Boca Raton night life can take some time to figure out because it’s so fragmented. Unlike surrounding cities of Delray and Deerfield that have centralized downtown’s where you can easily bar hop, Boca’s best drinking establishments can be far and few. For night time fun we often find ourselves on Delray’s Atlantic Ave a bit more than we’d like. Today we’re breaking away from the Ave’s and giving you a reason to change up your weekend nightlife scene. We’ve aggregated a part 1 list of the places we frequent that are all within walking distance, turning your “Boca night” into a fun adventure with a more accessible downtown bar hopping feel.
Hijinks Sports Grill
1. Hijinks Sports Grill: Why we like it, because it’s a great low key place to kick off the night, get some food in you, have a few drinks and enjoy the company of pretty cheerleaders in yoga pants.
Very accessible indoor/outdoor seating, huge bar and on any given night it’s not hard to find a good spot to post up and watch a game on one of many big screens. Hijinks has a huge selection of draft/bottle beers, surprisingly good food and best of all it’s staffed almost entirely by current or former dolphins cheerleaders.
Hijinks seems to have broken the mold in a location that was notorious for restaurants/bars going out of business, and I think it’s because of a mixture of good atmosphere, friendly bartenders, good food and diversifying itself away from the generic branded sports bar. Check out $5 Tito’s Tuesdays or Ladies night Friday for free drinks from 9pm – 11pm.
Funky Buscuit
2. Funky Biscuit: Continuing down the royal palm path you’ll stumble upon Funky Biscuit.
If the DJ at Hijinks wasn’t the kind of music you were looking for than Funky Biscuit will sure to be popping. This live-music venue hosts national & local bands playing shows ranging from rock, funk and reggae.
Warning: There is almost always a cover to get in because live music is their mainstay and they attract a higher caliber quality of bands than your typical bar. The average age may resemble the more common Boca Raton dwelling baby boomer, but with plenty of seating and bar space you can be sure to find your own fun if the music is what you’re after. Perhaps it’s not the best option if you’re looking to keep the bar hopping adventure going, because you may get sucked into staying after paying a cover and wanting to hear the band, so skip this option if a short stay is desired or instead make this your main dwelling for the night.
Biergarten
3. Biergarten: Moving onward, you will want to stumble on towards Biergarten, a quirky watering hole & music lounge with a large microbrew list and classic German grub like brats.
This is a one of a kind for the area, and with a massive indoor/outdoor bar you will have no issues finding a place to relax. You will however have a hard time choosing what to drink, because the Biergarten has over 24 imported & craft beers on tap along with over 50 bottled beers. No one makes beer better than the Germans, they’ve been perfecting it since 500 A.D.
With live music, Brats, German beer and bartenders in lederhosens you may find yourself posting up here for the rest of the night. Hit up Mondays for $1 Brat night, Friday & Saturday for live music or Sunday for all day happy hour.
Black Rose Irish Pub
4. Black Rose: We’ve had a taste of American, some funky music, some German authenticity and we continue on towards Ireland. Why? Because Black Rose is a staple of the Boca Raton downtown bar scene.
Boasting awards for best bar in palm beach, best nightlife, best wings, best karaoke, best Irish pub, best football bar and best bar party’s.
Black Rose has stood out in more ways than one. Don’t believe me, just check out the gallery and see what kind of debauchery they’ve hosted – http://blackroseboca.com/black-rose-irish-pub–gallery.html.
Black Rose isn’t best for what they offer in terms of food or drinks, they’re best for being a happening place with events every night of the week. Comedy night if you need to laugh on a boring Monday night. Check out Thursdays for what is arguably the best Karaoke night in Boca Raton. Live music every Saturday, all day happy hour Sunday with $2 mimosas.
There is something for everyone here, and if you’re not into the crowd then escape it on the massive outdoor patio which includes a projector TV showing the game or fight of the night.
Obriens Irish Pub
5. Obriens Irish Pub: I know what you’re saying, back to back Irish pubs? Well, this is Boca Raton downtown and we’re sticking to a specific walk able bar hopping regiment, so beggars can’t be choosers.
O’briens is it’s own beast when it comes to the Boca Raton nightlife scene. Why do we like it? Well for 1 the bartenders are extremely personable and attentive. Even at it’s most packed, (which it does get wall to wall on weekends), I’ve never had issues getting a libation. Best of all, great prices on pitchers.
That’s right, O’Brians serves entire pitchers so if you’re really looking to get your ham on you’ll be enticed to know that you can drink your cocktails straight from the pitcher. That means more time with friends at one of the many high tops, but you may also be fighting to get into the bathroom more often.
Looking for an insane Friday night? O’briens karaoke Friday is one of the most popular attractions in town with college kids flocking to slam pitchers and sing horrible off-pitched tunes that are sure to entertain.
If you’re getting tired, drunk, hungry and just want a quick bite then grab a slice of pizza next door. If you’re still up for the adventure and have some cash left to spend, well it’s time to finish off the night in style.
Rebel House
6. Rebel House: If you’ve made it this far, it’s inevitably late and you’re hammered. With drunken late night fun comes hunger, and we’re not driving so 4th meal taco bell isn’t on the menu.
Take the short walk across Palmetto to sit your sore ass down for some comfort food among mismatched furniture at this quirky spot with an eclectic menu.
Rebel House isn’t just a good place to go eat, it’s a dinning experience. Phenomenal drinks, incredible food, friendly and helpful staff, great music and a funky yet cozy environment.
Check out the weekend drink cart where they come table to table mixing custom herb infused shots and old fashions. Even if you can’t make it for that late night snack, you may be enticed to come back for brunch now being served every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11am – 3pm. Check out half price wine night on Monday & Tuesday and my god, do yourself a favor and get the burger.
It’s nearing 2am, the lights came on and the bartenders are screaming last call. Bust out that phone and fire up that ride share app because it’s time for some stranger to drive you home. Boca Raton may not have the best reputation for nightlife, but I think you’ve found yourself a new bar hopping path of glory in what we like to call the Royal Palm Plastered Path.
Cheers!
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