Enjoy A Night on the Town at These Four Must-Visit Bars in Downtown Palatka
Sip with Goats, Hunt for Ghosts, and Enjoy Craft Brews Along the St. Johns River
Downtown Palatka hugs the St. Johns River and is a vibrant hub for shopping, art, and waterfront strolling. Many come to hang out in the park and walk along the water’s edge. Some visitors come to stroll the streets, popping in and out of boutiques and antique shops as they fill their shopping bags. Others come for the city’s vibrant art scene. After the sun goes down though, there’s still fun to be had. The bars in downtown Palatka offer some pretty eclectic experiences. Locally crafted brews, baby goats, and resident ghosts are just a few of the things you can expect. Needless to say, bar-hopping around downtown Palatka is quite different from what you’ll find in most cities.
Here are three spots that you absolutely, positively have to put on your itinerary when you visit if you’re seeking a little Palatka nightlife.
Your life is not complete until you’ve had a beer with a goat – and this is where you can make that happen. Downtown Palatka’s newest bar is a funky new concept that will make you feel like you’re hanging out in your cool best friend’s backyard. The ambience is perfect, but it’s the other regulars at the bar that really make it a standout place. Some of the bar’s most well-loved patrons are their resident goats.
Depending on the day, you may get to meet Peanut Butter, Pint, Poncho, Peaches, Pixie, Potato, Primrose, or Lil’ P. All of their names start with “P” as a tribute to the owners’ first goat, Petey, who is the namesake of this cool downtown Palatka bar. All of the goats have their own personalities and love hanging out with visitors. You may find them on your lap, or on your table. The occasional drink may get spilled, but don’t worry – if a goat spills your beer, they’ll happily buy you another on their tab. They hang at the bar most days, and you can check out their Instagram page to see who is there on any given day.
This foliage-filled outdoor establishment serves drinks from a teal and white retro camper in a unique outdoor setting that’s located behind Lemon Street Market and Mercantile. They have beer, seltzers, ciders, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages. On Sundays you can also get bottomless mimosas for $20. They often have live music and movie nights, allowing you to sip wine, cuddle a goat, and enjoy some entertainment all at the same time.
You’re welcome to bring your well-behaved children along while you enjoy a drink at Petey’s, provided they are closely supervised at all times. While the goats are part of the experience, Petey’s is a bar, not a petting zoo. They don’t serve food, but The Fillin’ Station delivers there, or you can bring your own.
Local Tip:
The goats love animal crackers. Bring some along as a treat for them, and you’ll likely be very popular.
Location:
Because this is located in an alley, there’s not an exact address that will get you to the entrance. Park on Oak Street, and in the alley across from the Little Sprouts School (also known as the Campbell Building), you’ll see a sign that says “Newtown Alley.” The short walkway ends at Petey’s.
Hours:
Monday-Thursday 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Friday 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Saturday 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Sunday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
You can order by the glass, but if you can’t decide which to try, just order a flight. During Girl Scout cookie season, you can even order a beer flight paired with cookies. Peanut Butter Sandwich cookies paired with a stout? Yes, please! Azalea City Brewing Company also carries other craft beers made in Florida, wine, and non-alcoholic beer and cider. They also have craft and THC-infused sodas.
This family-friendly brewery is located adjacent to the old Coca-Cola bottling plant, and black and white pictures that adorn the walls of the brewery display a peek back into Palatka’s past. The bar’s interior offers an expansive space to sit inside amongst the stainless steel fermenters, or you can opt to sit outside on the patio. There’s even a special play area for the kiddos with fun activities to keep them busy.
There’s never a dull moment there for the young, and not-as-young. The adults may opt to play a round of shuffleboard or grab one of the many board games. On the first and third Thursdays of the month, you can come out and kick up your heels for some line dancing. If you don’t know how, that’s OK. There are instructors there to teach you. There’s no cover charge, and although they don’t serve food there, you can bring your own. You can also order from The Fillin’ Station and they will deliver it there.
Local Tip:
Round-up your tab when you go. The brewery gives back to the community, and the money that is generated goes to a local charity. They choose a different one each month.
Location:
120 South 7th Street, Palatka, Florida 32177
Hours:
Thursday-Saturday 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Sunday 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Part bar, and part gastropub, Steamboat Willie’s offers a diverse menu. Some of the fun appetizers include “The Pretzel That Ate Palatka” and the “Children of the Corn Nuggets.” They also have burgers, wraps, salads, and more. They even put their own twist on chicken and waffles, topping them with Thai peanut butter sauce and honey.
Another thing that separates Steamboat Willie’s from the others on this list is that in addition to beer and wine, they also have a full liquor bar. If you want to enjoy a margarita on Taco Tuesday, or a Bloody Mary for Sunday Funday, you can. Have a little more fun playing a game of pool, or enjoying a nice Florida day on their outside patio. They’re open every day and there’s no cover charge.
Steamboat Willie’s offers an array of spirits – that extends beyond the stocked bar. The bar was featured on the Travel Channel’s program, The Dead Files. The show details creepy accounts of spooky experiences people have had in the bar. While it’s not guaranteed that you’ll see those spirits there, it is guaranteed that the staff knows how to use the liquid spirits to create Palatka’s best craft cocktails.
Local Tip:
Steamboat Willie’s is really well known for their wings. Go hungry so you can try them for yourself. If you visit mid-week, you can go for Wing Wednesday when they’re only $1.
Location:
309 Saint Johns Avenue Palatka, Florida 32177
Hours:
Monday-Saturday 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Sunday 1 p.m. to 2 a.m.
If you’re looking for the largest wine selection in town, this veteran-owned establishment is your spot. At any given time, there are at least 25-30 wines to choose from, and most are ones that you can’t find locally. Uncork and Unwind focuses on finding the best wines from small wineries across the world. Their beer selection is just as robust. Check out the wall of tap handles when you walk in to see the vast amount of selections that have been in rotation over the years.
Come for the drinks, and stay for the music. There’s live entertainment every weekend. There are also several board games you can play. If you’re hungry, order food from one of the local restaurants.
When you visit Uncork & Unwind, check out the tables. They were designed and made by a local artist named Danny Sheffield. The wood that was used holds a profound piece of Palatka’s history, as it was salvaged from longleaf pine timbers that came from the bell tower of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church that was established in the area in 1854. The bar was also built out of palm logs and white oak from an old cabin. Check out the humidor, too. There’s an array of cigars, and that too, was made from recycled wood.
Local Tip:
If you need a keg for your own gathering, you can order one here. Just place your order by Wednesday for Thursday or Friday pickup.
Location:
111 South 2nd Street Palatka, Florida 32177
Hours:
Tuesday-Thursday 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Friday-Saturday 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Places to Stay in Downtown Palatka:
As you’re sipping on local beer, wine, and craft cocktails, we remind you to never drink and drive. Luckily there are places to stay that are within walking distance of these downtown Palatka bars.
- Hampton Inn: 100 Memorial Parkway
- Quality Inn and Suites Palatka Riverfront: 201 North 1st Street
- Grand Gables Inn: 603 Emmett Street
If you’re staying further away from downtown and find yourself in need of a ride, please contact one of Palatka’s taxi providers.
There’s so much more to explore during your time in Palatka. Be sure to download the Visit Putnam FL app for Apple or Android to learn more about all of the great things to do in Palatka and our surrounding communities.