Hardwicks

It was a Saturday like any other. No expectations other than recovering from an insanely abusive working week.A friend told me this place was classy. Well, I had to check that one out. What other better way to recharge than sitting at a counter somewhere and talking to strangers with a glass of non-alcoholic drink (since I don’t drink and there is no designated drinker to take home! 😂)? So, I dressed casually, set the GPS to guide me there and got there as scheduled! I got in and saw a lot of light in! A winner for me. I really don’t like the mobster-like, smoky, kind-of-shady bar environment. I picked my place at the counter and checked the menu. Being the heavy drinker I am in the summer, 😂, I chose a Temple. Incredibly done by a bartender that deserves all the praise not only for the drink itself, but the fresh mint he added to the drink. Talk about a refreshing drink! Now, the guy, whose name I forgot, was classier than the place itself. Not only did he know his art, but he made sure everyone had his undivided attention to every customer he had. It was late afternoon and it is a place to remember. I will be back. I want to thank Mr. Bartender for being so cool and so classy. He certainly deserves my review here. Cool guy! Do yourself a favor and go check the place out. Some places go beyond label and they certainly will pass the test of time. I am sure you will enjoy it as much as I did. If not more. 🤷

It was my second time here. Super friendly staff. Well-appointed lighting and really nice touches to make this cozy and comfortable establishment welcoming to all. Music at the right ✅️ 🎶 level to enjoy and still be able to chat. Nice drink menu with a yummy non-alcoholic selection to enjoy. Definitely will be back at a place that obviously puts quality and their clients in first place.

Hardwicks, the newest LGBTQIA+ bar in downtown Jacksonville, is a vibrant and welcoming addition to the nightlife scene. From the moment you step inside, you are greeted by a beautifully designed space that exudes warmth and inclusivity. The ambiance is meticulously crafted, making it the perfect place to relax and enjoy yourself.Hardwicks truly shines with its variety of themed nights and shows, offering something for everyone. Whether its drag performances, karaoke, or dance parties, theres always an exciting event to look forward to. The drinks are both delicious and affordable, ensuring that you can have a great time without breaking the bank.The staff at Hardwicks deserve special mention for their dedication and hard work. They go above and beyond to ensure every guest feels welcome and has a fantastic experience. Their friendly and attentive service adds to the overall positive atmosphere of the bar.In summary, Hardwicks is not just a bar; its a community hub where people can come together, celebrate, and have fun. Its a must-visit spot for anyone looking to enjoy a night out in downtown Jacksonville. With its beautiful setting, diverse events, and top-notch service, Hardwicks is sure to become a favorite destination for many.

This is exactly what Jacksonville needed. Long overdue. From classy to excellent drinks to fantastic service, this team is amazing! The atmosphere and details in the decor are stunning. If youre looking for a fun time out, you cant go wrong. Plenty of parking, great security detail, safe, and so much fun. Have to mention the service one more time - top notch! Bartenders, cocktail staff, table service, all spot on. Felt like I was in Manhattan. 😍 @TimHoal, you nailed it sir. Salute

I went to Hardwicks when they first opened to check it out. First of all, the decor is fantastic. The walls are a subtly sophisticated deep green and the superb choice of lighting fixtures accentuates the mood and feeling that youre in a special place.I had one of their specialty cocktails (sorry, dont recall what is was called) and it was really good.What I appreciate about this place, is the location. Its corner location, right Downtown, makes it a great place to meet up with friends.

The first time I was there I had a very nice time. The bar staff was genuinely friendly and attentive. Fast forward to last weekend. I came in and sat at the bar directly in front of one of the bartenders who was texting on his phone. I sat there for a good 4-5 minutes while he looked directly at me and said nothing. A simple “sorry, I’ll be right with you” would have sufficed. He eventually served me my beer and all was well for a while. A little later while returning to my seat from the bathroom (it was very crowded by then) I have bumped into another patron who proceeded to scream at me non stop. I apologized to this unhinged person but he wouldn’t stop. He then started demanding that that same rude bartender have me removed. I a m guessing that this bartender was his friend because he immediately told me that I had to leave. Some people belong nowhere near the hospitality industry and this bartender is one of them. Tim should know better.

What a fun spot! I’m so happy this is in downtown Jax! My bf and I stopped in on a Friday night which was drag night and the show was incredible. The drinks are great and my personal favorite was the design which was modern chic. I would definitely come here again and recommend for a fun night out!

First time here and Greg was the bartender. He is amazing! He can serve a drink too. I’ll be back for a hangover.

