- April 19, 2024
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When “it’s 5o’clock somewhere” in Flagler County, where’s the best place to grab a drink? A survey of Observer staffers proved this is one question residents have strong feelings about (except for Executive Editor Brian McMillan, who abstains from alcohol and answered — and I quote — “McDonald's has fantastic soft drinks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”).
However, we do have our favorites. Here are our picks for the best bars in Flagler.
1) Farley’s Irish Pub
101 Palm Harbor Parkway, Palm Coast
445-1055
As far as character goes, Farley’s in the European Village has this list on lock. It’s intimate, casual atmosphere simply feels like a bar, the kind where you often see the same faces gathered around the heat lamps outside or leaning against a high-top in the dimly lit interior.
The staff’s always super nice, a lot of times you can catch some live Irish folk to pair with your pint and, most important, their selection is stacked with quality whiskies and craft beers.
You want it, they probably have it. And if you order liquor, they don’t skimp: Expect a heavy pour.
2) Break-Awayz at the Beach
819 N. Oceanshore Blvd., Flagler Beach
439-7700
You might remember when Break-Awayz had a location in the corner of the European Village, a half-bar/half-convenient store: On your way out, you could grab a carton of eggs and a jug of milk.
This place isn’t that.
Same owners, but the new Break-Awayz at the Beach is definitely improved, and a whole lot more focused. I’ll just let Community Editor Shanna Fortier (self-proclaimed Break-Awayz No. 1 Fan) take it from here.
“Young, friendly owners, huge beer selection (over 60 bottles and six taps that get changed out regularly) and good food! But it’s not bar food — no fryers — and they serve until 2 a.m. There’s an ocean view, an indoor driving range, an outside foosball table. They know their customers by name and what they like to drink, and they always make suburb recommendations for people who like to try new things.
"But beware: You will not be drinking domestics here. Although they do have a few (I think — who really cares?) this place is more about the good, savory microbews and imports.”
3) Fuego Del Mar
608 S Oceanshore Blvd, Flagler Beach
439-0098
Tiki torches and a roaring fire pit set the scene outside of this newish, two-story, beachside bar, right across the street from the Flagler Beach Pier. It’s all about atmosphere at Fuego, with classy-but-funky décor and huge, local art hung inside — not to mention an unobstructed view of the waves, from the deck.
They also recently started a Wednesday Comedy Night, starting at 8 pm., entertainment you’d be hard-pressed to find anywhere else nearby. Fuego’s still experimenting, trying to figure out how to balance its food, its vibe and its nightlife, but we’re thinking it’s a place to watch — and in the meantime, it’s got Kona Fire Rock Pale Ale, plenty of room and one the best views in town.
4) High Jackers Restaurant
202 Airport Rd
586-6078
You want a unique outdoor venue with live music? You got it.
Set right on the Flagler County Airport, High Jackers has become a local institution, its inside filled with airplane memorabilia and its patio usually alive with kids giggling in the corner playground and a band setting the mood onstage.
There aren’t many better ways to spend a Friday night in Flagler than rocking in a swinging booth (they have booths that SWING!), sipping on a glass of Jet Fuel (their signature brew) and taking in some live jams as the sun goes down. So cool.
5) TIE: Carrabba’s Italian Grill / Salsa’s Mexican Restaurant
160 Cypress Edge Drive, Palm Coast
246-9839
6 Old Kings Road, Palm Coast
445-3096
Four words: buy one, get one.
The harsh reality is, we all love to support the little guy — but a quick look at our bank accounts usually reminds us that, hey, we kinda are the little guy. If we can get two drinks for the price of one after work (Carrabba’s happy hour is 4-7 p.m. / Salsa’s also goes till 7 p.m.), who are we to scoff and shell out more somewhere else?
Plus, Salsa’s gives you free chips. And Carrabba’s has a nice outdoor area and great appetizers. Maybe, Mr. Moneybags, you can afford to only frequent mom-and-pops, but we’ve got student loans to pay off some time in the next 20-odd years. Until then, we’ll be the uncool penny-pinchers double-barreling margaritas at the franchise, thank you very much.
