Rotten Apple taking a bite out of Destin's bar scene

Destin’s newest watering hole hopes to stand out from the crowd with its unique name — The Rotten Apple.

“It’s a work in progress, but it’s been a labor of love,” owner Wendy Green told The Log.

The Rotten Apple opened its doors just a few weeks ago and with more than 180 “likes” on Facebook, the bar has caught on with locals and those who are live music aficionados.

Located at 205 Mountain Drive, in the former home of the Oasis, the Rotten Apple serves everything from beer and wine to mixed drinks and their namesake “Rotten Appletini” ($2.50 all day, everyday).

The building has a controversial past, with its former tenants featuring topless dancers. The business became the epicenter of a First Amendment lawsuit against the city of Destin, but it was ultimately settled. As part of the settlement, the business shut down and new owners reopened it as The Original Oasis with a clean slate and new name in 2011. But they closed before 2012, and The Rotten Apple is the old Destin watering hole’s latest transformation.

Aware of the building’s history, Green said all of the controversy is in the past, and she is looking forward to her newest opportunity.

She said The Rotten Apple offers the “Best Prices in town served by the friendliest staff you will ever find.”

With some restaurant and bar experience under her belt, Green said that she was ready “to do something fun” that offered good food and music.

Local bands such as Hotel Oscar, Fat Lipped Fish and Pittman & Wolfe have already graced the stage.

Green said she plans to offer pizza and other bar food at The Rotten Apple, but is waiting for her kitchen to be ready, which should be about 60 days, she estimates.

For more information about the Rotten Apple, find them on Facebook or just stop in — the doors are open.

As they like to say in the Apple “Come on down and have a drink where you can get spoiled.”