We all could use a girls’ night out. Day-to-day life can be a lot sometimes. It comes with long days, endless errands, work, stress and physical and emotional tolls. Work-life and mom life can get to us all. Each comes with its own stressors and it’s totally normal to feel overwhelmed at times. One of the best ways to counteract that feeling is self-care. And why not incorporate some of your best friends into your own self-care? Chances are, they need it too. A night of laughing, storytelling, reminiscing and camaraderie can do all of us some good. Thankfully, Jacksonville has so many great options for a girls’ night out. Whether you are looking to grab dinner and drinks or plan a new and interesting activity.
The District SPR
The District SPR restaurant is located in Springfield. While it may be small yet cozy inside, it offers a beautiful outdoor space in the Peacock Garden. You can also rent out a yurt called the Luna Tent, which seats up to eight people. They serve dinner Monday through Sunday from 3 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. They also serve brunch Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bottomless mimosas are offered at brunch. You can also purchase a mimosa tower that comes with nearly four bottles, a fruit board and juices. Happy hour is from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., which includes deals on beverages as well as a happy hour food menu. They have a delicious menu to choose from. All you can drink wine is offered on Tuesdays for $15 and Saturdays for $20.
Royal Palm Village Wine & Tapas
Royal Palm Village Wine & Tapas is located in Atlantic Beach. They’re a traditional tapas bar and offers domestic and international wines, beers and small plates to share. Their menu focuses on sourcing local ingredients. It offers indoor and outdoor seating. There is also a retail space where you can purchase wine to take with you or drink at the restaurant for a $10 corkage fee. However, there is no corkage fee on Mondays. It is open Monday and Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., Wednesday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. It is closed on Sundays.
River & Post
River & Post located in Five Points offers some of the best views of downtown Jacksonville. Enjoy their rooftop bar and take in all your surroundings. You can also enjoy music on the rooftop on Fridays and Saturdays. There is also seating in the dining room as well as the patio. They offer lunch and dinner and brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. The rooftop has its own menu with less dishes offered than in the dining room. There is a rooftop happy hour Monday-Friday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Specials include half off glasses of wine, $2 off beers, $5 well cocktails, and half off select flatbreads and wings.
Congaree and Penn
Congaree and Penn is a farm and restaurants located in north Jacksonville. Having dinner here is an experience. It offers the farm views as a backdrop. Its menu consists of seasonal produce grown from its own garden and from local and regional farmers. Dinner is served Thursday through Sunday and is more of an adult-only atmosphere with fine dining. Brunch is served on Saturdays and Sundays. Reservations are highly recommended. There is also a chef’s tasting menu available on certain days of the month. The six-course menu is served under a pergola with optional added wine pairings for groups of up to eight guests.
Secret Tiki Temple Bar
The Secret Tiki Temple Bar describes itself as a “Tiki Speakeasy,” located on the southside of Jacksonville. Looks can be deceiving. It is located within a Pagoda Chinese restaurant. Tropical attire is highly encouraged. They are open Wednesday through Sunday. Reservations are required. Small plates are available, which includes chicken wings, crab Rangoon, chicken and pork potsticker, SPAM fried rice, SPAM musubi, roast duck and egg rolls.
The Greenhouse & Bar
The Greenhouse & Bar is a plant shop, coffee and cocktail bar located in Brooklyn. It’s quite a different concept and different than anything else in Jacksonville. In this unique space, you can grab a coffee and a plant in the morning or enjoy a cocktail, beer, wine or champagne in the evening. The space is filled with houseplants, cacti and merchandise. It is open until 10 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. It also has a small menu to choose from, including nachos, charcuterie and hotdogs.
Riverside Liquors
Riverside Liquors, you guessed it, is located in Riverside. Looks can be deceiving as it doesn’t look like much from the road. At the front of the building is the retail store, selling beer, wine and spirits. Located in the back of the building is the bar and restaurant. The restaurant offers a full-service dining experience with seasonal tapas, wines and more. It offers small plates to be shared. There are new specials offered each week. On Wednesdays, you can choose any bottle of wine in the shop to enjoy at the restaurant or bar without an additional corkage fee.
If you’re looking to do something different with your friends other than exploring a happy hour or night out at a new bar or restaurant, check out one of the girls’ night out activities below.
Jacksonville Pottery Studio
A great way to try out pottery is by taking a Sip and Spin class at Jacksonville Pottery Studio on the southside/mandarin area. For $86, you can take a class that includes all the supplies you need. Each participant will receive up to 5 pounds and the ability to make up to five pieces that night. Pieces can be picked up three to four weeks later. This class includes up to 5lbs of clay per a person. (this means you can make up to 5 pieces in one night!) Pieces can be picked up after 3-4 weeks of completing your class. You can also bring an optional drink of your choice. This is a great option to try a pottery class without a big commitment.
Wick: A Candle Bar
Wick: A Candle Bar is located in San Marco and is a great place to unleash your creative side. You can choose your scent, a jar, design a label and create a custom-scented candle. The process takes about 45 minutes. Wick: A Candle Bar suggests making a reservation for groups of four or more. Candles take 90 minutes to cool before you can take them home. You can also make sprays, oils, reed diffusers, scrubs, lotions and hand soaps. Prices range from $20-$40.
Bittersweet Studios
Take a step maybe even further out of your comfort zone and try an aerial class at Bittersweet Studios on the southside of Jacksonville. In this class, instructors will teach you basic climbing skills and how to create “locks” with the fabric around your body. If you are feeling more adventurous, the studio also offers pole dancing fitness and other dance classes. Drop-in classes range from $25-30 per class.
So what are you waiting for? It’s time to start planning your next Girls’ Night Out in Jacksonville!
Jennifer wasn’t born in Jacksonville, but she claims it as her hometown anyways. Originally from Ohio, she moved to Jacksonville when she was only 8 years old, eventually leaving to pursue a degree in journalism from the University of Florida. After living in various places and pursuing a writing and reporting career, she eventually made it back to Jacksonville in 2013 and has been here ever since. She is self-employed as a freelance writer, editor and social media specialist. She is also a mom to two daughters, Chloe and Violet. They love to explore Jacksonville together, especially all the parks and outdoors spaces the city has to offer. You can check out her work and contact her at https://jenniferjensen.journoportfolio.com.