This place deserves nothing less than a five-star review, and let me tell you why. The lighting is perfect, creating an inviting ambiance that sets the stage for a fantastic night out.What truly sets this gay bar apart is the staff. Theyre not just exceptional; theyre outstanding in every way. The bartenders are not only skilled mixologists but also genuinely warm and welcoming. The overall service is impeccable, making you feel like a valued guest, not just another customer.On top of all this, the owners and management have clearly put a lot of thought into creating a safe and inclusive environment. Its a space where everyone can be themselves without fear of judgment. This commitment to diversity and inclusion is truly commendable.In conclusion, this new gay bar in Jacksonville is an absolute gem. Exceptional vibes, a welcoming and talented staff, and an atmosphere of pure celebration make it a must-visit for anyone in the LGBTQ+ community or anyone looking for a great time in a supportive and vibrant setting. I cant wait to go back and experience the magic all over again. Five stars arent enough for this fantastic establishment! Exactly what our downtown needed!! Keep growing Jax!

I love this new gay bar. The gay scene is Jax is a bit underwhelming, but stepping into Hardwicks is a blow of fresh air. From the bartenders cresting your hearts delight, to the DJs and drag shows this place is a hit spot to meet other amazing gay men. Not your typical bar crowd. A more upscale experience.

My experience here was not great. We ordered vodka redbulls and they both tasted watered down. I’m pretty sure they served that fake vodka stuff that’s essentially watered down grape liquor until it’s about 10 percent alcohol. This stuff doesn’t mix with redbull or anything effervescent! It tastes like if you had redbull over ice and you let the ice melt then serve it to someone. It’s not great. Commend them on having fancy bathrooms and stuff but maybe don’t sell people fake liquors. The bartender was rude to us also.

Newly renovated, this bar experience keeps bringing the hits! Feom Kareoke every Tuesday where you will get hyped by Jacksonvilles Kareoke Queens as you belt your favorite tunes, to the joy you will experience rooting g for your favorite Drag Queens in Jax on the weekends!

Definitely old school disco vibe. The music cross fades on the same beat. Lack of variety. Feels more like a social hour than anything. We wanted to give it a go, an honest try. We realized it not our scene solely because there’s so much going on in such a small space and nothing at the same time. Mostly people just standing around and talking. Impossible to just strike up a decent conversation . Wish them well.

The place is brand new, beautiful main bar, and furnishings, very well appointed artwork. Mirror Balls and Dance floor takes you back to the happening nights on the town of days gone by! DJ is always on point. The mid space hallway takes you back into a really cool, long bar thats perfect for hanging out and having conversations away from the main room. The Management really went the extra mile on this location, with a staff that completes the decadent experience. Downtown Jacksonville just took a step up in the right direction. Try the Old Fashioned, you cant have just one, I promise!

I DJed here last night and the vibes were sooooo nice.HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLEThe drinks were really good too! The blonde bartender was really nice to me.

Im giving this place a 3 star rating due to the fact it took way too long to get a drink at the bar. Little did I know there were waiters who were much more attentive. However, I was overlooked many times at the bar and being a veteran bartender myself if 15 years that irks me to no end. Its unprofessional and rude. Ill give them another try when they iron out some of the kinks a start up often experiences. Bartenders who can keep up the pace and show the customers theyre valued is a strategic move theyll find is beneficial. The idle chit chat and friend priority at the bar should be kept to a minimum if not simply discreet. But the environment was good. It was full of life. I was confused a bit at if there was a dance floor. If there was it was conveniently hidden. I thought I saw people dancing and then I didnt. It was odd. There was a stage I believe and there was a show but Im not really into shows at a dance club but then whos to say this is a dance club with the semi-hidden dance floor and all.

Great Bar, beautiful people, very MIAMI STYLE ATMOSPHERE!The large selection of SPECIALTY DRINKS are AWESOME, as is the entire STAFF!TIM, you’ve made an amazing upscale lounge for DOWNTOWN JACKSONVILLE to make us all PROUD!

I went there for a special event and the atmosphere was inviting the music was great the owner was accommodating a very customer service oriented this is a great place for for drinks Ive even attended a Saturday night show and it was great

It was raining and my friend and I wanted to sit at a table. JT, one of the awesome bouncers, went out of the way to wipe down our chairs! It was highly appreciated. 🥹Thank you, JT!

I had an amazing experience at the new bar in town! The atmosphere was vibrant and welcoming, and the staff were incredibly friendly and attentive. The cocktails were delicious, and the music had everyone dancing all night. Whether youre a member of the LGBTQ+ community or an ally, this bar is a must-visit for a great night out. I cant wait to go back!

