To the beaches! Where to dine, drink and indulge by the water.
—Arielle Stevenson
CADDY’S ON THE BEACH 9000 W. Gulf Blvd., Sunset Beach, 727-360-4993, caddysotb.com. Serving a sizable menu of seafood, burgers, bar fare and breakfast for three squares a day right on Sunset Beach.
CAJUN CAFE ON THE BAYOU 8101 Park Blvd. N, Pinellas Park, 727-546-6732, cajuncafeonthebayou.com. It’s Mardi Gras year-round at this Cajun joint on Cross Bayou in Pinellas Park. Serving a large menu of traditional dishes like po’ Boys, boiled crawfish, etoufeé and even alligator cooked in a myriad of methods. They also stock a huge array of craft beers on draft and in bottle.
COLUMBIA RESTAURANT SAND KEY 1241 Gulf Blvd., Clearwater, 727-596-8400, columbiarestaurant.com/clearwater. Offering the full Columbia menu with views of the Intracoastal from both the Mediterranean dining room and the outdoor deck.
COLUMBIA RESTAURANT ST. PETE 800 Second Ave. NE, The Pier, St. Pete, 727-822-8000, columbiarestaurant.com. Yet another incarnation of the local Spanish-Cuban chain, this Columbia offers the full menu and a panoramic view of Tampa Bay from the fourth floor of The Pier.
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.
FRESCO’S WATERFRONT BISTRO 300 Second Ave. NE, St. Pete, 727-894-4429, frescosbistro.com. Dine on the waterfront deck overlooking the Pier and enjoy the seafood-heavy, Caribbean-influenced menu. A hot spot for Sunday brunch and late-night drinks.
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 offered downstairs if you need to cool off.
ISLAND WAY GRILL 20 Island Way, Clearwater, 727-461-6617, islandwaygrill.com. Island Way Grill packs them in with modern, open décor, fresh seafood, generous flavors and a prime view of the Intracoastal. Fresh seafood, sushi, wood-fired grill, a huge wine list and Sunday brunch are highlights.
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.
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 hours. Try a tropical cocktail, such as Banana Monkey or Jamaican Me Crazy. Gulfport Casino is nearby, if you feel the urge to gamble.
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.
PHILTHY PHIL’S 678 75th Ave., St. Pete Beach, 727-367-9977, philthyphilsbarandgrill.com. Hidden away on Sunset Way with a waterfront view, second-floor deck dining, and killer Bloody Marys and smoked fish spread.
THE PUB WATERFRONT RESTAURANT 20025 Gulf Blvd., Indian Shores, 727-595-3172, thepubwaterfrontrestaurant.com. Yet another venture by St. Pete restaurateur Steve Westphal, The Pub offers a huge menu of seafood and Florida-centric cuisine on three outdoor decks overlooking the Intracoastal.
SALT ROCK GRILL 19325 Gulf Blvd., Indian Shores, 727-593-7625, saltrockgrill.com. Raw bar, in-house aged steaks and fresh seafood cooked over the open wood fire grill, and a gorgeous view of the Intracoastal.
SALTY RIM GRILL 9524 Blind Pass Road, St. Pete Beach, 727-851-9955, thesaltyrim.com. The food is Floribbean (Florida meets Caribbean) and consistently delicious. Outdoor seating puts you right on the Intracoastal but not directly under the elements; there is plenty of shade should you arrive before the sun has set.
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.
UNDERTOW BEACH BAR 3850 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach, 727-368-9000, undertowbeachbar.com. The parking lot can be crowded but the view of the beach (and the beach volleyball) can’t be beat. Offering breakfast, lunch, dinner and a huge array of craft beers 7 days a week.
WOODY’S WATERFRONT CAFE AND BEACH BAR 7308 Sunset Way, St. Pete Beach, 727-360-9165, woodyswaterfront.com. Great burgers and fish sandwiches and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere have made this a day-and-night destination for locals and snowbirds of all ages and stripes. It’s right on the water, a Gulf inlet with a view of the southern tip of Sunset Beach and some notably ugly condos. But the water’s a tonic no matter what the surrounding real estate looks like.
This article appears in Aug 9-15, 2012.