Jacksonville, Florida, while known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant city life, also harbors a hidden gem for those passionate about Latin dance. If you’re on the hunt for energetic rhythms and a place to showcase your salsa, merengue, or bachata moves, Jacksonville offers a selection of Latin Dance Night Clubs to explore. While the scene might be considered by some as still developing, there are definitely venues where you can find your Latin groove on weekends and even during the week.
For a reliable Latin dance experience, Havana Jax stands out as a strong contender. Located at 2578 Atlantic Boulevard, this venue operates as a restaurant and adjacent dance club, offering a diverse musical mix. Expect to hear a vibrant blend of salsa, merengue, bachata, and reggaeton, ensuring a lively atmosphere for dancers of all styles. While Fridays might be a bit quieter, Saturdays at Havana Jax typically draw a more energetic crowd, making it a popular weekend destination for Latin music enthusiasts.
Bongo’s, situated at 12192 Beach Boulevard, presents another option. This establishment functions as a restaurant with a dance floor. While opinions on the live bands can vary, it’s worth checking their schedule for events that align with your musical taste. You can find more information about their offerings on their website, http://www.bongosjax.com/ and http://www.bongosjax.com/eventos.html.
Historically, Elixir, located at 341 Park Ave in Orange Park, was known for its Latin nights on Fridays. However, it’s advisable to confirm if they still host these events, as music preferences might lean heavily towards reggaeton, which might not appeal to all Latin dance aficionados. You can contact them at (904) 215-4400 to inquire about their current Latin night schedule and music style.
For a larger discotheque experience, The Globe, situated at 11000 Beach Boulevard (www.theglobenightclub.com), opens its doors on Saturdays, and possibly Fridays as well. Be aware that The Globe tends to attract a younger crowd and the music is predominantly reggaeton.
If you’re looking for a midweek Latin dance option, Twisted Martini at the Jacksonville Landing downtown (though location might need to be verified due to Jacksonville Landing developments) used to host Latin nights on Thursdays. This bar offered a mixed crowd and a good-sized dance floor, providing a pleasant setting for a Thursday night salsa session. It’s recommended to check if Twisted Martini still operates its Latin night and at which location.
In conclusion, while Jacksonville’s Latin dance night clubs scene might not be as expansive as larger metropolitan areas, there are definitely viable options for those seeking to dance to Latin rhythms. Havana Jax appears to be a consistently recommended choice for a weekend of salsa, merengue, and bachata. For those seeking more diverse options or a change of pace, a trip to nearby Orlando could provide an even wider array of Latin dance experiences.
