11am-2am daily) A late night hookah lounge in the Shoppes of Avondale, popular for serving food every night until 2am. A relaxing, middle eastern atmosphere with a moody interior and lively outdoor patio. Belly dancers, delicious labneh, and their traditional turkish coffee are some of their notable offerings. Avondale 3628 Saint Johns Ave, (904) 981-9966

 Crispy’s Springfield Gallery

 (Sun-Thurs 12am, Fri-Sat 2am) This new addition to the Springfield neighborhood is known for their pizza with creative flavor combinations and a welcoming atmosphere. Springfield 1735 N. Main Street, (904) 661-1503

Cuba Libre

(Mon-Thurs 9pm, Thurs 12am, Fri-Sat 2am) You can find traditional latin appetizers mixed with Salsa, Merengue, Bachata, Cumbia, Reggaeton at this lively nightclub and lounge. St. Nicholas 2578 Atlantic Blvd, (904) 339-0609

Currents Lounge in The Hyatt

(12am Daily) Inside The Hyatt in Downtown Jacksonville, cocktails and light bites are available at the bar until midnight each night. Downtown 225 E. Coastline Dr. (904) 558-1234

Myth Nightclub, Element Bistro & Craft Bar

(Tues-Sun 2am) Element Bistro & Craft Bar, in front of Myth Nightclub on Bay Street in Downtown Jacksonville, features a light and healthy menu, a welcomed departure from most late night bar fare. Downtown 333 E. Bay Street, (904) 438-5173

Gator’s Dockside Baymeadows

(Sun-Thu 12 am, Fri-Sat 1:30am) Wings, Ribs, Seafood, and Sports, Gator’s Dockside has been serving up classic sports bar fare for over 25 years. Southside 8650 Baymeadows Rd., (904) 448-0500

Goozlepipe & Guttyworks / Kickbacks Gastropub

(3am daily) Featuring 1000 different bottled beers, 204 beers on tap, and one of largest late night menus available in Jacksonville. Meatloaf, Banh Mi Sandwiches, Chicken Tikka, Mofongo and Vlaamse Stoofkarbonaden are just a few of the eclectic, multicultural offerings. Riverside 914 King Street, (904) 388-9551

Graffiti Junktion

(2am Daily) An American burger bar that features a casual neighborhood setting and full service bar. Jacksonville Beach 265 5th Ave. N. (904) 372-9985, Mandarin 9703 San Jose Blvd, (904) 738-8349

Hamburger Mary’s

(Sun-Tues 10pm, Wed-Thurs 12am, Fri-Sat 2:30am) An open-air bar & grille for open-minded people, serving a full menu of tasty items. Catch a drag revue or their infamous Hambingo. St. Nicholas 3333 Beach Blvd, (904) 551-2048

Hoptinger Bier Garden & Sausage House

(Varies by location) A modern “Baverican” bier garden. Burgers, brats, and beer make up a unique menu of creative sausage dogs and other loosely Bavarian-inspired gastro pub food. Jacksonville Beach 333 1st Street North, (904) 222-0796 (2am Daily), St. Augustine 200 Anastasia Blvd, (904) 217-8100 (Mon-Thurs 11pm, Fri 12am, Sat-Sun 11pm) Riverside 1037 Park Street, (904) 903-4112 (2 am Daily)

Hot Spot, Hot Pot & Korean BBQ

(1am Daily) Personal grills, hot pots, magnetic conveyor belts and a massive raw bar make up this new concept (for Jacksonville). Located near UNF at St. Johns Bluff and Beach, you’re sure to have a new experience. Bonus, it’s open until 1am every day! Southside 11380 Beach Blvd. (904) 990-8888

Jenkins Quality Barbecue

(Varies by location) Jenkins is famous for their no-frills ribs and chicken served in a brown bag. Bringing people from miles around, their mustard barbecue sauce is Jacksonville’s stamp on Southern Style BBQ. Downtown 830 N. Pearl Street, (904) 353-6388 (Mon-Thu 12am, Fri-Sat 1am, Sun 7pm), Northside 5945 New Kings Rd. (904) 765-8515 (Mon-Thu 2am, Fri-Sat 1am, Closed Sunday), Southside 2025 Emerson St., (904) 346-3770 (Mon-Thu 8pm, Fri-Sat 9pm, Closed Sunday)

