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Aptos Local Bars
Bittersweet Bistro
787 Rio Del Mar Blvd, Aptos. 831.662.9799.
James Bond preferred his martini shaken, not stirred, but you can have it as you wish at Bittersweet, and on Martini Mondays you can have one of the house specialties for half-price. Bring a friend or two by for a leisurely happy hour from 3-6pm any day of the week and get two pizzas for the price of one.
Britannia Arms
8017 Soquel Dr., Aptos. 831.688.1233.
An authentic English pub with the beer list to prove it, Britannia Arms is a comfy, no-nonsense bar with friendly service and a laid-back atmosphere. Located in Aptos, the Brit is a popular hangout for football and soccer fans thanks to numerous televisions and a full menu for both lunch and dinner. Catch the game, have a pint, and relax—it's a not just a European thing.
Mediterranean
265 Center St, Aptos. 831.688.7004.
Though this popular Aptos bar is called the Mediterranean, it actually serves up a tasty mix of American Mexican food. In addition to the fine dining, the neighborhood hot-spot also provides plenty of entertainment like darts, video games and a well-stocked jukebox. If that's not enough, there's always the weekday happy hour from 4:30-6:30pm.
Rumble Fish
4727 Scotts Valley Dr, Scotts Valley. 831.440.9240.
Rumble Fish is modest in exterior, but it's outstanding as a fresh sushi bar and Japanese restaurant. Its small selection of wine and beer will get the job done, but the pride of Rumble Fish is the sake, which is unfiltered and served in a traditional sake box. For delicious fresh fish and drinks that won't break the bank, Rumble Fish is more than worth the trip to Scotts Valley.
Sanderlings at Seascape Resort
One Seascape Resort Drive, Aptos. 800.929.7727.
Don't let the elegance of this resort lounge make you shy. Everyone here is in party mode. Jet-setters letting their hair down after the power meeting, visiting weekend warriors and locals alike rub elbows and swill uptown cocktails and bottled brews with an impressive tri-partisan alliance. Live music Friday and Saturday nights.
Wicked Lester's Entertainment Lounge
7941 Soquel Dr., Aptos. 831.688.9888 or 831.840.6195.
Remember the Aptos Club? Now imagine it cleaned up and redone in Lounge Supreme, with brilliantly colored walls and a unique metallic floor. Wicked Lester's boasts a stage, dance floor, two pool tables and a VIP lounge for bands, with a smoking patio outside. And, of course, a full bar.
The Windjammer
1 Rancho del Mar, Aptos. 831.685.1587.
A tavern wholly devoted to the reveling arts, the Windjammer features a pool table, dart boards, live music on the weekends and TV for sports coverage during the week. Thoughtfully, the proprietors open up at 9am on Saturdays and Sundays to minister to the weekend wounded with Bloody Marys and burgers from the next-door café.
