About River City Brewing Company
River City Brewing Company was Jacksonville’s iconic downtown brewpub and live-music venue on the Southbank of the St. Johns River (835 Museum Circle). During its nearly 27 years in business (opening in late 1994, closing July 2021), RCB was known for sweeping riverfront views and a lively, casual atmosphere. The two-story glass-and-steel building featured a dock-inspired dining room and bar on the ground floor, with private event rooms upstairs. Diners could enjoy waterfront sunsets from the expansive outdoor deck overlooking Friendship Fountain and the downtown skyline.
RCB earned a reputation for Southern-inspired comfort food and craft beer. Signature dishes included Cajun jambalaya, shrimp gumbo, fresh seafood platters and thick steaks, all paired with house-brewed ales or guest craft drafts. The venue seated roughly 220 people indoors for dinner and could host up to around 1,200 standing guests on its terraces when rented for private events. Its laid-back décor (stained-glass accents, riverboat hints and a vintage cigarette vending machine) gave the place a unique charm.
Culturally, River City Brewing often felt like part of the community. Local business leaders and politicians regularly “held court” over drinks and gumbo; even former Mayor Jake Godbold chose RCB as the site for his annual charity quail dinner (400–500 guests). The restaurant hosted many civic fundraisers, Super Bowl watch parties and live-news election nights over the years. Celebrity sightings were a local legend – John Travolta, James Gandolfini and rapper Fat Joe all dined here at various times – and Hugh Hefner famously held Playboy’s 2005 Super Bowl after-party at RCB. Through all this, River City Brewing Company became more than just a bar; it was a Jacksonville institution where people marked birthdays, sports victories and neighborhood milestones.
Events and Programming
While primarily a restaurant, River City Brewing offered a rotation of entertainment and special events. In its heyday, the venue’s programming included live music nights, dance parties and themed gatherings. Weekends often featured local cover bands or DJs spinning dance or rock sets, turning the bar area into a nightclub-like scene. Monday trivia nights, Wednesday DJ parties and holiday celebrations were common. RCB didn’t follow a fixed lineup like a dedicated concert hall – but many nights had music with low or no cover charge to draw in diners. For example, a calendar from 2019 shows one-off shows (“Metatone Presents: Esseks” and a “Triangle of Musicians Tribute”) listed, indicating the kind of local concert events it hosted.
Special events at RCB were frequent. Every few years it held citywide charity fundraisers (including Jacksonville NHL Alumni events). Sporting events called for big watch parties – the place lit up for college football bowl games, NFL playoffs and boxing nights on its large TVs. Seasonal festivals and holiday fêtes were also popular (including New Year’s Eve dinners and Fourth of July barbecues by the river). Locals remember things like Sunday jazz brunches or even late-night karaoke contests in previous years.
Because entertainment at River City Brewing was integrated with dining, there was no single “ticket office.” Most live shows required only standard dinner admission, and any cover charges were paid at the door. (Occasionally special concerts were ticketed, usually through third-party vendors, but that was rare.) In practice, fans interested in upcoming RCB events would check the venue’s announcements or social media, or simply call ahead. The key was that RCB combined a dinner reservation with live music – buy a $20 entrée and you’d often get the show along with it. After 2021, no further events have been held at the site as the building closed permanently.
Tickets and Booking
Since River City Brewing Company functioned largely as a restaurant/bar, it did not have a traditional concert ticketing system. There was no permanent box office on site; most shows were free for guests or had a nominal cover collected by servers. In effect, booking a “ticket” meant reserving a table for dinner. Reservations (via phone or online dining services) were recommended on busy nights, but walk-ins were always welcome if space allowed.
For specialty events that did sell tickets (for example a tribute band or themed party), tickets would be available through local retail outlets or online event pages – not through RCB’s own site. The best strategy was to watch the venue’s social pages or local listings and purchase from the listed vendors in advance. Pricing for events varied with the show; often “tickets” were simply the cost of a dinner entrée or a fixed-price meal package. In short, River City Brewing treated itself first as a restaurant, so customers mostly reserved tables rather than show tickets.
Seating and Layout
The interior layout of RCB was open and flexible. On the ground floor, a long bar with stools ran along one wall, in front of a stage/dance area. There were also booths and tables scattered around the main room, allowing both close-up bar service and more private seating. Large flat-screen TVs on the walls meant even corner tables could watch sports. In good weather the entire central wall slid open onto the spacious riverfront patio.
