Located at the north end of John’s Pass, Bamboo Beach Bar and Grill welcome the fun-loving, laid-back beach crowd that you’d expect to find in paradise. The Boo was the first bar in John’s Pass and is one of the two oldest structures still around [Don’s Dock is the other]. With its experience, this world famous bar, with the most outdoor seating in the Pass, has developed the best in food, drink and entertainment. You will hear the live music everyday during peak season [and Thursday thru Sunday the rest of the year], but be sure to arrive early to hear the best bands on the beach – seats fill up quickly. While you’re waiting for the music to start, grab a frozen drink and a bite to eat from their new menu. Fish tacos, smoked fish spread and burgers remain the standard fare favorite. If you like trying something a little different, dig into grilled pig wings with eggplant fries. Yum! No matter your selection on the menu, you will enjoy yourself as you sit back, relax and bask in the glory of this gorgeous Florida weather!

Heralded by the Tampa Bay Times as the best place to drink Florida craft beer, Mad Pub has 63 taps and over 100 craft beers, most made right here in the sunshine state. You first notice Mad Pub, located in the middle of John’s Pass Village, with it’s laid­back outdoor seating. Next door to Mad Pub rests Cuban Paradise Cigar, so you can enjoy a great beer and a great cigar from the same chair! Taking a walk inside Mad Pub, you are greeted by the hand ­crafted bar that runs the width of the front of the pub and wraps around, expanding the length of the interior, creating plenty of seating for you and your friends on vacation. With over two dozen 50”+ TVs lining the ceiling, loaded with every sports’ premium package, you won’t miss a second of your favorite game. If mixed drinks and hard liquor sound like your idea of fun, then get ready to be happy. Mad Pub has a wide array of the best frozen and mixed drinks on the beach with premium spirits that you cannot find anywhere else. Mad Pub hosts several launch and promo parties for the best liquor you can find. Different brands of fresh beer and spirits make their home at Mad Pub every week, so be sure to stop by or check out their website to find out what’s on board including Pint Night every Monday, Loyalty Night every Tuesday and Flight Night every Wednesday.

Founded over 30 years, De Losa’s Pizza has been serving up the best pizza on the beach. With a menu with all of the classic italian options and delectable sandwiches [my favorite is the Sicilian], the expansive indoor dining area and outdoor patio satisfies your taste for food and a good dining experience. While the food hits the spot, it claims the spot as the best neighborhood bar in the Pass. De Losa’s quaint indoor bar, adjacent to the dining area with seating for about 30, reminds you of cheers on the beach. The friendly faces of Fred and Jon greet you day and night, and Jimmy the owner routinely hangs out with the local fishing crowd. If you’re looking for a spot to get passionate about the game, look no further. 2­for­1 drafts take the lead for every Tampa Bay sports event as well as during happy hour [4pm ­ 6pm and 11pm ­ 2am]. Spend more than an hour here, which is very easy to do, and you’ll notice the unique­to­De Losa’s waves of people that come in. One minute the bar is standing­room­only; the next minute it’s just you and the bartender. Five minutes later, the bar has filled up like a class of Makers­ and­ water. Shots, beers and cocktails reign supreme at De Losa’s, so stop by for great food, great drinks and a great time.

While you’re on the boardwalk at John’s Pass, walk to the east and you’ll find the largest Tiki Bar in the world: The Hut. The Hut has a wide array of craft beer as well as your favorite mixed or frozen drink. Live music fills the air nearly every day, but wait for sundown for the real fun to start. The elevated stage, sitting one full story above the bar, reminds you of something in a dream [well, this is a spectacular spot in paradise, so maybe it’s fitting]. Looking towards the water you’ll find a short pier with ample seating that continues to an outdoor seating area no other, right in the middle of the Pass! You can still hear the tunes from this seating area as well as watch the sunset and take in all action on the water. 10 just east of your table, a friendly face from Woody’s Watersports sends another adventure seeker out into in the Gulf of Mexico on a fast and furious jet ski ride. Directly in front of you, watch pods of dolphins swim by as well as manatees and their newborn calves. Drinks, entertainment, people watching and great shots of nature: hard to find this anywhere else!