Hey! Where are the good local hangouts? I have been out a few times since moving here a month ago from California and have yet to find any good local crowds since arriving. I used to live in Panama City Beach (a few years ago) and used to work here for Spring Break each year. I haven't been back in about 3 years and everything is so much different. I know all about the Bar Wars that they have in PCB but they are not as crowded as I remember. I keep checking the boards here because I have heard I can get some good info but there hasn't been any action on this board since June of last year?? Where is everyone?? I am getting lost in the tourist crowds and would love to meet some people who actually live here. I live in-between Destin and Panama City Beach so I would love some recommendations both locales.

Hmmm... I don't go to Destin very often, but when I do, we always hit Red Bar, AJ's, Howl at the Moon and Hog's Breath. There's usually a fair amount of Locals hanging out at all of those places on the weekends. Not sure about week nights. Plus, I'm sure there are some new bars that have opened recently that I don't know about. They tend to draw local crowds as they open.

I have a few friends that have lived in Destin and may have more suggestions. I'll email them and see what they say.

If you make it in to Criolla's (in Grayton) anytime soon, ask for the Tim, the General Manager. He's a good friend and has lived in Destin and Panama City and would be more than happy to help you out. Tell him Steve from TripSmarter sent you. He may even have some suggestions for local hangouts in the Grayton/Seaside area.

I'll try and help with your Panama City question, too...

Thank you, swn5363! Yes, I am currently staying across the street from Red Bar and love the place. I have always enjoyed AJ's from all my trips each year but haven't seen any local crowds yet so I will give it another round. I will check out Howl and Hog's Breath too. Been to the Hog's in Key West and had a blast there so that should be fun.
I just didn't know if they had a sort of "Bar Wars for people in the industry" going on in Destin like they do in PCB. Monday night here, Tuesday night here, and so on. Thank you for your help. Just trying to get in the loop without having to go through too many more nights of figuring it out.
I will check out Criolla's soon, thanks for the hook-up.

Ciao~

I haven't been yet, but I hear The 3-Thirty-1 is really cool (aka Blue Bar). Same owners from Red Bar. At the HWY 331 bridge in Santa Rosa Bch.

Pandora's gets some Grayton and Seaside locals. And Borago's, too. But you've probably been already.