Rocco
People consider Destin, Florida, the “world’s luckiest fishing village” because of the abundant seafood in its waters. But Destin is also home to several of the best bars in the Sunshine State.
Whether you’re looking for a cool spot to watch the big game, fun places to go out, or a nice setting to just grab a few drinks with friends after a day at the beach, Destin has a bar for you.
Below is my list of the best bars in Destin, Florida, so you know where to get a drink next time you’re in town.
Lucky’s Rotten Apple
205 Mountain Dr, Destin, FL 32541
Phone: (850) 424-7619
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Lucky’s Rotten Apple is a lively bar near Escape Zone 60. They play live local music, cool jams on nights with DJs, and sports games on the TVs during the day.
The pool tables, happy hour, and club-like lights all contribute to a friendly, inviting, and ultra-fun atmosphere. I like getting cheap cocktails here, like Sex on the Beach and Blue Lagoon.
AJ’s Seafood & Oyster Bar
116 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541
Phone: (850) 837-1913
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AJ’s Seafood & Oyster Bar is a popular seafood spot that people go to for both raw oysters and cold beer.
Located right on the Destin Harbor near the boardwalk, this bar attracts both tourists and locals alike with live music and large windows where you might be able to spot a Dolphin!
Shrimp and grits, fish tacos, and snow crab are my favorite non-oyster menu items.
McGuire’s Irish Pub of Destin
33 US-98 E, Destin, FL 32541
Phone: (850) 650-0000
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McGuire’s Irish Pub of Destin is a highly-rated Irish pub that offers live music on most nights, so you usually don’t have to plan ahead to enjoy a show.
Near the HarborWalk Village, this pub is known for its massive portions, so come here with an empty stomach. The Shepherd’s Pie and Reuben Egg Rolls are my favorite dishes, and I always pair them with an ice-cold root beer.
Red Door Saloon
240 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541
Phone: (850) 424-5974
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If you’re looking for a more homey, relaxed bar — especially during the day — head to Red Door Saloon near the Heron Harbor marina.
This local bar is the best place to go for the combination of domestic beer, loaded bratwursts, and chicken sandwiches.
I enjoy their bloody marys as well, especially during the day. At night, the pub gets a little louder with tourists, but that’s a part of the fun.
The Harbor Tavern
306 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541
Phone: (850) 842-2377
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The Harbor Tavern is one of the best bars in Destin, Florida, for both food and drinks. Like Red Door Saloon, The Harbor Tavern is located near Heron Harbor.
I love meeting friends there and enjoying various foods, from southern burgers to pork belly tacos to Mediterranean bowls.
Their cocktails are delicious, too, especially the Blueberry Hard Lemonade with lemonade rum, mint, and fresh blueberries — yum!
Louisiana Lagniappe
775 Gulf Shore Dr, Destin, FL 32541
Phone: (850) 837-0881
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If you want the best seafood with a Creole-inspired touch and an upscale environment, look no further than Louisiana Lagniappe.
This restaurant near Norriego Point has been serving customers for over thirty-five years, so it’s hard to go wrong with anything you order here.
I like their fried crawfish, blackened scallops, and lobster tails the most, paired with signature drinks like the “Southern Sky” and “Bayou Breeze.”
Boshamps Seafood and Oyster House
414 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541
Phone: (850) 424-7406
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Boshamps Seafood and Oyster House, located near the Destin Fishing Fleet Marina, is the perfect place to go for fresh seafood, lovely water views, and creative cocktails.
I appreciate that their cocktails are intricate but still well-priced. My favorite is Deedee’s Strawberry Lemon Drop, featuring fresh muddled strawberries and black cherry vodka.
The Craft Bar – Destin
4424 Commons Dr. E, Destin, FL 32541
Phone: (850) 460-7907
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The Craft bar has multiple locations, but the one in Destin near AMC Destin Commons is my favorite gastropub in town! I like how it has a friendly, homey feel but still serves highly impressive cocktails and elevated bar food.
I love pairing their southern fried chicken or fried green tomatoes with a cold, crisp cider.
Bric à Brac
824 Gulf Shore Dr, Destin, FL 32541
Phone: (850) 424-6369
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Lastly, Bric à Brac is a true gem in Destin, as it has such an upbeat atmosphere, great live music, and a dance floor to show off your best moves.
This bar near The Local Market also has an outstanding array of seafood, including but not limited to blackened grouper, crab cakes, and shrimp ceviche.
Final Thoughts
I love that many of the best bars in Destin are within walking distance of each other, making it easy and fun to bar-hop with friends.
But regardless of where they’re located, they have friendly atmospheres, excellent service, and great drinks.
Did I miss any hot bars in Destin? If so, let me know more fun places to get drinks in the comments below!
Best Bars in Destin
- Lucky’s Rotten Apple
- AJ’s Seafood & Oyster Bar
- McGuire’s Irish Pub of Destin
- Red Door Saloon
- The Harbor Tavern
- Louisiana Lagniappe
- Boshamps Seafood and Oyster House
- The Craft Bar – Destin
- Bric à Brac
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