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Where to enjoy cocktails,
socializing,
and entertainment on Amelia Island
Historic Fernandina Beach,
Florida
The Palace Saloon pictured, left.
If you're
in downtown Fernandina, try a "Pirate's
Punch" at the Palace Saloon (113 Centre St.), the oldest
saloon in Florida, in Fernandina's historic district. Pirate's Punch
is the "famous" rum drink of Fernandina Beach.
Hundreds of years ago, Amelia Island was the stamping ground of
pirates, sea captains, and sailors. The Palace has
live entertainment most evenings, from rock-n-roll bands to
acoustical musicians.
Florida House Inn, The Frisky Mermaid.
On site dining and entertainment is available daily at the The Frisky Mermaid Bar & Grill. Their signature cocktail is the “Frisky Mermaid” described as “a Caribbean sextuplet of rum, liqueurs and a few other secret ingredients.” On Tuesdays, the “Yappy Hour” is a pet-friendly cocktail party held in the courtyard at the Florida House, so bring your dog, if they’re social. The Frisky Mermaid features blues artists on Friday and Saturday nights, and blue grass jams on Monday evenings. Got talent? Wednesdays at the Florida House Inn is a singer-songwriter contest. The Florida House Inn is located in the historic district just off Centre Street, at 20 South 3rd Street, and can also be booked for parties and weddings. Just Look for the front verandah draped with eight flags. Visit their web sites for further information and to book room reservations at www.floridahouseinn.com, and www.friskymermaid.com .
Or enjoy a
drink while you sit in rocking chairs and witness a gorgeous sunset
over the Fernandina Harbor -- a view available from the rear
 porch
of Brett's Waterway Cafe, (end of Centre St. at the marina,
pictured below). Brett's has one of the nicest views of
all the restaurants in the historic district with its waterfront
location. For a nibble with drinks,
you might like to try the spinach & artichoke dip at Brett's (or perhaps you'd
like to try some fried alligator?) Take an after dinner stroll
on the nearby docks to catch a breeze while you admire the yachts at
the adjoining marina.
Note that the Palace Saloon, the Frisky Mermaid at the Florida House, and Brett's Waterway Cafe are all within short walking distance of each other in downtown Fernandina, so you can check them all out in an evening of fun in the historic district.
Beach Bars, Sliders and The Surf
SLIDERS SEASIDE GRILL
An Amelia Island landmark, Sliders Seaside Grill, is well known to both locals and visitors, having a presence on Amelia Island for over 50 years (initially as an Inn). Sliders is a brick structure located on the beach at the corner of Sadler Rd. and South Fletcher Avenue (just across from the new Amelia Hotel and Suites).
Sliders has an "island style" flair, offering a very pleasant atmosphere. The menu offers a wide variety to please most diners, including a children's menu with the required "staples" that kids can't live without: chicken fingers, macaroni and cheese, grilled cheese, hot dogs and burgers. We tried the chicken quesadillas, a martini burger, and an herbed chicken wrap with dipping sauce, plus the soup of the day, and all were excellent. Seafood, steaks, ribs, wings and more are offered on the dinner menu.
As noted above, Sliders is located on oceanfront property -- one of only two restaurant/bars on Amelia Island (non-resort property), that are actually right on the beach.
Interestingly, Sliders has installed some playground equipment off its rear covered porch, adjacent to the beach, for patrons with kids. (Parents can now have a cocktail and bite to eat while keeping an eye on the playground that is fenced.) New management is family-focused, and while live entertainment is not currently being offered, Sliders plans to add entertainment in the future. For further information, call Slider's at 904-277-6652.
Very Casual, Bring the
Family
An
extremely casual "surf-type" eatery and bar offering a large outdoor
deck for drinking and dining is "The Surf," located
across the street from the ocean at 3199 South Fletcher Avenue (904)
261-5711. The Surf draws large crowds during the
summertime, especially on Wednesday and Sunday evenings, the
so-called "Wing-It" nights featuring all-you-can-eat
chicken wings. The Surf also serves salads, seafood,
steaks and more. Live entertainment on the outdoor deck (DJs,
acoustical guitar) helps to keep the crowd buzzing with
enthusiasm. Many families with children dine at The Surf for its casual, open-air atmosphere where an exuberant or unhappy
child, generally, will not disturb other diners.
On the South-end of
Amelia Island
Falcon's Nest
Enjoy some
“high-flying specialty drinks” along with “lite” bites (like a
Falcon burger or wings), by dropping by the Falcon's Nest on Amelia Island Plantation, on Amelia Island's south-end off A1A.
(The Falcon's Nest is open to the public, not just
resort guests. ) The Falcon's Nest is two stories with indoor
and outdoor seating, offering a dance floor, pool tables, and
pinball. The outdoor rear decking faces a natural setting of oak
trees and a creek, with seven umbrella tables. The game room is
located upstairs, and overlooks the outdoor deck below. There's
entertainment some evenings, a DJ, and during
the week other specials are offered. The Falcon’s Nest is open from 4 pm until
2 am for those aged 21 and over.
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