Monday, May 30, 2011

Bar 38-40 Ponce Inlet

If her Daddy's rich take her out for a meal, if her Daddy's poor do what you feel...

We were excited for our first beach bar trip with our friend Mary-Ann and our first with Ryan's brother Brett since he moved down for the summer. Can't wait for all of the fun that will be had. We started off pretty slow as we spent some time at the beach as well.

Bar 38- Down the Hatch
We stopped here for lunch before heading to the beach. I quickly discovered that I left my camera at home on the charger so we didnt take a ton of pictures. This place was fantastic, right on the water. We even saw two dolphins swimming about 10 feet from our table!


The group at Down the Hatch

Sarah and Brett drinking Coronas at Down the Hatch

Bar 39 - Harbor Inlet
This bar was recently rated one of the top 10 beach bars and we couldn't agree more. Again, right on the water and they had a stage with live music.

The atmosphere was fun and they had some fantastic drinks that came in coconuts in the shape of monkeys! (You can't get much better than that!)

Marcel

Brett and Mary-Ann

Bar 40 - Lighthouse Restaurant and Raw Bar
This was a really low-key restaurant and also had a great stage with fantastic live music playing. One of the interesting aspects of this is that the entire place was built around the existing trees. So the parking lot, outside deck, etc. almost feel like a tree house.
The drinks were just okay and we found ourselves liking the other two bars better but it's worth a stop if you are in the area.

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Bars 24-37 St. Petersburg/Clearwater Area

At the very start of our journey, this conversation was had...
Ryan- We've been doing these trips so much lately, we're so efficient at traveling now!
Sarah - Is that why you're going the wrong way?

We went to the St. Petersburg area for the weekend to celebrate Ryan's birthday and hit up a couple of the beach bars that we have heard many good things about.



Bar 24- Crabby Bills
We ate dinner here Friday night on their top bar. It was a little dark, but you could tell that the view is amazing during the day time.

The crab trap drink, with Captain Morgan, Passion Fruit juice, pineapple juice, coconut rum, orange juice and a splash of cranberry was great. Highly recommended.


Bar 25- Ricky Ts

This was a really popular hang out with a great crowd. There were a lot of locals there so you know it's good!
They had shots on their menu of specialities, so we each tried one. 
Mound Me- vanilla vodka, cononut rum, dark rum and creme de caco. Tasted just like the mounds candy bar!
The "O" Face- orange vodka and cream. 

Bar 26- Sloppy Joes

We had previously been to the one in Key West, but we had to make a stop here. The view is great!
Really nice bar and a laid back atmosphere.


The Sloppy Colada- Capt. Morgan Rum with strawberry, banana and pina colada mix with a floater of Cognac.
Bar 27 - Rick's Tiki Bar
This beach bar is part beach bar, part pool bar. Located at the pool of one of the local hotels but with a great view of the beach.
We ordered the Sneaki Tiki shot and it came with a free shot glass that we got to pick out outselves.
The bartender here made this a really memorable experience for us!


Bar 28 - Sea Hags
We had so much fun at this bar thanks to the fabulous owners Phil and B! We were there on Derby day and when we walked in all of the staff had their hats on. We knew it was going to be a great stop.

We sat outside at the back patio  and ordered a Dirty Arnold Palmer.

Around the time we received our drink, Phil came out and started chatting with us. We told him about the competition and with that he insisted we do shots! The "Mad Bull" shot is their speciality, and it is fantastic!

We also got to meet Spanky, the Sea Hags mascot, who did what he did best and gyrated on Ryan's arm.


When you stop at this bar make sure you ask for Phil and tell him Sarah and Ryan sent you!

Bar 29 - Jimmy B's
This was recently voted the number one beach bar on the floridabeachbar.com site and we can see why! Jimmy B's have a fabulous location, a rockin' band and great drinks.

Jimmy B's signature drink the Wet Spot


Bar 30 - Flippers
This was a pretty small bar mainly for the hotel guests but if you go up to the second deck they had a beautiful view!
We were also impressed that the melon colada we ordered was main with all fresh ingredients, no colada mixes like most bars use!



Bar 31- Undertow
This was a hot spot on the beach! Lots of people there and you could tell this was the place to party on the beach. Beware, parking in their lot is very minimal and the lot across the street costs $10. But you get access to the beach and the sand volleyball courts by going to the bar and you could spend the entire day here!


We did not spend the entire day here though, and took advantage of the 30 minute parking down the street at Walgreens! We did enjoy our Presidente beer!

Bar 32- Kai Tiki
One step in to this bar and you know that this is a local bar. Everyone knows your name and the bartenders know what everyone is drinking. A big tip for anyone visiting is that they only take cash and don't have any type of a drink menu. So know what you want and have cash!




Malibu and Cranberry at Kai Tiki







Bar 33- Caddy's
This was a tie with Undertow for the biggest party spot on the beach! This is located right on the beach and everyone was having a great time. We headed up to the upper deck where the real party was!
At each bar we visit, we always ask what they're known for or if they have a speciality. Our bartender here didn't hesitate with her reply "Johnny Vegas" shot!
Patron, watermelon pucker and red bull.
Delicious!



Bar 34- Ikki Woo Woo's Tiki Hut
This may win the prize for the smallest beach bar ever, but it is so much fun! They are located right on the beach and they had a great beach band, who took a break for a few minutes so we could all watch the Kentucky Derby.
All in all a small bar but with a great vibe!


ThundeRita, cuervo gold, sour mix, cointreau



Watching the Kentucky Derby. Way to go Animal Kingdom!








Bar 35- Palm Pavillion
Palm Pavillion and our next bar Frenchy's Rockaway Grill are right next to each other on the beach. Both have a fabulous location and gorgeous views of the sunset!
The Palm Pavillion has an indoor and outdoor bar and the live band was great. (In case you haven't picked up on it yet, we dig the bars that have live music!)

Flip Flop- coconut rum, creme de cacao, banana liquor and pineapple juice















Bar 36- Frenchy's Rockaway Grill

The location right on the beach makes this an ideal spot for relaxing and watching the sunset.










Our friend Tara was able to meet us out again! (You may remember her from one of our first entries!) But this time she brought her boyfriend Alan and we enjoyed hanging out with both of them.
We all enjoyed our Rockaway Rum Runners. A must try when you visit this bar!

Bar 37- Gators
We hit up Gators before we left town on Sunday and we are so glad we did! We had a wonderful time despite the obvious gator merchandise all over the place! Gators boasts the longest waterfront bar in Florida.

King Gator Colada. Creme de Coconut, Pineapple Juice, Dark Rum, Parrot Bar and a squeeze of lime.