Shades Bar and Grill
10952 E County Hwy 30A
Rosemary Beach, FL 32461
850-231-9410
www.Shades30a.com
Step into the shade for the big game
The sun on 30A can get hot. Sometimes you just need to step into the shade, Shades Bar &
Grill, that is. If sports fans haven’t found this iconic 30A destination yet, it’s simply a matter of
time. Shades has been serving up fresh, casual food and sports since 1994. If you want to
watch “the game” – whatever it is – and have a bite and a beverage to boot, then this Inlet
Beach spot is the place to go.
Televised baseball games at Shades are a tradition for many 30A guests. This year, soccer is
added to the mix, as management will also televise all the World Cup games, attracting a big
crowd. In fact, with 17 HD TVs, a projector and DirecTV premium packages including NHL
Center Ice, NFL Sunday Ticket, UFC, NCAAFB ESPN Gameplan, NCAABB, ESPN Full Court,
MLB Extra Innings, Versus, and Fox Soccer Channel, Shades can accommodate just about any
sports fan.
Those crowds will enjoy the fun in a space that has recently been remodeled this off season.
The exterior was painted a bright, fresh white, new signage was added, and for those looking for
a little more “shade,” a new roof system has been added over the outdoor seating. “It’s a louver
system that can provide some shade or open up so you can see the sky,” said Steven Sapp,
Shades Group director of operations.
It’s Shades’ huge televisions that keep the sports fun front and center, and Florida coastal
breezes and comfy chairs often persuade guests to sit a little longer than they originally
planned.
Sapp began with the company as a Shades bartender, and so he turned his managerial skills to
his old post and evolved the bar program a bit in the off season. He actually reduced the
number of draft beers on tap to better manage inventory and keep the beer fresh and flowing for
customers.
“Every 30 to 60 days, we highlight a new spirit at the bar through tasting or cocktail features,” he
added. There are affordable happy hour features, monthly beer tastings, and nights for beer and
wine specials, so the focus is on welcoming guests to return often.
The food menu also got refreshed. The kitchen has added weekly features to the mix, targeting
their strong regular base that might want more variety. Comfort food – from pork chops and
mashed potatoes to steak salads with blue cheese crumbles – are specials that last for a week
until a new list is debuted on Monday. Shades standards such as Chicken Nachos, wings, fried
seafood, and decadent desserts are all still available as well, so those who crave it can still get
their hot wings high.
In contrast to many other “sports bars” throughout the country, Shades is a bright, airy space
that welcomes families and sports fans alike, and it does it all in true 30A, laidback style. Sapp
agrees: “It’s really a great place to be.”
Shades Bar & Grill can be found at 10952 E. County Hwy. 30A in Inlet Beach. The restaurant
serves guests daily from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Visit them online at www.shades30a.com.