Upstairs were two private dining rooms with panoramic river views. These rooms served groups of up to ~45 each, making the upper level suitable for meetings or parties. Tables here were often rearranged for events. There was no fixed ‘theater’ orientation – all seats faced into the room in various directions. Best views for performances were typically along the bar area or at front tables on the main floor; these people could see the stage and dancers clearly. Guests wanting a clear look at performers should avoid the far back corner tables where pillars or crowding could block the view.
For typical evenings, seating was general admission: a host would seat diners at available tables first-come, first-served. On sold-out music nights, extra standing space filled the dance floor. RCB had no elevated balcony overlooking the stage, so there was no strict VIP vs GA zone. The outdoor deck held additional tables and extra standing room; it was popular for socializing and enjoying the breeze, though it had no view of the stage itself (drinks ordered outside were just carried by servers from the bar). In full-concert mode, the main floor consisted of mingling room around the bar and dance area, with some tables pushed to the sides. Overall, the venue felt roomy but could crowd fast on weekends – one reason to arrive early for prime seating.
Getting There and Parking
River City Brewing Company was conveniently located at 835 Museum Circle, just off Prudential Drive on Jacksonville’s Southbank. By car, the easiest access was via Museum Circle (a cul-de-sac off Prudential). There was no dedicated public parking lot for RCB, so guests used nearby lots and garages. The closest public parking is the Museum of Science & History (MOSH) garage and a surface lot on Riverplace Blvd (both a 5-minute walk north). Metered street parking is also available along Prudential Drive and Bay Street, though these fill up quickly in evening.
Bus: Jacksonville’s JTA buses stop within a short walk. Routes 8, 25 and 3 pass along Prudential/Charlotte and nearby streets. The “Art Museum” or “Riverside” stops are 2–3 blocks from the venue. Always check JTA’s site for current schedules.Water Taxi: A fun option in good weather! The Jacksonville Water Taxi stops at Friendship Fountain (on weekends and event days). The Fountain stop is steps from RCB’s deck. Note schedules vary by season.Rideshare/Taxi: App-based drop-offs were common for late nights. Downtown taxi stands are less convenient, so Lyft/Uber are easiest to the address above.Walking: If you’re staying downtown, RCB is about a 15-minute walk (30-40 min from the convention center). Pedestrians cross the Main Street or Acosta Bridge and follow Riverwalk south. From nearby attractions like the baseball park or convention center, the scenic way is to walk via Friendship Park on the Southbank.
Parking costs were typical for downtown Jacksonville – expect meter rates or $5–$10 for a garage after 6pm. A helpful tip: some city garages offer free or reduced parking after prime hours, so check local signs. Given traffic and filling lots, plan to arrive 20–30 minutes early on busy nights to find parking.
Inside the Venue
Inside RCB you could expect a laid-back, friendly tavern vibe. Hosts or bartenders would seat you (or invite you to sit at the communal bar) after a brief ID check if you intended to drink. There was no security screening or cover charge at the door – entry became official when you ordered. The atmosphere was bright and casual by day, with sunlit views; at night dimmed lights, music and neon signs turned it into a dance spot.
Food & Drink: The menu was full-service. Expect full appetizers-starters like crab fondue, wings and hushpuppies. Main dishes ranged from shrimp and grits to prime ribs. A kids menu was available for family dinners. The bar served several on-site brews, plus popular craft and domestic beers. There was a complete cocktail menu (rum runners, mojitos, etc.), plus wine by the glass or bottle. Happy Hour specials (roughly 4–7pm on weekdays) included discounted drafts and appetizers.Ambiance: TVs showed sports and news throughout the bar area. On event nights a DJ booth or small band setup was at one end of the main floor. The indoor space had hard floors and glass, so sound bounces around – it could get loud during peaks. Outdoor on the deck, you could catch a breeze and still hear the music. Restrooms were clean and located on each level. Free Wi-Fi was offered (usually available via a network called something like “RCBC guest WiFi”).Amenities: The venue had no coat check, so come dressed to stay (it can get warm near the kitchen entrance). There was a small host stand by the door where occasionally T-shirts or pint glasses with the RCB logo were sold. Noise from the poker slot machine or live drum set was part of the charm for some. If you needed a charging outlet, ask your server – a few tables near outlets were often lent out to patrons.
