A Guide to the Best Bars and Happy Hours in Venice

Venice is home to some of the best beach bars in Florida, which says a lot considering the number of bars and beaches in the Sunshine State. Some of the most popular bars according to the Venice Foodies Community is hot spots in town like Wally’s Pour House, Pop’s Sunset Grill, TJ Carneys, Paradise Grill, Linksters in Venice, Nokomo’s Sunset Hut, and Dockside Waterfront Grill.

Where Are The Best Bars in Venice?

In the hot and sunny Florida weather, a cocktail on the beachside is the best way to relax and refresh. If your New Year’s resolution or preferences excludes alcohol from your diet, don’t worry—there are ways to still enjoy a fancy refreshing concoction under the Venice sun. We’re going to dive in and give you the ultimate guide to the best bars in Venice… Then, read on to discover how to turn your favorite cocktails into mocktails.

What are the local favorites according to the Venice Foodies?

We recently took a poll inside the Venice Foodies Community asking where their favorite bar was… and we got a fantastic list! Check out 6 of the Top Favorite Bars in our area:

1. Pop’s Sunset Grill: A popular waterfront bar and restaurant located in Nokomis, just north of Venice. This laid-back establishment offers indoor and outdoor seating, with beautiful views of the Intracoastal Waterway. Known for its casual atmosphere, Pop’s Sunset Grill is an ideal spot for enjoying a meal or drink while watching boats pass by or taking in a stunning sunset.
2. Wally’s Pour House: Recently under new ownership of Michael Riley (of the infamous Big Mike’s Pizza), it is known for its laid-back atmosphere and friendly service. The bar offers a variety of beers on tap, bottled beers, and other beverages, as well as a menu with a range of pub fare like burgers, sandwiches, and appetizers. They are also known for their homemade pierogies.
3. TJ Carney’s: A vibrant Irish pub situated in the heart of downtown Venice, Florida. It features a welcoming atmosphere, making it a popular spot for locals and tourists alike to gather and enjoy good food, drinks, and company. The combination of hearty meals and a well-stocked bar ensures a satisfying dining experience for patrons.
4. Nokomos Sunset Hut: A tiki-style bar and grill situated on the picturesque shores of Dona Bay near Venice, Florida. This unique, waterfront establishment exudes a laid-back and relaxed atmosphere, making it a favorite spot for locals and visitors to unwind and soak in the beautiful surroundings.
5. Linksters of Venice: Known for its relaxed atmosphere and casual setting, it’s a great spot to meet with friends, catch a game, or play games like pool or electronic darts. The bar offers a wide variety of beers on tap, as well as bottled beers, wines, and cocktails. Although Linksters doesn’t serve food itself, they may allow patrons to bring in food from nearby restaurants or order delivery directly to the bar. On Friday and Saturday nights, Dog Friendly Gourmet Hot Dogs frequently sets up in the parking lot to serve their fabulous menu.
6. Bogey’s Sports Pub: A popular local spot, it offers a wide selection of beers on tap, including local and national brews, as well as bottled beers, wines, and cocktails to cater to different preferences. With numerous TVs strategically placed throughout the venue, patrons can easily watch multiple games and sports events simultaneously, making it an ideal spot for sports lovers.

Watch a Movie with Access to A Full Bar!

2111 S Tamiami Trail, Venice, FL 34293

Our own Spotlight Theater in South Venice has a FULL BAR to enjoy while catching your favorite movie. Experiencing a film in a theater with a fully stocked bar is an indulgent pleasure that elevates movie-watching to a novel level of enjoyment. The ability to enjoy a perfectly mixed cocktail, a refreshing beer, or a glass of fine wine while immersed in a cinematic masterpiece adds an extra layer of sophistication and delight to the experience. It’s not just about the movie anymore; it’s about the total sensory indulgence – the taste of your chosen beverage complementing the visual and auditory feast on the screen. The playful chatter of pre-film conversations, the clink of glasses, and the buzz of anticipation all blend into an intoxicating mix. A theater bar brings a social aspect to the movie-going experience, creating a convivial atmosphere that rivals a night out at a high-end lounge. It’s the joy of shared stories, both on and off the screen, making every outing a memorable occasion.

**Added Bonus… The seats are recliners with heated seats! Perfect for outings with the kids to enjoy some relaxation and keep them entertained.

