Hardwicks — Restaurant in Jacksonville

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...

As a new establishment, I will offer this review as current as of 10/16/23 for my first visit on 10/14/23.

Hardwicks is definitely something new and fresh for downtown Jacksonville. Being a short walking distance from the Florida Theatre, James Weldon Johnson Park, and the Riverfront Plaza , I highly recommend and see this as a great place to pregame or hangout after festivals or shows in the area.

I went on a Saturday night, and it was fairly crowded, but the staff were all so polite! Even though we were technically in their way, they all asked for our pardon when needing to get by.

They had a small drag show, which was ok, and offered something to break up the monotony of just dancing and drinking.

The music was fair, I was left wanting a little more and think to say inclusive, one should offer a tiny more variety in music. House & EDM are great, and I'm eager to learn to play both more fluid from my Boi Mike, but a little Juvenile back that azz up, or Soulja Boy do go a lonnng way.

The bar staff were excellent. You can tell they're still learning their workflow and finding their groove both individually and collectively. There was some what of a wait at times, and it seems the bartenders may be working the entire bar instead of a determined section of the bar. Overall, the drinks I had were good, and it was good to see some familiar faces in the building that know what i like to drink.

The bar is new, so it still smells good and looks fresh, I'm looking forward to seeing what more the Hardwicks family will offer...

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...