There are plenty of reasons a great beach bar could go unnoticed by the larger drinking public. It could be the lack of a website or an off-the-beaten-path location. It may be situated in a strip mall that looks like nothing special out front but boasts a great vibe with dollar bills hanging from the ceiling, friendly bartenders, and world-class cocktails (or just perfect ice-cold beer). But how does one go about finding these hidden gems? Ask a bartender!

With that in mind, we made it our mission to uncover the most loved beach bars in the United States by surveying bar professionals from around the country about places they like to frequent—with programs they think deserve more love than they get when they want to knock back a drink or two.

The Jungle Bird

San Juan, Puerto Rico

Located on the edge of La Placita in San Juan, Puerto Rico, the Jungle Bird serves  Taino-tropical drinks. Rattan tables and chairs outside and hand-painted furniture inside complement the mural of tropical foliage and umbrella-laden drinks in every hand. The drinks contain serious layers of flavor with whimsical garnishes like the pink flamingo koozie fitted to the signature Jungle Bird—a house rum blend, with lime, pineapple, and Campari. The menu has versions of the classic tiki cocktails like the Fog Cutter and playful tropical drinks like Frida’s Visit to Moma. Every ingredient is fresh—you will not find a slushy, overly sweet colada at Jungle Bird. And the bites complement the creative concoctions. Expect Korean-style pork belly, Japanese-style fried chicken, and odes to cauliflowers amid the rotating menu.

This cozy little tiki bar has captured the hearts of many locals and industry insiders. But the co-founder and CEO of Thirsty, Tara Fougner, feels it hasn’t received the global attention it deserves. “Its contributions to rum culture, active role in addressing cultural appropriation of tiki while celebrating tropical cocktail culture, and acknowledging the importance of Puerto Rico’s and the Greater Antilles’ role in both are [important to the industry],” she said.

While that is impressive enough, its employee-owned business model really sets it apart from its industry brethren. Most customers don’t realize Jungle Bird was purchased by its employees when the previous owners, who run nearby North America’s 50 Best Bars La Factoria, decided to sell. Keeping in that spirit of collaboration, the team actively supports their local community, invests in travel to events, enters competitions like Speed Rack, and buys books for their staff to keep spreading the message of honoring tiki in a culturally appropriate way while serving delicious, innovative drinks. And it strives to be a safe and inclusive space for all cultures and identities, including the LGBTQ+ community.

Dove Island Lodge

Sitka, Alaska

Located on a private island renowned for salt and freshwater fishing, this luxurious lodge offers a heavy dose of luxury surrounded by panoramic wilderness. A river rock fireplace warms the air while racks of antlers and taxidermied fish remind guests why they are there. Owners Duane and Tracie Lambeth hail from Napa Valley, California, and brought their 35 years of experience in wine country bed-and-breakfasts to Sitka. The bar, a simple slab of hewn wood populated with a few primitive wood stools, has the largest wine list of any lodge in Alaska. But the menu of 100 different Scotches, specialty Cognacs, and creative cocktails (like the strawberry vodka, banana purée, and balsamic fig Amigo Juice, garnished with a mozzarella cheese ball) draws Alex Velez, the beverage director at Las Vegas’s Lost Spirits Distillery and competitor on Netflix’s Drink Master. He loves how the exclusive and serene environment enables him to connect with nature and his inner self. “Their [premium] spirits selection, amazing cocktails, and award-winning wine cellar make it not just the best bar in Alaska, but the best bar anywhere,” Velez said.

Louie’s Afterdeck

Key West, Florida

Everybody who knows Key West knows Blue Heaven and the chickens. Louie’s is the owners’ little secret located on the quieter corner of Waddell and Vernon streets. Set in a Victorian former home with an expansive deck overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, it’s open from midday until late at night. Teak cocktail tables fill the space and dogs are welcome. One of Jimmy Buffet’s former homes is next to the bar, which started in 1971 with only twelve seats. In 1983, Phil and Pat Tenney bought and renovated the space, earning a spot in the National Register of Historic Places. Linger with a Louie’s Lemonade as the sun slips on another day in the Conch Republic.

Palm Pavillion

Clearwater Beach, Florida

This toes-in-the-sand local favorite has been serving its signature Palm Rum Runner since 1926. There is live music most days and the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico is a perfect way to end a day on the sugar-white sand. It is the oldest operating beach pavilion in Florida, and they have been serving the community since before refrigeration when beer came in a bucket of ice. They make their Cuban sandwiches Tampa-style with salami on renowned La Segunda Bakery Cuban bread.

Longtime local and realtor Fran Bartlett travels extensively when not working, but nothing makes her feel more welcome than returning to the Palm Pavilion. She added, “I love the vibe where locals welcome visitors to their backyard. It sits on sand so fine and white it feels like sugar.  The sunsets are amazing. I love to take my time and listen to music, sipping a frozen margarita, and just enjoy people-watching.”

Huck’s Cove

Gautier, Mississippi

This funky watering hole located on the West Pascagoula River has been serving dedicated locals for 25 years, but the legend of Huck goes back much further. Locals say Huck washed ashore near the now town of Gautier during the great hurricane of 1609. He built a shack and started cooking burgers that became famous with locals and the French and Spanish explorers who passed through. Locals say Huck’s spirit still lives, and some evenings he can even be spotted sitting at the Fetchpoint with a cocktail in one hand and his fishing pole in the other. His dog “Fetch” is said to be seen lying at his feet welcoming all the other pups to the dog-friendly space. You can reach this secluded spot by boat or car. Yvette Vogel, Coast Transit Authority marketing/mobility coordinator, and resident of Gautier, loves hanging out at Huck’s. “It is one of the coolest dining places on the Coast. Get the Shrimp & Mushroom Quesadilla and eat on the water.”

Idle Hour Biergarten

Atlantic Beach, NC

This German beer garden caters to all members of the family, including the furry ones. There is live music every Friday and Saturday by local artists and a rotating seasonal selection of native North Carolina craft beers, along with German craft beers, available by the glass, pint, stein, bottle, or can. Their signature Beach Water Cocktail, soothing coastal palate, and hearty bratwurst served with homemade mustard and beer cheese have kept the locals returning for over a decade.