Pickle’s Sandbar and Shrimp Shack’s Boardwalk Bar step it up this summer

Enjoy the timeless charm of the restaurant bars in Seaside while you savor the flavors of the Gulf with inventive cocktails and spectacular views. Two hot spots on the beach side of town have made enhancements, making for a vibrant and easygoing drinking and dining experience. 

Restaurateurs Ashley and Clark Beecher and operating partners Courtney and Baron Fields are constantly working to bring their customers the hottest new food and drink items. They bring a new vibe to Pickle’s Sandbar and the Shrimp Shack’s Boardwalk Bar for the summer.

Pickle’s Sandbar is a popular outdoor bar where guests can order both their drinks and food from either the bar or main restaurant. The Sandbar features craft cocktails, including the Savannah Street Skinny Rita, named after the Beechers’ beach home address. The menu also includes craft beer, wine, and other frozen drinks. 

The Sandbar recently underwent cosmetic renovations. And new lounge seating designed by Courtney, situated directly on the sand, creates a welcoming experience. Enjoy a spicy margarita with a burger and fries from the main Pickle’s restaurant while relaxing on the cushioned seating, digging your toes in the sand. 

It’s not just the menus they’re famous for. With the addition of the Shrimp Shack’s expanded seating at its new Boardwalk Bar, adjacent to the Gulf-facing seating, you’ve got two perfect spots in which to enjoy your meal. Enjoy the grouper sandwich (blackened is a favorite style) with a refreshing cocktail. “The Seabreeze would be delicious to pair with the grouper sandwich, especially on a warm and sunny day,” Courtney says. “We use Stoli vodka, hand-squeezed lemon juice, fresh muddled mint and cucumbers with soda water.” 

The Shrimp Shack’s Boardwalk Bar has recently expanded its cocktail lineup. What was previously a selection of beer, wine and wine-based drinks now has more inventive cocktails. “We have hand-crafted cocktails made with freshly squeezed juices,” Courtney says, “plus draft beer, canned beer and a great selection of wine, including high-end options.”

Summer calls for a refreshing watermelon-inspired cocktail. Featured at both bars, the Watermelon Refresher is unique this year too. “We use locally sourced Half Shell Vodka produced by Distillery 98 here in Santa Rosa Beach,” Courtney says. “It has fresh muddled mint, fresh pressed watermelon juice, fresh squeezed lemon juice, shaken and served over ice topped with a splash of club soda and garnished with a watermelon wedge.” 

The sunset views at both bars are a part of the celebration of summer in Seaside. 

The Sandbar opens daily at 8 a.m. along with the restaurant and has happy hour daily from 3 to 5 p.m. offering discounted draft beers, half-off select wines, and $7 house margaritas.  In addition, it offers a grumpy hour from 8 to 10 a.m., featuring discounted bloody marys, mimosas and a breakfast taco plate. 

The Boardwalk Bar opens from 10 a.m. to a seasonal closing time and also offers happy hour from 3 to 5 p.m. with discounted raw oysters, beer and wine.