Tallahassee tastes, tunes and taverns

Tallahassee boasts an array of fantastic bars and lounges. Today, we’ll explore some of the more eclectic options: Dive bars, sports bars, restaurant bars, music venues and college bars.

With establishments of every size and style, there’s something to suit all tastes. Having lived in the area for over 20 years, I’m confident I’ve visited nearly all of them. My favorites are those with character, though not all have stood the test of time. Many have become generational staples.

How many do you recognize?

Potbelly’s, Clyde’s, Costello’s, Leon Pub, Ken’s, Waterworks, Bullwinkle’s, 4th Quarter, Shuckers, the Palace Saloon? Or perhaps the newer spots: Ology, Madison Social, Blue Tavern, Liberty Bar, Izzy’s Sushi or Table 23?

We begin on campus. I first met Dan Gilbertson at Potbelly’s while working in the music industry. We often booked artists to play there as they toured through Florida, and I joined them on many occasions.

One memorable evening in 2020, when artist Dexter Freebish came to town, we celebrated with the Florida State baseball team after the show — a night for the record books. Potbelly’s serves as a stop for both emerging and established artists across genres, featuring acts such as Drivn and Cryin, Jupiter Coyote, Edwin McCain, Kodak Black, Charlie Mars Band, Derek Trucks, Jake Owen, Leftover Salmon and even Buddy Miles.

Leon Pub is another hidden gem in Midtown Tallahassee. I used to hang out there with friends Bonnie and Ali in the late 90s, and when Leo and I from Aegis walked in the other night, it felt like nothing had changed in 30 years. Our new HQ is across the street, so we couldn’t resist popping in.

The beer signs on the walls, Jeopardy on an old-school non-flat-screen TV, and the scent of Marlboro Lights (or perhaps they still allow smoking) made it feel like a time capsule — no flux capacitor needed.

While I don’t bar hop like I used to, I recently discovered Blue Tavern. I attended my colleague David Pucik’s performance of a set of acoustic folk tunes one night. Not long after, I attended a Word of South Festival launch party there, and this week, we rented it out for our Christmas party. It’s a gem, with walls that pay tribute to Blues artists, and it offers the perfect vibe for some quiet tunes.

My favorite spot for a peaceful dinner is Izzy’s. Last week, I walked down the street to enjoy a lovely evening of sushi at the bar. They offer the expected standards and some adventurous surprises. I tried their “trust me” roll (chef’s choice) and even tasted geoduck (pronounced gooey duck). If you haven’t had the opportunity, imagine a thinly sliced fish resembling a sponge soaked in ocean water.

If that’s not for you, stick with the sashimi — yellowtail and tuna are top-notch.

The Palace Saloon is legendary, and although I haven’t visited since my last trip with my old friend Charlie Usina, I can only imagine the sticky floors and dartboards still provide cheap beer and good times for a new generation.

These days, I would likely head to Madison Social, Matt Thompson’s super bar, which is an ideal spot now that the FSU students are back home. Great job, Matt, on creating something truly special in College Town.

Kudos to Mandy Lemon for reinventing what was once my favorite deck in Tallahassee—Chez Pierre’s outdoor patio. For a decade, my buddy Andy Fink and I enjoyed weekly burgers and beers there. But Mandy and her team have taken it to the next level, creating an even more perfect Midtown spot at the former Chez Pierre, now called Table 23.

If you’re in the mood for a morning bar experience, also known as brunch, look no further than Liberty. While I don’t want to overshadow their evening offerings, their Benedict dishes are a solid 10/10.

The Tallahassee restaurant and bar scene lost some hall-of-famers this year. We will miss Shuckers, Waterworks, and others whose final chapters have concluded. Some of my favorite moments were spent with Jeanne at the lake, enjoying a Budweiser and a dozen raw oysters while watching the boats roll in. Shuckers closed this year after a remarkable 39-year run.

As time goes on, new spots will fill those voids, and Tallahassee still has plenty of treasures.

The next time you’re in town, venture out of your usual routine and visit one of these locales. I guarantee you’ll enjoy it.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year. See you in 2026!