Where: 739 E. Ocean Ave, Boynton Beach // 561/732-9400
Lowdown: One of Florida’s most attractive features is being able to spend time outside all year round. Restaurants and bars with outdoor seating and entertainment are definitely at an advantage — especially when they’re situated right on the intracoastal, much like Banana Boat in Boynton Beach.
This landmark destination aims to give locals and visitors a real Florida experience — and it does it well. Immediately upon entering Banana Boat, you’re smacked in the face with just how “Florida” it really is. You get a full view of the waterway with passing boats, with many docked while their owners grab something to eat or drink.
The beachy vibe is exaggerated even more so by the casual atmosphere. Employees are in tank tops and shorts and there is certainly no fancy dress code for guests. Everyone’s friendly and talkative, and it’s obvious everyone’s there to have a good time.
Intangibles: Bartenders call Friday night their best night — people come in after work for happy hour and end up staying much later than anticipated. Words of advice? If you’ve got plans to head over to Banana Boat to toast the weekend, don’t make any other late night plans. The live entertainment and energetic crowd are likely to convince you to keep the party going well past happy hour.
If you’re into cocktails, try the Banana Margarita, a mix of house tequila and a splash of banana liqueur, for only $5.50. It’s tropical without tasting too much like banana, and salty without reminding you too much of a traditional margarita. But don’t look for this unique combination on the regular menu, it’s one of the Daily Drink Specials listed on a menu available at the bar. Craft beer lovers can get their taste of craft varieties from Cigar City and Dogfish, among others.
Plenty of wine options and other cocktails are available to keep guests happy while they indulge in seafood favorites such as Blue Point oysters and fresh Florida blackened mahi-mahi.
Noteworthy: Ladies Night is every Tuesday from 9 p.m. to close, with a live D.J. providing the music all night long. Ladies get two free drinks or shots, and appetizers are half-price for all. Poker player? Then you’ve gotta get over to Banana Boat on Thursday nights for their weekly Texas Hold’em style tournaments. They start at 7 p.m. with free buy-ins. Domestic beers are $2, house shots are $4 and you can order off the appetizer menu all night.
Live music on Friday and Saturday goes from 7-11 p.m. You can hear the music as soon as you pull into the parking lot. It’s a pretty inviting way to entice people to stay at Banana Boat instead of continuing driving to the restaurant next door.
Happy Hour is Monday through Saturday at the bar from 4-7 p.m. Lunch is available everyday from 11-4 p.m.
There is plenty of room for docking your boat, as well as complimentary valet.
Hours: Banana Boat is open Monday through Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Website: bananaboatboynton.com
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