Liza Mitchell
Heading over the Intracoastal Waterway to Atlantic Boulevard, there is not a great deal of space before hitting the sand. If you’re not looking for saltwater, there are plenty of other opportunities available to whet your whistle at any budget.
Atlantic Beach is a socio-economically diverse community and the options for grabbing a beer or a specialty cocktail are equally represented in its night life. There is nothing like a cold beer after a day at the beach, and there are a number of spots to park the bikes and pull up a stool. There are also several establishments that make it okay to ditch the flips flops for actual footwear and enjoy a sophisticated night on the town.
Every Tuesday, enjoy $2 PBR tall boys all day at Al’s Pizza and Thirsty Thursday with $1 pints of Yeungling and $1 house wines. With $1 cheese pizza slices weekdays from 2-5 pm, you can grab a bite and catch a buzz for under $10. (303 Atlantic Blvd, 249-0002)
The Azurea Lounge at One Ocean Resort is the quintessential evening experience with an outdoor lounge, unobstructed ocean views, sea-inspired martinis and high-quality cigars. Azurea Lounge is the perfect place to gather with friends, watch the sunset and and indulge in an ultra chic oceanfront setting. The bar closes when the clock strikes midnight, but it’s a beautiful way to close out the night (1 Ocean Blvd, 249-7402)
Cantina Maya Sports Bar & Grille offer happy hour from 4-7 pm daily, Trivia Tuesdays, a variety of beers on tap and make a decent margarita. There is a full liquor bar and authentic Mexican food; hard to go wrong. (1021 Atlantic Blvd, 247-3227)
Just a few doors down, grab a pint at Culhane’s Irish Pub (967 Atlantic Blvd, 249-9595) or head a couple blocks east for an Irish whiskey, cold cider or hearty Guinness at the Fly’s Tie (177 Sailfish Dr E, 246-4293). A full liquor bar and outdoor seating is also available at both locations.
Ocean 60 Wine Bar has a lengthy wine list with prices ranging from $30 to $210 per bottle. The speciality drink menu includes martinis, cosmos, margaritas, mojitos, champagne infusions, dessert cocktails and rotating craft beers in an intimate, elegant setting. (60 Ocean Blvd, 247-0600)
It’s always good to know where to find cold beer and a great burger. Poe’s Tavern not only has an extensive burger menu but a detailed bar inventory with vodka, bourbon, whiskey, tequila, gin, scotch and wine menus. Beer selections include four locally produced brews and their corresponding alcohol content. Draft samplers of up to four beers are also available. (363 Atlantic Blvd, 241-7637)
Ragtime Tavern brews its beers in two categories; ales and lagers. Dolphin’s Breath Lager is the lightest beer in color and body and is also low-calorie and low-carb. Red Brick Ale is a robust, red ale. First Coast IPA A is a classic West Coast India Pale with a signature hop aroma and citrus, piney character. The Brewmaster also creates tasty, dark-colored styles of ales and lagers which rotate on a regular basis. (207 Atlantic Blvd, 241-7877)
Royal Palms Wine & Tapas promotes the cohesion of wine and appetizers. Locally owned & operated, Royal Palms offers over 1200 bottles of wine,14 rotating drafts and over 200 bottles of craft beers to pair with the creative tapas menu focused on sustainability and fresh, local food with seasonal ingredients. A complementary wine tasting featuring local distributors sampling wines from their portfolio to pair with local cuisine is held from 5-8 pm every Friday. (296 Royal Palms Dr, 372-0052)
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