Oli & Phil never imagined just how big the Red Bar would become. The plan was simple—keep the place open late, maybe cover rent and the light bill. But from day one, the doors flew open and people came in ready to party. At a time when every other spot on 30A closed at 10 p.m., the Red Bar stayed open until 2 a.m., instantly becoming the go-to hangout for local bartenders, servers, and night owls.
In the beginning, they added pool tables, thinking they'd be a fun touch—but quickly realized that mixing tipsy guests and cue sticks wasn't the best idea. More importantly, the space was needed for actual dining. Within three months, the tables were out, Oli covered them with cloths so people could eat dinner on them. Eventually, they were gone for good.
Of course, the Red Bar's early days were a bit wild. With live music every night, loud disco after hours, no air conditioning, and windows wide open, the party spilled into the neighborhood.
But instead of pushing back, They got to know the neighbors, turned down the volume, and moved closing time up to 11 p.m. Since 1997, that mutual respect has turned into a great relationship with the Grayton Beach community—one that continues to this day.
A beloved spot for dining and entertainment on 30A since 1995, out-of-town patrons and locals were heartbroken to hear the news that The Red Bar had burned down in the early morning of Wednesday, February 13, 2019. After the disaster, many fans took to social media to share their memories of The Red Bar, whether it was where they had a breakup, a makeup, a first date, a special anniversary, or even a chance meeting with an old friend. That's what The Red Bar is all about—the community, the friendship, and the memories. It's a place many people would call a sort of home away from home.After eighteen months, The Red Bar family and staff reopened its doors to the public on Wednesday, July 15, 2020. The new building was constructed from almost identical blueprints to the previous building and most definitely captures the original, unique spirit we all knew and loved.
