While there may be no shortage of sports bars in Jacksonville, there is arguably a shortage of quality sports bars. A variety of issues plague the various sports bars here: some are too small, some don’t have enough TVs, some have lousy service. It’s rare to find a place with atmosphere, service, a good menu, and reasonable prices all at once.
Time Out Sports Grill, located in a shopping center just east of the Hodges Blvd intersection on Beach Blvd, is a refreshing change of pace from the frustration of finding an adequate sports bar. While its name suggests that it may be more of a restaurant (and it does indeed have an expansive food menu), the atmosphere is certainly that of a sports bar.
We visited Time Out to view the first half of the college football championship game between Alabama and Clemson. The crowd was pretty evenly divided between the two teams, but was certainly lively and strongly invested in the game. While it was likely a little more busy than the average night due to the game, the wait staff didn’t seem too overwhelmed, suggesting that they likely draw large crowds often.
As mentioned, the atmosphere is that of the typical sports bar. Beer, liquor, and sport memorabilia adorn just about every bit of wall space that isn’t occupied by a high-definition TV. We counted at least 15 TVs, varying in size from the smaller screens located above the bar to the two massive ones positioned on both ends of the dining area. The bar area is massive, and there’s plenty of table and booth seating as well. It also has the conventional bar features such as pool tables and a digital jukebox; the jukebox was, of course, turned off so as to not interrupt the game. Overall, it comes across as a more locally-made version of a Miller Ale House location.
For those less interested in the sports-watching aspect of the bar, they also have trivia nights every Wednesday (starting at 7:30 PM) and Friday (6:30 PM), with around $100 of gift certificates given out at each event.
The beer selection is just about on par with other local bars; all of the national favorites are there, as well as selections from local breweries like Green Room, Engine 15, and Bold City Brewery. The liquor selection is expansive, ranging from the usual cheap fare to top-shelf brands.
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The drink specials are decent. Their specials last all day, every day; they include $3 well drinks, $6.95 Bud/Bud Light pitchers, and 5-for-$10 domestic buckets. Their happy hour lasts from 4 to 7 PM Monday through Friday, and consists of $1 off all draft beer and house wine as well as a small discount on a select group of appetizers. Additionally, their “Thirsty Thursdays” deal includes $2.50 Corona products as well as half-price pizza; given that their pizzas are rather pricey on a regular night, this is quite a nice deal.
The food selection is obviously much better than the average sports bar, given that it is indeed a restaurant as well. They offer appetizers, salads, wings, flatbreads, pizzas, and even a small dessert menu. While we didn’t have a chance to sample anything more than chips and queso (the queso was quite good!), from what we could see of meals around us it looked very appealing.
Overall, Time Out Sports Grill is certainly worth the trip if you’re looking to watch a big game and enjoy reasonably-priced drinks.
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