At the Friendly Tavern, there are no strangers … just friends you haven’t met yet.
The longtime watering hole reopened in December after months of repairs and renovations. Tall windows near the ceiling let in natural light, while the wraparound bar and a second seating area overlook Gulf Boulevard and offer views of beach sunsets from the shaded front deck.
Saltwater Hippie owner Kenny Davis purchased the bar to preserve one of the county’s oldest drinking establishments, which dates to 1947 and hosts one of Florida’s longest-running karaoke nights.
Manager Lisa Herod, who has worked with Davis at Saltwater Hippie for seven years, said Davis wanted to maintain the bar’s community feel.
“The community knows and loves having their local watering hole back,” Herod said. “People are happy to see the Friendly staff back in action — Billy, Darlene, Jamie, Desiree and Danielle — who know the customers.”
Davis is simultaneously relocating his Saltwater Hippie operation from its current Madeira Beach location to the former Brass Captain Saloon site after seven years on Madeira Beach Way.
“I like working at Saltwater Hippie, but this bar is as friendly and fun as its name,” said longtime bartender Sandy, who is working at both locations.
The flamingo serves as the bar’s unofficial mascot. Like the interior and food, it was reimagined by Davis and his team.
“The bar has so much history, and that’s the charm of it,” Herod said. “We added our flair and reimagined the look and feel and menu of local seafood, handhelds, salads and daily specials. … We’ll see what everyone likes best.”
History
The bar’s Old Florida vibe dates to 1947, when the Friendly Tavern opened as the Alibi Eats in the Redington Strip. As the small fishing town evolved, Redington Shores was established in 1955. In the 1980s, the Alibi Eats transformed into the Friendly Tavern under new ownership; a star was born.
For more than 40 years, the bar hosted an annual Halloween party, New Year’s Eve karaoke featuring “Auld Lang Syne,” and a blowout Super Bowl party. The Beach Beacon reported on May 28, 1987, that the bar had added a sun deck.
Hurricane recovery
Hurricanes Helene and Milton pummeled Redington Shores in 2024, toppling Wahoo’s, Sea Breeze and the Friendly Tavern with mounds of sand and leaving residents with damaged homes.
Davis was able to restore the beloved hangout with more than fresh paint and new furniture. The reopening includes an improved kitchen, new coolers and a thorough renovation. Patrons filled the seats from day one.
What’s new
The bar now offers a weekend build-your-own Bloody Mary bar and mimosa carafes from 9 a.m. to noon, plus late-night food from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
In addition to a fully stocked bar, the tavern features multiple taps, bottled and canned beers, and craft cocktails including frozen drinks. Customers can watch sports on TVs, play bingo on Tuesdays, trivia on Wednesdays, and enjoy karaoke on Friday and Saturday nights.
Menu
Breakfast options include chicken and waffles, biscuits and gravy, shrimp and grits, breakfast tacos, avocado toast, and grouper or Florentine Benedict.
Lunch offerings include a Cajun fried grouper sandwich, Philly cheesesteak with tater tots, and smash burgers. The cornflake-breaded chicken tenders are served with two sides.
Entrees include salmon, chopped steak, shrimp skewers and grouper filet. Wings are available in flavors including bacon jam, hot honey and Cajun dry rub with honey buffalo and minced garlic.
Late-night options include churro cheese curds, mozzarella sticks, seared ahi tuna, Philly egg rolls, fish spread and fried pickles. A kids’ menu features French toast sticks, mac and cheese, hot dogs and chicken nuggets.
Hours and information
Breakfast is served 8 a.m.-11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Lunch and dinner are available daily 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Bar hours: Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-midnight; Friday, 11 a.m.-1 a.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m.-1 a.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m.-midnight.
The Friendly Tavern is located at 18121 Gulf Blvd., Redington Shores. Call 727-201-4445 or visit friendlytavernflorida.com.