Jacksonville, Florida boasts perfect al fresco dining weather all year round, making outdoor restaurants a popular option for locals and tourists alike. With its stunning beaches, urban skyline, and waterfront views, it’s no surprise that some of the state’s best rooftop restaurants and bars can be found here.
If you’re looking for a memorable dining experience, be sure to check out these six breathtaking rooftop restaurants and bars in Jacksonville. As a local, I often recommend these spots to visitors.
Black Sheep
Located in the trendy Riverside-Avondale Five Points neighborhood, Black Sheep has become a Jacksonville institution. This historic artist district borders downtown Jacksonville and offers a traditional dining room serving locally sourced, farm-to-table cuisine. However, the real highlight of the restaurant is the first-come, first-served rooftop bar and lounge. Here, guests can enjoy delicious food alongside stunning views.
If you’re looking for a delicious meal with a view, River & Post in the Riverside area is the perfect spot. While all menu items are excellent, locals rave about the Korean beef short ribs and pappardelle pasta. To complete your meal, the bar offers hand-crafted cocktails with a view of the St. Johns River and downtown Jacksonville.
River & Post
is also known for its large rooftop dining area, where guests can enjoy a limited menu of small plates, appetizers, flatbreads, and sushi, all of which are expertly paired with creatively crafted drinks. Notable items on the menu include the muffuletta flatbread, barbecue bacon shrimp, and house-smoked fish dip, a Southern specialty.
But the view is what sets this restaurant apart – guests can enjoy sweeping views of the river and downtown, including the best sunset view in town. There’s also a large outdoor fireplace, live music and entertainment, and happy hour specials, making River & Post a must-visit destination no matter the time of year.
Hoptinger
Hoptinger is a popular restaurant in Jacksonville with two locations: a rooftop bar in the Riverside neighborhood and a large outdoor patio at Jacksonville Beach. Both locations offer ample outdoor dining space, making them perfect for warm Florida days.
Hoptinger’s menu boasts bar favorites with a twist, such as their brats in a blanket – bratwurst wrapped in croissant dough and baked with goat cheese. In addition to the delicious food, Hoptinger also serves up local beers from breweries around Jacksonville, including Bold City Brewery and Engine 15 Brewery.
If you’re a beer enthusiast, be sure to participate in the Jax Ale Trail, a self-guided brewery hopping experience that showcases nearly 20 different breweries around the city. It’s the perfect way to sample some of Jacksonville’s best local brews while enjoying the warm Florida weather.
Estrella Cocina
Located in the historic Riverside neighborhood of Jacksonville, Estrella Cocina is a rooftop bar and restaurant that draws inspiration from Baja Mexican cuisine. The rooftop bar boasts a stunning outdoor space with ample seating, making it the perfect spot for lunch, dinner, or late-night drinks.
Guests at Estrella Cocina can enjoy a unique view of the John T. Alsop Jr. Bridge while sipping on hand-crafted cocktails and indulging in delicious Baja-inspired dishes. Whether you’re in the mood for ceviche, tacos, or fresh seafood, Estrella Cocina has something for everyone.
Estrella Cocina’s menu features traditional Mexican cuisine with a modern twist, as well as a variety of craft cocktails and local beers. One of the restaurant’s most popular dishes is the grilled street corn, which comes with cotija cheese and chili lime aioli. Other favorites include the shrimp ceviche, carne asada tacos, and churro ice cream sandwich.
For those with dietary restrictions, Estrella Cocina also offers a variety of vegan and vegetarian options, such as the jackfruit tacos and plantain ceviche. With its delicious food, unique cocktails, and stunning view of the John T. Alsop Jr. Bridge, Estrella Cocina is a must-visit rooftop restaurant in Jacksonville.
Coop 303
Located in the Atlantic Beach area, Coop 303 is a rooftop bar and restaurant that offers a unique blend of Southern-inspired cuisine and an extensive and innovative beverage menu. The restaurant also caters to guests with dietary restrictions, offering plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free options such as their BBQ jackfruit sandwich and roasted vegetable plate.
One of Coop 303’s most popular dishes is the fried chicken sandwich, which is made with buttermilk-marinated chicken, house-made pickles, and spicy mayo. Other standout menu items include the smoked pork belly mac and cheese, grilled ribeye steak, and blackened shrimp and grits.
In addition to its delicious food and drinks, Coop 303 offers a comfortable lounge area and beautiful greenery, making it the perfect spot for a date night. The restaurant’s proximity to Atlantic Beach Towncenter and the beach also makes it a great place to visit for a night out.
Cowford Chophouse
If you’re a steak lover, Cowford Chophouse in the heart of downtown Jacksonville is the perfect spot for you. Housed in a historic building that was once home to the Cowford National Bank, the restaurant boasts a stunning decor that pays tribute to the building’s past, featuring a bank vault door and original tile flooring.
Cowford Chophouse offers a luxurious dining experience in a beautiful setting, making it a must-visit destination for anyone looking to enjoy the sights of downtown Jacksonville. The restaurant’s menu features steakhouse classics like dry-aged steaks, bone-in ribeye, and filet mignon, as well as a variety of seafood options and delicious sides like truffle fries and roasted mushrooms.
With its rich history and elegant atmosphere, Cowford Chophouse is the perfect place for a special occasion or a night out with friends.
Plan A Trip
If you’re planning an overnight stay in Jacksonville, consider the Omni Jacksonville Hotel, which is located in the heart of downtown and offers stunning views of the St. Johns River and TIAA Field, the home of the Jacksonville Jaguars. The hotel is also centrally located to all six of the featured outdoor dining options mentioned earlier.
For a luxurious beachfront getaway, The Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island is located about 45 minutes from Jacksonville and offers stunning views of the ocean.
Jacksonville is also a foodie’s paradise, with plenty of local farmers and food purveyors showcased at the Riverside Arts Market. Make sure to check it out for a taste of the local cuisine scene.
For more information, contact Visit Jacksonville and Visit Florida.