After the devastation of hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024, many Pinellas beach bars have still not recovered—and some may never return. But little by little, the vibrant food and drink scene is making its comeback.

Here are eight spots that reopened this year where patrons can once again enjoy draft beers, BBQ, brunch and fresh seafood by the bay. 

Did we miss your favorite? Email general@cltampa.com to let us know.

A large group of people gathering to cut a blue ribbon in front of the Friendly Tavern's 'Welcome Stranger' archway.
Credit: Courtesy of Pinellas Beaches Chamber

Friendly Tavern

18121 Gulf Blvd., Redington Shores

Friendly Tavern welcomed strangers again in January, reopening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony following a soft relaunch on Thanksgiving. Kenny Davis led the restaurant’s revamp, which includes a new front porch and sign reading “welcome stranger,” along with a refreshed menu including a “Friendly Clucker” chicken sandwich and weekend build-your-own Bloody Mary bar. First opening as “The Alabi Eats” in 1947, the spot is known for hosting one of Florida’s longest-running karaoke nights.

Aerial view of the renovated Dockside Dave's, featuring its pink exterior and blue umbrellas.
Credit: Courtesy of Brandon Nazzario

Dockside Dave’s 

14701 Gulf Blvd., Madeira Beach

Dockside Dave’s reopened in March after being closed for more than a year in the wake of the 2024 hurricanes. The restaurant underwent extensive renovations, adding a new floor in the process. The comfort seafood staple has been open for over 30 years. It moved from St. Pete Beach to Madeira Beach in 2015 and is still known for its fresh grouper (which can be prepared in seven different ways) sandwiches. 

A group of smiling people in the bar at Hurricane Eddie's in Gulfport. The bar is decorated with LGBTQ+ rainbow pride flags and shamrocks for St. Patrick's Day.
Credit: Hurricaneeddiesgulfport/Facebook

Hurricane Eddie’s 

5413 Shore Blvd. S, Gulfport

Hurricane Eddie’s spent over a year under repair after Hurricane Helene flooded its 100-year-old building. The business continued to operate, hosting patio pop-ups and participating in local events, before finally reopening its doors in March.

Caddy's Treasure Island mid-reconstruction with rubble on the ground.
Credit: Courtesy of Caddy's

Caddy’s Treasure Island

9000 W Gulf Blvd., Treasure Island

After more than a year of functioning out of a food truck and tent, Caddy’s moved back into its brick-and-mortar in April. The business stands just steps away from the shoreline and the 2024 hurricanes destroyed its 75-year-old building. Now, fully renovated, Caddy’s is continuing to serve its tropical cocktails, seafood and comfort food.

A group of people cuts a red ribbon in front of Wahoos Bayside Pub & Grill while onlookers take photos
Credit: WahoosBayside/Facebook

Wahoos Bayside Pub & Grill

17801 Gulf Blvd., Reddington Shores

Wahoos opened back up in May after 20 months of repairs and renovations following extensive damage from the 2024 hurricanes. The repairs came with upgrades, including a larger kitchen and bar, ADA-compliant bathrooms, and new equipment. Wahoos is known for what it calls its “World Famous” blackened grouper sandwich, along with its blackened creole shrimp. 

Credit: SEAHORSE RESTAURANT/ FACEBOOK

Seahorse Restaurant 

800 Pass-a-Grille Way, Pass-a-Grille Beach

Hurricane Helene washed out the 88-year-old Seahorse Restaurant. Finally, in February, it reopened. If it weren’t for its 2024 historical designation, the restaurant would have been mandated to demolish or lift the building. The Brunch spot, loved for its classic breakfast menu, was also once a popular stop for WWII soldiers and is still a local staple. 

Saltwater Hippie Beach Bar amid hurricane destruction in 2024
Credit: saltyhippiesbeachbar/Facebook

Saltwater Hippie Beach Bar

15045 Madeira Way, Madeira Beach

After Saltwater Hippie’s move to a new location was stalled by the 2024 hurricanes, the bar, restaurant, live music venue, and surf shop once voted as one of America’s top 10 dive bars, returned in April. Saltwater Hippie is generally known for its BBQ, smoked meats and Wing Wednesdays, which include $1 smoked, bone-in wings or a half-pound of smoked boneless wings for $10. 

Rendering of The Luce hotel interior featuring a 70s retro aesthetic with modern elements
Credit: The Luce

Postcard Inn/The Luce Hotel

6300 Gulf Blvd., St Pete Beach

For Postcard Inn, Hurricane Helene flooded out the old and ushered in the new. After approximately two years of repairs, the hotel and bar returned last week as “The Luce.” The new name is a small element of a massive rebrand. The 70-year-old building has a new, bright and colorful 70s-inspired appearance and new amenities, including beachfront cabanas with butler service and a curated cocktail menu, weekends with live DJs, a new lobby bar and restaurant called Sundrop, and soon another outdoor bar concept called The Baby Turtle Beach Club. 

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This article appears in June 18 – 24, 2026.