Clearwater Oyster Company has launched as the newest member of the Crabby Bill's Family Brands clan. Part of Clearwater Beach's Quality Hotel at 655 S. Gulfview Blvd., the "native Florida restaurant" sources as many local ingredients as possible, including grouper, shrimp and grass-fed, grass-finished beef from Ocala farm Adena.
Founders Matt Loder and Steve Page opened Clearwater Oyster Company Jan. 28. It's a relaxed destination for lunch and dinner as well as cocktails, which can be enjoyed inside or out along the patio.
On top of boutique bivalves from coast to coast that rotate with the seasons, Clearwater Oyster Company puts an inspired spin on seafood staples — think buffalo fried oysters or lobster and scallop pot pie. But the grouper, served both blackened and fried, is a menu favorite.
Crabby Bill's Family Brands brought the original Crabby Bill's to Indian Rocks Beach in 1983. The restaurant group operates five other eateries around Tampa Bay, including Lulu's Oyster Bar & Tap House and SeaBreeze Island Grill & Raw Bar.
This article appears in Jan 31 – Feb 7, 2019.