VIBE

Honoring a hometown crowd of drinkers, conversationalists, and business types looking to let loose, E.R. Bradley’s is another after-dark transformer from restaurant to raucous nightspot on the Palm Beach party scene. Situated smack dab on the edge of the Intracoastal Waterway, this neighborhood favorite buzzes during daylight hours with families and tourists feasting on hearty helpings of burgers, sandwiches, salads, and seafood while enjoying the balmy breezes of its open-air porch. Life post-10:00pm here, however, turns to music and margaritas, as rum-steeped regulars dance under the moonlight (from the aisles to the parking lot) to the eclectic output of bartenders-turned-bopping-DJs and the occasional live performer.

WHAT WE WOULD WEAR

It’s strictly beach casual here (boat shoes are as common as golf gear), so keep it simple yet fun with a colorful summery top, white or khaki shorts, chic sandals, and a cute beach tote.

GO HERE WITH

Family; kids; friends; large groups; significant other

CROWD

This local favorite is a popular choice amongst everyone from families and business types to socialites and tourists drawn by the hype.

WHY WE LIKE IT

This spot is a real crowd-pleaser: familiarity and comfort seem to be the bywords as guests from all walks of life come to mingle, mix, and share stories over a pint or two. It features a lovely shaded patio with open-air seating that takes full advantage of the waterfront locale while also offering indoor space for those not so keen on succumbing to shore breezes as they dine/drink.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

The building is a bit dingy and needs some sprucing up.

GOOD TO KNOW

Happy Hour runs Monday-Friday from 4:30pm to 6:30pm. Along with cheaper drinks, Monday through Thursday deals include half-price appetizers, while Fridays bring a complimentary buffet. Beyond the electric nightly escapades, the breakfasts and Sunday brunches here are worth waking up for. (Don’t miss the ultra-strong house Bloody Mary.) Years ago, E.R. Bradley’s was located on Palm Beach proper–over on “the island” it was famous for its party-hardy ambience that got patrons dancing on the bar (literally). Another juicy history tidbit: namesake Edward Riley Bradley, a businessman and philanthropist, ended up owning Kentucky Derby racehorse winners, earning his face on the 1934 cover of TIME, and being named one of the “Great Floridians” in the year 2000.

CLOSEST COMPS

Moonshadows (Malibu)

Click here for our full-form mobile travel guide, The Purple Passport to Palm Beach