Ritz Cocktail Lounge & Package Store

There was an ominous feeling that you could get stabbed at any moment. Very dark.

This place is always a solid fun time! I agree that of the people in Jacksonville, they have the most attractive crowd I have seen, which also attracts some creepy guys. I guess most guys think this is a bar to hook up with people. This place is very crowded, has long lines and gross bathrooms, but it is a very fun atmosephere and just enough room to awkwardly dance against a juke box. I like the music they play, I like that the bar is in the middle so you always have an exit to avoid people, and they have great drink choices. It can take a while to get a drink though, and the bouncers are anal about people sitting on the window sills and blocking walkways. But other than that, its a place to have fun, get crazy, and dance a little.

A strange corner of Jax beach. I can say that the price is definitely right here. They have a large draft selection, and seem to put out reasonably tasty mixed drinks. Low and behold, they even mix up a decent bloody mary.

Here are a few take aways from the couple of times I've been to the Ritz. First, if you stop by you will leave smelling like the Ritz. It does not matter how long you are here, it's just going to happen. Which brings me to my second point: people smoke here. Not just casually, but pretty heavily all day. On the upside, they have an enormous bar. It takes up probably a third of the square footage of the bar, so you should never have any trouble getting a drink.

The crowd is more local than some other spots. There are quite a few old barflies here during the day posted up on their stools. What a great place to watch old people hook up. At night I understand it gets a little louder and definitely younger.

The charm is the divey-ness. Music is just on the trashy side of normal, but it fits. Decor is minimal and smoke stained and the crowd is here to party. Don't forget to tip your ratchet DJ, because apparently he has a tip jar.