8 Best Bars to Grab a Drink in Fort Walton Beach

Whether you’re in the mood for margaritas on the beach, beer and bites in a charming local dive bar, or wine and charcuterie in an upscale cocktail lounge, there are plenty of great places to grab a drink in Fort Walton Beach, Florida’s Emerald Coast.

Here’s the inside scoop on eight of the best bars in Fort Walton Beach. Don’t worry; the nightlife is just minutes from your Legacy Vacation rental, so you’re never more than a few steps or a short taxi ride away from happy hour!

1. The Craft

• Address: 99 Eglin Pkwy NE #38, Fort Walton Beach
• Website: thecraftbarfl.com/fort-walton-beach
• Price Point: $$$
• Vibes: Upscale Gastropub

Specializing in friendly bartenders and craft cocktails made with fine spirits, fresh fruits and herbs, and unique ingredients — The Craft is a one-of-a-kind cocktail experience. You’ll find cocktails on the menu like the “Scorched Earth,” featuring gin, citrus, smoked rosemary, and freshly muddled Old Fashioneds made with apple butter, exotic cherries, and smoke infusions.

To complement their specialty cocktails, The Craft features a menu of equally unique and delicious eats. You’ll find charcuterie plates, truffle fries, mac-n-cheese bites, and more. When you really want to savor some fine food and cocktails, The Craft is the place to be!

2. Rockin’ Tacos Grill & Tequila Bar

• Address: 1450 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, Fort Walton Beach
• Website: rockintacos.com
• Price Point: $$
• Vibes: Beachy Views, Margaritas, and Mexican Bites

A breezy, boardwalk cantina serving up some of the best margaritas in Fort Walton Beach, Rockin’ Tacos Grill & Tequila Bar is the perfect spot for cocktails on the beach.

Sip margaritas while gazing into the gorgeous Gulf waters and snacking on some homemade chips and salsa. Hungry for more? Rockin’ Tacos has a full menu of Mexican favorites. What’s better than tacos and tequila?

Speaking of tequila — Rockin’s Taco has over 50 varieties on the menu to choose from! Try your favorite in one of their signature margaritas, like the Pineapple Infusion or EL Mangolicious. Rather have it straight? Order a tequila flight to sample many different kinds. Rockin’ Tacos is the perfect spot for tequila lovers.

3. The Boardroom Pub & Grub

• Address: 158 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, Fort Walton Beach
• Website: boardroompub.com
• Price Point: $$
• Vibes: Friendly Neighborhood Pub

With laid-back vibes, outdoor seating, and a large selection of craft beer and cider, The Boardroom Pub & Grub is a great place to grab a drink with friendly locals. Try some unique local brews like Mango Habanero Divide & Conch’r IPA or Watermelon Heatwave Cider.

If you prefer cocktails, you’ll find a selection of mimosas, martinis, and Bloody Marys to choose from. Want something to snack on? Try their signature pub pretzel, bruschetta bites, or gourmet grilled cheese. There’s something for everyone to enjoy at The Boardroom Pub & Grub.

4. Al’s Beach Club

• Address: 1450 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, Fort Walton Beach
• Website: alsbeachclub.com
• Price Point: $$
• Vibes: Beach Bar with Fruity Drinks and Live Music

Serving up great views, great food, and, most importantly — great drinks, Al’s Beach Club is a classic beachside bar that brings all the vacation vibes. Sip fruity frozen cocktails like rum runners and daiquiris while enjoying live music and beachfront views.

If you’re hungry, Al’s Beach Club offers plenty of bar bites, burgers, sandwiches, and more to enjoy with your cocktails. Al’s is just steps from the beach on Okaloosa Island and has a big, open-air patio with plenty of outdoor seating. Flip-flops and sandy feet are welcome at Al’s Beach Club, it’s the perfect spot to stroll in right from the beach and cool down with a pina colada!

5. The Salty Duck

• Address: 209 Ferry Road Southeast, Fort Walton Beach
• Website: saltyduck.com
• Price Point: $
• Vibes: Local Hangout with Beer and Games

A cozy dive bar known for its comfy couches, big-screen TVs, arcade games, and wall-to-wall beer taps — The Salty Duck is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. It’s a great place to watch a sports game, throw some darts, and enjoy a pint with friends.

With over 40 beers on tap (many of which are from local Florida breweries), plus ciders and wine, there’s a drink for everyone to enjoy. But, if you’re hungry, be sure to grab a snack before you go, as no food is served at The Salty Duck.

6. G.I. Jade Tiki Bar & Bistro

• Address: 38 Miracle Strip Pkwy SW, Fort Walton Beach
• Website: gijadetikibarandbistro.com
• Price Point: $$
• Vibes: Tropical Tiki Bar

Nothing gives vacation vibes quite like a Tiki Bar, and G.I. Jade’s delivers with tropical drinks, live entertainment, and waterfront views. Sip fruity cocktails under the Tiki hut while listening to live music, or enjoy putting your toes in the sand on the small beach area.

G.I. Jades Tiki Bar & Bistro has a full bar with all your favorite beachy cocktails like pina coladas and rum runners, plus plenty of cold beer on tap. If you want a bite with your cocktails, G.I. Jade’s serves up traditional bar fare like wings, tacos, fried seafood baskets, and more.

7. Taste Tapas & Wine Bar

• Address: 196 Miracle Strip Pkwy, Fort Walton Beach
• Website: tastefwb.com
• Price Point: $$$
• Vibes: Cozy Wine Bar

Want to unwind with a glass of wine and a charcuterie board? Taste Tapas & Wine Bar is the perfect place. Enjoy a cozy atmosphere where you can sample wines and snack on small plates. There are plenty of different wines by the glass to choose from, including some sparkling options and ports. Or, try a flight to sample a few.

Taste Tapas & Wine Bar is also a great spot for happy hour, they offer half-priced wines by the glass and discounts on beer and specialty cocktails. That’s right; if not everyone at your party is a wine lover, they’re still covered. Taste Tapas & Wine Bar has something for everyone!

8. Fokker’s Bar & Grill

• Address: 215 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, Fort Walton Beach
• Website: fokkers.com
• Price Point: $$
• Vibes: Laid-Back Sports Bar

Part sports bar, part German pub, and all-around good time — Fokker’s Bar & Grill is a great spot to grab a beer and brat and watch a sports game. Fokker’s features a full bar, big-screen TVs, and plenty of beers on tap, including some hard-to-find German brews.

While Fokker’s seems like your typical sports bar, they are a step above the rest when it comes to food. Enjoy classic German pub fare like schnitzel, brats, Bavarian pretzels, and more. When you want to relax with a pint, grab some German grub, and meet friendly locals, Fokker’s is the place to be!

“Sea” You at the Bar in Fort Walton Beach

Whether you want to sip pina coladas seaside or relax with a pint of craft beer at the local hangout — Fort Walton Beach has you covered!

Prefer an evening in? Pop a bottle of wine on your private balcony to enjoy the sunset, or mix up some cocktails in your fully stocked kitchen when you book your stay with Legacy Vacations.

You’ll enjoy all the comforts of home while having access to resort-style amenities near all the best things to do in the Fort Walton Beach and Destin area.