Beach Bar, defined

What exactly is a beach bar?

How one defines a beach bar is purely subjective, isn’t it? Must it be on an actual beach? Or even on the water? Is it possible to get beach bar vibes in an urban setting?

I’m of the opinion that beach bar vibes can be found anywhere. Try Sunken Harbor in NYC, The Palm Tree Club in the Kansas City Power and Light District, or The Reef in Boise, Idaho. While nothing beats warm air and sunshine on a patio or dock, sometimes we have to make the best of the situation we’re in!

Sunken Harbor Club, Brooklyn NY

So, what are the essential ingredients of a beach bar?

1. Divey vibes - FoodRepublic.com defines a dive bar as one where “the aim is all about good company, backed by a scruffy environment with a charm that's hard to put a finger on.” Sounds about right!

   
   

   

   Generic Dive Bar, Anywhere

   
   

2. Great views - There’s nothing like a water view. Water is calming, reduces feelings of anxiety, boosts our mood. There’s a sense of space that is felt when you’re looking out over the water, a freedom. And if you’re in Boise? You can take yourself to The Reef until you catch the next plane to Hawaii!

   
   

   

   Silk O'Loughlin's, Rochester NY

3. Wood - You know exactly what I mean. Wood is tactile. The feel of the bar under your elbows, the way it absorbs the years of salt in the air. You just know that those old wooden beams and benches carry with them so many tales.

Not every beach bar is going to tick all of these boxes. As a matter of fact, some might actually not tick any. And that’s ok, because if a beach bar makes you feel good then it’s doing its job, isn’t it?

Cheers,

Katherine