Hero’s Lounge
History, Cocktails, and a Different Kind of Downtown Vibe
Last night Sharon and I decided to spend the evening in Historic Downtown Panama City, something we don’t do often enough. We had dinner at Ferrucci’s Ristorante, watched the Christmas light show at the Center for the Arts, and wandered through the decorated streets taking in the lights and the holiday atmosphere.
When you first arrive, it’s apparent that downtown gives you a completely different vibe from my usual salty Historic St. Andrews routine. Not better, not worse… just different. And different is good. It’s refreshing to have options like this so close to home.
The highlight of the night was our stop at Hero’s Lounge. I’d been meaning to check it out, and after finally stepping inside, I realized quickly that this place is something special and a great addition other than the area.
The Decor & Mood: Warm, Thoughtful, and Steeped in Story
Hero’s Lounge is one of those rare places where the theme isn’t just decoration—it’s the backbone of the entire experience.
The interior strikes the perfect balance of cozy and intentional:
warm wood and soft lighting
exposed beams and vintage textures
a gleaming bar with rows of backlit bottles
and walls covered with displays that feel more like a curated local history exhibit than bar decor
I’ve visited plenty of themed places, but this one does it right. You can sit, relax, enjoy your drink, and take in a piece of Panama City’s past at the same time. The whole space has the atmosphere of a lounge built by people who care deeply about the stories they’re telling.
Sharon ordered Hogeboom’s Painkiller, and I had their holiday Bon Bon Old Fashioned. Both were excellent—and fit the room.
The Hero Theme: Real People, Real Stories
Hero’s Lounge focuses on local heroes—people who lived, worked, served, or sacrificed in ways that shaped our community. What I appreciated most is that it isn’t limited to military service. It spotlights shipyard workers, police officers, pilots, athletes, and everyday citizens whose actions left a mark.
Each story has its own section on the walls, and as you walk the room, the theme unfolds piece by piece.
The Heroes of Hero’s Lounge
Below are the major stories on display, each one given space and respect.
Women of Wainwright Shipyard
During WWII, Wainwright Shipyard along St. Andrews Bay built over a hundred Liberty Ships at remarkable speed. The display honors the women who stepped into industrial roles while the men were away at war—women like Fannie Mae, recognized for outstanding work, and Ginny Pearce, who famously borrowed her aunt’s clothes to appear old enough to be hired at 17. Their determination and grit kept the war effort moving.
J.C. Wilson – Panama City’s First Black Police Officer
Hired in 1952, J.C. Wilson served under restrictions and discrimination that would have tested anyone’s resolve. He wasn’t allowed to arrest white citizens and was given an old patrol car that couldn’t reverse. Still, he served 20 years with courage, integrity, and quiet strength. His story stands as a reminder that heroism often happens out of the spotlight.
Lt. Edwin Gorbet
On September 28, 1953, Lt. Edwin Gorbet’s F-86 Sabre jet caught fire over Panama City. He had every chance to eject—but he was directly over Jinks Junior High School. Instead, he stayed with the aircraft, guiding it away from the children below. He died in the crash. No one on the ground was hurt. His sacrifice is honored with photos and a model jet that hangs above the lounge.
Wainwright Liberty Ships
Large photographs capture the impressive scale of Liberty Ship production—huge steel hulls rising from scaffolding, crews standing shoulder to shoulder, and the shipyard that helped win a global war, right here in our bay.
Tyndall Airmen & Clark Gable
Historic photos show trainees from Tyndall Field’s WWII gunnery school, including the surprising presence of Clark Gable. These displays highlight Panama City’s role in training the young airmen who would fight in the war’s most dangerous theaters.
Navy Divers & NDSTC
Another section honors the divers who train at the Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center, with gear, gauges, boots, and even a piece of a hyperbaric chamber on display. It’s a quiet but powerful tribute to high-risk work that rarely gets public recognition.
The Cocktail Menu: Drinks With Meaning
One of the things I enjoyed most about Hero’s Lounge is how the standard cocktail menu ties directly into the theme. Many drinks are named after the very people whose stories are on the walls:
The Liberty Smash – a nod to the Liberty Ships
Gunpowder Gable – honoring Clark Gable and the gunnery trainees
The Ginny Spritz – named for Ginny Pearce from Wainwright Shipyard
Gorbet’s Aviation – a toast to Lt. Edwin Gorbet
Hogeboom’s Painkiller, Daffin Manhattan, Turner’s Truffle Martini – honoring other local names and stories
The menu feels like another way of telling the history—quietly, cleverly, without turning it into a gimmick.
Holiday Cocktails
Since it’s December, they also offer a small holiday menu. The drink names alone set the tone:
Bon Bon Old Fashioned
Snowdrop
Fernet Navidad
Figgy Daisy
I went with the Bon Bon Old Fashioned, and it was excellent—seasonal without being overly sweet.
Final Thoughts
Hero’s Lounge was the perfect ending to a night of lights, good food, and exploring a different side of Panama City. Downtown has a distinctly different feel from Historic St. Andrews—neither better nor worse, just another flavor of home. And for me, having both options within minutes of each other is something I really appreciate.
If you enjoy history, storytelling, craftsmanship, or simply a place that knows who it is, Hero’s Lounge hits the mark. I’ll absolutely be back—and next time, the Liberty Smash might be calling my name.
