When you think of Destin, Florida, brilliant white sandy beaches and emerald green waters likely come to mind. But that’s not all this area has to offer. This city is also a hotspot for nightlife enthusiasts seeking variety and excitement. Its collection of bars ranges from sophisticated rooftop venues to saloons buzzing with energy, so there’s a spot for every mood. Ready to experience it all? Here’s a look at the top Destin Bars.
The Craft Bar
If you love the nightlife scene but are also an avid foodie, The Craft Bar is definitely calling your name. This bar offers an impressive selection of alcoholic beverages alongside a full gourmet gastropub menu.
The drink selections begin with over 30 craft brews on tap. Plus, the bartenders know how to whip up the finest cocktails using top-shelf spirits and housemade accompaniments. For the full experience, you’ll want to sip on your cocktails and brews in-house, but it’s not a bad idea to get a crowler to go at the end of the evening.
If you stick around, you’ll get a chance to nosh on their incredible tavern fare. Their dishes range from hearty salads to decadent, beefy burgers made with the finest local ingredients. The menu changes often, too, so you can always try something new at every visit.
The Red Door Saloon
When nothing else will do but the charm of a dive bar, head over to The Red Door Saloon. Although its walls could tell a thousand tales, this bar maintains an air of mystery and nostalgia. Its inviting atmosphere never fails to make you feel right at home, whether you lounge indoors or out.
The real magic lies in indulging in all the tasty food and drinks made in-house. The full menu features fan favorites like Fried Jalapeno Wheels, Nashville Hot Chicken, and Bacon Cheddar Burgers. If you want to keep it simple, though, you simply must treat yourself to a Cajun Brat with a side of Cajun Boiled Peanuts.
As for drinks, it’s all the typical fare you might expect: classic cocktails, draft brews, and shots of whatever liquor they have on the shelf. If you’re lucky, you might even catch musicians playing live during your visit.
Fudpucker’s Beachside Bar and Grill
Fudpucker’s Beachside Bar and Grill is an iconic Destin bar offering much more than drinks and a meal. It’s where to go for a unique bar experience, complete with live alligator encounters. As you can imagine, this means the atmosphere buzzes with excitement from open to closed. So, you can always count on a lively crowd and a wide range of engaging activities.
When you can find a moment to kick back and relax, do yourself a favor and go for the full dining experience. Start with a little gator tail, followed by whatever seafood dish suits your fancy. Pair your meal with a cocktail or icy cold glass of beer, and then finish it all off with their world-famous Mother Fud’s Key Lime Pie.
World of Beer
As the name implies, World of Beer has long served as a haven for beer lovers. This bar lives up to its name, too, featuring an impressive selection of over 100 brews from all over the globe.
You can start with a refreshing pint of Guinness from Ireland, move on to a hoppy IPA from the Pacific Northwest, and then finish up with a rich and velvety stout from Belgium. Each sip takes you on a journey through different regions and brewing traditions, making every visit a worldly adventure for your taste buds.
Although their food is not the star of the show, it’s well worth trying. If you’re feeling snacky, don’t pass up the chance to have a soft pretzel. Otherwise, go all out with fish tacos, flatbread pizza, or even a fresh salad.
The Rooftop Bar
For the quintessential Destin sips and sunset experience, there’s perhaps no better place to go than The Rooftop Bar. This sophisticated bar offers spectacular views of Henderson Beach State Park, putting you in the prime spot for sunset gazing.
As the sky transforms into a breathtaking canvas of colors, you can sip on handcrafted cocktails made to perfection. Fine dining fare completes the experience, allowing you to savor dishes like Ceviche, Lobster Rolls, and Tuna Poke Bowls. If you can swing it, go for their Seafood Tower, which comes with everything from poached lobster tails to smoked fish dip.
Coyote Ugly Saloon
Famous for its energetic atmosphere and live entertainment, Coyote Ugly Saloon brings its unique brand of nightlife to Destin. When you come to this bar, expect dancing, singing, and a no-holds-barred approach to fun.
The bartenders get the crowd going with bar-top dancing and irresistible charm, keeping the party going all night long. You’re welcome to join in on the spontaneous dance-offs or simply belt out your favorite tunes with the talented staff.
Promising to keep you hydrated and ready for fun are their top-shelf shots, beer buckets, and draft brews by the glass. If you feel up to the challenge, you can even compete in beer pong events, letting you sip all night while trying to win some cash.
Lucky’s Rotten Apple
Lucky’s Rotten Apple has no shortage of quirky charm. It’s the place to go when you want to blend in with the locals while enjoying refreshing drinks, live music, and dancing. Local DJs often show up to spin for the crowds and get everyone grooving to the beat.
The drinks flow freely, ranging from creative cocktails made with flair to icy cold local brews on tap. Drink specials are a regular thing, plus the bar owners often host bottle giveaways during holiday events. It’s easy to make friends here, too, especially if you strike up conversations at the bar or join in on the dance floor antics.
All these Destin bars serve as the top spots for seaside sips and sunset views. They all serve as the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable evening, so you cannot go wrong, no matter which ones you choose. So, get out there and enjoy your nights to the fullest throughout your beachside vacation.
