The Cavern — Restaurant in Jacksonville

Warning. Long post that has nothing to do with the available beer or the atmosphere but everything to do with the owner.

Unfortunately, I have seen bad reviews on the new owners but have always defended Smitty’s and even recommended it and brought friends in to counter the “good ole boys” reputation our local craft beer joint seemed to turn into. I honestly didn’t think that was the case…until today. And I get it’s his bar and he can treat his customers anyway he wants. But it was also obvious that Aaron “over served” himself - not the first time we have witnessed this but it will be the last, because despite coming in quite frequently since the original owners opened JCB and since it transitioned over to “Smitty’s”, we will not be back.

Long story not so short, being St. Patty’s Day, I wanted to get a fresh Guinness and was hoping for a Growler of Smithwicks to take home to have with dinner. As we entered the pub we can tell there was a good time being had by the crowd. The band was just wrapping up and Aaron and the other person behind the bar was conversing with the crowd. I ordered a Guinness, my husband a pint of Smithwicks and my 30 year old son some other beer that was on tap. That is when we found out Smithwicks was sold out (but they had another red ale on tap) so no harm to foul. But that is also when my son realized he had forgotten his wallet. At that point Aaron refused to serve any of us. I understand not serving him because of no ID so I gave my son the keys to go back home to get it. That’s where things went off the rails and Aaron started to lay into my son for being irresponsible and leaving the house without his wallet. When I tried to explain we literally came up last minute to get a growler to go but decided to stay because it looked like everyone was having fun. On top of that my son tried to tell him he didn’t really want a drink but just came up with us since he was in town visiting for the weekend. However, Aaron couldn’t take a breath long enough to get a word in. Aaron then said that he will go against his judgement, and how much he could get I trouble for it, but he would serve my son. I tried to say that wasn’t necessary as he didn’t want a beer and if he did he would go get his license to ensure everything was on the up and up. Aaron kept insisting that wasn’t necessary but that he didn’t appreciate being put in that situation. At that point we tried again to tell Aaron that he was leaving to get his ID and again Aaron said no need but again started to give him grief for not having a license. After 5 minutes of this back and forth and listening to my son getting berated I realized trying to reason with this belligerent drunk wasn't going anywhere so we opted to leave the establishment. For the last time.

Really quite sad, because if Aaron just kept his mouth shut long enough to realize there truly wasn’t an issue here, he may not have lost two otherwise loyal customers plus others who we may have...

Wandered in here after lunch. The restaurant I went to for lunch was out of beer so seemed like a good time to check this place out. During lunch there was no wait and plenty of seating, as you would expect during lunch time.

They sell only beer, which to me is ok. If you want to have a meal, there are a lot of great options near by. It was nice to have a meal, and have a beer here.

They have a really nice beer selection and the inside is clean and setup in a way I could hang out in for a while, chill with friends and have a few beers.

They sell growlers and bottles as well. With a local brew shop closed for renovations, I was pleased to see they sell a mead, which seems difficult to come by in my area.

The business is new and locally owned. I met the owner on my first visit and another member of their staff. They were nice and seemed to know what they are doing.

I am looking forward to making my way through their beer selection, and from what I can tell, they introduce new beers often. My favorite so far was the aged burbon beer. A nice burbon flavor with sweet back flavors. I would love to come back...

I found this gem through the 2023 Pub Pass in October 2023. I love the selection of 32 craft beers, which include 12 from Florida. And the selections change and rotate, which has been amazing! There is something for everyone. Not sure what to choose? No problem. They sell flights of beer or mimosas. Don't have time to stay, not a problem. You can purchase from their cold case or my preference is ordering a 32 oz. crowler of one of the tap beers and taking it home. They are working out the food issue and allow you to bring in food from the 6+ different restaurants in the plaza. But what I love about them the most is their sense of community and wanting to help people. They opened on Christmas 2023 and people brought a dish or snack to pass. It was amazing to see people who admitted to being alone, gather over fabulous food, and to meet new friends. That alone should convince you to try them out. You won't be disappointed. Gail and Aarron will take good...