Mellow Mushroom

(Varies by location) These locally-owned and operated chains boast “humble roots, born out of the free-wheelin’ hippy culture of the Seventies. The idea back then was the same as it is now, to make the most delicious, craveable pizza on the planet.” Fleming Island 1800 Town Center Blvd, (904) 541-1999  (2am Daily), Southside 9734 Deer Lake Ct, Ste 1, (904) 997-1955 (2:30am Daily), Avondale 3611 Saint Johns Ave, (904) 388-0200 (2am Daily), Jacksonville Beach 1018-2 3rd St. N, (904) 241-5600 (2:30am Daily), St. Augustine 410 Anastasia Blvd, (904) 826-4040 (Sun-Thur 11pm, Fri-Sat 1am), Northside/River City  15170 Max Leggett Pkwy, (904) 757-8843 (2:30am Daily)

MOJO BBQ

(varies by location) Blues, bourbon and barbecue. Mojo’s North Carolina-style Barbecue is wildly popular in Jacksonville, and their Avondale and St. Augustine locations stay open late on the weekends. Avondale (Sun-Tues 11pm, Fri-Sat 12am)  3572 St. Johns Ave, (904) 381-6670, St. Augustine (Sun-Wed 10pm, Thurs 11pm, Fri-Sat 2am) 5 Cordova Street (904) 342-5264

Moxie Kitchen + Cocktails

(Fri-Sat 12:30am, Sun-Mon 9:30pm, Tue-Thur 10pm) American fare with stylish drinks. This restaurant, opened by local chef Tom Gray, is one of the best examples of sustainable and locally-sourced dining at the St. Johns Town Center. St. Johns Town Center 9700 Deer Lake Court, (904) 551-7570

Rue Saint-Marc

(Mon-Thu 10pm, Fri-Sun 12am) French comfort food and fancy cocktails in the heart of San Marco. Opened by Matthew Medure, known for his award-winning fine dining establishments around Jacksonville. San Marco 2103 San Marco Blvd, (904) 619-0861

Sahara Cafe and Bar

(1:30am daily) Mediterranean cafe & hookah lounge with a full wine bar, plus occasional belly dancing & live music. Arlington 10771 Beach Blvd, (904) 338-9049

Scoreboard Sports Bar & Grill

(Sun-Thur 12am, Fri-Sat 2am) Arlington neighborhood sports bar. One of the few bars left where there is still smoking inside. Arlington 6051 Merrill Rd, (904) 744-6199

Shack Maui

(3am Wed-Mon, Closed Tuesday) Featuring “timeless plates such as craft burgers and quesadillas, while introducing many of our guests to wanderlust plates such as Loaded Tostones, Empanadas, and delicious Chorizo.” Arlington/ Southside 13799-1 Beach Blvd, (904) 323-8519

Spliffs Gastropub

(Mon-Sat 2am, Closed Sunday) Nestled in the middle of The Elbow in Downtown, Jacksonville, this hangout spot shares a backyard with music venue, 1904. Known for a variety of different mac-n-cheeses, local craft beer, and chill vibes. Downtown 15 N. Ocean St., (904) 844-5000

Surfer [The Bar]

(2am Daily) Simple fare, like tacos and rice bowls, offered at the Surfer, which also doubles as a live music venue. In the old Freebird location, which has housed many famous live music acts over the years. Jacksonville Beach 200 1st St. N, (904) 372-9756

Topgolf

(Sun-Thu 12am, Fri-Sat 2am) This fairly new entertainment venue with a high-tech driving range offers shareable food dishes while you drink and play. Southside 10531 Brightman Blvd, (904) 328-2002

The Garage

(3am daily) You can always find food late night at this indoor/outdoor watering hole in the King Street District of Riverside. The menu offers a variety of grilled cheese and steak sandwiches. Riverside 2692 Post St. (904) 894-7465

V Pizza

(varies by location) Serving authentic brick-oven Neapolitan pizza and wings. Services Sidecar in San Marco until 1am Friday and Saturday, the beach location, next to Flask & Cannon, is open until 2am Friday and Saturday. San Marco 1406 Hendricks, (904) 527-1511, Jacksonville Beach 528 1st St. North (904) 853-6633.

Whiskey Jax

(Mon-Wed 12am, Fri-Sat 2am, Sun 11pm) Bar bites and whiskey in a comfortable atmosphere. Two locations. Atlantic Beach[/p2p}, (904) 853-5973, [p2p type="category" value="southside"]Southside 10915 Baymeadows Rd., Ste. 135, (904) 634-7208