Our Favorite Local Bars (and What to Wear at Each)
Cocoa Beach has the kind of bar scene you only understand if you live here—or spend enough time here to know where the locals actually go. From craft cocktails to dive bars with ocean views, here’s our not-so-secret list of favorites and exactly what to wear to each one so you fit right in without trying too hard.
No dress codes. No pressure. Just good drinks, good people, and outfits that work in Florida weather.
The Alibi
www.thealibicocktailsandbites.com
The vibe: Elevated, moody, stylish, and one of the coolest cocktail spots in Cocoa Beach.
Wear this: Something chic but relaxed.
Try:
A slip dress or linen midi
Strappy sandals
A tiny gold necklace
You’ll feel put-together without being overdressed. Perfect for date night, girls’ night, or pretending you’re in a bigger city for a minute.
Board Room
www.boardroomcocoabeach.com
The vibe: Brunch energy with a local twist. Craft beer, seasonal bubbly concoctions, small bites, and a crowd that actually wakes up before 10 a.m.
Wear this: Cute, daytime casual.
Try:
A breezy sundress
Easy slides
Sunglasses that hide your mimosa count
It’s brunch—you’re allowed to look adorable.
Salty Sisters
www.saltysisterscb.com
The vibe: Family-friendly, easy-going, comfort food, full bar, full beer list, and live music.
Wear this: Something comfortable and unfussy.
Try:
Denim shorts
A simple tank or tee
Flip-flops or sneakers
Bring the kids, bring your appetite, bring your relaxed self.
Coconuts on the Beach
www.coconutsonthebeach.com
The vibe: Where locals and tourists merge into one giant beachy energy bubble. Food, drinks, loud music, ocean breeze, ocean view.
Wear this: Whatever you don’t mind getting sandy or wind-blown.
Try:
A flowy dress
Slides
A lightweight layer
Coconuts is lively, messy, and fun. Dress accordingly.
Dirty Birds
www.dirtybirdstikibar.com
The vibe: New, lively, atmospheric. Live music downstairs with full tiki bar vibes; upstairs with an aerial view of downtown Cocoa Beach.
Wear this: Something that can flex between chill and “the band is actually good.”
Try:
High-waisted shorts
A cute top
Comfortable sandals
If you want a night that feels like a night, this is the place.
Tropics / Hunker Down / Category 5
The vibe: Three bars, three moods, one stop.
Tropics: Craft cocktails and small bites.
Category 5: Live DJ and dance vibe.
Hunker Down: Open-air dive bar with live music.
Wear this: A fit with range.
Try:Linen pants or a casual skirt
A fitted tank or cropped top
Sandals you can walk (and dance) in
You’ll end up at all three, so dress for the journey.
Beach Shack
Find them on Facebook
The vibe: A true Cocoa Beach dive bar with an ocean view that stops time. Live music, salt in the air, and no need to impress anyone.
Wear this: Easy beach-to-bar pieces.
Try:
A swimsuit under a cover-up
A button-up over shorts
Sandals
If your hair is salty and your skin is sandy, you’re dressed correctly.
Jonathon’s
www.johnathanspub.com
The vibe: The late-night stop. Dark, divey, fresh-squeezed drinks, the infamous “worst” sandwiches (that are actually great), pool, darts, and live music.
Wear this: Casual. Comfortable. End-of-night realness.
Try:
Soft tee
Shorts
Sneakers or slides
No one here cares what you’re wearing. They care about the drinks and the sandwiches.
Cocoa Beach is a mix of craft cocktails, toes-in-the-sand dives, tiki vibes, and places that don’t close until you’ve fully sweated out your decisions. There’s a spot for every mood—and an outfit for every spot.
If you keep it light, coastal, and comfortable, you’ll fit in anywhere.