Pete's Bar — Restaurant in Neptune Beach

Pete's Bar, an iconic establishment in Neptune Beach, Florida, holds a unique place in the local cultural and social landscape. With a rich history dating back to its opening in 1933, Pete's Bar is the oldest bar in Duval County, a testament to its enduring appeal and significance. This review aims to provide an academic perspective on Pete's Bar, considering its historical importance, cultural impact, and the elements contributing to its distinct identity.

Historical Significance Pete's Bar's historical roots are deeply intertwined with the Prohibition era's end, marking its place in history as one of the first bars to open following the repeal of Prohibition. This timing not only gave it a head start in establishing its reputation but also embedded it in the local consciousness as a symbol of liberation and social gathering. The bar has remained a fixture through various social and economic changes, reflecting broader trends in American society while maintaining its unique charm.

Cultural Impact Culturally, Pete's Bar serves as a communal hub for Neptune Beach residents and visitors alike. It has cultivated a reputation that transcends mere location, drawing patrons from diverse backgrounds who come to enjoy its laid-back atmosphere and sense of tradition. The bar's longevity has allowed it to become a repository of local lore and a witness to countless personal and community milestones. This cultural resonance is reinforced by annual events such as the famous Thanksgiving morning gathering, which exemplifies the bar's role in fostering community spirit and continuity.

Atmosphere and Aesthetic The atmosphere at Pete's Bar is characterized by its unpretentious and welcoming vibe. The interior, featuring classic bar fixtures and a nostalgic ambiance, invites patrons to engage in casual conversation, games of pool, and other leisure activities. This setting is instrumental in creating a space where social barriers are lowered and a sense of camaraderie is promoted. The aesthetic of Pete's Bar, with its worn yet inviting décor, contributes to its identity as a place where history and present-day enjoyment seamlessly blend.

Social Dynamics Socially, Pete's Bar operates as a democratizing space where individuals from various walks of life can interact. The bar's ethos encourages regulars and newcomers to mingle, fostering a dynamic social environment. This inclusivity is a significant aspect of its enduring popularity. The absence of pretension and the emphasis on genuine human connection are central to the bar's appeal, making it a microcosm of the broader community's values and social practices.

Conclusion In conclusion, Pete's Bar in Neptune Beach, Florida, is more than just a drinking establishment; it is a historical and cultural landmark that encapsulates the spirit of its community. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to offer a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, rich historical context, and significant cultural impact. As an institution, Pete's Bar not only provides a space for leisure and socialization but also serves as a living archive of local history and communal identity. For those studying the dynamics of local culture and social spaces, Pete's Bar offers a compelling case study in longevity, community engagement, and preserving tradition...

IN SHORT: place smells like p!ss, sh!t, and vomit. Extremely rude and dirty. this place does not belong in Neptune Beach. Mostly for young college kids and drunks . Do NOT go.

I am not the type of person to right reviews , I am very laid back and easy going, kinda a whatever guy. But this place was so terrible.

I recently moved from Virginia to Florida for military orders . My 1st weekend here I decided to head down to Neptune Beach because I heard good things and I wanted to explore the area. So i went alone I walked into everyplace the was in the area. And it was amazing I fell in love instantly. Very beautiful area on the beach the bars and restaurants were so nice . Live music. I decided to head to Pete's bar last because they said it was the oldest one in the area and I thought it may be nice to save the best for last after all being open for decades is impressive. I went in and it was a totally different environment then what I was expecting. Alot of young kids and drunks. Place was crowded wall to wall. I asked for a water because I really wasn't feeling the area but I walked in might as well grab a water. But the bar tender was rude . He told me " I don't serve water , you can get it yourself " and pointed in the direction of a jug of water in the corner of the bar packed with people. I never been there and I waited in line for a bit . I just wish he woulda Been more greeting. So that was my 1st time there but I decided to try it out again with a buddy that was in town for the weekend. He loved the area too and decided to saves Pete's for last as well . We are a little older so we don't drink to get drunk anymore. We were just enjoying our time. We ordered a few drinks inside then we went outside because the smell on the inside was god awful and sat on a bench for awhile and talked. We had no drinks on front of us . Shortly after 2 bouncers came up to us and told my buddy he was getting kicked out and we were both confused. So I asked him " are you sure? Maybe you have the wrong guy" . He replied " I don't need to explain myself to you " so I decided to just comply because it's not worth trying to stay at a place that's awful to begin with. We were escorted out and walked down a few blocks. We joked about us not ordering drinks and maybe that's why we got kicked out . We costed them money or something. It was a big joke to us . We ended up walking on the beach and just laughing about how he could of got us kicked out.

I actually do plan on going back if I ever wanna show people the terrible smell , tell em about my experience...

Humiliated for Being Handicapped

I went to Neptune beach this past weekend with my fiancé to enjoy a nice day at the beach, and we were celebrating something huge (you'll find out the irony of what we were celebrating by the end of this review).

If you have been to Neptune/jax beach you are probably aware of the fact that there are limited handicap spaces available.

There was fortunately a handicap spot on the strip across the street from Petes bar. I am very self conscious of my being handicapped (I mean come on most of us are, it's a sensitive issue.)

This is a spot mind you relatively close to the beach and in no way owned by Petes bar, this is a public handicap parking space put there for people like me to suffer less pain by walking shorter distances to the beach/surrounding shops.

I park and get out of my car, Pete was standing in his doorway seen in my picture. As we made it halfway across the street Pete yells to me "ARE YOU EVEN HANDICAPPED??" I was shocked and humiliated.

I said "yes are you kidding me? Can you not see the little man in a wheel chair on my license plate that is so clearly facing you?"

I kid you not his reply was money hungry and disgusting, not in the least apologetic for his rude humiliation. He says "WELL I HAVE A LOT OF HANDICAPPED CUSTOMERS THAT PARK THERE SO IF YOU ARENT REALLY HANDICAPPED YOU ARE COSTING ME BUSINESS"

I could not believe this man would be so cruel?

I am a relatively young man of the age of 28, I may not be as old as every handicapped person you meet but does that give him the right to humiliate me as if younger people can't be handicapped?

Here's the ironic celebration, after many years of being unable to walk, I literally re-taught myself how to walk on that very beach by that bar with many falls and more pain than I can express. The day this went down we were celebrating 365 days of walking unassisted, thanks to that beach.

What I dream of after years of wheelchairs, walkers, and canes is looking the least disabled I can. I put quite a bit of effort in to this but I limp and wobble fairly obviously with massive scars on my exposed legs...

Regardless of my now being able to walk I still suffer every day of my life because of my handicap and the distances one can have to walk to get to that beach is ridiculous,

I guess only paying customers can handicap park by Pete's, at least if he can stop it in time.

Sorry for the long review, this is important to me, the idea of him doing this to someone else...