Amazing place! Great atmosphere and amazing service. They have cocktail servers that make their rounds and check in at each table to make sure everyone is doing great. It really helps with keeping traffic away from the bar. Great house made cocktails! You guys have added a much needed elegance to downtown. 👏🏼

Nice place, with delicious coffee and drinks, nice staff, I always come back here, my favorite place in Jacksonville

Hardwicks Bar is simply amazing! The atmosphere is welcoming and vibrant, the design is elegant and chic, and the staff is friendly and attentive. The drinks are fantastic, and the events are a blast!! Whether its a themed night, live music, or drag performances, theres never a dull moment. Highly recommend! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

An incredibly beautiful bar. Donny our bartender provided great, friendly service and was as speedy as possible during a very busy art walk evening. Our server (didnt get their name but had blond hair and a peal necklace) checked on us multiple times throughout the night and was very helpful. Multi-stalled gender neutral bathrooms were very nice, big, and clean.I will be back and will be brining all folks visiting Jax looking for a nice bar here!

The thinnest and shortest bartender at 2:04 am started cursing and yelling at customers to leave the place even though we still had our unfinished drinks. definitely very rude.

Hardwicks was actually a cute affair. Nice modern interior. The music was very house like but the patrons seemed to be enjoying themselves. The drinks are a bit pricey for such a small establishment but I guess bills gotta be paid.

Beautiful ambience (loveeee the design of the whole space, the lighting, the mirrors, the art, the colorful books! Chefs kiss) and something fun every night of the week. Service and the drink menu is great and love the vibe of the patrons. Excited to check it out in the daytime on the weekends!

What a wonderful first visit to Hardwicks yesterday. There was a Live DJ who played great music from 4PM-PM. Management, staff and patrons were cool & friendly. Interior was spacious, cool decor and comfortable seating. Great vibes & atmosphere to enjoy drinks, catch a game on the TV & enjoy the music! I look forward to going back again soon!

The bartenders were excellent. The atmosphere was very friendly. The restrooms were among the cleanest I’ve ever seen in a bar. Overall, it was a phenomenal experience. We are from Georgia and were only in town for the UGA-UF game, but I hope this business thrives and we can visit again next year!

Fun bar. Great drink and beer selection. Nice decor fun crowd. Will be returning

Such a beautiful bar on the corner of Ocean and Adams in downtown! The ambiance is gorgeous and everyone is so damn friendly! Perfect for relaxing after work or on a weekend afternoon. Stupendous drag shows, too! The drinks are crafted and they have mocktails for us sober people...crafted mocktails! You simply must visit and visit often! Its truly a great LGBTQ+ and allies bar!Tim, youve done a beautiful job!🏳️‍🌈🍾🍷🍸🍹🍺🍻🥂🥃🏳️‍⚧️

Downtown has a vibrant new addition to its nightlife scene with the opening of an awesome LGBTQ bar. This inclusive hotspot is a beacon of diversity and acceptance, offering a safe and welcoming space for everyone to enjoy. With a stylish decor, great music, and a diverse range of drinks, it has quickly become a favorite gathering place for both the LGBTQ community and its allies. Whether youre looking for a night of dancing, connecting with friends, or simply soaking in the positive vibes, this bar has something for everyone, making it a much-needed addition to the heart of Jacksonville’s entertainment options.

Jacksonvilles new LGBTQ+ bar is a vibrant addition to our growing downtown scene. With a welcoming atmosphere and great drinks, its quickly becoming a must-visit spot for all. Cheers to inclusivity and a fantastic time! 🏳️‍🌈🍹🌆

Recently visited the new gay bar Hardwicks, and I was thoroughly impressed. The service was exceptional, and the atmosphere was vibrant and welcoming. Its a fantastic addition to our community, and I cant wait to go back for more memorable nights. Much needed LGBTQ safe space in our growing urban core.

One of my favorite spots for a night out in Jax. Great atmosphere and an awesome build out in a historic downtown spot. Whether it’s for after dinner drinks, a drag night out, or a guaranteed run in with friends, Hardwicks added a much needed gay bar refresh to the landscape in town.

It’s giving safe, sophisticated, and social. I had the best time with amazing drinks, personable service and wonderful patrons. I felt so welcome and so did all my friends, I canNOT wait to come to the best up and coming gay bar of downtown!

Always a good time - best DJs & bartenders! Come for the drinks, stay for the vibes ✌🏻💃🏼

We are here many Saturday nights. The staff are amazing and atmosphere great. The events are so fun. Make sure you get to Hardwicks.

