Nightlife

Nightlife on the Space Coast

Space Coast nightlife, so much to enjoy.

Nightlife in the area is abundant, beach bars, live music, pubs and pool halls. From happy hour along the beautiful waters of Port Canaveral watching the cruise ships depart to catching some live music in Cocoa Beach or Cocoa Village, we have you covered. Here are some great tips for you to enjoy the nightlife like a local. Below we break it down by area with some of our favorites.

Cocoa Beach

Downtown Cocoa Beach is loaded with options for nightlife, in fact the locals lovingly refer to the downtown area and the “Bar-muda-triangle”. Some of the spots, like Coconuts are very easily found while others are a bit off the beaten path. All with in walking distance, chat up some locals or the bartender and they will certainly point you in the right direction.

Coconuts on the Beach

While Coconut’s definantly has a more tourist vibe than most of selections, it is a good starting point. Locals and visitors alike enjoy the people watching from the large beachfront deck, this first stop will put you in walking distance to most of the beach’s watering holes.

The Beach Shack

The more local version of Coconuts, The Beach Shack is right next door with large deck right on the beach. With a more hole in the wall feel and some good live music on weekend it will have you feeling like a local.

Johnathan"s Pub

Long time local favorite hangout, Johnathan’s is know for fresh squeezed juice drinks and the worlds worst sandwiches (really good!). With the new addition of the outdoor patio and stage it is also a great place to enjoy some live music.

Salty Sisters

Located just a few hundred yards from Jonathan’s, Salty Sisters has a massive outdoor backlot with tables, horseshoe’s and a great Stage. Grab some food and drinks and enjoy some music on the Tiki stage.

JT's Social Bar

JT’s is just a short distance north of downtown located in the La Quinta hotel. The hotel, pre La Quinta was originally owned by the original

Historic Cocoa Village

Historic Cocoa Village is located about 7 miles west of Cocoa Beach. A very pretty historic district full of restaurants, bars, bakeries and shops. Situated waterfront on the Indian river the village is a great place to wander and often holds events like craft fairs and sip-and-strolls. Lots of variety include Irish, English and Geman pubs, sports bars and breweries there is something for everyone.

Time Out Sports Bar

Time Out was featured in the Dining section for their great food but they are also a must stop for a good time in the Village. With a HUGE patio, outside and inside bar, great service and like 60 TVs, they do no disappoint. Oh and did I mention that they offer some of the best drink specials you will find.

George & Dragon English Tavern

George & Dragon is a hopping little English tavern with lots of great imported English beers as well as fine cigars if thats your thing. The inside is small with a good tavern feel but what makes this place is the outdoor space. The out door seating is plentiful in a beautiful patio / courtyard feel. Tables range from small to large group tables and the stage is always hosting some great local live music.

Hogan's Irish Pub

We covered Hogan’s in our dining section but they are a great Irish Pub for a night out as well. They did a great job with the build, really has that warm Irish pub feel. Of course you can get your traditional beers as well as a huge whiskey selection. To top it off they get some great live music playing in the pub.

The Dirty Oar Beer Company

Beer Lovers this one is for you! The Space Coast is home to numerous breweries but in our opinion The Dirty Oar is the best. We like them because almost everything they brew is a hit, very few misses. The variety is fantastic, not just IPA but sour’s, lagers, porters. stouts they do it all. Trust me when I say the beer is great and they make some truly unique brews.

Merritt Island

Merritt Island is the community just west across the Banana River Lagoon. While there are some options for small local bars and chain restaurants This particular one is worth mention. If you are headed that way check them out.

Island Breakers Billiards and Darts

Island Breaker is a large pool and billiards bar that is clean, well staffed and runs great specials. We include this one on our list because you will not find a place like this on the beach.

Whether your game is pool or darts you will love this place. Tons of tables, dartboards and tv’s and many nights have tournaments you can jump in on.

The weekends can get lively with food trucks and life music, this is a place everyone will have a great time at.

Port Canaveral

Port Canaveral located just a few miles north of Cocoa Beach is easy to find, just look for the Massive cruise ships. A handful of restaurant / bars are situated right on the water and have nice decks to sit and watch the boat traffic. While we find the port to be more of a early day and happy area it is none the less a nice area to have a drink.

All the establishments are conveniently right next to each other so walking them all is very easy. The view is spectacular and happy specials can be can be pretty good. Also on weekend you are likely to find some live music on some of the decks. Rather than go thru each one just follow the following link to see all that Port Canaveral and “The Cove” has to offer.