Seaside Spirits: The Hut

Nestled at the heart of John’s Pass, The Hut puts the pass on the map for parties. The waterfront bar makes the list this week because it’s a quintessential oasis on a blisteringly hot day. Here are some other things that make this place a draw: 

The beverages. Sure, it’s perfectly fine if you want to do a margarita, or even have a standard issue beer, but the drink menu has a wealth of doozies. Among interesting options: Haunted Kool-Aid, Tiki God Colada, and the Pirate’s Kiss. There’s also a surprisingly good selection of beer here. It includes oronado Brewing’s Islander IPA, Abita’s Purple Haze, and Sea Dog’s Blue Paw Ale (which has a tinge of blueberry flavor).

The air. There’s a roof over the bar, sure, but the place is essentially open air. Salt water flows by just outside this large waterfront establishment, so there’s usually no shortage of sea breeze flowing through. It makes for quite the beach respite.

The look. Of all tropical drinkeries on the Pinellas beaches, we find this one most reminiscent of Maui bars (think Kihei). The predominantly tiki aesthetic mixes with flowers, a koi pond, and bamboo to achieve that effect. Even so, a little Floridiana creeps in here and there.

The stage. Any place that has an overhead stage gets our vote. Bands play just beneath the bar’s very high ceiling, and bands play most days.

The dock. Patrons who want to get even closer to the water can order and imbibe beverages from a bar the Hut constructed on its dock. Very breezy, very cool.