Now that the warm weather is back (so soon?), hitting the beach is a no-brainer. Tampa Bay is blessed with some of the best beach bars under the sun, and now’s the time to visit, what with the tourists all retreating back up north for the summer.
CADDY’S ON THE BEACH 9000 W. Gulf Blvd., Treasure Island, 727-360-4993, caddysotb.com. This is one of Treasure Island’s hot spots for catching some rays (if you can find a spot to set up camp), enjoying a cold brew, people watching and partying. Live music is featured frequently; check the website’s calendar for event details.
COOTERS RESTAURANT AND BAR 423 Poinsettia Ave., Clearwater Beach, 727-462-COOT, cooters.com. Not to be confused with Hooters, Cooters has received a Best in Tampa Bay award from Tampa Bay Magazine for the past five years. The patio is pet-friendly, so bring Fido along. Check out the daily (3-6 p.m.) and late-night (10 p.m.-close) happy hours. Free WiFi is available if Fido won’t distract you.
CRABBY BILL’S 5100 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach, 727-360-8858; 401 Gulf Blvd., Indian Rocks Beach, 727-595-4825; 37 Causeway Blvd., Clearwater Beach, 727-210-1313, crabbybills.com. You won’t be in a crabby mood if you head to Crabby Bills, where seafood has been served for over 25 years. Take advantage of daily happy hour specials, such as half-price drafts, Wells and house wines. (Times vary per location.) Stick around to watch the sunset on the tiki deck or patio.
DAIQUIRI DECK 14995 Gulf Blvd., Madeira Beach, 727-393-2706, daiquirideck.com. If you like rum and reggae, check out Rockin’ Rum and Reggae on a Sunday (Noon-8 p.m.), with specials such as $3 Rum Jumbie Coladas and $7 Jack Rum Buckets. Check the website for drink and food specials and entertainment schedule.
DRUNKEN CLAM 46 46th Ave. St. Pete Beach, 727-360-1800, drunkenclambar.com. There’s nothing clammy about this destination. Try Cajun parmesan garlic wings, which won the 2009 Wingstock award for best wings on the beach. (The naked wings are also popular.) Enjoy live music seven nights a week.
FRENCHY’S ROCKAWAY GRILL Seven Rockaway St., Clearwater, 727-446-4844, frenchysonline.com. This is Frenchy’s largest location and offers daily live music from local musicians, two bars and lounge area. Happy hour is weekdays from 4-7 p.m. and features discounted drafts, pitchers, Wells and house wines. Check the website for beer of the month and bartender specials.
GATOR’S CAFÉ AND SALOON 12754 Kingfish Drive, Treasure Island, 727-367-8951, gatorscafe.com. Gator fans unite at this popular John’s Pass destination. No matter what your mood is, you’ll find at least one bar to your liking. There are six to choose from, including Bikini Bar, Tiki Bar and Saloon Bar and Swamp. Air-conditioning is now offered downstairs if you need to cool off.
JIMMY B’S BEACH BAR 6200 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach, 727-367-1902, beachcomberflorida.com. Located behind Beachcomber Beach Resort. Local bands provide entertainment every night (check website calendar). Be there for sunset to receive a free sunset shooter, and then follow the boardwalk to the Gulf. Free WiFi is available for those who bring their laptop to beach bars.
MANGOS RESTAURANT AND TIKI BAR 17120 Gulf Blvd., N. Redington Beach, 727-391-4000, mangosrestaurant.com. Located at Doubletree Beach Resort. The tiki bar lights up tiki torches after sunset, so you will feel like you’re at a luau. Check out Friday Night Cookout (6-9 p.m.), with buffet, hula show, hula lessons and limbo. Live entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights.
O’MADDY’S BAR AND GRILLE 5405 Shore Blvd., Gulfport, 727-323-8643, omaddys.com. Happy hour lasts for 12 hours Monday-Saturday, beginning at 8 a.m., for those who like to be happy in the morning. Try a tropical cocktail, such as Banana Monkey or Jamaican Me Crazy.
PCI BEACH BAR 6300 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach, 727-367-2711, postcardinn.com. Located at Post Card Inn on the Beach, this isn’t a place your mailman frequents. This happening beach bar is a popular destination for volleyball players. Beachwood BBQ and Burger is mere steps away, if you’re in the mood for a beefy meal. Check the website’s calendar for events, such as a bikini blues bash.
SHEPHARD’S BEACH RESORT 619 S. Gulfview Blvd., Clearwater Beach, 727-441-6875, 727-442-7321, shephards.com. One of Clearwater Beach’s party destinations. Head to the backyard; Shephard’s Backyard Tiki Bar and Margarita Grill, that is, for a beach bar vibe. Shephard’s drink specials are the bomb: $1 drinks (1-6 p.m.) and $5 Patron and bomb shots (all day). End your weekend of a high note at Beach Party Sundays.
SLOPPY JOE’S ON THE BEACH 10650 Gulf Blvd., Treasure Island, 727-367-1600. A Sloppy Joe is actually on the menu, and since this destination (located at Bilmar Beach Resort) was named after it, you know it must be good and sloppy. If you like sloppy drinks, try Sloppy-Sized Margarita. Watch the sunset from the two-tiered deck; you’ll have room to sit since it has over 150 seats.
SLOPPY PELICAN SALOON 677 75th Ave., St. Pete Beach, 727-367-5556, seefloridaonline.com. Located on Blind Pass waterway. If you’re bonkers for Buffalo wings, head to Sloppy Pelican on a Monday night for 15-cent wings. Enjoy live music, from classic rock to blues, Wed.-Fri. (7-11 p.m.) and Sat. (9 p.m.-1 a.m.). Order a pitcher of a frozen cocktail or specialty drink and take advantage of the weekend shooter special.
UNDERTOW BEACH BAR 3850 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach, 727-368-9000, undertowbeachbar.com. This is a St. Peach Beach hot spot, so it’s often crowded. But the drinks are always cold and the wings are a favorite item, so just wing it. Wi-Fi is available, but keep those wings away from your laptop.
This article appears in May 10-16, 2012.