After back-to-back hurricanes, Tampa Bay’s beachside restaurants and bars are still recovering, and many have yet to reopen. So it goes without saying that our local tiki-bars, fish shacks and beach bars need your support now more than ever.
Whether you’re in town for spring break, or you’re a resident looking for a weekend staycation or sunset happy hour, here are a handful of local bars and restaurants that are right on the sand and open for business.
Sandbar at Opal Sands Resort
430 S Gulfview Blvd, Clearwater Beach, 727-450-6238
Sandbar, is a beachfront tiki-themed watering hole located in the pool area of Opal Sands Resort on Clearwater Beach. Besides having direct access to one of the world’s most popular beaches, the bar also features an expansive drink menu spanning everything from craft cocktails, wine and bubbly, to beer buckets and drafts. And, of course, there’s a solid pub grub menu with savory handhelds like burgers, wings, tacos, wraps and more. Plus, there’s a happy hour everyday from 2 p.m.- 4 p.m.
Photo via SandbarBar/WebsiteCoconut Charlie’s Beach Bar & Grill
17120 Gulf Blvd, North Redington Beach, 727-391-4000
Located directly on the sand, Coconut Charlie’s is the tiki bar extension of the Hilton Garden Inn St. Pete Beach. The watering hole is still experiencing some renovations from the recent hurricanes, but a portion of their beach-side patio is currently open. There’s almost always live music, and guests can expect a nice selection of thin crust pizzas, tacos, boozy slushies and more.
Photo via Coconut Charlie’s Beach Bar & Grill/WebsiteIkki Woo Woo’s Tiki Hut at the Thunderbird
10700 Gulf Blvd., Treasure Island, 800-367-2473
Grab a seat on the outdoor deck and take in the views at the Thunderbird Beach Resort’s Tiki Hut Bar. Tasty cocktails and frozen tropical concoctions of all flavors are offered for those ready to unwind and relax on the beach.
Photo via Thunderbird Beach Resort/FacebookCrabby Bill’s St. Pete Beach
5100 Gulf Blvd, St Pete Beach, 727-360-8858
Crabby Bill’s is a classic, no-frills, beachside seafood shack located right on the sand in St. Pete Beach. A great place to grab lunch or dinner and stare at some surf, Crabby Bill’s features a nice spread of crab-related entrees (as you would’ve guessed), as well as a real grouper sandwich, tacos, and burgers and more.
Photo via Crabby Bill’s St. Pete Beach/FacebookRowe Bar
3400 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach, 727-360-1881
Located inside of The Don CeSar Hotel (which will reopens this month after experiencing quite a bit of damage from the hurricanes), Rowe Bar is one of the best places to eat and drink, and have direct access to a private beach. If you’re not staying at the hotel, score a day pass for access to most of the resort’s amenities, including the heated pool, sun chairs and this watering hole. Grab a hand-crafted cocktail and a bite of the tuna tacos or goat cheese fritters to savor the Gulf.Photo viaSkyBar + Grille
6800 Sunshine Skyway Ln. S, St. Petersburg, 727-867-1151
Located within the SkyBeach Hotel and Marina, the SkyBar + Grille offers up a killer view of the Skyway Bridge with its own private patch of sand. Featuring more than just your typical beach grub, this beachside bar serves up a diverse menu spanning everything from gator rolls and ribeye sandwiches, to calamari and fish spread. There’s also a nice happy hour Monday-Thursday from 3:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m., where $3 wells and $4 brews are up for grabs.
Photo via SkyBar + Grille/WebsiteKa’Tiki
8803 W Gulf Blvd., Treasure Island, 727-360-2272
Ka’Tiki is a classic, no frills beach bar, and it sits about 20 feet from the sand (so, we’re going to count it). There’s live music almost every night, and weekly food and drink specials like $2.50 drafts Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-2 p.m., and $3 cheeseburgers everyday all-day.
Photo via Ka’Tiki/WebsiteSunset Grill and Beach Bar
602 Bahia Del Sol Dr, Ruskin, 813-607-2900
Sitting on its own private beach along the eastern edge of Tampa Bay, Sunset Grill and Beach Bar offers some pretty unique views of the skyline, as well as tons of outdoor seating, a hefty drink menu and food options that are a little more high brow than your typical beach bar. Of course, as the name implies, it’s also a pretty great spot to grab a drink and catch the sun go down.
Photo via Sunset Grill and Beach Bar/FacebookSloppy Joe’s On The Beach
10650 Gulf Blvd., Treasure Island
With extra large and shareable American-Caribbean entrées, Sloppy Joe’s offers a great setting to get together with friends. Located at The Bilmar Beach Resort, the restaurant offers one of the best views of Treasure Island Beach, plus it’s directly on the sand.
