Classic cocktails?

[thekillingwax]

I'm not that big of a drinker but lately I've been wanting to try different stuff and I've never really had many mixed drinks. I kinda want to start with just the basic classic cocktails- Manhattans, Tom Collins and the like. Is there a bar anyone can suggest to get this type of stuff? I don't really go to clubs and all that and when I have been, it seems to be a lot of people drinking crazy moon-drinks (not that it's bad, I just want to start with the classics), I'm just looking for maybe a laid back bar that has someone who can kinda run me through the history of the cocktail.

[fieldafm]

Hands down... Dos Gatos.  Go on an early weeknight when they aren't real busy and J can have some time to wrap with you.

[RiversideJodi]

Dos Gatos has a good bar staff that could whip up the standard cocktail and are knowledgeable.  The bar is good to just sit if you want to keep to yourself or there's group seating along the wall or in back.  So you make what you want to make of it - standing cocktails/mingling or a seat at the bar. 

http://www.dosgatosjax.com/

And I wouldn't let the specialty drink list scare you off (as mentioned in the link below)...  they appreciate a good cocktail. 
http://jacksonville.com/lifestyles/columnists/laura_capitano/2009-11-19/story/relax_you_cool_cats_at_dos_gatos

[RiversideJodi]

Hands down... Dos Gatos.  Go on an early weeknight when they aren't real busy and J can have some time to wrap with you.

Oops I didn't see your post before I posted.

[thekillingwax]

Awesome, maybe next week sometime the wife and I will stop by Dos Gatos and I'll try a few drinks!

[Captain Zissou]

The bartender at the Loft is knowledgeable. Lit has a few folks that could school you on some cocktails.  Dos Gatos is a sure bet.  Go early weeknight or a sunday.

[thekillingwax]

Yeah, going early on a weeknight won't be a problem because I always work nights on the weekends.

[Dog Walker]

Bar at Orsay is another good place and Kyle at Riverside Lounge is really good on the basic list and has really good  ingredients.

Dos Gatos is the best.  Go after 6:00pm when Jason get there although Joy knows what she is doing too.

[aaapolito]

Suggestion for when you visit one of these places: try a Hendricks Gin Martini, straight up with a cucumber.  And then, if you like that one, try a Cucumber Collins.  They're both very good cocktails and they won't really knock you on your ass.

[billy]

I'm headed to Jacksonville tomorrow, staying at the Hyatt.
A field trip may be in order.

[JeffreyS]

Gin and Tonic is my drink of choice when I want to switch it up I like a Mandarin Collins. 

[marksjax]

I must chime in and give a shameless plug to my staff at Mark's Downtown. We leave the cucumbers & such to the other guys (not that there's anything wrong with that).

But if you are after an excellent interpretation of a new or classic cocktail I guarantee you will be pleased with what we pour. Our website is: www.marksjax.com. We are at 315 E Bay St one block north of the Hyatt. Enjoy your visit to Jacksonville and check out the many bars Downtown.

Regards,
Mark Hemphill
Mark's   

[JeffreyS]

The few times I have been to Mark's they have been busy but have handled the crowd and my order wonderfully.