Must-Visit Tiki Bars & Restaurants

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Holiday Isle Tiki Bar, Islamorada

Photo Credit: Holiday Isle Tiki Bar

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Shephard's Backyard Tiki Bar, Clearwater

Photo Credit: Shephard's Backyard Tiki Bar

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Capt. Hiram's Sand Bar, Sebastian

Photo Credit: Capt. Hiram's Resort

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Conch House, St. Augustine

Photo Credit: Conch House Lounge

The best tiki bars give off carefree, don’t-worry-be-happy vibes. And they serve frosty drinks, casual fare and cool tunes on the beach and along Florida’s waterways. What’s not to love?

I found heaven one sunny afternoon in Jupiter. Dancing barefoot to an island tune at the Square Grouper Tiki Bar, I sipped an ice-cold brew. A salty breeze cooled my skin. A sailboat cruised by.
A waitress appeared at the perfect moment: Would you like another? Yes, I had just found eternal happiness.

A good tiki bar instantly transports me to the islands, dissolves worries about deadlines, mortgages and bills – even makes me smile after the toughest day. The Square Grouper was just such a place.

Lucky for us Floridians, we’ve got so many chill places like the Square Grouper to choose from. Here are some of my favorite tiki bars and restaurants.

A good tiki bar instantly transports me to the islands, dissolves worries about deadlines, mortgages and bills – even makes me smile after the toughest day.

Clearwater Beach

No shirt, no shoes – no problem at Shephard’s Backyard Tiki Bar. Boaters anchor offshore and wade in to this fun-loving bar, where bands play every day. Grab wings and burgers at the outdoor eatery, Margarita Grill. Open until 2 a.m., Shephard’s is perfect for late-night crowds, too.

Sarasota

The Gulf-front Lido Tiki Bar is an idyllic place to view breathtaking sunsets with your sweetie. Order the signature Green Flash Cocktail and enjoy reasonably priced fare: The Dune Dog rules at $6.50.

Rockledge

On the east coast near Cocoa, keep an eye out for a colossal mermaid on a sign: You’ve arrived at Conch Key Grille & Tiki Bar. The whole family will enjoy relaxing on the outdoor patio or taking a pontoon boat ride along the Indian River.

Sebastian

Live bands rock – especially when you have space to get your groove on. At Capt. Hiram’s SandBar, you’ll feel like you’re getting a private concert – in a tropical oasis. Chill under palm trees as artists perform on one of three stages.

St. Augustine

For a rockin’ Reggae Sunday in the summer, hit The Conch House. Dance on the floating dock or inside the octagon-shaped bar that stretches out into the water (Salt Run). Hungry? Enjoy the breeze beneath your grass hut and munch on amazing French-fried lobster.

Jupiter

Some may imitate – but can’t duplicate – the true tiki vibe. Enjoy an authentic experience at the Square Grouper Tiki Bar on Jupiter Inlet. This slice of sandy paradise, where ring toss is a happenin’ game, was featured in Alan Jackson’s music video, “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere.”

Riviera Beach

Fishermen love the Tiki Waterfront Sea Grill situated inside the Riviera Beach Marina (just north of West Palm Beach). Snag a high-top table and bucket of beer and watch fishing charters unload their catches. For a mega-deal, order Sunday brunch, which offers everything from fried grouper to omelets.

Florida Keys

This must-visit establishment takes us all the way to Mile Marker 84.5: Holiday Isle Tiki Bar, where the original Rumrunner was concocted. This Islamorada social hotspot is a great place to meet friends.

As Jimmy Buffett sings, “Thank God the tiki bar is open!”