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Keane's Tavern adds another new downtown spot in The Elbow entertainment district

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Friday, October 31st 2025 at 10:31 GMT by The Florida Times-Union
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Keane’s Tavern has reopened its doors to the downtown Jacksonville community, reintroducing the beloved Irish‑style pub that once served as a cultural hub for the city’s working‑class residents. The revival, announced on October 31, 2025, is part of a larger downtown revitalization effort that aims to blend historic preservation with contemporary urban living. The new incarnation promises a mix of traditional Irish fare, live music, and community events while paying homage to the original establishment’s storied past.

The original Keane’s Tavern, which opened in 1942, was a staple of the Riverfront district. Owned by the Keane family for three generations, the bar was famed for its hearty stews, thick‑bread, and the “O’Connor’s Round,” a legendary cocktail made from local gin, sweet tea, and a splash of lime. In the 1970s, the tavern’s basement hosted folk‑music nights that drew musicians from the entire southeastern United States, earning it the nickname “the cradle of Southern folk.” The bar’s brick walls, hand‑painted murals depicting Jacksonville’s early riverboats, and the carved oak bar were integral to its identity.

In the early 2000s, after a period of decline, Keane’s Tavern was sold and briefly converted into a sports bar. It closed again in 2010, leaving a vacant building amid a downtown area that was then struggling with crime and economic stagnation. The building’s demolition was averted when the City of Jacksonville’s Urban Renewal Authority identified the site as a historic landmark and negotiated with the Keane family to reopen the tavern under a partnership model that preserved the original architectural features while allowing for modern amenities.

The new Keane’s Tavern, managed by longtime local entrepreneur and former bartender, Patrick McConnell, reopened on Halloween with a soft‑opening event that attracted over 500 patrons, many of whom had visited the original location in their youth. The reopening is part of a broader initiative, spearheaded by the Jacksonville Downtown Partnership, that aims to attract a diverse mix of residents, businesses, and visitors. The partnership includes plans for a pedestrian‑friendly promenade, new public art installations, and a weekend farmers’ market that features local produce and artisanal goods.

Inside, the bar retains the classic mahogany bar and the original neon “Keane’s” sign, now refurbished and illuminated in a warm amber hue that gives the space a nostalgic glow. Behind the bar, a rotating selection of craft Irish beers—such as Guinness, Harp, and St. Patrick’s—offers both familiar favorites and limited‑edition releases. The kitchen, overseen by Chef Fiona O’Reilly, focuses on traditional Irish staples: hearty Irish stew, corned beef and cabbage, and a modern twist on classic dishes like fish and chips with a lemon‑dill sauce. The menu also offers vegetarian options, including a lamb‑veggie shepherd’s pie and a mushroom risotto that pays homage to the pub’s original “Irish roast.”

A key component of the new tavern’s strategy is community engagement. The owners have pledged to host weekly “Irish Nights” featuring local musicians, as well as monthly trivia evenings that focus on both Irish culture and Jacksonville history. The tavern will also serve as a venue for the upcoming “Jacksonville Heritage Festival,” scheduled for late November, which will highlight the city’s immigrant roots, including Irish, Italian, and African‑American traditions. Local historians have been involved in curating a series of “History Corner” displays that showcase photographs and artifacts from the original tavern, ensuring that new patrons experience a tangible link to the past.

In addition to its culinary and cultural offerings, Keane’s Tavern is also integrating modern sustainability practices. The bar uses a greywater system to reduce water consumption, and the kitchen sources local produce whenever possible, supporting nearby farms and reducing its carbon footprint. The building’s renovation included the installation of high‑efficiency LED lighting and a rainwater harvesting system that supplies the bar’s restrooms.

The reopening of Keane’s Tavern has been met with enthusiastic support from residents and business owners alike. City Councilmember Maria Gonzales highlighted the tavern’s significance during a press conference, stating that the pub “is a living reminder of our city’s resilience and cultural diversity.” Local resident and former tavern patron, John “Johnny” Keane, the great‑grandson of the original owner, remarked, “It feels like a family reunion. I see my great‑grandfather’s friends’ faces in the new patrons. It’s a bridge between the past and the future.”

The reopening is not only a nod to history but also a strategic economic move. The Jacksonville Downtown Partnership estimates that the tavern will create 12 full‑time jobs in food service and bartending, with an additional 3 part‑time positions for seasonal events. The revitalized venue is projected to draw an estimated 3,000 visitors in its first year, providing a boost to surrounding businesses such as the nearby bookshop, boutique coffee house, and artisan craft studio.

For anyone interested in experiencing a slice of Jacksonville’s past, coupled with the vibrant energy of its present, Keane’s Tavern offers a unique and authentic environment. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer curious about the city’s rich tapestry of cultures, the tavern’s open doors invite you to take a seat at the historic bar, sip a well‑crafted pint of Guinness, and perhaps hear a folk‑song echo through the old brick walls—a testament to a community that has always found comfort in shared stories, hearty food, and a good drink.