Who says Happy hour has to start at 5 o’clock? Not when you are on Island time! There are so many options for enjoying a fabulous happy hour on Marco Island. We rounded up our top favorite watering holes for the happiest of hours. Some are off the beaten path (where the locals go) and others are more well known.
Mango’s Dockside Bistro – Waterfront Cocktails and Dining
Open 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Happy Hour 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Mango’s Dockside Bistro is a family friendly, American bistro that offers something for the whole family. From seafood and burgers to sushi. This waterfront restaurant offers happy hour deals. Included are several $5 items such as a large shrimp cocktail, oysters on the half shell, a sushi sampler, bacon-wrapped shrimp and more. Kids are allowed in the bar area, so bring the whole family!
Insider’s In-The-Know: You must try their specialty martinis! “The Smokehouse,” made of orange vodka, pineapple and cranberry juice, and “The Marco Sunset,” mango vodka, triple sec, orange juice and grenadine, are that much better at the happy hour price!
Stilts Beachside Bar and Grill – Just a Short Beachside Stroll Away!
Open 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday through Sunday
11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday
Happy Hour 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Located within walking distance to our beachfront condominium, this casual dining venue at the Crystal Shores Marriott, Vacation Club. Marriott offers water-view dining and crafty cocktails. Stilts’ happy hour is from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. daily and is an easy beachside stroll up from a beach day. This is a great place to watch the sunset!
Insider’s In-The-Know: Do you like Pina Coladas? Try not to get caught in the rain, but do try the Stilt’s twist on this classic drink. The Calusa Colada is made with Myers’s dark rum with a rim of honey and coconut flakes.
Jack’s Lookout – Take a Dive after a Day on the Water
Open everyday 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
This small, unassuming indoor/outdoor bar is located in Rose Marina. You wouldn’t even know it’s there, unless you were looking for it. A great dive bar, Jack’s is a local favorite for pulling up a chair and grabbing a drink. Off the back deck watch for the rolling Tarpon and boats going by. Jack’s serves only beer and wine, but this is the best place to grab hot dogs, chili or clam chowder.
Snook Inn– Live Entertainment
Two Happiest of Hours 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. to close everyday.
Discounted late night food menu.
Snook Inn is “the” place to enjoy waterside dining with specialty cocktails and spectacular views. Arrive by boat, car or complentary taxi service. You’ll enjoy the live entertainment, with daily performances; this Marco Island treasure will not disappoint. It claims to be world-famous, although no one is sure why, but its Chickee bar is one for the books!
Sand Bar Marco – Going out Like a Local!
Open 7 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Two Happiest of Hours 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. to close
The locals flock to Sand Bar Marco for a low-key happy hour. The deals are hard to pass up with domestic bottle and drafts for $2 and wells for $2.50. They have unbeatable food options including chicken wings, raw oysters, mini burgers, mini tacos and sloppy joes! Plan a visit on Thursday evening and be prepared for a lively evening of karaoke.
Beachfront Balcony – Your Marco Island Condominium
And of course… enjoy Marco Island sunsets with a cocktail from the comfort and privacy of your beachfront condominium. Sometimes, you just need a night in!
We are 6 retired educators who anxiously await our visit to beautiful Marco Island October 4 – 13. We enjoy food and shopping. We would appreciate any info on the places residents eat at and shop. Tourist traps are not our thing! Thanks for everything you can tell us so we can have the best Marco Island experience possible.