Located in the heart of Riverside at 931 King St., Park Place has evolved over the years: new drink specials, bartenders and outdoor patio space. If one has been to the Bourbon Pub in New Orleans, Park Place could qualify as the appropriately-sized counterpart for Jacksonville.
Park Place is at the corner of King and Post, across from Walkers wine bar, in a conspicuously red building with “Park Place” in neon green lighting. The side of the bar that fronts the small parking lot still accepts drive-thru orders for unopened items. The tradition is carried over from when the building that houses Park Place used to be a package store.
Approaching the entrance of the bar, the glass door prominently advises the minimum age to enter is 21 and that IDs are checked. Entering the bar leads to a small vestibule with advertisements of future bar events and specials and other community events.
The bar is physically one room (and a spacious outdoor patio), but divided into two sections: the main bar closer to the front entrance and the side bar. Leading to the main bar are barstools and tables and a DJ booth to the left. The main bar is shaped like a horseshoe with a granite or marble surface and possibly seats a maximum of 20.
In between the main and side bars are more barstools and tables, restrooms, two pool tables and darts. The men’s restroom is uniquely adorned with mirrors in places other than the wash area. For at least this reason, male patrons are known to use the women’s facilities.
The side bar is smaller than the main bar and is not open every night; usually open only on Friday and Saturday. The newest bartenders typically pay their dues at this bar, presumably because traffic and volume are lower. Despite this, some of the heaviest pours can be served from this bar and more intimate interactions are afforded by the bartenders.
Adjacent to the side bar is a small dance floor, probably a 10′ x 10′ wooden surface at its largest, and contains a mounted flat-screen TV that has a Wii attached to it. Bowling from around the bar is common as the Wii controllers are passed around. Flat-screen TVs also are mounted throughout the bar that display music videos, sports games, performance reality shows (American Idol, So You Think You Can Dance) and other shows upon request.
The outdoor patio area opened within the past few years, allowing patrons to escape the smoke and volume of the bar. A spacious wooden deck contains comfortable, oversized seating and beyond the deck is a volleyball net and more chairs and tables. This area is particularly popular in the cooler months.
Customer Profile
Gender distribution: Approximately 90% male, 10% female.
Sociability: Depending on the hour and day, you could easily strike up a conversation with someone sitting next to you or find it difficult to talk to someone who isn’t “on your level”. Happy hour tends to be the most laid-back time to relax, enjoy the drink specials and have fun with old and new friends.
Dress code: Anything from shorts to jeans, from business casual to drag queen, are seen and accepted. If you’re wearing an especially hot outfit, be prepared for a catcall and a few interested suitors.
What a First-Time Visitor Should Know
Despite its size, Park Place provides a comfortable atmosphere, if not smoky and dim, to enjoy a late afternoon or Friday night cocktail. Tip the bartenders well at first so they remember you and shower you with excellent service. Be patient if it’s busy and mind your manners, no matter how foul a mood you may be in.
Why a First-Time Visitor Should Visit
It’s the perfect cross-section of Jacksonville natives.
