About Ocean Street Tacos
Ocean Street Tacos (often paired with Ocean Street Tequila) is a lively late-night taco bar and restaurant in Downtown Jacksonville’s “Elbow” entertainment district. It was created by the same team behind 1904 Music Hall and opened next door to that venue . Co-owner Jason Hunnicutt (a pioneer of the Elbow District) launched OST after 1904’s success, and it has quickly become known for creative specialty tacos (most famously a spicy Mac-&-Cheese taco) and inventive margaritas . With a full bar and a spacious back patio, the venue offers a full dining experience by day and a vibrant dance/party atmosphere by night . It’s open daily with long hours (typically 11:00 AM–1:00 AM) to serve downtown crowds . Locally, OST has earned praise in polls for “Best Live Music Venue,” “Best Mac-n-Cheese,” and “Best Late Night Meal” – reflecting its role as a beloved nighttime hangout . (The address is 15 N. Ocean Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 .)
Events and Programming
Ocean Street Tacos is a hotspot for lively music and themed parties. The schedule often includes regular DJ-driven events (for example, an R&B/Hip-Hop daytime party called “Our Sunday Best” ) and special festival tie-in parties (such as a free all-day JazzFest DJ party) . You’ll hear genres ranging from retro R&B and funk to reggae, hip-hop, or EDM on different nights. On weekends the room fills early and stays packed until last call. For many events there’s no cover charge or a low cover (around $5–$10 during normal nights), while big-name DJs or special concerts may carry a higher ticket price. In short, OST mixes restaurant dining with club-like programming: think late-night salsa on Tuesdays or hip-hop Sundays, DIY vinyl nights, tribute dances, and impromptu live sets. Their website and social pages announce the lineup and ticketing info (if required) in advance.
Tickets and Booking
Most nights at Ocean Street Tacos are free/general admission or have a modest cover at the door. When special shows are ticketed, tickets are usually sold through local online event platforms or at the restaurant itself on the day of the event. (There is no permanent box office on site.) For major events, plan ahead by checking local ticket sites or the venue’s announcements. The venue also offers private event rentals – you can reserve it for groups by using the “Event Booking & Rentals” contact form on their website . In general, popular shows can sell out early, so for very busy nights it’s wise to arrive early or secure any available tickets online.
Seating and Layout
The layout is casual and flexible. Inside, there is a full bar and high-top tables, but most of the main room is open floor intended for dance/general admission (there is a dedicated raised DJ area at the front and a dance floor nearby). No seats are permanently reserved – it’s first-come, first-served standing or bar seating. The venue also has a spacious back patio with outdoor tables and string lights , which provides a more relaxed seating area away from the speakers. If you want the best audio experience, standing near the DJ/bar is ideal; if you prefer a quieter crawl space for conversation or eating, the patio or side tables are recommended. (Patio seating is uncovered, so it’s weather-dependent – it’s perfect in fair weather but not usable if it rains.) In summary: open-floor general admission inside, plus an al fresco patio. Audio is pumped through a club-quality sound system, so expect dance-floor volume up front; earplugs are a good idea if you’re sensitive to loud music. As one reviewer noted, the staff and band gear “make live music in the evening” and create a “charming atmosphere” .
Getting There and Parking
Ocean Street Tacos sits at 15 N. Ocean Street in downtown Jacksonville (just off Bay Street). Multiple parking options are nearby. A convenient choice is the Jacksonville Annex Garage at 21 E. Bay Street (1–2 blocks away), which typically charges about $5–$10 for a day’s parking . Other public garages and surface lots line Bay and nearby streets, and metered street parking is available in the area (around $1–$1.50/hr downtown). Ride-sharing (Uber/Lyft) drop-off on Ocean St or Bay St is also easy. Public transit access: JTA buses run along Bay and nearby streets with stops a short walk from the venue, and the free Jacksonville Skyway monorail has a Central station on Bay Street only a couple blocks away. (Plan ahead on late nights: buses and Skyway run until around midnight.) In all, driving with a nearby garage reservation (via ParkMobile/SpotHero) is often simplest, but transit and rideshare are also options.
Inside the Venue
Expect a bustling bar atmosphere. All guests are greeted at the door (ID check is standard – it’s a full bar that enforces Florida’s 21+ drinking laws). The interior feeling is hip and energetic, with dimmed lights and an urban Mexican-themed décor. Ocean Street Tacos is known for friendly, attentive staff – reviewers frequently mention the “nice staff” and great service . A full menu of tacos, quesadillas, sides and signature cocktails is available all night. There is no coat-check (the climate is warm, and most patrons wear normal casual attire). Restrooms are inside on the ground floor. Wi-Fi is generally available for guests (or at least cell reception is excellent); you’ll pay by cash or card at the bar or table. Menus can be viewed online in advance if desired.
