Out on the Town

Back Porch Bar, 132 W. Cotter, on the harbor, next to Woody's Sports Center, 749-2800. Re-opens in March. Open daily noon through 2 a.m. Open-air hang-out where you can watch anglers return with the day's catch while sipping a margarita or ice-cold longnecks. Look for live music Wednesday-Sunday nights featuring an eclectic mix of Texas music from honky-tonk to reggae. www.pabackporchbar. com. H, V, MC, AE, D.

Beach Lodge, 2016 On The Beach, 749-5713. Among the last authentic beach bars in the United States. Lounge on a shaded deck 200 feet from the Gulf of Mexico as the surf rolls and sip your favorite cold beer, glass of wine or soft drink. Select from a full food menu, or just snack on delicious appetizers. Open daily. H, NS, MC, V, D, AE.

Bernie's Beach House, 730 Trout St., 749-4440. Live bands, dance floor, DJ, bar, Texas Hold 'Em tournaments, pool tables and games. Mardi Gras Kitchen inside serves New Orleans style food. H, All major credit cards.

Gaff, 323 E. Beach St., 749-5970. The last stop before you get to the beach, this island-style bar serves up cold beer in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Wine, setups. Dance to the jukebox, enjoy a game of darts or pool or munch on freshly made pizza right up to midnight. H, Major credit cards

Lovett's Bar, 315 S. Alister St., in Alister Square Center across from the Family Center IGA, 749-4466. This island watering hole is open noon to 2 a.m. daily. Happy hours and drink specials. Live music, karaoke, pool tables, shuffleboard, video games. Lovett's Bar Grill open Thursday through Saturday 5 p.m. to midnight, Sunday noon - ?, serving burgers, sandwiches, fries, hot dogs and more. H, All major credit cards.

Neptune's Retreat, 905 State Hwy. 361, 749-2600. Enjoy Neptune's Garden outdoor patio. Live music. Happy hour 4-8 p.m. Drink specials on weekdays. Open mike and karaoke nights. Open daily at 4 p.m. H, V, MC, AE.

Pelican Club, 914 Tarpon, 749- 0580. A cocktail and appetizer bar overlooking the city marina. Enjoy cocktails and gourmet appetizers inside or on the shaded deck. Live music on weekends. H, NS, V, MC, D.

Pelican's Landing La Playa, 337 Alister, 749-6405. Part of Pelican's Landing Restaurant, La Playa features live music, fun and games, a beach volleyball court and shopping at adjacent shops. Major credit cards.

Sandollar Sity Saloon, 3038 On the Beach, 749-5000. Just a few feet from the water between Markers 15 and 16. Sip with your toes in the sand. Beer, wine and set-ups. Open daily. H, NS, Major credit cards.

Salty Dog Saloon, 230 N. Alister, 749-4912. Enjoy a mix of countrywestern, blues and 50's rock-n-roll with beer, wine and liquor. This night spot features live entertainment, karaoke and a full bar. H, MC, V, D.

Sharkey's, 2600 State Hwy. 361, 749-4254. Classic rock to country in a casual, nautical atmosphere. Music, dancing, pool and games. V, MC, AE, DC/CB.

Shorty's, 821 Tarpon St. behind the Coast Guard Station, 749-8077. The "island's oldest and friendliest" watering hole attracts mostly locals. Occasional local, live entertainment,

sometimes spur-of-the-moment

Lovett's events. Darts and regulation size pool tables. H.

Tarpon Ice House, 321-A N. Alister St. Beer, wine and set-ups. Frequent live music. Open daily noon to 2 a.m. H,S, no credit cards.

The Coast Club, 1023 State Hwy. 361, next to Ace Hardware, 749- JOES (5637). One of the newest bars on the island includes a patio and flat screens. Happy hour: Monday-Friday 4-9 p.m. H. Credit Cards.

The Flats Lounge, 801 Tarpon St., 749-1990. Cold beer. Live music on weekends. Pool and video games. Open daily 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. Happy Hour 2-7 p.m. Must be 21. Major credit cards.

Trout Street Bar & Grill, 104 W. Cotter St., 749-7800. Enjoy the view overlooking the harbor while sipping a specialty frozen drink. Big screen TV for sporting events or "how-to" fishing videos. H, All major credit cards.

VFW Post 8967, 311 N. Alister St., 749-6534. You don't have to be a veteran to enjoy this bar that is open to the public. Open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon to 8 p.m. Sunday. H.

Virginia's on the Bay, 815 Trout St., 749-4088. Sunsets don't get any better than this. Above the restaurant of the same name overlooking the marina, you can watch the boats come in with their catch and ships from foreign ports come and go daily from 5 p.m. except Monday and Tuesday. Live music on Friday and Saturday. H, V, MC, D, AE.

Wild Horse Saloon & Grill, 212 Beach St., 749-0105. Serving certified Angus burgers and Phillies. Enjoy a full bar, outdoor patio, pool table, darts, wii bowling, several big screen televisions, live music on weekends. Inexpensive. S, H, All major credit cards.

Check ads in the weekly editions of the South Jetty for current entertainment listings, or call the

individual establishments.

H: Handicap access; NS: Bar

Nonsmoking