
Cowford Chophouse
A stylish steakhouse in a historic bank building, offering high-end cuisine, craft cocktails, and a rooftop bar with breathtaking Jacksonville views.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Cowford Chophouse

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stylish steakhouse in a historic bank building, offering high-end cuisine, craft cocktails, and a rooftop bar with breathtaking Jacksonville views.
"An extraordinary dining experience with delicious food, attentive staff, and exquisite attention to detail."
Reservations Recommended
Book your table in advance, especially for weekends or special occasions, as the restaurant is very popular.
Happy Hour Deals
Visit during happy hour for great deals on drinks and appetizers like the sliders.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Steakhouse
Price
$$$
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Rooftop Bar with City Views
Enjoy stunning panoramic views of Jacksonville and the St. Johns River from the stylish rooftop bar, perfect for sunset drinks.

Upscale Steakhouse Experience
Indulge in high-end steakhouse fare in a beautifully restored 1902 bank building with a classy and spacious ambiance.

Exceptional Desserts & Cocktails
Savor unique craft cocktails and delicious, beautifully plated desserts like the pistachio baked Alaska and cinnamon roll brulee.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Reservations Recommended
Book your table in advance, especially for weekends or special occasions, as the restaurant is very popular.
Happy Hour Deals
Visit during happy hour for great deals on drinks and appetizers like the sliders.
Valet or Street Parking
Utilize valet parking or explore street parking options after 6 PM.
Rooftop Before Dinner
Arrive early to enjoy the rooftop bar for pre-dinner drinks and soak in the city views.
Tips
from all over the internet
Reservations Recommended
Book your table in advance, especially for weekends or special occasions, as the restaurant is very popular.
Happy Hour Deals
Visit during happy hour for great deals on drinks and appetizers like the sliders.
Valet or Street Parking
Utilize valet parking or explore street parking options after 6 PM.
Rooftop Before Dinner
Arrive early to enjoy the rooftop bar for pre-dinner drinks and soak in the city views.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Cowford Chophouse offers a stylish and upscale dining experience in a historic building, praised for its stunning rooftop views and attentive service. While many rave about the delicious food, particularly steaks and desserts, some diners found the overall experience to be average for the price, with occasional service hiccups. The ambiance is consistently highlighted as a strong point, making it ideal for special occasions.
"My husband planned a remarkable date night. Our entire experience was phenomenal for start to finish. The entire staff provided exceptional customer service. Christopher M., our great waiter was truly outstanding and knowledgeable of all items. His recommendations were amazing!"
Bobbi Simmons
"Came here on a whim and I was blown away. Amazing happy hour menu. Sliders were too die for. Great cocktails and the service was amazing throughout the experience. Pimento Mac and cheese was one of the best sides I have ever had. If I am ever back in Jacksonville this place will 100% be on my list to return too"
Zackery Booth
"This place is hands down a 10 out of 10‼️The food is delicious, perfectly seasoned and plated to perfection. The service was absolutely amazing. Very attentive and professional. The atmosphere is beautiful. This place is perfect for celebrating anything special. Birthday, anniversary or just a very special date night. You can’t go wrong here.
You see the food coming out and all you can think of is wow and what you’re going to order on your next visit. By the way… this place has a happening happy hour too. Situated downtown around a few blocks from the famous Florida Theater. If you’re going to the theater, do yourself a favor and book here before the show. You will not be disappointed."
Shanile Shakoor
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekend evenings or special occasions, as the restaurant is very popular. You can often walk in, but booking ahead guarantees your spot.
Consider visiting the rooftop bar early in the evening, ideally before sunset, to enjoy the best views of the Jacksonville skyline.
Popular choices include signature steaks like the filet mignon, Oysters Rockefeller, and decadent desserts such as the Cinnamon Roll Brulee or Baked Alaska.
The restaurant offers valet parking, and street parking may be available after 6 pm.
Yes, it's frequently cited as a perfect spot for anniversaries, birthdays, or special date nights due to its upscale ambiance and attentive service.
