With 2022 right around the corner, you’re likely in search of the best local watering hotel for ringing in the new year. This list includes the most popular bars around the city, from San Marco to Riverside to Downtown Jax and all the way to Jax Beach. Please stay healthy and safe during these uncertain times and be good to each other — cheers. Note: All descriptions courtesy of event hosts and edited for clarity. 

Grape & Grain Exchange
Known for their festive holiday decorations, Grape & Grain Exchange is a hotspot around Christmas time. This charming venue has a bustling bar in the front, with seating and live music in the back, as well as an additional bar. Located in the San Marco Square in Jacksonville, it features several craft beers and wines, local spirits and very unique cocktails. It is definitely worth a visit. 12 p.m.- 12 a.m. 2000 San Marco Blvd., Jacksonville, FL; grapeandgrainexchange.com // @grapeandgrainexchange

Surfer the Bar
The most popular bar in the Jacksonville Beach area, Surfer got its start in this location nearly five years ago. With a wrap-around balcony that overlooks the beach, loud DJ music upstairs, and a more casual environment on the first floor, Surfer has a little bit of something for everyone. Plus, for the ladies, they do drink specials on Thursdays until close. Wednesdays are also a great day for the White ClawⓇ lovers, as the bar discounts these drinks to only $3. If you are searching for a beachside bar, look no further than Surfer. Hours Vary. Closed on Mondays. 200 1st St. N., Jacksonville Beach, FL; surferthebar.com // @surferthebarjax

The Loft
The Loft is located in the King Street District in the Riverside area and is known for its great music, particularly classic ‘90s throwbacks. This bar is packed on Friday and Saturday nights, especially with folks there to dance. Tuesdays are their signature days for karaoke and on Thursdays they offer 25¢ Pabst Blue Ribbons. Come on out if you are ready to sing and dance at the Loft. 8 p.m.- 2 a.m. 925 King St., Jacksonville, FL; loftjax.com // @loftjax

RH Rooftop Restaurant
Brand new to the Jacksonville area, the RH Rooftop Restaurant is your ideal brunch scene. With very modern, chic décor and rooftop seating that overlooks the Town Center shopping district, it is a great place to grab drinks with a friend or try their extensive menu. The Jacksonville crowd is pretty excited about this new eatery, so be sure to plan your reservation well in advance. 10 a.m.- 9 p.m. 4831 Village Shops Way, Jacksonville, FL; rh.com/restaurants // #rhjacksonville

The Volstead
With its original opening on New Year’s Eve of 2013 in downtown Jacksonville, The Volstead will be celebrating eight years of business this year. Their team is “dedicated to bringing unrivaled drink quality and service to a discerning crowd of grown-ups,” and you can be one of these grown-ups, with a drink in your hand. With a cozy atmosphere and large drink menu, The Volstead has wonderful cocktails and speakeasy-style service. Give them a go from 4- 7 p.m. during their Happy Hour. Normal hours are 4 p.m.- 2 a.m. 115 W. Adams St, Jacksonville, FL; thevolsteadjax.com // @thevolsteadjax

Green Room Brewing
Definitely the most laid back brewery by the beach, Green Room is the best spot for in-house, local beer. With 16 beer taps, from which guests can choose, seven feature permanent flavors and nine are constantly rotating. Green Room also hosts a Wednesday running club at 7 p.m., in which runners can purchase discounted beer afterwards. This event is pretty popular, as are the board games and ping pong. If you want a drink without all the noise and dancing, give Green Room a try. Hours Vary. Typically 4 p.m.- 1 a.m. 228 3rd St. N., Jacksonville Beach, FL; greenroombrewing.com // @greenroombrew

Pusser’s Bar & Grille
For the folks near the Ponte Vedra Beach or Palm Valley area, Pusser’s a great choice for food and drinks. With an indoor seating area on the first floor and a scenic, outdoor option on the second floor, Pusser’s tends to be a favorite for those who love a big, spacious bar. The second-floor patio overlooks a pleasant pond and has a ton of TVs for the sports fans. Pusser’s has plenty of weekly deals and a great social environment. They are encouraging guests to ring in the new year there and make a reservation in advance. Typical hours are 11 a.m.- 9 p.m. 816 Highway, A1A N., Ponte Vedra Beach, FL; pusserspvb.com // @pusserspvb