New Irish pub on Bay Street Downtown opening Halloween weekend

Keane’s Tavern in the Elbow entertainment district will serve food, imported beers and cocktails.


  • By Dan Macdonald
  • | 2:25 p.m. September 22, 2025
  • | 2 Free Articles Remaining!
The owners of Keane's Tavern are, from left, Eric Hoyt, Aleksander Lukaj and Evan Rajta.
The owners of Keane's Tavern are, from left, Eric Hoyt, Aleksander Lukaj and Evan Rajta.
Photo by Special to the Daily Record
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Keane’s Tavern, an Irish pub, said Sept. 22 it plans to open Halloween weekend in the Elbow entertainment district in Downtown Jacksonville.

Keane’s is at 315 E. Bay St. in the former Justice Pub and Mark’s bar spot. Halloween is Friday, Oct. 31, the day before the Florida-Georgia college football game at EverBank Stadium.

Keane’s Tavern is planned at 315 E. Bay St. in Downtown Jacksonville. It is being developed by the owners of Decca Live music and dance club next door to the east.

The tavern will serve food, imported beers and cocktails.

“Our group went into this project with a comprehensive vision, to create a diverse hub of social amenities for downtown Jacksonville,” co-owner Evan Rajta said in a news release.

“We’ve also been very focused on preserving these historic properties and revitalizing the economic landscape of Bay Street. It’s been a true collaborative effort by our team and families. That’s why this property holds special meaning. It’s named after my wife’s family, the Keanes. I wanted to pay tribute to their support over the years.”

Keane’s ownership

The ownership group includes Rajta, Eric Hoyt and Aleksander Lukaj and other business partners. The group operates Decca Live, SIP Cocktail Bar, and the soon-to-open Besa Bakery & Tea Room Speakeasy on the same Bay Street block.

A rendering shows Keane's Tavern will feature a long, L-shaped bar where imported beer and cocktails are served.

The release said Keane’s Tavern is on the first floor of the Hutchinson-Suddath Building. It was built in 1910 for the Hutchinson Shoe Co. In 1931, it was purchased by the Suddath Moving and Storage Co. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in October 2007.

Keane’s Tavern has a long bar with booths and table seating. Owners built a new kitchen. The menu will include Irish sausages and shepherd’s pie, as well as double-stacked burgers, fried pickles  and salads.

Live music is planned along with billiard tables.

The exact opening date and hours of operation have not yet been disclosed.

Pool tables and a stage for live music are some of the attractions planned at Keane's Tavern

Incentives deal

The Downtown Investment Authority approved a $200,000 loan to 323 E Bay Street LLC and Bay Street Warehousing LLC in May for the pub. The cost of the build-out was listed at $418,000, according to DIA records.

Property records show Bay Street Warehousing LLC is the owner of the historic three-story, 20,176-square-foot building.  

A DIA staff report on the incentive request identifies 323 E Bay Street LLC as the owner and operator of Decca Live, which opened in January at 323 E. Bay St.

The incentive is from the DIA’s Retail Enhancement Program Targeted Retail Activation: Food and Beverages Establishments Forgivable Loan program.

The DIA approved a no-interest loan payable over five years amortizing at 20% per year, providing that the tavern remains in business during the term.

Keane's Tavern will sell imported beers as well as cocktails.


 

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