Hardwicks

It was a Saturday like any other. No expectations other than recovering from an insanely abusive working week.A friend told me this place was classy. Well, I had to check that one out. What other better way to recharge than sitting at a counter somewhere and talking to strangers with a glass of non-alcoholic drink (since I don’t drink and there is no designated drinker to take home! )? So, I dressed casually, set the GPS to guide me there and got there as scheduled! I got in and saw a lot of light in! A winner for me. I really don’t like the mobster-like, smoky, kind-of-shady bar environment. I picked my place at the counter and checked the menu. Being the heavy drinker I am in the summer, , I chose a Temple. Incredibly done by a bartender that deserves all the praise not only for the drink itself, but the fresh mint he added to the drink. Talk about a refreshing drink! Now, the guy, whose name I forgot, was classier than the place itself. Not only did he know his art, but he made sure everyone had his undivided attention to every customer he had. It was late afternoon and it is a place to remember. I will be back. I want to thank Mr. Bartender for being so cool and so classy. He certainly deserves my review here. Cool guy! Do yourself a favor and go check the place out. Some places go beyond label and they certainly will pass the test of time. I am sure you will enjoy it as much as I did. If not more.

It was my second time here. Super friendly staff. Well-appointed lighting and really nice touches to make this cozy and comfortable establishment welcoming to all. Music at the right ✅️ level to enjoy and still be able to chat. Nice drink menu with a yummy non-alcoholic selection to enjoy. Definitely will be back at a place that obviously puts quality and their clients in first place.

Cool new bar with a narrow long dancefloor area with seating along walls and at both bar areas. The music is good but could be better if they played more current songs. They had 2 DJs the few nights I have been. Good hangout night life spot and gets very packed between 10pm to 1am on Friday and Saturday nights. Fun atmosphere with a modern vibe.

The venue itself is very nice, with high ceilings, with a presentable, simple, modern, slight luxury look. Lights were dimmed enough to where there’s no necessity for extra lighting when counting path lights, etc. The venue itself has sort of 2 different areas, a social and a dance area, along with outdoor seating. There’s table service along with the general bar. As far as a gay club, I’ve only been here once and the atmosphere seemed more female ratio than gay guys themselves, or maybe the loudness portrayed more from females. When I finally got to sit down at the bar, the group of girls next to me kept pushing me over and over ‍♂️after several bumps and me moving over a bit each time and the bumps continuing after that, I decided to leave. I’m not the most social person at a bar when by myself, so bumping into me even though i have moved out of your way strikes me as my queue to be told to leave ‍♂️ The atmosphere itself seemed lively and it was a themed night as well. Not sure what the theme night was as it seemed all over the place. The music seemed very general, but pleasing to the venue, but I fail to be able to describe later hour music in case it has changed or not. The security guards were well hidden, lol. Not sure if that was a lazy thing or a way to remain out of the way of patrons, either excuse works. The venue has TV/s to mention the possibility of videos and movies being played. The bartenders are speedy, attentive, friendly, and opinionated, but at least they have a personality. From observance, the vibe is more on the younger crowd in this venue. As a suggestion, walk in groups and not by yourself like I did, the area itself seems ok but not for someone to walk along as I actually had someone call me out on the street and actively follow me until I turned into a food venue for, actual food. So I suggest you don’t go along or deviate too much from the closeness of the venue.

Absolutely stunning design and layout. An unexpected, high end old school gay bar in the heart of downtown JAX with great cocktails and happy hour. Can’t wait to come back here on another layover later in the evening when it’s packed. I feel like I’m in NYC except without the prevention and filth. Love this place!

I've been Hardwick's many times since last year's Equality Florida Gala. After yesterday's Pride Parade, we wanted to dance. Your DJ was fire. He played my music, Salsa and Merengue. The dance floor was packed. My group found a little corner by the door and we danced and laughed and encouraged each other. We definitely had an amazing night to top off the Pride Parade.

This is exactly what Jacksonville needed. Long overdue. From classy to excellent drinks to fantastic service, this team is amazing! The atmosphere and details in the decor are stunning. If you're looking for a fun time out, you can't go wrong. Plenty of parking, great security detail, safe, and so much fun. Have to mention the service one more time - top notch! Bartenders, cocktail staff, table service, all spot on. Felt like I was in Manhattan. @TimHoal, you nailed it sir. Salute

I went to Hardwicks when they first opened to check it out. First of all, the decor is fantastic. The walls are a subtly sophisticated deep green and the superb choice of lighting fixtures accentuates the mood and feeling that you're in a special place. I had one of their specialty cocktails (sorry, don't recall what is was called) and it was really good. What I appreciate about this place, is the location. It's corner location, right Downtown, makes it a great place to meet up with friends.