Nearby Amenities
River City Brewing Company sat in a lively part of downtown, with plenty of options nearby for dining, lodging, and after-hours fun. Within a block or two you’ll find:
Dining: Several downtown restaurants share the river view. Cowford Chophouse (steaks/fine dining) and The Met at 106 Bay (American small plates) are 5–10 minute walk north. Ceviche SW Grill (Latin seafood) and Moju Bar (Pan-Asian) are on Bay St. On the Southbank side, the Buckhead Grill (inside DoubleTree Hotel, just north of RCB) is popular for steak and seafood. For casual spots, Dudley’s (pizza & wings) and Vagabond Sandwich Co. (sports bar sandwiches) are a few blocks away.Bars: Local breweries and brewpubs are a short drive west (Aardwolf in Avondale, Intuition Ale Works in Riverside). Closer in downtown, rooftop bars at the Marriott and Marriott Water Street offer skyline views, as does the Taps Downtown craft beer bar. For late-night dancing, Mojito’s Havana South (on Beach Blvd) and Vaad Live! in the San Marco area are lively.Hotels: If you’re looking for rest nearby, the Hyatt Regency Riverfront is a block north across the river (with its own bar overlooking the landing). The DoubleTree by Hilton Jacksonville Riverfront is 2 blocks away on the Northbank. Other downtown choices include the Marriott Water Street, Aloft Jacksonville Downtown, and Residence Inn by Marriott (all within 0.3 mi). Most allow easy walking to Guy’s River City.Attractions: As mentioned, the iconic Friendship Fountain is literally next door – it was under repair for a while, but generally runs on weekends. The Southbank Riverwalk (scenic walking trail) passes right in front of RCB, leading toward the vibrant Brooklyn neighborhood. The Jacksonville Landing (now closed) used to be two blocks north; the new Water Street development is in progress. The MOSH (Jacksonville Museum of Science & History) is a 5-minute walk over the river (northbank).Other tips: If you arrive early, sister spots like Jackson’s Waterfront or Matthew’s Pizza (both on the Northbank) offer happy hours. For late-night transport, note that bus service thins after 10pm – rideshare or a parked car may be safer late at night. Many out-of-towners end up staying at the Hyatt or a downtown hotel to avoid the drive home after a night out.
What Makes This Venue Special
River City Brewing Company stood out for its unique combination of riverside charm, long history, and party-friendly vibe. Architecturally, few Jacksonville restaurants had its aesthetic – the two-story glass facade and wide decks made patrons feel as if they were dining on a luxury river yacht. It planted itself right on the water’s edge (uncommon in Duval), so its panoramic views of sailboats, skyscrapers and nightly fireworks were unmatched. Locals would often say RCB had “the best view in town.”
Beyond looks, RCB was special socially. It hosted Jacksonville’s first true brewpub beers and became a downtown hub. It was the setting for many city “firsts,” such as Jacksonville’s grandest Super Bowl parties and celebrity appearances. Its sporting culture was legendary: Fox Sports chose it for NFL draft watch parties. Political history flowed through it – one local quip was that if a big deal was made in Duval County, it likely happened over drinks at RCB. The owners themselves turned almost a million-dollar debt into a landmark venue, a story that became part of the venue’s lore.
Famous memories stick with fans: for example, a photo of Hugh Hefner at a packed RCB bar made local headlines. The venue’s casual, unpretentious energy meant students, football players and suits mingled freely on its patio. The eclectic décor and famous cigarette machine (until 2020) gave it a time-capsule feel. In short, both performers and patrons loved RCB for this blend of riverfront leisure, food-and-beer culture, and neighborhood warmth. It felt less like a sterile concert hall and more like a friend’s house – lively, eclectic and always with a story.
Visitor Tips and Information
Current Status: Heads up: as of 2023, River City Brewing Company is permanently closed and the building has been demolished. The site is being redeveloped into a residential complex, so you won’t find RCB serving food or shows today. The information here is useful for historical reference or understanding previous operations. If you’re looking for a similar riverfront experience in Jacksonville, check out the new bars and breweries in the Riverside and Southbank area.
