For such a small town, Seaside has more going on than anywhere else along Hwy 30A, the scenic beachfront highway that runs along Florida's Emerald Coast. People come in from all over to enjoy the amenities and the events, including of course the fabulous restaurants and eateries.
For guests in Seaside who don't have to drive anywhere, the crucial matter of Happy Hour comes up - how best to seize the moment? Here are some insider tips for where to go for that special time of social gathering.
Best Seaside Happy Hour
If it's Friday, it may be Modica Market, with the Steenos playing live music outdoors from 4-7 pm. Bob and Lisa Steeno play a bluegrass-style acoustic music, and they love to jam, so some of the local musicians may stop by and join in. Grab a draft beer on tap or one of the Market's famous homemade mimosas - it's 32 oz and yummy, voted best on 30A. Enjoy the impromptu live music, meet some neighbors and new friends, and relish that ocean breeze.
Pickle's Sandbar is located on the beach side of 30A behind Pickle’s restaurant, so you have great food close by if the hunger hits - but meanwhile, it's a "toes in the sand, cocktail in hand" experience at the Sandbar, and don't worry, despite the slogan, they do have seats! Happy hour here is daily from 3-5 pm and offers discounted drafts, wines at half off, and $5 fried pickles - a great opportunity to taste this delicious southern treat. The Sandbar offers a large range of handcrafted cocktails, with lots of tropical flavors as well as the old standbys. There's also a "Grumpy Hour" special from 8 am to 10 am!
The Great Southern Cafe offers its happy hour daily from 3 pm to 5 pm, with half off most cocktails and wine by the glass, as well as $11 oysters - and the seafood here on this Florida coastline of course is fresh, as are all the local ingredients cooked up by award-winning chef Jim Shirley. The flavors flow over to the bar too, with absolutely the best Mojitos on 30A, and perhaps the whole world, truly. The Mojitos come in 7 variations, so gather the whole crew to try them all (and don't miss the strawberry). The outside covered bar is a happy place and if you're moving inside for dinner, you'll find great seafood, steaks and local farm ingredients, as well as a hand-curated wine list.
Explore More Seaside
These were just a few favorites that come to mind for happy hour, but don't be shy about trying some of the many other places in town. The bar for quality is set high in Seaside, and the bars for happy hour offer experiences to match!
Try the new C-Bar in town, a repurposed shipping container offering drinks to go, or seat yourself at the bar or in the surrounding tables under umbrellas. Happy hour is 3-5 pm. The drinks are fun and there are some very tasty foods, perfect for the occasion. It's located right next to Great Southern, so you're spoiled for choice once again! Master chef Jim Shirley is behind the flavors here also, so be prepared to enjoy.
Finally, if you're looking for the famous Bushwacker drink, try b.f.f on the side of the Great Southern. (The initials stand for Bushwackers, Frosé and Frozens.) And if you'd like to compare, check out Airstream Row, where James Murphy has his Barefoot BBQ trailer. "Murph" makes his own version of the Bushwacker, and swears he will die with the secret of the recipe. Visitors who know the original drink created in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, rate this version highly. Also, many people say that Bud and Alley's offers a great Bushwacker too - you be the judge, and have an "interesting" evening making your grand experiment!
We really are spoiled for choice in Seaside. The only thing you know for sure is that you won't have to get in the car and drive across town to meet up with friends for cocktails or dinner. So keep those car keys at the bottom of your luggage, adjust sandals for strolling mode, and go have some fun!