By Jack Smith
Far be it from me to tell you which signature cocktail to enjoy sitting outside gazing at our world famous sunsets. Just know that I’m going to tell you there’s something special about sipping a perfectly crafted cocktail at a local watering hole as you soak in the sights, sounds and smells of Panama City Beach. Drinking also brings together bartenders and patrons, tourists and locals. Some of my most memorable moments begin with a good drink and close friends. Just as countries all over the world are known for their unique foods, destinations are also famous for their libations. Ernest Hemmingway is known for spending countless hours at Sloppy Joe’s in Key West downing Mojitos. So if you are here on vacation, and looking for the perfect bartender to mix a beach-unique cocktail (or a Hemingway-worthy Mojito), just ask the locals. They’ll know where to send you for just the right sunset pairing. See next page for some of our favorites.
Capt. Anderson’s Restaurant
5551 N Lagoon Drive, PCB | (850) 234-2225
www.captandersons.com
Napoleon Bonaparte said, “In victory, you deserve champagne. In defeat, you need it.” Win or lose in 2021, Capt. Anderson’s invites you to explore the ultimate drink: champagne! Our legendary cellar houses a selection of champagnes unrivaled in our part of the world. So, next time you go out for a cocktail, “taste the stars” instead! Our servers can guide you through it, from beginner to connoisseur, all the way from a glass of Moet & Chandon to Dom Perignon P3, Krug D’Ambonnay, and Salon. Wine lovers: check out the Wine Club at captandersons.com.
The Shrimp Boat Restaurant
1201 Beck Avenue, Panama City | (850) 785-8706
www.shrimpboatpc.com
The Shrimp Boat, located in Historic St. Andrews, is well-known in the local area for their line of signature drinks. Stop by the waterfront restaurant from 4-7 PM for their daily Sunset Special: Buy 1 Get 1 Signature Drinks. Ocean Water (left) features Bacardi, Blue Curacao, Peach Schapps, Pineapple and Sour. Heavenly (middle) features 360 Double Chocolate Vodka, Godiva Chocolate Liqueur, Bailey’s, Cream de Cacaco and Cream. Crew of St. Andrews’ Punch (right) features Bacardi, Malibu, Pineapple, Orange Juice and a splash of Grenadine.
Christo’s Sports Bar & Grill
2903 Thomas Drive, PCB | (850) 708-1878
christossportsbarandgrill.com
A sports bar with a twist! Come in for our full selection of spirits, 13 ice cold beers on tap plus great hot wings, burgers and seafood. Try our Blueberry Blush – made with blueberry vodka, fresh lemonade and a floater of Deloach Pinot Noir. Family-owned full sports bar featuring 25 high def TVs covering all the major sporting events. We have a different seasonal salad each month—this month is a kale/apple. We have delicious homemade soups to warm you up this winter, including tomato, potato, vegetable, broccoli & cheese and navy bean & sausage.
Mike’s Café & Oyster Bar
17554 Front Beach Road, PCB | (850) 234-1942
mikescafeandoysterbar.com
Full bar, cold drinks and fresh seafood. Come see us during our winter hours 3-9 p.m. seven days a week and enjoy a cocktail. Try our Gulf Rum Punch with vodka, cranberry, orange, pineapple juice and a splash of Sierra Mist. Our family opened Thomas’ Donuts on the west end of Panama City Beach in 1971 and we have been serving old friends and making new ones ever since. Mike’s Diner was opened in 1986 with a commitment to providing friendly service and the best quality food. Come see why our customers keep coming back!
