What establishment among Pensacola-area bars is a strong contender for USA TODAY's Bar of the Year in 2025?
In an exciting turn of events, readers of the Pensacola News Journal have chosen Bamboo Willie's as the best bar in Pensacola for the USA TODAY Bars of the Year 2025. This popular beach bar, located at 400 Quietwater Beach Road Suite 14, has been widely regarded as one of the best beach bars in Florida and was recently voted the Best Bar on Pensacola Beach by the Pensacola News Journal[1].
Bamboo Willie's, a go-to place for parties on the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk, offers a lively atmosphere with rotating bands, frozen drinks, and stunning waterfront views. The bar's popularity is not surprising, given its reputation for providing an unforgettable experience.
The Pensacola area boasts a diverse range of bars, catering to various tastes. From the historic Sandshaker, celebrating its 50th anniversary at 731 Pensacola Beach Blvd., known for live music, Pensacola memorabilia, and its famous Bushwhackers, to the upscale, old-school cocktail bar, The Kennedy, located at 1 S. Palafox Place, inspired by 1950s and 1960s drinking culture.
The Tiki Republic has recently joined the local bar scene in Gulf Breeze, adding to the vibrant nightlife of the Pensacola area. Other notable mentions include Wisteria Tavern, affectionately known as "The Wis" by locals, with a storied past dating back to the late 1920s, a massive outdoor seating area, and over 100 beer options.
The Grid, a westside dive located at 2414 N. Pace Blvd., offers an authentically "so nerdy it's cool" atmosphere, restoration work by the owner, affordable arcade games, and over 90 alcoholic beverages. The Handlebar, debuted in 1983 and located at 319 N. Tarragona St., serves as a hub for live music and now boasts a more impressive craft beer lineup.
The Cabaret, located at 101 S. Jefferson St., is a LGBTQIA+ owned and operated bar, beloved for live piano nights, karaoke, friendly patrons, exceptional bartenders, and drag show performances. Garden & Grain, located at 50 E. Garden St., is part of Perennial Hospitality Group and offers seasonal drinks.
Intermission, located at 214 S. Palafox St., is a fan-favourite downtown Pensacola bar known for its friendly crowd and energetic atmosphere. Paradise Bar & Grille, located at 21 Via De Luna Drive, is a beloved piece of Pensacola Beach history, with its inn established in the 1950s and the bar and grill following in 2003.
O'Riley's Irish Pub Downtown, located at 321 S. Palafox St., offers an upstairs billiards bar, lots of HDTVs for sporting events, and steel-tip darts. Azalea Cocktail Lounge, nicknamed "the Z," is located at 810 N. Davis Highway, known for its dim lighting, strong pours, local artwork, and history as Pensacola's first cocktail bar.
Lastly, the upscale Seville Quarter, located at 130 E. Government St., has seven unique rooms of fun, including a famous dueling pianos room. The USA TODAY Bars of the Year 2025 project features 29 bars across America, with the poll including 15 Pensacola area favourites, with reviews from Yelp, TripAdvisor, and Google.
Whether you're a fan of beach bars, divey pool halls, upscale speakeasies, whiskey rooms, or cocktail bars, the Pensacola area has something for everyone. So, grab your friends and head out to explore the vibrant nightlife of Pensacola!
[1] Pensacola News Journal, Best Bars on Pensacola Beach, [accessed 2023-05-15], https://www.pnj.com/story/entertainment/2023/05/15/best-bars-pensacola-beach-top-10-list-2023/6554519001/
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