Before It Closed: When it was operating, arriving early could avoid a wait – dinner seating usually got busy by 7pm on weekends. The dress code was casual (jeans, casual shirts – no need for formal attire). There was no entry fee or cover charge for watching music nights; you just paid for your food and drinks. The staff recommended carrying a small ID; credit cards and cash were both accepted for payment.
Accessibility: The venue had wheelchair access. Patrons with mobility needs could use the street-level ramp and access the ground floor without stairs. (A small elevator or lift allowed wheelchair users to reach the upper banquet rooms.) An accessible restroom was available on the main floor. Service animals were welcome.
Age Restrictions: River City Brewing was family-friendly during daytime and early evening. Children were allowed and a kids menu was offered. However, as the night grew late (after ~10pm), the atmosphere became 21+ and the crowd was mostly adults. Standard Florida law (21+ for alcohol) always applied.
Devices and Safety: Wi-Fi was generally available (ask for network/password). Cell coverage inside worked fine given the downtown location. For photo-taking, casual photography was okay – just be respectful if a band request no flash. Personal belongings should be kept secure; big backpacks were discouraged on busy nights (the venue had limited storage and no coat/bag check). If you bring a coat or large bag anyway, you might hold it under your table.
Food & Drink Tips: A few local “insider” favorites endured: the onion rings were popular, and bartenders often suggested the house IPA on tap. If attending a sports event night, try to nab a riverside table as it had the best screen view. Happy hour specials (cheap beer pours and appetizer deals) ran on weekdays – great for both early-openers and local office workers
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Must-Visit Tip: If it were still open, ask about the brewpub-exclusive beers (they sometimes featured limited-release seasonal ales). In earlier years they made a stout and a seasonal IPA in-house. You could also get growler to-go if visiting in daylight.Don’t Miss: The last Jack’s River Ale (RCB’s flagship) was always a sought-after draft. Try a flight sampler. And since RCB had an upstairs bowl lounge (with billiards) for a time, check if any bonus games or pools were running with dinner.Nearby Outlets: If you can’t visit RCB itself, Downtown and Riverside have other microbreweries that emulated its spirit (for example, Dames Ales and Bold City Brewery not far away).
Is River City Brewing Company still open?
No. River City Brewing Company permanently closed on July 18, 2021 after 27 years. The building was later demolished for redevelopment. As of now, there are no events or dining at that location. The site is being redeveloped into a residential project with plans for a smaller restaurant or brewpub component, but RCB as you remember it is no longer operating.
What was the seating capacity of River City Brewing Company?
The restaurant seated around 200–220 people indoors for dinner. For events, the two upper banquet rooms could hold about 40–60 each. The large outdoor deck allowed hundreds more in reception style. In total, RCB could host roughly 1,000–1,200 guests spread across all indoor and outdoor areas when fully utilized for private functions.
Did River City Brewing Company brew its own beer?
Yes. River City Brewing was a true brewpub with its namesake beers brewed on site. They often had draft rotation that included their own ales and lagers (like an amber or cream ale) along with other local or national craft beers. If you visit similar venues, they’ll sometimes list RCB’s old house beers like “River City Ale” or seasonal brews on the menu. Nowadays, those brewery operations have ended, but at the time guests could order house-brewed pints.
Is there outdoor seating at River City Brewing Company?
Yes. RCB featured a spacious outdoor deck along the riverfront. Many tables and high-tops sat under umbrellas on the terrace. This was a popular spot for al fresco dining or enjoying drinks in good weather. The deck offered unobstructed views of the river and city, though note that live music performers were always indoors on the main floor. The patio atmosphere made RCB unique among downtown restaurants.
What kind of food and drinks did River City Brewing Company serve?
RCB served casual American fare with a Southern twist. Think seafood dishes and hearty grill items. Popular menu items included New Orleans-style jambalaya, gumbo, crab cakes and prime rib, alongside burgers, steaks and salads. They also had a kids’ menu and daily specials. The drink list was extensive: on-site craft beers, local brews, wines by the glass, cocktails (rum runners, margaritas, etc.), plus standard bar pours. Happy hour specials (discounted draft beers and appetizers) were offered on weekdays 4–7pm. Overall, it was a full bar and restaurant.
What are the parking options near River City Brewing Company?
