{"id":389839,"date":"2026-09-04T01:08:11","date_gmt":"2026-09-04T01:08:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/389839\/"},"modified":"2026-09-04T01:08:11","modified_gmt":"2026-09-04T01:08:11","slug":"best-of-stuart-2026-drinks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/389839\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Of Stuart 2026: Drinks"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"PhotoPhoto courtesy of Gilbert\u2019s Coffee Bar
\nBest Craft Cocktails: The Black Marlin<\/a><\/p>\n

At The Black Marlin, the creativity doesn\u2019t stop in the kitchen. Signature sips like the Smoked Old Fashioned, Barrel-Aged Maple Manhattan, and Tequila Mockingbird showcase an impressive cocktail program built on craftsmanship, quality ingredients, and a touch of imagination.<\/p>\n

Runners Up: District Table<\/a>, Palm City Social<\/a><\/p>\n

Best Coffee Shop: Gilbert\u2019s Coffee Bar<\/a><\/p>\n

Great coffee starts with great beans. At Gilbert\u2019s Coffee Bar, specialty roasts from Wells Coffee Company are transformed into expertly crafted espresso drinks, fueling everyone from early risers to downtown regulars.<\/p>\n

Runners Up: Cali Coffee<\/a>, The Googan Coffee Shop<\/a><\/p>\n

\"IanIan Gelardi at The Gafford. Photo by Jackie Rivers Salt & Social
\nBest Bartender\/Mixologist: Ian Gelardi, The Gafford<\/a><\/p>\n

The difference between a good cocktail and a great one often comes down to who\u2019s mixing it. At The Gafford, Ian Gelardi combines skill, creativity, and genuine hospitality to make every guest feel like they\u2019ve found their favorite seat at the bar.<\/p>\n

Runners Up: Eric Hayes, Culture Shift Elixery<\/a>; Sam McGeehan, The Urban Tapas<\/a><\/p>\n

\"PhotoPhoto courtesy of Ocean Republic Brewing
\nBest Brewery: Ocean Republic Brewing<\/a><\/p>\n

The Treasure Coast isn\u2019t just in Ocean Republic Brewing\u2019s address\u2014it\u2019s in every pint. From Treasure Coast IPA and Mangrove IPA to Captain\u2019s Kolsch and Sea Cow Milk Stout, the Stuart brewery has built a loyal following with creative brews that celebrate the region\u2019s coastal character.<\/p>\n

Runners Up: Frazier Creek Brewing & Distilling Co.<\/a>, Sound Brewing Company<\/a><\/p>\n

Best Dive Bar: Lures Riverfront Restaurant<\/a><\/p>\n

No frills, no fuss, just cold drinks, good food, and a waterfront view. Lures Riverfront Restaurant has earned its loyal following by staying true to what makes a great dive bar: a laid-back atmosphere, friendly faces, and a place where everyone feels like a regular.<\/p>\n

Runners Up: The Coconut Bar, Scooter\u2019s Fun, Food & Spirits<\/a><\/p>\n

Best Happy Hour: Dolphin Bar and Shrimp House<\/a><\/p>\n

When the afternoon sun starts to dip over the St. Lucie River, locals know exactly where to be. Dolphin Bar & Shrimp House pairs waterfront views with discounted cocktails, wine, oysters, peel-and-eat shrimp, and other crowd-pleasing bites, turning happy hour into a daily ritual worth savoring.<\/p>\n

Runners Up: The Gafford<\/a>, South Fork Kitchen & Bar<\/a><\/p>\n

\"PhotoPhoto courtesy of Healthfully Yours
\nBest Juice Bar: Healthfully Yours<\/a><\/p>\n

Fresh juices are just the beginning at Healthfully Yours. Alongside smoothies and wellness drinks, the longtime health-food destination offers vitamins, supplements, and natural products, making it a one-stop shop for healthy living.<\/p>\n

Runners Up: Fresh Fusion Juice Bar<\/a>, The Juice Stop<\/a><\/p>\n

\"PhotoPhoto courtesy of Citron Bistro
\nBest Mocktails: Citron Bistro<\/a><\/p>\n

Skipping the alcohol doesn\u2019t mean skipping the fun at Citron Bistro. Refreshers like the Tropical Mule, White Basil Oasis, Paloma Spritz, and Blackberry Lemonade deliver all the flavor, creativity, and presentation of a craft cocktail\u2014without the spirits.<\/p>\n

Runners Up: Culture Shift Elixery<\/a>, Priscilla\u2019s Oasis on Orange<\/a><\/p>\n

Best Outdoor Bar: Waterfront\u2014Sailfish Lounge & Grill<\/a><\/p>\n

A cold drink, live music, and a front-row seat to the marina\u2014that\u2019s the recipe at Waterfront. The lively gathering spot pairs tropical cocktails and laid-back vibes with an atmosphere that makes it easy to lose track of time and stay for one more round.<\/p>\n

Runners Up: Hudson\u2019s on the River<\/a>, The Pearl<\/a><\/p>\n

Best Smoothies: Ital Bowls<\/a><\/p>\n

You don\u2019t need a storefront to make a great smoothie. From its colorful food truck, Ital Bowls serves up tropical blends packed with fresh fruit, plant-based ingredients, and island-inspired flavor that keep customers coming back for more.<\/p>\n

Runners Up: Enzo\u2019s Caf\u00e9<\/a>, Playa Bowls<\/a><\/p>\n

Best Sports Bar: Carson\u2019s Tavern<\/a><\/p>\n

Some games are better watched with a crowd. Carson\u2019s Tavern combines plenty of TVs, cold beer, and passionate fans to create the kind of game-day atmosphere that keeps sports lovers coming back season after season.<\/p>\n

Runners Up: Townies Tavern<\/a>, J Michael\u2019s Tavern & Grille<\/a><\/p>\n

Best Wine Bar: Carmella\u2019s Wine Bar<\/a><\/p>\n

Whether you\u2019re a seasoned wine enthusiast or simply know what you like, Carmela\u2019s Wine Bar offers a welcoming place to explore. With carefully curated wines, shareable bites, and a cozy atmosphere, it\u2019s become a favorite gathering spot for Treasure Coast oenophiles.<\/p>\n

Runners Up: Casa del Vino<\/a>, The Grove<\/a><\/p>\n

\"PhotoPhoto courtesy of The Tea Party Bakery at Sugar House
\nEditor\u2019s Pick: Tea Time at\u00a0The Tea Party Bakery<\/a><\/p>\n

Escape the everyday with an elegant afternoon tea at The Tea Party Bakery. Housed inside Sugar House Bakery, the experience pairs premium loose-leaf teas with a beautifully presented tiered assortment of finger sandwiches, scones, pastries, macarons, and other scratch-made sweets. Choose from a curated selection of classic and herbal teas, then settle in for an unhurried afternoon where every detail feels thoughtfully considered. Whether you\u2019re celebrating a special occasion or simply slowing down for an afternoon, it\u2019s a charming excuse to linger over every sip\u2014and every bite.<\/p>\n