My thoughts on things that matter to me in and around Jacksonville.
By Keith Manze
B-Dubs Closes at The Avenues
I talked about this on the latest episode of Dimes on Duval, but I wanted to bring it up again. Opening in 2013, Buffalo Wild Wings at the Avenues was all the rage for me and my coworkers at Academy Sports & Outdoors. I vividly remember watching the infamous 2015 NBA Draft there with Mike when the Orlando Magic selected Mario Hezonja with the fifth overall pick. That might have been the last year B-Dubs was actually good.
Over time, the service declined, wait times for food increased, and the food quality plummeted. Eventually, B-Dubs was completely off the table when it came to sports bar recommendations—at least that location (some of the others are okay).
I write all this to make a plea to the city of Jacksonville: we need more sports bars that serve quality wings! Players Grille left Miramar. Dick’s Wings in Lakewood closed years ago. Strings is good but pricey. Miller's Ale House is decent, but I don’t go there for the wings. The combination of good service, attentive TV channel switching, and scrumptious wings just doesn’t seem to exist in Jacksonville anymore. I think I gripe about this more than most because I am a Downtown resident.
It’s a travesty because I long for a spot to call home. Maybe I’ll open one myself one day. Drop your recs in the comments—I’d love to hear them!
Reddi-Arts Building Update
Serving the Jacksonville community since 1942, Reddi-Arts shuttered its Hendricks Avenue location and relocated to Springfield in 2021. Since then, the former space has been painted stark white and left abandoned. But according to investdtjax.com, changes are in motion!
The plan involves transforming the building into a vibrant mixed-use development featuring 13,364 square feet of office and retail space. Additionally, the property will include 39 off-street parking spaces and generous outdoor seating areas.
We love a construction project that doesn’t involve another car wash or storage facility.
As a downtown resident, I have mixed feelings about this. New retail is fun. But can we take a look at all the existing vacant retail spaces first? Brooklyn has a ton. 5 Points is becoming a revolving door. And we all know what downtown looks like.
I hope for the best, but I won’t be surprised if “For Lease” signs start gathering dust here in the future.
Riverside Arts Market
Most of you probably already know about this weekly event under the Fuller Warren Bridge, but if you haven’t been, I’m here to tell you: go.
At its most basic level, the Riverside Arts Market (RAM) features artists, farmers/growers, and food vendors, along with live entertainment. But on a deeper level, RAM is a part of my weekly routine.
When the weather is nice, I love waking up early on Saturdays and walking to RAM. The first thing I do upon arrival? Grab a couple of empanadas from La Bodega Original for my fiancée and me. The farm stands are where we get our produce for the week, and sometimes, we snag some sourdough for grilled cheese sandwiches.
Into jewelry? They have tons of options—even for the pickiest shoppers. Entertainment? Expect everything from yoga and dance lessons to good old-fashioned rock and roll.
It’s worth checking out.
My only recommendation? Get there early. The crowds are smaller (RAM is open from 10 AM to 3 PM), making the experience much more enjoyable.
Don’t forget to make your Valentine’s Day plans!
Also - please consider donating to help my longtime friend/neighbor and friend of the podcast Alex Turko and his family as they navigate a difficult time. You can find the link to donate here.
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