2024 Away Game Guide: Florida
The Georgia-Florida game, held this year on Nov. 2, is one of the most highly anticipated rivalry games in college football. If you’re headed to Jacksonville to cheer on the Dawgs, here’s a guide from fellow Bulldogs James Hopkins (BBA ’03) and Suzie Hutto (BBA ’06) for where to stay, eat and explore.
WHERE TO EAT
Suzie and James both enjoy visiting some of the city’s rooftop bars and restaurants. For an elegant atmosphere, Suzie recommends Cowford Chophouse, where you can see the beautiful view of Main Street Bridge. For a more relaxed, sit-back experience, she suggests the seafood and steaks at River and Post, known for their great happy hour deals and rooftop bar. Their ahi tuna dish is a favorite of Suzi and James, so be sure to try it!
If you’re craving Mexican food and an impeccable view, Estrella Cocina is the place to go. This chic/trendy Baja-Mexican inspired restaurant has a rooftop bar with gorgeous views of the city. Near the beach, The Local and Flying Iguana are two recommended restaurants. Suzie enjoys eating at The Local for its live music and grabbing late-night Mexican eats at the Flying Iguana. She and James raved about the restaurant’s guacamole, which is prepared tableside.
Maple Street Biscuit Company
Hungry for breakfast? Maple Street Biscuit Company, which originated in Jacksonville, is a local hotspot known for their Southern-style biscuit sandwiches. For a quicker option, hit up Foxtail Coffee Co., where they specialize in breakfast sandwiches, pastries and crafted beverages. Another quick option is BREW Five Points, which offers a wide range of breakfast sandwiches and pastries, including their specialty menu item: brisket breakfast tacos!
Where to Watch
In addition to tailgates surrounding the stadium, Suzie and James suggest trying some of Jacksonville’s breweries before the game. Jacksonville has a large brewery scene, most of which are family-friendly. Suzie likes Strings Sports Brewery, located on Main Street. James enjoys Bold City, located in the Riverside neighborhood downtown.
Intuition Aleworks is a brewery near the stadium where the Jacksonville Alumni Chapter has held events in the past. James likes visiting their walk-up counter and getting a beer to-go. Wicked Barley Brewery has a dock — James says people can even kayak straight to it!
Intuition Ale Works
Perfect Rack Billiards is a popular bar for sports gatherings and amazing wings. You can also swing by Kickbacks Gastropub, which has some unique decor and a popular, if unusual, menu item: corn nuggets. These are also great options for watching the game live with other fans if you don’t have tickets to the game itself.
What To Do
If exploring Jacksonville’s quality beer, wine, and spirits sparks your interest, consider taking a tour on the JAX Ale Trail, which has an extensive guide on VisitJacksonville’s website. The Pedal Pub JAX, another great choice, rides you through the city and stops at various bars and pubs for you to try. The San Sebastian Winery offers wine tasting and self-guided tours where you can indulge in their copious flavors.
The Pedal Pub JAX
If you have some extra time before or after the game, there are plenty of places to explore in and around Jacksonville. You can visit the Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens, take a tour of the city with St. Johns River Taxi & Tours, stroll through the Cummer Museum or even let the Jacksonville Skyway take you through a scenic tour of the city, sure to make a lasting impression! For some night time fun, the Friendship Fountain located in St. Johns River Park, also known as Friendship Park, hosts fountain light shows at 7:30 p.m., 8 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. every day.
Friendship Park Fountain Light Show
Where to Shop
James and Suzie both recommend shopping at St. Johns Town Center, an outdoor mall with a range of shops, restaurants and luxury stores.
“That’s where I do all my shopping,” Suzie said.
You can also explore the Riverside Arts Market, which hosts local vendors and artists.
Riverside Arts Market
Not making the trip to Jacksonville and looking to connect with Dawgs in your own area? Find your local UGA alumni chapter and cheer on the Dawgs with fellow alumni at a game-watching party near you.
