Besides the beautiful bright white beaches, our guests enjoy wining, dining, and listening to live music while on vacation. There are some great places to enjoy all of the above near our vacation rentals located in and around Grayton Beach. You don't have to drive far to have some fun, and some of the lively spots are actually within walking distance of many of our properties!
Red Bar
The most famous of these is the Red Bar, which is located in the charming, laid back historic village center of old Grayton Beach. This highly popular iconic destination has been around for almost three decades. It is well-known for its distinctive funky college-like décor complete with poster plastered walls, eclectic furnishings, old couches, antique armchairs, lots of red-lighted chandeliers and unique bordello type surroundings. It has been a favorite among locals, vacationing guests, and even celebrities have been spotted here. Jim Carrey had his birthday bash here when he and Laura Linney were on location filming "The Truman Show" in Seaside. Cheryl Crow is a regular and has even performed with the band on stage from time to time. Other visiting celebrities have included Willie Nelson, Matthew McConaughey, Katie Holmes, Keith Urban, Kenny Chesney, Rachael Ray, Amy Grant, Vince Gill, Ted Danson, Mary Steenburgen, and local chef Emeril Lagasse. The Red Bar is known for great craft cocktails as well as daily menus presented on chalkboards with offerings like crab cakes, shrimp or crawfish pasta dishes, stuffed eggplant, panne' chicken, and the fish of the day specials. The renowned Red Bar Jazz Band has played for many years along with local favorite Dread Clampitt and DJ Vladi. Unfortunately, the original building, which was the 100+-year-old Grayton Beach General Store burned down last year. However, it is being replicated and is already under roof - due to open Memorial Day 2020. Once again, it will provide "a good time for all!"
Chiringo
Almost diagonally across the street is Chiringo, which was named by the partners who created it after visiting special places found along the Spanish coast on a trip back in 2014. Such places featured bar drinks and tasty tapas in a casual setting near the beach. They were inspired to create the same thing in the historic Grayton Beach village center just a few years ago, and it has become quite popular. They feature Spanish styled Bowls with choice of greens, grains, shrimp, tuna, chicken or fish; appetizers with Fried Oysters, Guacamole, Cajun cream cheese Snapper Dip, Salsa and Sandwiches, Burger and Hot Dogs. It is a double level bar and restaurant with a distinct décor, vibe, and gulf views from the upper level. They currently are having special Karaoke Nights every Friday until May 1st. They have started a shuttle service for patrons during the season to ease parking woes from a parking lot just north of Scenic 30A on County Road 283.
AJ's Grayton Beach
AJ's Grayton has recently re-opened to expand the rollicking legend that began on Destin's Harbor way back in 1984, known as AJ's Seafood and Oyster House. You have most likely been there during your travels down to Destin since they are known for fresh succulent oysters, gulf caught seafood, delicious drinks, live music and dancing 365 days per year. You have most assuredly seen it towering over the marina with its big waterfront deck crowned by a giant thatched roof Tiki Hut! The original home base still provides drinks, dining and rollicking good times. The AJs at Grayton Beach continues this festive tradition in a big beach-chic pavilion of sorts that is located just south of Scenic 30A on 283 going towards old Grayton Beach. A vintage Chevy Country Squire Station Wagon from the 50s out front along with a wild assortment of surfboards, canoes, and kayaks over the front door can't be missed! Once inside, a rustic beamed cathedral ceiling rises up to a peak point with a crystal chandelier hanging from its center and an assortment of hanging fish buoys, nets, and boats all around the edges. Besides the great seafood and drinks, AJs is known for having live music almost every night. They have a Happy Sushi & Oyster Hour with special prices Monday through Fridays 4 pm till 6 pm; Karaoke on Tuesday nights; Ladies Night on Wednesdays; Open Mic on Sundays along with a Crawfish Boil and live music by various bands almost every night. Live music is featured from 5 pm till 8 pm during the dinner rush. Afterward, the center floor is cleared of tables for a dance floor, and a full band performs from the main stage. It makes for quite a night of dining, drinking, dancing, and all sorts of frivolity!
Hibiscus Café
The Hibiscus Café is a more laid back affair and is next door to AJs. They are known for their wonderful home-baked breakfasts served with gourmet coffee in a charming Old Florida styled setting from 8:00 am till 10:00 am daily. Be sure to try their waffles and fresh-baked cinnamon buns! Every Saturday from 4:00 pm till 8:00 pm they have live music, food, and drinks through May 30th. The event is hosted by musician Lawrence Bertoldi and his "Band of Ne' er-Do Wells," along with special revolving guests. An open mic session is included between 5 pm & 7 pm. On Sundays during the season the Hibiscus Cafe features a wonderful brunch served with mimosas in their back yard patio garden which is quite lovely. Various musicians play outdoors while folks enjoy conversation, tasty treats, hot coffee, and ice-cold mimosas. Besides enjoying a serene, happy brunch with loved ones, patrons should be pleased to know that a portion of each fare's expense is donated to a different local charity every week. Happy Sunday!
The next time you come visit us - get ready to dance, dine, drink, and dance to live music at the Grayton Beach destination of your choice. Enjoy planning your holiday by checking out our highly hospitable vacation rentals here on our user-friendly website. You will see detailed descriptions, multiple images of each one, aerial satellite location views, seasonal rates, and dates that are still available for reservations. Get ready to enjoy some live musical vibes in good ole Grayton Beach!
