Local Libations: Neighborhood Bars

An inviting atmosphere, pool tables and crowd favorite beverages make Park Place Lounge in Riverside a popular neighborhood bar. Photos by Amanda Rosenblatt.

There seems to be a favorite hangout wherever you live. Historically, neighborhood bars were small, dimly lit and smoke-filled basement operations considered risky environments that patrons would "dive" into. Nowadays, these places are still tight on space, a touch shabby (although mostly smoke-free) and have withstood the test of time. While they may be a little intimidating, chances are they're simply unpretentious and low-key, and more importantly, they're surprisingly warm and welcoming.

A perfect example in Jacksonville Beach is Ginger's Place, a small, somewhat unassuming gray box of a building. Whatever's going on inside, you'd never know by looking at its windowless walls and opaque red door. Patronized by locals and intrepid souls of all ages, it's an easy place to meet with friends and down a few cocktails. Their most popular drink, the Rocket Bomb, is the only thing dangerous about this place. It goes down easy but packs a wallop.

In Riverside, the Park Place Lounge (pictured above) is another enduring neighborhood favorite. A bit on the dark side, which adds a touch of mystery and intrigue, this place is intimate, welcoming and a haven for the LGBTQIA+ community. Its bar is well stocked, offering everything you'd expect and more. The "Hooker Shot" (tequila with a pickle juice back) and Bloody Marys are crowd favorites. Plenty of seats along the rail make this place ideal for passing a little time and making friends.

In a sea of trendy bars and restaurants sprouting all around San Marco, Sherwood's has become a venerated drinking destination. Serving all the basics, their bar menu features a few specialty cocktails including "No Thym to Die" (mezcal, Thym liqueur, lime, agave and grapefruit soda), their most popular. While they've made a few changes, including the undeniably festive mural that adorns its exterior, this time-honored watering hole delivers everything its loyal customers have come to expect.

With a long and storied history, the Tradewinds Lounge is one of the oldest bars in St. Augustine. Located directly across from the Bridge of Lions, locals and visitors alike have been keeping this place busy for decades. Surprisingly small, it's the impressive lineup of live music, quirky tiki bar vibe and undeniably casual atmosphere that's kept this place jumping. Considering its island theme, the most popular drinks are their house rum punch and margaritas. Adding to local legend, Jimmy Buffett performed at Tradewinds in the 1960s, and it’s believed that he was fired from a gig there.

Whether you raise a bottle of your favorite lite beer, seek out a nonalcoholic beverage or just want to hang out with your pals, cheers to finding your neighborhood drinking hole. Perhaps it’s one where everyone knows your name.