Gulfport owner opens alcohol-free cocktail bar and coffeehouse

Gulfport residents now have a new option in downtown for daytime coffee and evening socializing that requires no alcohol. Sean Hawthorne opened Sober Bar at 3062 Beach Blvd. S. in June 2026. The venue functions as an alcohol-free cocktail bar, a coffeehouse, and a kitchen.

Hawthorne selected Gulfport because he viewed the city as independent and creative. He wanted to create a space that feels like a natural part of the neighborhood rather than a generic retail concept. The business hosts live jazz brunch every Sunday. Hawthorne noted that he could not picture the bar operating in a shopping center and maintaining the same atmosphere.

The interior of the bar changes significantly depending on the time of day. In the morning, the space serves as a coffee shop for people having lattes and breakfast before work. By lunchtime, the room fills with friends catching up or professionals holding meetings over muffulettas and flatbreads. In the evening, the lighting dims and vinyl records play while patrons enjoy dinner and cocktails.

Hawthorne described the daily management of the business as a constant shift between small emergencies and large decisions. He stated that there is no separate department to handle problems, so the owner deals with everything from broken air conditioning to missing deliveries. He said the most rewarding part of the work is watching the business become a routine part of customers' lives.

The business does not serve alcohol, a decision Hawthorne explained was based on the idea that drinks are not the central element of a good bar. He aimed to build the experience around music, lighting, and social interaction. He said he was not interested in creating a place defined by the absence of drinking. Instead, he wanted to focus on the anticipation and social aspects of going out.

Hawthorne observed that many patrons who drink alcohol continue to choose the bar long after initial trial periods. He noted that these customers are not there by necessity but because they enjoy the environment. He added that the business has seen a steady stream of regulars who integrate the location into their personal rituals.

Outside of his own establishment, Hawthorne supports other Gulfport businesses for specific occasions. He watches Tampa Bay Buccaneers games at O'Maddy's and gets coffee from SumitrA. He takes his partner Payton for date night at Pia's. He said these distinct locations for different activities are a major reason he loves living in the city.

Sober Bar is open Sunday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 12 a.m. The business can be reached at 813-586-1660 or at sipsoberbar.com.