As a new establishment, I will offer this review as current as of 10/16/23 for my first visit on 10/14/23.Hardwicks is definitely something new and fresh for downtown Jacksonville. Being a short walking distance from the Florida Theatre, James Weldon Johnson Park, and the Riverfront Plaza , I highly recommend and see this as a great place to pregame or hangout after festivals or shows in the area.I went on a Saturday night, and it was fairly crowded, but the staff were all so polite! Even though we were technically in their way, they all asked for our pardon when needing to get by.They had a small drag show, which was ok, and offered something to break up the monotony of just dancing and drinking.The music was fair, I was left wanting a little more and think to say inclusive, one should offer a tiny more variety in music. House & EDM are great, and Im eager to learn to play both more fluid from my Boi Mike, but a little Juvenile back that azz up, or Soulja Boy do go a lonnng way.The bar staff were excellent. You can tell theyre still learning their workflow and finding their groove both individually and collectively. There was some what of a wait at times, and it seems the bartenders may be working the entire bar instead of a determined section of the bar. Overall, the drinks I had were good, and it was good to see some familiar faces in the building that know what i like to drink.The bar is new, so it still smells good and looks fresh, Im looking forward to seeing what more the Hardwicks family will offer in the future.

What a great addition to Downtown Jax! Great vibes. Comfy and bright, open seating. Tasty cocktails! The staff was super friendly and welcoming too. Wonderful atmosphere. Will be back!

The service was an absolute delight and the space is simply stunning! The attentive bartenders truly elevated our visit, making it exceptional. The overall ambiance with its stunning aesthetics is absolutely amazing!

New Years Eve and you have a ticketed event and are sold out? Not one advertisement on your website. I follow Hardwicks on FB and got no notification of a ticket only event. Terrible experience getting all the way downtown and paying $16 to park to not be let in even though it was not crowded inside and there was no line outside. NYE should be a great money-making night for any bar, especially a new one. Smdh

Very clean, bartenders are polite and can make a drink. Great atmosphere and definitely all inclusive. Im impressed with this club. Did great job on renovation.

One of the best LGBTQ+ bars in Jacksonville that Ive visited! It is so aesthetically pleasing and such a vibe! Our growing urban core desperately needed this great new addition! 🫶💖✨

The most elegant LGBTQ+ bar for the classy gays. The drinks are amazing, atmosphere is beautiful and the bartenders are so personable and friendly. Will definitely return!

We went last Saturday night and there was a big crowd that was a perfect mix of mostly gay and some straight. State of the art renovation to the historic building giving it a big city vibe. Thanks, we will be back when we’re in Jax.

Never in my life have I ever seen a situation like I viewed last night the bouncers are the most ridiculous people I’ve ever seen to beat the hell out of somebody the way that they did. I’m horrified. I will never visit this place again. It is disgusting.

A fantastic addition to Jacksonville and the downtown area! Attentive bartenders, great service and a really unique atmosphere. This will definitely become one of our regular hangouts.

This place is gorgeous! I’m straight, had a great time, and never once felt out of place. Good people, great place, awesome atmosphere! Highly recommend the old fashioned.

This is a much needed addition to the Jacksonville cocktail scene. The owners put a lot of work into renovating this space. The vibe is decidedly downtown.Highly recommend.

Beautiful bar and fun atmosphere! Bartenders are friendly and inviting, great drinks, and music and shows are so fun! Well done Hardwicks!

Great service and drinks! Good variety of taps and by far the cleanest gay bar in Jacksonville. Glad to have them in town!

A classy new addition to the citys few LGBTQ+ bars, this cocktail bar makes tasty drinks in a more upscale setting than other traditional dive bars of old.

Amazing LQBTQ+ bar. Stellar service and cocktails, or mocktails. Excellent vibe and friendly atmosphere.

A lot of fun! Nice clean bar.

My new favorite chill spot...hang outside or inside....service is really awesome 👌

Great new bar in town. Bartenders are nice, great drinks, fun atmosphere, great music. I highly recommend this place.

Fantastic martinis and incredibly friendly bartenders.

Staff, service, atmosphere and ownership to the 9’s! This is EXACTLY what the elbow needed. Welcome to the block friends! ❤️

Great place, love the staff and the atmosphere reminds me of NYC. Really good drinks!

One of the best Bar and bartenders name Greg and TR I met. With great service and great people

Michael was so great!! amazing time and service.

Fun and friendly crowds and staff team

Friendly bartenders and an inclusive environment. Will absolutely visit next time I’m in town.

Very much needed space in Jacksonville! Excited that they joined the downtown family!

Wonderful bar! Beautiful with great drinks too!

Is a vibe

Best bar in Jax - hands down!

Strong contender for the best bar in Jacksonville.

A great and fun time, for all!

GORGEOUS.

Great location!

Love this place. Exactly what we needed.

Small space. Friendly

Good beginning

Great bar, we attended the Drag Race broadcasts on Friday evening. Great atmosphere and very friendly staff! I recommend !