Yes, Cowford Chophouse has a happening happy hour with deals on drinks and appetizers like sliders.
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The 11 Best Rooftop Bars in Jacksonville, FL
Renowned Jacksonville restaurateur Jacques Klempf has just opened a crown jewel among the best new restaurants in Jacksonville, the Cowford Chophouse, which combines steakhouse dining with seafood, a raw bar and a rooftop bar that overlooks Downtown. As part of the completion of a glorious renovation of the 1902 vintage historic Bostwick Building, Cowford Chophouse offers one of the best views of Jacksonville and refined craft cocktails for a four-star steakhouse experience that’s a cut above the rest. Address: 101 E Bay St, Jacksonville, FL 32202
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Would love to see this trend continue, and in particular, it would be amazing if all of the venues in the Elbow followed Cowford's lead and found a way to leverage their rooftops. Ditto with the Florida Theater, who has one of the best rooftop views in the city but only holds rooftop events once or twice a year. The inside of a downtown bar isn't necessarily that much different than the inside of a beach bar; opening up those rooftops would be the ultimate differentiator in terms of providing an experience you couldn't get elsewhere in the city.
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An old bank building in the heart of downtown Jacksonville — one of the first to open after a fire devastated much of the city in 1901 — was converted into a high-end steakhouse, opening in 2018. The Cowford Chophouse's rooftop bar offers great views of the Main Street bridge and offers dinner service for parties up to six, but its real appeal is as an after-work watering hole for downtown office workers or a spot for a quick drink before a show at the Times-Union Center or Florida Theatre, both within easy walking distance.
9+ Best Outdoor & Rooftop Dining Jacksonville FL
Ideally fixated across from the John T. Alsop Bridge, Cowford Chophouse welcomes guests to dine on their rooftop patio!. Located on the top of a building that dates back to 1902, many of its historic details have been “restored to their original glory.” With a hand-selected menu that pairs beautifully with your favorite glass of wine or cocktail, Cowford Chophouse is the best outdoor dining option!. Our recommendation: Visit for an elevated (literally!) date night or brunch with pals!
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Cowford Chophouse is one of Downtown Jacksonville’s most romantic restaurants and one of the most historic spots currently standing in our ever-changing skyline. After the devastating fire in 1901, the building where the Chophouse currently stands was one of the first to be built in the ashes – a symbol of Jacksonville’s rebirth. It’s one of the best rooftop views in Jacksonville and the perfect place to eat steak and watch the sun set over the Southbank across the St. Johns River.
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After Jacksonville’s great fire in 1901, the Cowford Chophouse building opened a year later, making it one of the earliest symbols of Jacksonville’s rebirth. Originally rebuilt as a bank, the building has undergone many changes throughout the years – today, you can find relics from the past mixed with modern design and upscale dining at Downtown Jacksonville’s only steak house and rooftop lounge. Gaze across the St. Johns River and enjoy Southbank skyline views in the heart of JAX!
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If you're in the mood for a more upscale sunset experience, head to the rooftop of Cowford Chophouse in downtown Jacksonville. Offering panoramic views of the city and the St. Johns River, the rooftop bar and restaurant are the perfect places to relax with a drink or enjoy a meal while watching the sunset. The vibrant colors of the sunset reflecting off the river and the city's skyline create a magical atmosphere, especially when paired with some delicious southern cuisine.
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Situated in a 1902 bank building, Cowford Chophouse is a solid pick for a restaurant proposal venue near downtown Jacksonville. "Cowford Chophouse has a great rooftop bar and elegant restaurant," Korman says. "Reserve the roof for a romantic proposal against the Jacksonville skyline and follow that with a celebration in their restaurant." The restaurant also houses several private event spaces if you want to have any friends or family join the celebration.
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Located in the heart of downtown Jacksonville at the base of the Main Street Bridge, Cowford Chophouse combines steakhouse dining with seafood, a raw bar and a rooftop bar that overlooks Downtown. As part of the completion of a glorious renovation of the 1902 vintage historic Bostwick Building, Cowford Chophouse offers one of the best views of Jacksonville and refined craft cocktails for a four-star steakhouse experience that’s a cut above the rest.
