Snowbird Dreaming of Warmer Days

Snowed in....I'm cold, my walks need shoveling and my lawn is nowhere in site. WAHHHHH....okay, I guess I should be thankful that it is almost January and this is the first storm that has left more than a few inches behind. Okay, I'm thankful. But...to ward off the winter doldrums, I'm going back...back to cruising down A1A along the Atlantic with warm breezes and the salty spray brushing against my skin.


On my recent visit to sunny FLA, we rode up AIA looking for find bikerfriendly bars. One of the stops was at the Golden Lion.



The Golden Lion is another great bar, just north of Daytona in Flagler Beach.  Situated directly across the street from the ocean, the open rooftop is a favorite spot for bikers to sit during bikeweek and watch the bikes rumble down AIA.

Our last visit in November was a beautiful, sunny fall day. Though quite windy, and most of the guests were downstairs, we could not resist the lure of eating outside with the beautiful ocean view. We also knew our days were numbered and we wouldn't be sitting outside for several months to come. Cue the violins...




This visit was a weekday afternoon and it was surprisingly busy with a good mix of people. This beachy bar attracts both tourists and locals, riding in on all modes of transportation. There is a public lot on the side street that is not paved, but the sand is compact. We were lucky enough to find some onstreet parking.

Inside is quite large - with several seating areas. The bar in the front, pictured below, is at street level and is the perfect spot to hang and watch all the bike week activity. There are some bar stools as well as a few tables outside at the sidewalk.

On top of the restaurant is a large patio/bar with full service. The views are great and there is plenty of room. Our waitress was very friendly, and although working both upstairs on the deck and in the restaurant below, she was very efficient and did not make us wait.

There is a variety of food offered from chips and salsa for under $3 to a seafood boil for $24....and lots of selections in between. We ordered off the specials menu that indicated all ingredients were local and fresh.

WARNING....chick- food posted below.  Turkey croissant with an apple-walnut slaw...oh, yum.Can't be too girly though, my Uncle ordered the same thing and enjoyed it just as much. Everything was delicious.

NO! I will not share....go 'way...not sure why people think it is fun to feed birds. Totally annoying...

For all the big, burly bikers, there are lots of sandwiches and burgers, equally as tasty and all priced under 10 bucks.

 

View from  bar at the top of restaurant 

Happy bike staying warm in the Florida sunshine

On weekends, the Golden Lion offers a variety of musical entertainment from local and regional artists. Everything from classic rock to reggae, and I can't imagine a better place to listen to steel drums while sipping a margarita and watching the waves roll in. I'll be back...

CONTACT DETAILS

The Golden Lion Cafe
500 N Scenic Highway A1A
Flagler Beach, FL 32136
(386) 439-3004
http://www.goldenlioncafe.com/