9 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.

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.

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.

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.