City: Jacksonville Beach, FL

Category: Nightlife

Telephone: (904) 246-2473

Address: 200 North First St.

Description: Ronnie VanZant’s famous lyric “If I leave here tomorrow, will you still remember me?” is immortalized in this venue founded by his widow, Judy, and daughter, Melody. Authentic Skynyrd memorabilia, as well as gold and platinum records, are encased on the walls of this eatery, which has a Hard Rock Café vibe. (See the Close-up in this chapter for more on Jacksonville’s own Lynyrd Skynyrd band.) Freebird Cafe may be a bar and a restaurant, but at heart it’s a music club where bands new—and not so new— perform. Sure it has deep Southern rock roots, but all genres are represented here and supported with first-class sound and lighting. Blues guitarists from all over the country often find their way to this stage. This gem of a club can hold 700 people and has two full bars. Keep in mind that this is a nonsmoking, general-admission, standing-room-only, music venue, and there’s usually a cover charge depending on who’s performing. Freebird is located in the heart of Jacksonville Beach, directly across the street from Bukkets and just a few blocks away from Ocean Club, the Atlantic, Lynch’s, and the Ritz. Check the Web site for the upcoming lineup.