Photo via Sloppy Joe’s On The Beach/WebsiteUndertow Beach Bar
3850 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach
Arguably the most rizzed up beach bar in Pinellas County, the Undertow is known for its bikini-clad servers, cheap drinks and direct access to the beach. This spot serves up classic pub grub for breakfast, lunch or dinner and has a killer happy hour during the week.
Photo via Undertow Beach Bar/InstagramThe Getaway
13090 Gandy Blvd. N, St. Petersburg, 727-317-5751
It’s going to be hard to spend a day at Clearwater Beach and not walk past at least one Frenchy’s. Heck, if you spent a week you could hit a different one almost every day. Frenchy’s has six locations spread across Clearwater Beach and Dunedin Causeway, serving fan-favorite dishes like its Cajun grouper sandwich, island shrimp tacos and seafood pot pie as well as local craft beers and frozen rum runners.Photo via The Getaway/FacebookSpa Beach Bistro
501 2nd Ave. NE, St. Petersburg, 727-623-9877
The world is your oyster when you visit Spa Beach Bistro’s in downtown St. Pete. Located on the St. Pete Pier and within footsteps of Spa Beach, the restaurant offers easy to grab meals and drinks to enjoy as you walk along the city’s main touristy zone. If you get tired of the sand, there’s also a splash pad and a giant playground nearby.
Photo via Spa Beach Bistro/FacebookWhiskey Joe’s Bar & Grill
7720 W Courtney Campbell Causeway, Tampa, 813-281-0770
With its own private beach and Causeway locale, Whiskey Joe’s is one of Tampa’s most visible beach bars. You can brave Ben T. Davis, or pay a small fee to access Whiskey Joe’s beachside bar and party area.
Photo via Whiskey Joe’s Bar & Grill/WebsiteFrenchy’s
7 Rockaway St., Clearwater, 727-446-4844
It’s going to be hard to spend a day at Clearwater Beach and not walk past at least one Frenchy’s. Heck, if you spent a week you could hit a different one almost every day. Frenchy’s has six different locations spread across Clearwater Beach and Dunedin Causeway, serving fan-favorite dishes like its Cajun grouper sandwich, island shrimp tacos and seafood pot pie as well as local craft beers and frozen rum runners.
Photo via Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill/Website Credit:Photo via Frenchy’sShepard’s Tiki Beach Grill
619 S Gulfview Blvd., Clearwater Beach, 727-442-5107
Located at the Shephard’s Beach Resort, the Tiki Beach Grill offers a variety of classic beach staples like grouper snados, burgers, cocktails and more, plus it’s just steps away from the Gulf.
Photo via Shephard’s Beach Resort/FacebookParadise Grille
6850 Beach Plaza, St. Pete Beach
St. Pete and Pass-A-Grille beach already have a lot going for them, but add live music and some fish tacos to the mix and there’s no turning down a visit to this oceanic grill. Paradise couldn’t be any closer to the water with tables just steps away from the water. Make sure to wear sunscreen as it doesn’t offer indoor seating. Paradise Grill offers classic American treats and a wide selection of drinks to choose from while enjoying a family beach day.
Photo via Paradise Grille WebsiteCaddy’s Madeira Beach
14080 Gulf Blvd., Madeira Beach, 727-308-7888
As one of Tampa Bay’s favorite dining chains, Caddy’s has a lot of expectations to uphold, and its waterfront locations do not disappoint. Have frozen drinks during happy hour, take a dip in the water and come back for more in one of the best beachfront restaurants on Florida’s West Coast.
Photo via Caddy’s Madeira Beach/WebsiteCaretta on the Gulf
500 Mandalay Ave., Clearwater, 727-441-2425
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just looking for a bougie evening of cocktails in the golden sunshine, Caretta on the Gulf has all of the bases covered. Part of Sandpearl Resort, Caretta offers both a place to sit fireside with a drink or dine with a window view of Clearwater Beach.
Photo via Sandpearl Resort/FacebookHarry’s Beach Bar
5300 Gulf Blvd., St Pete Beach, 727-363-5125
With an updated menu, this bar offers live entertainment and signature cocktails like the Harry’s Hurricane and The Harry Navel, as well as a selection of craft beer and food. Its direct waterfront views promise a good time either at the beach or at the pool of its home hotel, the Sirata.
Photo via Harry’s Beach Bar/WebsitePalm Pavilion Beachside Grill & Bar
10 Bay Esplanade, Clearwater, 727-446-2642
Located on one of America’s top beaches, this very laid back beach joint is popular with tourists and locals, mostly because it offers quick bites and drinks directly on the sand. Try the gator bites and wasabi scallops while sipping on one of their specialty cocktails. If you need a place to stay, The Palm Pavilion Inn is located a few steps away just in case the drinking gets a little too out of hand.
Photo via Palm Pavilion Beachside Grill & Bar/Facebook
