Amelia Island is loaded (no pun intended) with eclectic places to partake in adult beverages. Everything from craft breweries and taverns to a distillery and a funky beer & wine garden named after a guy that wears pajamas all day. Nope, I'm not making that up.
In honor of the patron Saint of Ireland whose day we will soon celebrate, here is a list of pub crawl worthy establishments sure to wet your whistle and make St. Patrick himself proud! These are all "stand alone" bars/taverns/breweries but we have many more
restaurant/bars on the island. Check them all out!
BREWERIES
Amelia Island Brewing Company
Located in the heart of downtown Fernandina Beach is the Amelia Island Brewing Company, home to
The Tavern and
The Alley. The Tavern offers an industrial "restauranty" feel with a full menu of apps, salads, sweets, and entrees, while The Alley (right next door) is an awesome taproom with apps and light fare focused more on the beer. Bottom line is... If you're in the mood for a delicious dinner (Excellent Mahi Tacos, by the way) with a beer thrown in, then head to The Tavern. If you've had a bad week and need a great beer or five with an app thrown in (how about a basket of Crispy Bacon & Jalapeno Popper Wontons), head to The Alley. Neither will dissapoint.
Side note: March is Women's History Month so all of their beers have been named after historical and fictional women. Head in and try a Dragonlords 6 Double IPA. Brewed in honor of Major Rossi-Cayton, the first woman in US Military to serve in combat as an aviation unit commander and first woman pilot in US history to fly combat missions.
First Love Brewing
Looking for a great date night spot? First Love Brewing checks all the boxes. With over 20 rotating taps, First Love offers a mix of porters, IPA's and ales that pair teriffically with their house-made artisan pizzas, wings or truffle fries. Dine/drink at the bar or grab a table indoors or outdoors for more privacy. In the words of owners Kevin and Jesse, "First Love Brewing is built around the idea of pursuing your passions and dreams. We are driven by the people we meet, the community that we live in, and the places we visit. Through this, we aim to bring together great beer and good people under one roof". Who can ask for more than that?
Mocama Beer Company
Meet Amelia Island's newest beer company, Mocama. Located near downtown Fernandina in an old 1950's car dealership, to say the taproom is cool is an understatement. The mid-century charm is located everywhere from the massive bar & brass taps to the light fixtures and custom lounging area perfect for sipping and, well, lounging. Mocama is a great place to hash out a business deal, vent to a friend or just enjoy a great beer in the form of a lager, porter, stout, pilsner, IPA, ale and more. If you don't know what you like, order a flight and taste a few. Not a fan of beer? They have a great wine selection, too.
DISTILLERY
Marlin & Barrel
Did you know that Amelia Island has it's own distillery? It would seem appropriate since we're an island once inhabited by pirates. Marlin & Barrel is a craft distillery handcrafting a variety of rum, vodka, gin, cello and bourbon. Enjoy samples in their tasting room and learn more about them from knowledgable and friendly staff. Marlin & Barrel will soon be celebrating their 6th anniversary in a new location on 8th Street and we couldn't be more proud of them. We're pretty sure the pirates would be as well.
WINE BAR
The Decantery
The island’s premier wine, craft beer and cocktail lounge… literally. Enjoy delicious wine on tap, desserts & charcuterie while lounging around on comfy couches in a historic building. The Decantery offers an exceptional rare and unique wine selection for those wine connoisseurs and can be enjoyed right in the lounge or to purchase and take with you. Stop in and pop a bottle today!
BARS & TAVERNS
Green Turtle Tavern
Popular with visitors and locals alike, the Green Turtle Tavern is an easy going, laid back bar where you can hear great music and enjoy a cold beer and one of the best bourbon selections on the island.
The Palace
Known as the “last bar to close on the eve of prohibition”, The Palace is the oldest operating bar in the state of Florida. Their signature rum-infused Pirates Punch will have you singing along with the ghost of Uncle Charlie that supposedly haunts the place.
PJD's Beer & Wine Garden
PJD's is an iconic downtown watering hole where the owner, Pajama Dave (because he only wears pajamas, duh), not only pours your drinks, but can also tell you all about the history of Amelia Island. PJD's is a friendly indoor/outdoor bar with a huge variety of beers and wine. Live music on weekends.
The Lobby Bar
The premier gathering spot inside the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island where visitors can sip a signature Smoked Old Fashioned and selection of handcrafted drinks in a relaxed, yet refined ambiance. After all, it is The Ritz-Carlton.
The Principal's Office Bar
Belly up to the Principal’s Office Bar, located in the lobby of the historic Amelia Schoolhouse Inn, and enjoy one of their many signature drinks. I hear The Principal’s Rita is worth going to the office for.
Mermaid Bar
Located inside the Florida House Inn, the Mermaid Bar features local beers, boutique wines, and handcrafted cocktails… like their signature Mermaid Slap made with some juices, various rums, and a couple of other things thrown in. Yum!
Locals' Cocktail Lounge
Locals’ Cocktail Lounge is a casual neighborhood bar in the heart of Amelia Island where you can enjoy the best after work happy hour or an evening of island nightlife with friends.
Hammerhead Beach Bar
One of the first businesses located at this area of the beach and has developed a loyal following of patrons over the generations. The serve up all your favorite adult beverages and snacks with a great view of the ocean and great service in a relaxed atmosphere!
Find your place to stay on Amelia Island and pub crawl the night away!