18 Best Bars in The Panhandle, Florida

In many ways, the Baytowne Wharf—with its restaurants, nightspots, shops, and jam-packed schedule of festivals and other events—is the beating heart of the Sandestin Resort. It's a great place to take the kids, with a playground, adventure zone, arcade . . . and a carousel! When the sun goes down, though, the fun really revs up. Live-music venues include John Wehner's Village Door Nightclub and Rum Runners, home of the "World Famous" dueling pianos. Fat Tuesday Daiquiri Bar adds to a "spirited" evening, and Hammerhead's Bar & Grille promises to stay open "until the fun stops." 

With more than 250 brews from around the world, you're bound to find a beer you like, so belly up to the bar, order up some pub grub, and hang. There are lots of TVs for your sports viewing pleasure and Wednesday night Bar Bingo.

Folks come by boat and car to this super-casual bar and restaurant overlooking the marina for beer and oysters. Thanks to nightly live music, young, energetic crowds pack the dance floor.

Housed in the historic Walker Library building, Bar 1903 has a Library of Cocktails that spans 160 years of mixology tradition. Small plates, sandwiches, and sweets are on offer in a warm, cozy atmosphere, where service is attentive, but unobtrusive. With a seating capacity of only 36, this is an ideal place for a quiet chat. It also can hit that limit some nights, but there's a waitlist and, when the call comes, you have 15 minutes to claim your seat.

This massive complex that serves as the gateway to the Okaloosa Island Pier houses several casual eateries on the beachfront and plenty of live entertainment events such as a Monday night pirate show, Wednesday fireworks in the summer, and free movies on the beach. And there are shops for you to gear up with whatever you might need to enjoy a day at the beach.

For an "elevated" nighttime experience—in both senses of the word—this rooftop lounge offers sophisticated cocktails voted by locals as the best in Tallahassee. The day kicks off with happy hour and segues into a full-service restaurant later on. Weekend brunches also are popular here. This downtown spot overlooks Cascades Park with its Adderly Amphitheatre, dancing waters, and meandering walkways.

Contiguous with the redeveloping Gaines Street, in the shadow of Florida State University's Doak Campbell Stadium and the Tucker Civic Center, and within sight of Florida A&M University, CollegeTown was built as an entertainment hub for students. The area is busy with shoppers and diners by day and filled with revelers after dark.

Within just a few blocks, it's easy to find a nightspot to suit your mood, from the Madison Social gastropub to the Recess dance club to the Oyster City Brewing Company. On Gaines Street, the Warhorse Whiskey Bar has more than 150 selections—and, conveniently, a walk-through to neighboring Gaines Street Pies.

It's listed under Nightlife but this open-air entertainment center has plenty of day-life to offer, too. There's fun for all ages. Here's the shortlist: Walk the Harbor, grab dinner and a drink or some postprandial ice cream. Take a sunset boat ride. Go shopping for souvenirs, keepsakes, and collectibles. Activities abound: mini golf, digital theater, escape room, live shows, and train rides, to name a few. For thrill-seekers, there are ziplines, free-fall jumps, and a 40-foot LED rock wall.

This rooftop lounge has a sleek, chic sophistication that matches the boutique hotel in which it's set. Enjoy panoramic views of the capital city while you sip a drink from the custom drink menu or nibble on small bites from the bar menu.

Since 1985, The Moon has been one of the capital city's most active nightclubs, with live bands and DJs offering music for all tastes—rap, R&B, country, rock, and reggae, to name a few.

Is it a drive-thru liquor store? A bar? Ms. Newby's is the best of both. With live entertainment, DJs, karaoke nights, darts, and pool, there's always entertainment to go along with your libation of choice at this 21+ joint. Might they suggest you try a Hunch Punch? It's world famous—says so right on the front window. This bar and its satellite in town are designated gathering spots for bikers during Panama City's spring and fall bike weeks.

With a Prohibition-era feel (think dark mahogany and industrial touches), this bar will take you back in time with a "library" of 375 whiskeys as well as other spirits and cocktails. If you're not interested in sipping yours straight, modern seasonal cocktails are sure to please even the most sophisticated palate. The bar's name was inspired by the nickname of Andrew Jackson, Florida's first territorial governor.

The total beach-bar experience, this eatery and bar is geared to families and tourists—as well as sports fans—and is a hot spot for live music. The signature rum drink, the Pineapple Willy, was the inspiration for its full slate of tropical and frozen drinks and the hangout's tiki attitude. There's a full menu of apps, sandwiches, fish baskets, and ribs, too. It closes in winter.

Popular brews offered by this Tallahassee craft-beer king include Mango Wit and Eight-Five-O American Pale Ale. Sample your selection at its huge tasting room, which also has a beer garden featuring indoor and outdoor games and a restaurant serving burgers, fish tacos, giant pretzels, and other pub-grub favorites. Parents will be happy to know that children are welcome here, as are leashed (and well-behaved) dogs.

Locals mourned when the original location burned down in 2019, but the owners have done a good job recreating the funky, kitschy aesthetic at this new incarnation. With live music or a DJ nightly, the place really hops after dark. Although bartenders are particularly proud of their mimosas and Bloody Marys, the motto here is, "Whatever your fancy we’ll make it, or make it up." If you get hungry, you can order from a short menu featuring such Northwest Florida standards as crab cakes, shrimp, and crawfish. Note, too, that there's no on-site parking; rather, you park at a nearby city lot and take a free shuttle.

In the heart of the Historic District is Pensacola's equivalent of New Orleans's French Quarter. In fact, you may think you've traveled to Louisiana when you enter any of its seven bars and two courtyards offering an eclectic mix of live music. College students pack the place on Thursday, tourists come on the weekend, and military personnel from six nearby bases are stationed here nearly all the time. This is a classic Pensacola landmark, and on most nights there's a small cover after 8 pm.

Music now fills the space of this 112-year-old former Masonic lodge. An impressive variety of bands and acts have floated through the 850-person venue, which offers mostly standing room. Tickets can be purchased online and the box office is open Fridays between noon and 5 pm, as well as before all events (one hour before start time).