Nearby Amenities
The whole block is part of a lively nightlife hub. Sister spots Spliff’s Gastropub and Underbelly are within a short walk . Spliff’s (on the same block) serves burgers, wings and craft beers, and Underbelly (one block east on Bay St) offers BBQ and Cuban-inspired dishes. A few doors away on Bay St are several pubs and lounges, and popular late-night eateries. For quick coffee or breakfast, the Headroom Coffee Bar is just below OST in the same building. If you’re staying overnight, noteworthy downtown hotels are nearby (the Hyatt Regency Riverfront, Omni Jacksonville/Marriott, DoubleTree, etc. are all within a few blocks). Hemming Plaza (with cafes, shops and a park) is also a couple blocks away. In short, you’ll find plenty of dining, drinking and lodging options in the immediate vicinity to pair with your OST visit.
What Makes This Venue Special
Ocean Street Tacos stands out by blending an authentic taco menu with a strong live-music club vibe – a combination that was rare in Jacksonville until *this* venue appeared. It continues the legacy of 1904 Music Hall as a community gathering spot. Local press notes that 1904 “hosted hundreds of thousands” of fans and became “a shining beacon for the music scene” , and Ocean Street Tacos carries that torch by offering late-night fun fused with food. The unique menu (for example, the house Mac-and-Cheese taco) and a wall of dozens of tequilas set it apart . The owner has even won awards like “Downtowner of the Year” for driving downtown’s revitalization . In practice, many artists and visitors appreciate OST for its welcoming vibe – “musicians make live music in the evening” and the atmosphere is repeatedly described as fun and “charming” . In short, OST is special because it feels like a local late-night fiesta where you can relax with tacos and also dance to a DJ set (all under one roof).
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: The street entrance is at street level with no major steps, and the venue should have an ADA-compliant restroom. If you need special accommodations, consider calling ahead. What to Bring: A valid photo ID (for drinking age 21+), comfortable shoes (for dancing), and cash/card to pay for food or cover. Sunshine or sunglasses help in summer (the patio is open-air). Line and Arrival: Popular nights get busy. Arrive early for best spots or less wait. Unlike some theaters, seating is general – first-come. What Not to Bring: No outside food or drinks. Bags may be checked at management’s discretion (common in bars). No professional cameras without permission. Smoking is prohibited indoors (it’s Florida law), but allowed on the patio. Kids and Pets: This is primarily a bar/club atmosphere. Minors may be allowed during early hours if not too crowded, but after dark it’s generally 21+. No pets (except service animals) will be admitted. Safety: The area is well-populated late at night. Always watch your belongings and have a plan for a safe ride home (downtown Taxis and rideshare apps work well, since buses/Skyway stop around midnight). The staff and security keep things orderly, but use common sense as you would at any busy bar.
What is the address and hours of Ocean Street Tacos?
Ocean Street Tacos & Tequila is located at 15 North Ocean Street in Downtown Jacksonville (zip 32202) . It’s open every day: typically 11:00 AM to 1:00 AM (Monday through Sunday) . (Keep these hours in mind if you plan a late-night visit.)
What kind of venue is Ocean Street Tacos?
Ocean Street Tacos is a hybrid restaurant/bar and live-music venue. It’s described as a “late night taco bar” created by the owners of 1904 Music Hall . In practice, it serves full Mexican/Tex-Mex meals and cocktails (like a restaurant) while also hosting DJs and dancers into the early morning. It’s casual, lively and open until 1 AM nightly.
What events and music does Ocean Street Tacos offer?
OST hosts upbeat music nights and themed parties. Common events include DJ-powered R&B, soul or hip-hop dance parties (for example, the recurring “Our Sunday Best” R&B day party ) and special city-festival events (like an all-day Jazzfest DJ party ). You’ll see genres from hip-hop and reggae to dance/electronic on the roster. Many nights are open-floor (standing room) with an energetic bar/dance atmosphere.
How do I get tickets or make reservations for shows?
For most events at OST, you don’t need to reserve in advance. Many nights are free admission or have a small cover at the door. When a large DJ or special concert occurs, tickets (if required) are sold through local ticketing sites or via the venue’s announcements. OST doesn’t have its own box office, so check online event listings or call the venue for details. If you want to book the space for a private party, you can use the “Event Booking & Rentals” form on their website .
