Department of the Interiors: The Volstead

[Metro Jacksonville]

Department of the Interiors: The Volstead



There has been a recent water change in the world of nightclubs, with a sudden preference for laid back, shabby genteel establishments with a nod to history. The Volstead is likely the most lovely of the new crop thus far, located on Adams Street downtown.  We thought you might like a view at the interior of the new shop, so have a looky loo after the jump!

Read More: http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2014-feb-department-of-the-interiors-the-volstead

[NoahDavis]

my new favorite spot in downtown. Unfortunately, as with any other bar, the latter it gets, the noisier and more obnoxious. 

[BoldBoyOfTheSouth]

I wish we would get new gay bars in Jacksonville.

The currant crop are horribly dated from the 1980s and not in a good way.

It's sad that the gays of Jax don't know what a good gay bar is like otherwise they would not tolerate these dumps.

Not sure if a mixologist has ever served a drink in these places.

Well, if the locals find the gay bars acceptable, why change?

[DDC]

Just left there from my end of the week cocktail(s) I love the place. They will get to know you. Call you by name when you walk in. Great vibe. I hope they last a long time.

[joshuataylor]

I wish we would get new gay bars in Jacksonville.

The currant crop are horribly dated from the 1980s and not in a good way.

It's sad that the gays of Jax don't know what a good gay bar is like otherwise they would not tolerate these dumps.

Not sure if a mixologist has ever served a drink in these places.

Well, if the locals find the gay bars acceptable, why change?

Seems to me gay bars have outlived their purpose, and are quickly becoming a relic of the past. It is probably telling that the ones that have stuck it out to this point are dark, smoke filled, and dripping of the 80's. These bars were refuges from a culture and society that did not accept, and a hiding place that offered some semblance of normalcy to an oppressed demographic. Today, gay bars are parodies of themselves, full of aging lisping ghosts and drag shows that exist more as a blackface for birthdays and bachelorette parties than as a valid form of entertainment and expression. Why would anyone want to socialize in these arenas, much less a group that has been stereotyped in the media as being forward thinking and quick to adopt new ideas? I believe that downtown bars like The Volstead and Dos Gatos represent a new normal in nightlife, where the experience trumps the categorization. I find it hard to believe that anyone would still want to cower behind a wall in an establishment that only views them as one dimensional. But maybe I'm just new fashioned.

[twojacks]

that's a bit of an idealistic stretch.  Given that reasoning, why are there still straight bars....Haven't straight people broken out of the stereotypical need to meet and greet over liqueur? It is certainly true that gay people can now go to the volstead, or even golden corrall and see another gay person -- oh wait, gay people have become so integrated into society, that you would no longer be able to instantly spot the gay people in a crowd of 50.  But hey, hang out at those straight venues and sooner or later you'll meet another gay person...and eventually meet one that you click with.  OOOORRRR you could hop on down the the GAY Bar and meet someone today. 

That gay bars all over have been painted with that big ole Jacksonville Gay Bar brush tells me you have not been to good gay bars in other places.  As long as people are different, there will be specialty bars.  Sports bars, video bars, lesbian bars, black bars, biker bars....etc.  Anyone can hang at the volstead for one night, but a happening gay bar would trump that experience quickly if it weren't in Jax.
?

[joshuataylor]

that's a bit of an idealistic stretch.  Given that reasoning, why are there still straight bars....

I can't say I've seen a bar in Jacksonville market itself as a "straight bar". The same cannot be said for gay bars. I think it's the practice of an older generation to practice this form of inclusionary marketing. You'll never see flyers advertising the newest "colored bar" or the hip new "italian bar", but "gay bar" is a common marketing term. It seems to me like pining for equality while at the same time segregating yourself from society at large is a bit like speaking out of both sides of your mouth.

[ben says]

OK, probably going to get shit for this (per usual), but I think the Volstead's mixed drinks kinda...well...aren't that good.

VERY nice interior, love what they did with the place, and it's a much welcome addition to downtown.

That being said, went with a group a few weekends ago. 10 people. All 10 of us were extremely hungover the next day. We only had 2 drinks a piece. The mixed drinks are very heavy on syrups, fruit, and sugar...the alcohol really doesn't come through (which sucks for people who actually like the taste of whiskeys, ryes, bourbons, etc).

The whiskeys are well priced and I'd go back for that, otherwise, it's the mixed drinks (the bulk of the menu) isn't anything to write home about.

[PeeJayEss]

That being said, went with a group a few weekends ago. 10 people. All 10 of us were extremely hungover the next day.

Isn't that what's supposed to happen? 

[Tacachale]

I wish we would get new gay bars in Jacksonville.

The currant crop are horribly dated from the 1980s and not in a good way.

It's sad that the gays of Jax don't know what a good gay bar is like otherwise they would not tolerate these dumps.

Not sure if a mixologist has ever served a drink in these places.

Well, if the locals find the gay bars acceptable, why change?

Seems to me gay bars have outlived their purpose, and are quickly becoming a relic of the past. It is probably telling that the ones that have stuck it out to this point are dark, smoke filled, and dripping of the 80's. These bars were refuges from a culture and society that did not accept, and a hiding place that offered some semblance of normalcy to an oppressed demographic. Today, gay bars are parodies of themselves, full of aging lisping ghosts and drag shows that exist more as a blackface for birthdays and bachelorette parties than as a valid form of entertainment and expression. Why would anyone want to socialize in these arenas, much less a group that has been stereotyped in the media as being forward thinking and quick to adopt new ideas? I believe that downtown bars like The Volstead and Dos Gatos represent a new normal in nightlife, where the experience trumps the categorization. I find it hard to believe that anyone would still want to cower behind a wall in an establishment that only views them as one dimensional. But maybe I'm just new fashioned.

I miss record stores and Lucas Arts adventure games, but the market's changed since the 1990s.

[AuditoreEnterprise]

Volstead is a great place. Like any bar you can get your imagination go. If they have the mixes they will make it for you. I have always had people with me get drinks special made for them. The vibe has only been crazy, maybe one time. Aside from that it definitely in my honest opinion easier to deal with than does gatos. I just don't like bars that you can barely walk around in.

[FSBA]

Stopped by during One Spark. As others have said, very impressive decor and atmosphere. Had 2 whiskey & gingers and the price was reasonable. However my buddy ordered a rum & coke but I think the bartender forgot the rum.

[AuditoreEnterprise]

Stopped by during One Spark. As others have said, very impressive decor and atmosphere. Had 2 whiskey & gingers and the price was reasonable. However my buddy ordered a rum & coke but I think the bartender forgot the rum.

Best drink I had at one spark was a raspberry Rickey.... delicious