Hate to Go Out? Head Here

© PRL

Choices, choices, and more choices at the PRI

South Florida is crawling with VIPs with an addiction to bottle service, but that doesn't mean you have to jump on that overloaded bandwagon. There are plenty of flip flop-friendly spots to grab an ice-cold draft or tie on a tropical cocktail. And, regulars are ready and willing to share their imbibed tales of times past. After all, we live on the beach, so tracking in some sand should just be your way of marking your territory bar-side.

Three Capital Letters

Hollywood Beach is known for attracting a diverse mix of folks from Young Circle all the way to Harrison Street. While you might be tempted to scope out the ladies dancing on bar tops at the salsa-blaring resto-lounge down the block, you'd better stop off for a few frosty brews to get the night going. Pay attention, because you might pass right by 4-year-old PRL (Polish Republic of the People) Euro Café on the corner of 19th Street and Hollywood Boulevard. With more than 140 beer bottles lining the bar wall, it might take you a few visits to find your favorite brew. From beers, to ales to stouts galore, you could get lost for hours chatting about everything from regions to sediments with the regulars. Art from locals plasters the walls, which is also a great conversation starter. And, you can never go wrong with a bar that has a late-night pizza joint right next door. Look for it at 1904 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, FL.

Fish Out of Water? Head to Tarpon Bend

Drive a bit north of Hollywood to Fort Lauderdale's famed Riverfront, Las Olas' tipsy younger sister, and walk a few blocks to Tarpon Bend. Although there are more than a dozen surrounding bars, all set in a casual, laid-back strip, you'll want to stop at Tarpon Bend for good food, cold drinks and a laid back atmosphere. How laid back? To give you a clue, Tarpon Bend thrives on happy hour, which it serves 7 days a week for early birds and late nighters alike, Sunday through Thursday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., and 10 p.m. to Close; and Friday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. While you're there, pull up a stool or an umbrella-covered outdoor table, and watch as lovely demin-clad people of Fort Lauderdale stroll by. Look for it at 200 SW 2nd Street in Fort Lauderdale, FL.

Everlasting Abbey

What's a solid pub without a great story to back it? When brew connoisseur Raymond Rigazio first introduced the idea of bringing The Abbey Brewing Company to Miami Beach back in '95, no one thought the watering hole would last, not even for six months. But, little did the naysayers know, a cultured brewery with a mellow vibe was just what the residents on SoBe needed. Today, The Abbey is known for hosting an eager crowd of beer enthusiasts, paired with classic bartenders - you know, the ones who'd rather strike up a deep convo than toss bottles in the air as flair. It's the kind of place that is filled with stories of everything from cultured beer topics to wild end-of-the-night anecdotes. The Abbey's biggest perk is that it's open 365 days a year, from 1 p.m. until last call at 5 a.m. Beer lover? Order up one of the award-winning Abbey house beers or rare Trappist Ales. For vino aficionados, there are British Barley wines and plenty of ports. Add an imported cigar and a new friend, and you've got yourself a date - with a hop-lovin' gal named Abbey - that is. Look for it at 1115 16TH Street in Miami Beach, FL.