What are the prices for tickets or drink specials?
There is no fixed “ticket price” at OST. Many nights have no cover or only a few dollars cover per person. If a cover is announced, it often runs around \$5–\$15 for DJs. Drink and food prices are moderate: tacos run about \$5–\$6 each , house appetizers around \$10–\$13 . The bar offers signature cocktails (the strawberry margarita is a guest favorite ) and a wide range of tequilas and beers. On Taco Tuesdays they often do a special deal (e.g. 2 tacos + a drink for a set price), so watch for those weekly promotions.
Is Ocean Street Tacos wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the venue has a street-level entrance with no steps, and it should have ADA-compliant restrooms. The space is relatively small, so a wheelchair can navigate through much of the main area and into the patio. If you have specific needs, it’s a good idea to call ahead, but generally OST is accessible.
What parking is available near Ocean Street Tacos?
Parking downtown is easiest in a paid lot. The closest large lot is the Jacksonville Annex Garage at 21 E Bay St (about 1 block away), which typically charges around \$5–\$10 for a day . There are other garages and surface lots on Bay and adjacent streets as well. Metered street parking is also available nearby (around \$1–\$1.50 per hour). You can book a spot ahead via parking apps (SpotHero, ParkMobile, etc.) for peace of mind. Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) drop-offs on Ocean or Bay Street are also very convenient.
Is outside food or drink allowed at Ocean Street Tacos?
No. All food and drinks must be purchased from the venue itself. Outside food or beverages are not permitted inside. The idea is that you enjoy the tacos, appetizers and full bar offered on-site.
Are there age restrictions or dress code?
The atmosphere is very casual – your normal bar/club attire is fine (jeans, shorts, shirts, summer dresses, etc.). No strict dress code is enforced. Regarding age, OST is primarily a 21+ venue once the bar is open. If you plan to dine early or come with under-21 guests for a mid-day meal, it’s usually allowed, but after evening it’s people 21 and over. Always bring a valid ID if you look younger than 30, as staff check IDs for drinking age.
Does Ocean Street Tacos allow smoking inside?
No. Florida law bans indoor smoking in bars and restaurants. Ocean Street Tacos enforces that. However, smoking is permitted on the outdoor patio areas. So you can step outside to smoke on the back patio, but not inside by the bar or dance floor.
Is Wi-Fi available at Ocean Street Tacos?
The venue does not prominently advertise free Wi-Fi, but cell phone service is excellent downtown and often sufficient for mobile apps and map use. If you need to connect, ask the bartender – they may offer guest Wi-Fi. In any case, you can usually rely on 4G/5G service while at OST.
Can I book a private event or reservation?
Yes. Ocean Street Tacos can be rented out for private parties or events. You won’t make a normal reservation like a dinner; instead contact the venue directly. The website provides an “Event Booking & Rentals” contact form and phone number where you can inquire about hosting a private group. Booking details (pricing, food & drink minimums, etc.) can be arranged with management through that form or by calling the number on the site.
Are children or pets allowed at Ocean Street Tacos?
Because it’s a bar and nightclub atmosphere, children aren’t typically expected after dark. If you bring minors during early afternoon or early evening for a meal, it’s usually fine, but after that it’s mainly adults. No pets are allowed inside (service animals only, of course). The outdoor patio may see families in daylight hours, but it’s not a family restaurant vibe at night.
What are the popular menu items at Ocean Street Tacos?
Patrons rave about several signature dishes. The Spicy Mac & Cheese taco is a must-try . Other favorites include the brisket, carnitas (pork) and shrimp tacos – all bursting with flavor. Appetizers like chips with guacamole and queso are popular (the chips & dip platter is \$13 ). For drinks, reviewers mention the strawberry margarita and the wide tequila selection . In short: creative tacos and hand-crafted cocktails.
How early should I arrive to get in, and how long do events last?
It’s a good idea to arrive 30–60 minutes before a popular event. Doors typically open around the advertised time (often 8–9pm for night shows), and waiting in line can develop once more people show up. The bar often stays open until 1 AM, so expect late-night dance sets that continue into the early morning. On busy nights, the room can fill fully after 10pm – so early bird gets the best spot!
Are there happy hour specials or daily deals?
The venue often runs food and drink deals on certain weekdays. Commonly, Taco Tuesdays feature specials (e.g. two tacos plus a margarita for a set price) that run until closing. There’s no formal early evening happy hour, but watch their social media or sign up for their newsletter to catch any limited-time offers or theme nights.
