19 Best Nightlife in Northeast Coast, Florida

A1A Aleworks Restaurant & Tap Room

The Aleworks always seems to be filled with students and visitors taste-driving the microbrews and other selections from the full bar. Seats on the second-story balcony provide a great view of the marina and bay across the street. It's a little like being on Bourbon Street—but clean.

Alhambra Theatre & Dining

Southside

Billed as the oldest continually operating dinner theater in the United States, the Alhambra offers mostly musicals such as Singing' in the Rain, Jersey Boys, or the family-friendly Beauty and the Beast. It's dark on Monday.

Big Top Brewing Company—Gainesville

For a taste of Florida, consider trying the Conch Republic Key Lime Wheat Beer at this satellite location of the Sarasota-based brewery. Of course, if you aren't sure what to order, bartenders happily offer free samples. Beer flights and packaged beer are also available, as are sandwiches, burgers, and bar snacks. The brewpub also hosts trivia or beer-Bingo nights, as well as Saturday and Sunday brunches that feature bottomless mimosas. If you're a sports fan, you can catch games on multiple TVs in the bar; if you want to relax, head to the quaint outdoor seating area.

Recommended Fodor's Video

Boot Hill Saloon

Despite its reputation as a biker bar, this place welcomes nonbikers and even nonbiker tourists!

Falcon's Nest

The 7,000-square-foot, aviation-theme club—in a tree-lined aerie with an outdoor deck at the Omni Amelia Island Resort—is family-friendly, with games, sports on TV, drinks, and food. Be sure to check out the aviation memorabilia, as many of the items on display have ties to the island.

Heidi's Jazz Club

Local and nationally known jazz musicians play Wednesday through Sunday, with showcase acts appearing on weekends.

Jack Rabbits Live

This is the place to catch the latest and greatest indie bands and budding rock stars. The more popular the performer, the higher the cover.

Lynch's Irish Pub

Hoist a pint o' Guinness, and enjoy live local music at this popular spot, which also offers traditional Irish fare and other pub grub.

Ocean Walk Village

Lively and always hopping, Ocean Walk is a cluster of shops, restaurants, and bars (the Mai Tai Bar is a good bet) stretching along Atlantic Avenue and the ocean.

Odd Birds Cocktail Lounge & Kitchen

You can catch live music under the stars here, or chill on a couch with a craft cocktail at the cozy upstairs bar. For a late-night bite, the Tequenos (bread dough stuffed with queso fresco) hits the spot.

Palace Saloon

Florida's oldest continuously operating saloon entertained the Rockefellers and Carnegies at the turn of the 20th century but now caters to us common folk. When you enter the swinging doors and see the massive mahogany bar, tiled floors, mural-adorned walls, and myriad artifacts, you may feel as if you've gone back in time.

Penthouse Lounge

This oceanfront spot, perched atop the historic Casa Marina Hotel, offers beautiful views of the moon rising over the ocean and the starry night sky in addition to a wide range of martinis and other cocktails. Small plates great for sharing are available.

Persimmon Hollow Brewing Company

Occupying a former parking garage in the heart of downtown DeLand, this airy brewery makes American-, Belgian-, and German-style craft ales. It's a rotating selection, though the popular Beach Hippie IPA and Daytona Dirty Blonde ale are mainstays.

Pete's Bar

The oldest bar in the Jacksonville area (it's been around since 1933) is notable for having the cheapest drinks, cheapest pool tables, and most colorful clientele. It's also cash only, so come prepared. Pete's has been written about by authors such as John Grisham and James W. Hall, in part, perhaps, because it's practically across the street from The BookMark, a great independent bookstore where writers love to give readings.

The Comedy Zone Jacksonville

The area's premier comedy club serves food and drinks in addition to laughs. Cover charges vary depending on the headliner.

3130 Hartley Rd., Jacksonville, Florida, 32257, USA
904-292–4242
Nightlife Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon.

The Oyster Pub

Sports fans and oyster lovers congregate here.

The Surf Restaurant & Bar

Locals like to congregate on the outdoor deck here for drinks and good old-fashioned bar food (burgers, wings, nachos). The restaurant has an extensive menu, and there's live music throughout the week.

3199 S. Fletcher Ave., Fernandina Beach, Florida, 32034, USA
904-261–5711
Nightlife Details
Rate Includes: Closed Tues.

Tini Martini Bar

The veranda overlooking Matanzas Bay at this Casablanca Inn bar is the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail, people-watch, and listen to live music.

Tradewinds

It's been showcasing bands—from country to rock and roll—since 1964. Thanks to the music, beer, and margaritas, you may feel as if you're in Key West.