Downtown, San Marco and Springfield are loaded with great peripheral things to do while you are between films, after your film-watching is over, or just to extend your urban vibe longer into the night. Downtown can feel electric when it is alive with the footstomping of ArtWalk or the fashionistas of the Film Festival. Haircuts stand on end and the flashiest clothes come out for the galas. The film festival is when Jacksonville goes Hollywood. Ironic, since it's the only time all year that independent film outgrosses the Hollywood blockbusters in our big little city.
Downtown's weekend hours can often be screwy, and there is a good chance that some of the old businesses still don't even know what the film festival is, so some places may not be open. But Downtown is fun and safe to walk around in these days (and nights), especially during the festival, so keep it loose. You know there will be places open at The Landing, and you might even stumble into some great place that you didn't even know was there.
The BG is a sure bet. The vibe is always great, there's plenty of seating, everyone can afford something on the menu, they have a terrific bar and outdoor seating. From the best fish tacos in town to the cleanest bathrooms downtown, the Burrito Gallery will be open during the film festival for lunch through late dinner. Stop back in for a cocktail and a snack before heading out to the afterparties.
This is urban chic at it's Chelsea-ist. Chew has an amazing selection of tasty appetizers and entrees. Their soups are always especially good, their coffee is the best downtown, and the croque madame is the best breakfast in the city, without a doubt. But Chew isn't cheap, so if you want to impress a date, this is certainly a good way to go.
If you have a little time, take a quick drive over to Avondale and have some of the best Middle Eastern cuisine in Riverside's favorite Hookah Bar and restaurant, The Casbah Café. Watch belly dancers while you share a hearty and healthy appetizer of hummous or stuffed grape leaves, and enjoy a tall imported beer. Sit in the lounge and smoke an apricot hookah with your friends. Its great food and good fun that isn't far away. Check out their late night happy hour!
Conveniently located on San Marco Boulevard between the film festival theatres in San Marco and the theatres downtown is the always hip and delicious Bistro Aix. Check out their new town and country look. Their "city" bar is spectacular and it is the perfect place to stop in for a good appetizer paired with a good wine between films, or for a delectable dinner that is worth savoring.
In San Marco there are a lot of options, but if you are on foot you are at least reduced to a few. Pizza Palace is great because they have some good beers and you can order pizza by the slice or get a hearty calzone.
If you are in the mood for some urban décor and some rock and roll music, Sushi Rock has become THE San Marco sushi bar.
Downtown regulars are accustomed to this smoke-free lounge. Always loaded with young professionals and the hotties that love them, Marks has a dance floor and their DJ keeps the floor full of people. Grab a quiet booth for some privacy or sit right at the bar for the best service. Marks is upscale fun. They have a cover to keep out some of the riff raff, but in honor of John Waters, if you wear polyester they'll let you in free.
This kitsch bar is the perfect place to bring a group. Whether you fill in one of their retro booths, fill up their black light room, or just dominate a part of their huge bar, it is easy to make the place your own. From the softcore porn in the bathrooms to the Fridays-ish wall décor, it is as much like a confused generational theme park as it is a Hard Rock Café, but the drinks are usually stiffer than both places and there is rarely a cover charge.
This discotheque has a terrific selection of draft beers, great indie rock, some pool tables, some old school video games, and a hipster dance floor. So mess your hair up and come get your freak on downtown-style.
Don't be fooled by the "café" part of the name, this place is strictly for drinking. Featuring some of the stiffest drinks in Riverside, Starlite is convenient, quick, and rarely condescending, which makes it the perfect stop in Five Points.
You can always count on this classic if you want to go home smelling like cigarettes, but you can get some serious drinking done for cheap. They don't call it slurwoods for nothing.
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EU Critic’s Choice Awards