Parking was always a consideration. River City Brewing didn’t have its own lot for guests, so most people found nearby public parking. The closest options included the MOSH (Museum of Science & History) parking garage and surface lots around Prudential Drive or Bay Street (within 2–3 minute walk). Street metered parking was available but filled up in evenings. Many patrons used downtown garages (usually a short walk away) or valet/rideshare to avoid hunting spaces. After 6pm, meter rates and garage fees were generally $1–$2 per hour.
What public transit serves the area around River City Brewing Company?
JTA (Jacksonville Transportation Authority) buses run through downtown and can get you near RCB. The closest stops were on Prudential Drive/Charlotte Street or Bay Street. For example, Bus Route 8 (Beach Blvd – Downtown – Art Museum) stops a few blocks away. There was also a “downtown Rocket Trolley” service that stopped near the riverwalk at Friendship Fountain. And of course the City’s river Taxi (Water Taxi) did stop at Friendship Fountain on weekends, which is a short walk from the restaurant. Taxis and rideshares like Uber/Lyft were also commonly used for evening trips.
Is River City Brewing Company wheelchair accessible?
Yes. RCB’s main entrance was at street level with no steps, and there was an interior ramp to the dining areas. An elevator/lift provided access to the second-floor banquet rooms. There was at least one ADA-compliant restroom on the ground floor near the bar. Tables and seating on the first floor were accessible, though some booths upstairs would require stairs. Overall, most of the facility was navigable by wheelchair, including outdoor seating (though the deck had a slight slope).
Are children and families allowed at River City Brewing Company?
Yes, children and families were welcome during daytime and early evening hours. RCB offered a kids’ menu, so families often dined there before 8pm. The mood was casual and family-friendly up until roughly 10pm, after which the space shifted to a night-club vibe. There was no strict age restriction (aside from the usual 21+ for alcohol); minors just needed to be accompanied by an adult after dinner hours. The outdoor patio and general dining room remained kid-friendly throughout normal restaurant hours.
What is the dress code at River City Brewing Company?
There was no formal dress code – casual attire was fine. Guests typically wore jeans, shorts and T-shirts or casual tops. Some patrons dressed up a bit more on weekend evenings, but suits and cocktail dresses were not required. The venue was relaxed; just avoid beachwear or excessively sloppy clothing. Since RCB sometimes got warm (especially near the bar area), many chose light layers.
Were dogs or pets allowed on the patio of River City Brewing Company?
As with most restaurants, no pets were allowed inside. The rules on the outdoor patio may have occasionally been relaxed (some riverfront spots allow dogs outside), but officially pets other than service animals were not permitted. It’s always best to check current local ordinances (indoor cigarette laws and animal health codes) – in practice, most people left their pets at home or on a leash at an approved outdoor dining area, since River City Brewing’s patio was open but still considered restaurant premises.
Is smoking allowed at River City Brewing Company?
No. Smoking inside the restaurant was not allowed (Florida law prohibits indoor smoking in restaurants and bars). However, you could have a cigarette outside on the riverside patio. Up until 2003, Florida allowed outdoor smoking on restaurant patios, and RCB did have outdoor tables for smokers. Indoor smoking was only possible via the novelty cigarette machine (which dispensed packs) and then smoked outside.
How busy does River City Brewing Company get, and when should I arrive?
RCB was very popular on weekend evenings, so it often had waits during dinner rush (7–9pm on Fri/Sat). If you wanted a good seat at the bar or a riverside table, aim to arrive by 6pm. Weekday happy hours (4–7pm) were less crowded and often had deals, making them a smart time to visit. For live music events, doors usually opened around 4–5pm with music starting later; arriving early ensures getting in. Parking and traffic can slow you down, so plan accordingly.
What forms of payment were accepted?
River City Brewing took both cash and credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, etc.) throughout its operation. Most customers used cards for convenience. Gratuities could be added on cards or given in cash. There was no cover charge to enter, so the only payment was for food, drink or any tickets for special events.
Could I make a reservation at the River City Brewing Company?
Yes. As a restaurant, RCB accepted reservations for dining, especially for dinner or large groups. You could reserve a table via phone or online dining platforms (like OpenTable) when it was open. Making a reservation was recommended for Friday/Saturday nights or if you had a bigger party. However, walk-ins were also welcome whenever space allowed. For private events, the upstairs rooms could be reserved for groups.