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Cowford Chophouse, a modern establishment housed in a historic downtown Jacksonville building, features both a restaurant and a rooftop bar. Specializing in steak and seafood, it offers spectacular views over the city skyline and St. Johns River. Open for lunch on weekdays and evenings on weekends, with a happy hour from 4–7 PM, Monday to Friday, the rooftop bar keeps it casual, while the restaurant maintains a business casual dress code.
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The LEED-certified Cowford Chophouse has beautiful interior design, like the 300 year old pine tables with carvings of St. John's River that you can see from the second level. While you are seated at the white tablecloth table, you are regaled with colorful interiors of Jim Draper paintings depicting bovine pastoral scenes. Choose from main courses like Colorado Lamb Double-Cut Chops; Wood-fired Chicken; and Risotto.
11 Best Rooftop Bars in Jacksonville [2025 UPDATE]
Cowford Chophouse comes with a slogan that makes your mouth water: 'Steak, Seafood & Rooftop Views'. One of downtown Jacksonville's hottest new restaurants is set over several floors, where the true gem is the open-air rooftop bar with fantastic views over the city skyline and St. Johns River. Mixing steakhouse dining with seafood, the rooftop bar also offers crafted signature cocktails and an impressive wine list.
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Bay St. (tel. 940/862-6464), with an open-air rooftop bar and a surf and turf menu; the up high Hoptinger Bier Garden & Sausage House, 1037 Park St. (tel. 904/903-4112) in the Five Points area; and modern American Coop, 303 at Beaches Town Center. (tel. 904/372-4507). Lastly, the self-professed Jax-Mex mini chain Burrito Gallery, has a rooftop bar at the Brooklyn Station location in Riverside, (tel. 904/822-8035).
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Known for their mouthwatering steak and divine cocktails, but did you know their dessert menu is equally as amazing (including dessert cocktails, yes you read that correctly!) Cowford is offering dessert such as their Cinnamon Roll Brûlée, Pistachio Baked Alaska, Flourless Chocolate Raspberry Cake, and more. Next time you’re there, make sure to get your hands on their dessert menu and choose your sweet fate.
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Less than 5 blocks from the hotel, you’ll find Cowford Chophouse, another elegant dinner option. Elevate your experience by dining on the rooftop of the historic building or settle in to the unique interior to enjoy the 28 day dry aged Tomahawk (38oz.) Steak, Halibut and Duck Fat Corn bread. Save room to try the desserts. The Black Out chocolate cake and Cinnamon Roll Crème Brulee are sure to please.
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Cowford Chophouse presents a blend of luxury and history in a meticulously restored historic building. The restaurant offers a rooftop lounge for pre-dinner cocktails with breathtaking views of the city. Known for its prime cuts and fresh seafood, the Chophouse’s menu is complemented by an extensive wine list, making it a top choice for those looking to splurge on a fine dining experience.
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A juicy plate of perfectly cooked steak with a side of amazing seafood sounds heavenly, right?. Just like some seafood restaurants in Jacksonville, Cowford Chophouse is also a brilliant rooftop spot where you can expect nothing but perfection. An impressive deck of delicious steaks, seafood and refreshing drinks is available to eat while looking over the beautiful skyline.
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Located next door to Manifest (above), is a brewery and tap room that specializes in small-batched handcrafted ales. They serve up bar-inspired food from Jacksonville’s local restaurant Black Sheep that you can enjoy inside or on their rooftop terrance. Intuition Ale House is the perfect spot to grab a beer before heading to a Jaguars or Jumbo Shrimp game.
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It is an exceptional steakhouse that stands out with its grand architecture, high ceilings, and stylish dining areas. This upscale gourmet restaurant offers only the finest USDA Prime steak alongside succulent buttery lobster. Cowford Chophouse also has fresh seafood dishes that are cooked to perfection, with exacting attention to detail.
