Best "dive bar" in Jacksonville?

[Dog Walker]

Or try the Wall next door.  It's smokey, but doesn't stink of stale beer, etc.  They keep it scrubbed clean.  Slightly older group.  It's too small to have a crowd.

[ChriswUfGator]

Not Kyle, mainly.  Takes shortcuts that lower the quality of the drinks.  Not bad, but not outstanding or creative either.

Try Birdies. Across the street. They let you bring your dog into the bar.

I love the look, vibe, and crowd I see at Birdies...but every time I walk in, or attempt to hang out there, I become overwhelmed with the bad attitude coming from the bar tender and the wretched smell of stale beer and vomit. Maybe I should try the porch!

I agree the main bartender plays the "ignore you till I feel like serving you" game, but the other staff are really nice and they do get to you eventually. As long as I can have a drink and play pool with my pup, I'm fine with it taking a bit to get a drink. There is no other bar to my knowledge that lets you bring your dog. She goes pretty much everywhere with me, so that's a big selling point. I also found the crowd is nice and friendly, which is a plus. They'll get their act together eventually. Jacksonville is basically Mecca for rude bartenders, I am not sure what the deal is with that. They'd be canned after 2 days anywhere else. But after 10 years here, I'm starting to get used to it.

[ben says]

Not Kyle, mainly.  Takes shortcuts that lower the quality of the drinks.  Not bad, but not outstanding or creative either.

Try Birdies. Across the street. They let you bring your dog into the bar.

I love the look, vibe, and crowd I see at Birdies...but every time I walk in, or attempt to hang out there, I become overwhelmed with the bad attitude coming from the bar tender and the wretched smell of stale beer and vomit. Maybe I should try the porch!

I agree the main bartender plays the "ignore you till I feel like serving you" game, but the other staff are really nice and they do get to you eventually. As long as I can have a drink and play pool with my pup, I'm fine with it taking a bit to get a drink. There is no other bar to my knowledge that lets you bring your dog. She goes pretty much everywhere with me, so that's a big selling point. I also found the crowd is nice and friendly, which is a plus. They'll get their act together eventually. Jacksonville is basically Mecca for rude bartenders, I am not sure what the deal is with that. They'd be canned after 2 days anywhere else. But after 10 years here, I'm starting to get used to it.

Mecca for rude bartenders...hah yup, sounds about right. Outside of Riverside Wine and Liquors, haven't found a nice one yet.

Will try Birdies again this week. Again, the crowd is great...it's more that one bartender you mentioned, plus the smell. Reminds me of a bar in Charleston called A.C.'s, and I had similar problems with that one too.

[ChriswUfGator]

Let me know when you're going, always happy to meet another member of the legal tribe.

[ben says]

Let me know when you're going, always happy to meet another member of the legal tribe.

Sounds like a plan

[fallenoak]

I would agree that Wall Street is probably the best Dive bar that serves liquor.

I personally like The Norm on Roosevelt/College and Willowbranch. The Norm doesn't serve liquor, just beer and wine, and is a cash only bar, so it doesn't get too crazy. Even though it caters more to the lesbian/gay crowd, I never have a problem getting something to drink in a timely fashion and usually without the attitude that sometimes comes from the bartenders at places like Birdies. Not to mention they have a little zen garden and a "beach" in the back. 

[t sizzle]

Not Kyle, mainly.  Takes shortcuts that lower the quality of the drinks.  Not bad, but not outstanding or creative either.

He is hit or miss as far as his specialty drinks go. Don't be adventurous...stick with something you know. I still request Kyle's "gin blossom" and he can make it. Still love this bar, always interesting regulars to talk to, and you can't beat the free wine tastings every Friday night!

[Dog Walker]

Not Kyle, mainly.  Takes shortcuts that lower the quality of the drinks.  Not bad, but not outstanding or creative either.

He is hit or miss as far as his specialty drinks go. Don't be adventurous...stick with something you know. I still request Kyle's "gin blossom" and he can make it. Still love this bar, always interesting regulars to talk to, and you can't beat the free wine tastings every Friday night!

Kyle's Gin Blossom was/is really great.  The touch of ginger makes them really special.  I gave him a bag of real Key Limes every week in season to make them until the frost killed my tree.  Made with fresh Key Lime juice they are even better than you know.

Somehow everybody jammed together in that small space makes it more fun, too.

[DJIanS]

I've been very partial to The Phoenix Taproom as of late, I usually pop in there when I can after work for a couple beers before heading home. I dig the environment. I dig the music, and I can smoke cigs and just hangout/chat to the bartenders/other patrons.

It's a beer bar, Not sure if they have wine or whatnot.

It's where the old imperial used to be.