One of the oldest bars on Florida’s Gulf Coast, the Bamboo Beach Bar and Grill at John’s Pass Village in Madeira Beach traces its origins to 1947 — when it began as a fruit and vegetable stand where fishermen coming off the boats asked if they could buy a few beers from the owner’s cooler. The “Bamboo Beer Garden” was born, and locals have called it “The Boo” ever since. Now a full liquor bar with a menu ranging from fish tacos and smoked fish spread to burgers, Philly cheesesteaks, grilled pig wings, and eggplant fries, The Boo anchors the John’s Pass boardwalk scene with frozen tiki drinks in tropical fruit flavors, live entertainment every night from 5 PM, and the kind of worn, unpretentious character that only 75-plus years of serving the same community can produce. Voted best outdoor patio for live music on Florida’s west coast.