Where Can I Find:

Live Music

• Cafe Venice – Thursday – Saturday 7 pm – 10 pm
• Snook Haven
• T.J. Carney’s
• Outlook Sports Bar
• Pop’s Sunset Grill
• Brewburgers Back Porch – Thursday-Saturday 6 pm – 9 pm
• Shuck N Ale
• Clever Monkey – Various Nights, See Website for Schedule
• Off-Trail Bike & Brew – Times vary, check their Facebook for more info.
• Nokomos Sunset Hut

Trivia Nights

• T.J. Carney’s – Tuesday from 7 pm – 9 pm
• Norma Jeans (in the Grill Room) – Wednesday at 6:30 pm
  • Game starts at 6:30 but come early to enjoy dinner and drinks as well! Winning teams awarded Norma Jean’s gift certificates.
    Call to reserve your team’s spot!
    (941) 492-5524
    **Max. teams of 8 persons.
• Food + Beer – Wednesday at 6:30 pm
• Brewburgers Back Porch – Tuesdays at 7 pm
• Crave Hot Dogs – Mondays from 6:30 pm to 8 pm
• Venice Ale House – Wednesday
• British Open Pub – Monday
• Venetian – Monday
• Elks Club – Thursdays
• Moose Club (Members Only) – Tuesday
• Paradise Grill
• Linksters in Venice – Thursday at 8:30 pm
• Clever Monkey – Tuesday from 7 pm – 9 pm

Best Happy Hour Specials

• Clever Monkey – Monday – Saturday from 11 am – 7 pm
• Pinchers – All Day Happy Hour
• Paradise Grill – Daily from Open – 6 pm
• Food + Beer – Daily 11 am – 7 pm
• Linksters in Venice – Daily Specials All Day Every Day
• Flynn’s on Venice Ave – 4:30-6:00 PM Wednesday – Saturday, 5:00-6:00 PM Sunday – Wine & Appetizer Specials
• Nokomos Sunset Hut – Daily from 2-4 PM
• Hotel Venezia Restaurant and Bar – Every day from 4 PM to 6 PM
• The Banyan House – Daily from 3-6 PM
• Villani & Co – Monday-Saturday from 3 pm – 5 pm and on Sundays 2 pm to Close. Drink and Food Specials

Karaoke

• T.J. Carney’s – Monday
• Outlook Sports Bar – Wednesday and Saturday
• The Diamonds Corner Bar – Friday 8 pm – Close
• Off-Trail Bike & Brew – Times vary, check their Facebook for more info.

Pool Tables

• Outlook Sports Bar
• The Diamonds Corner Bar

Outdoor Seating

• Brewburgers Back Porch
• Crave Hot Dogs
• Nokomos Sunset Hut
• Pinchers

Loaded Bloody Marys

• Burgundy Square Cafe
• Old Salty Dog
• Nokomos Sunset Hut
• Wally’s Pour House
• Shuck N Ale

Where is Smoking Allowed Inside?

• Outlook Sports Bar
• The Diamonds Corner Bar

A Full Guide To Bars in Venice and the Surrounding Area

How To Turn Your Favorite Cocktails Into Mocktails

Simply Remove the Liquor

The easiest way to transform a cocktail into a mocktail is to remove the alcohol. Many cocktail recipes consist of a base that provides you with a whole other drink within itself. Cosmopolitans with the liqueur and spirits removed leave you with cranberry juice with a spritz of lime. A virgin strawberry daiquiri gives you a frozen, fruity, sweetened citrus juice mix. Alcohol-free mojitos are basically soda water with lime, sugar, and mint. Simply removing the alcoholic components in a cocktail recipe still gives you a fun mixed drink to relish.

Mix in Some Classic Tangy Substitutes

If you want to fill the void of removed alcohol, mix in some classic tangy substitutes. Lemonade, ginger beer, and various citrusy fruit juices are go-to alcohol replacements, helping you transform cocktails into mocktails. They provide that extra kick and burn that alcohol supplies while supplementing any flavoring that the cocktail’s bitters would bring to the mix. Water is also a great filler, especially when using pre-made mixers and concentrates.

Embellish With Texture and Garnish

Cocktails provide more than just a libation—they also generate a specific drinking experience. They come with fizziness, smooth burns, and many other characteristics. Just like how serving apple juice in a wine glass immediately makes the drink seem fancier, certain cocktail features like carbonation, rich colorations, and mashed fruit do the same. Enhance the mocktail drinking experience to mirror a likeness to that of sipping on cocktails with embellished textures and garnishes.

Try To Stick to the Original Recipe

There are many delicious cocktail recipes that provide the perfect blend of flavors. Although it’s fun to experiment with creativity, sticking to the original cocktail recipe often provides the best mocktail transformations. For recipes that already include lemonade, juices, and soda, double the amount you use to fill the exclusion of alcohol. The closer you stick to the original recipe when making mocktails, the more likely you are to recreate the joys of the cocktail variation.

Whether you decide to order a mocktail or try your hand at crafting one at home, transforming your favorite drinks into booze-free versions allows you to enjoy fancy beverages. Turn your favorite cocktail recipes into mocktails with these tips, and don’t miss out on the fun of stretching out in the sun with a mixed drink in hand.