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What better place to romance the one you love than at Jacksonville's newest icon, Cowford Chophouse?. Setting a fresh standard for culinary sophistication in its historic downtown abode. Every detail of Cowford's two story restaurant, rooftop lounge, and private group dining tells a story of excellence, and style.
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Steak, seafood, and rooftop views” is how you’re greeted on the Cowford Chophouse homepage, and I don’t know what better way to spend a date night than by combining those three things. Well, maybe some wine, but, they have that too. This is hands down one of the most romantic restaurants in Jacksonville.
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101 E Bay St, Jacksonville, FL 32202Phone: 904-862-6464 Visit Website. A post shared by Cowford Chophouse (@cowfordchophouse). Known by locals for their excellent and sophisticated use of spices and seasonings, the Cowford Chophouse offers a dinner menu stacked with fish, red meat, and classic starters.
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A 1902 bank building was renovated in 2017 to become the three-story Cowford Chophouse. The elegant steakhouse serves juicy cuts of beef and the freshest seafood. After dinner, relax on one of the couches at the rooftop bar while taking in sweeping views of St. John's River and downtown's main bridge.
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Located right in downtown Jacksonville, the Cowford Chophouse is a must-visit for anyone looking for a quality steak with a premium dining experience. They serve a huge range of cuts from 8oz to 40oz, complete with all the sides you’d expect and more. Their kids’ menu is also a crowd-pleaser.
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Cowford Chophouse has a reputation for both its menu and its ambiance. Dating back to 1902, this restaurant has been a fixture in downtown Jacksonville for over a century. You can reserve a private dining space where you and your sweetheart can enjoy an unparalleled dining experience.
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At Cowford Chophouse, you can indulge in a menu that boasts succulent steaks and fresh seafood, making it a great place for a memorable evening. Their rooftop lounge offers a panoramic view of the city, complementing your meal with a visual feast—perfect for your next date night.
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Located in downtown Jacksonville, Cowford Chophouse is an upscale steakhouse that offers stunning views of the St. Johns River. The rooftop bar is a perfect place to enjoy a cocktail while watching the sunset, and the menu features delicious seafood and steak dishes.
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While (the impeccably named) Cowford Chophouse is known for outstanding steaks, it’s also the home of the best rooftop downtown. Located right in “The Elbow”, this rooftop has no shortage of good people-watching while you enjoy an impressive set of beverage options.
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With exceptional hospitality and a coastal chophouse feel, it’s a home away from home. A place that leaves a mark with the food you’ll crave and a view on their rooftop that is the perfect romantic spot for Valentine's Day. Menu:places.singleplatform.com
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A modern steakhouse with a rooftop bar, Cowford Chophouse is housed in a historic bank building. This Jacksonville restaurant offers a sophisticated dining experience like no other. "Cowford" is a playful nod to Jacksonville's nickname — the River City.
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Garnish is key to any truly beautiful dish, and the perfect garnish is something you’ll always find accompanying your meal at Cowford Chophouse. Image courtesy of Cowford Chophouse Instagram. 101 E Bay St | LaVilla | cowfordchophouse.com
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Overlooking the St. Johns River and located on Bay Street, the Cowford Chophouse is a hop, skip and a jump from Intuition Ale Works. It's locally owned by restaurateur Jacques Klempf. The view is pretty sweet from there too.
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From Cowford Chophouse’s history to The Bearded Pig’s BBQ and playground, there’s something for everyone. Trying new places, like River & Post or TacoLu, can bring happiness and excitement to both kids and adults.
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Cowford Chophouse is a stylish and modern restaurant housed in a historic building. The rooftop bar offers stunning views of the city. The menu features high-end steakhouse fare and a great selection of wine.
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Cowford Chophouse is an upscale dining and bar establishment known for its luxurious ambiance, high-end steak offerings, and rooftop bar with stunning views of downtown Jacksonville.
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Thinking of loud, crowded steakhouses with stale and boring decorations?. Crowford Chophouse will prove you totally wrong and utterly captivated!
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit