Local’s Guide: The BEST Restaurants in Clearwater Beach
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If you’re on the hunt for the best restaurants in Clearwater Beach, you’re going to have your hands full trying to decide! While Clearwater Beach is famous for its stunning beaches and endless activities, its food scene is just as impressive. After moving to Tampa Bay in 2017, I spent five years working right on Clearwater Beach, exploring everything it has to offer—including some seriously tasty eats.
From fresh seafood shacks to chic spots with a view, let me take you through my favorite spots!
Note: Most restaurants in Clearwater Beach do not take reservations and work on a first-come, first-served basis. Please have patience with the restaurant staff if you visit during busier times.
Best Restaurants in Clearwater Beach
1. Frenchy’s Rockaway
Looking for the ultimate Clearwater Beach vibe? Frenchy’s Rockaway nails it with beachfront views, live music, and some of the best seafood in the area! As one of the iconic restaurants in Clearwater Beach, this spot is all about fresh flavors and laid-back fun.
Their famous She Crab soup, buttery grouper sandwiches, and garlic crab fries are must-tries, and if stone crab is in season, don’t miss it! Oh, and the Loopy Lada—a playful twist on a pina colada made with Fruit Loop vodka—is the kind of drink that screams “vacay mode activated.” It’s one of the best drinks on Clearwater Beach and something you can’t leave without trying!
2. Crabby’s Dockside
Crabby’s Dockside takes dining with a view to the next level—literally! Head to the third floor for stunning beach panoramas while indulging in their crave-worthy seafood.
The appetizers here are dangerously good. Their creamy crab and spinach dip, royal red peel-and-eat shrimp, and New Orleans grilled oysters are all so good you could make a meal out of them in themselves! But do try to save room for their oven-roasted Bairdi crab legs with Old Bay seasoning and 1-lb lobster tail.
If you only snag two things off the menu, make it the peel-and-eat shrimp (so tender and sweet, they honestly give lobster a run for its money!) and the crab legs—my absolute favorite on Clearwater Beach. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
3. Salty’s Island Bar and Grill
If you find yourself soaking up the vibes on South Beach, make sure to swing by Salty’s Island Bar and Grill! Owned by the same amazing crew behind Crabby’s, Salty’s brings its own flair with a menu that’s both familiar and refreshingly unique. Think laid-back island vibes paired with delicious eats—what more could you want?
From seafood favorites to tropical-inspired cocktails, Salty’s has something to satisfy every craving. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite between beach sessions or settling in for a sunset dinner, this spot is a must-visit for a taste of coastal comfort!
4. SHOR American Seafood Grill
For a dreamy date night or a memorable meal, SHOR American Seafood Grill on Clearwater Beach is a must-visit! They serve fresh seafood, tender steaks, and creative vegetarian dishes, all with jaw-dropping sunset views. I can’t believe it took me this long to discover this spot—I’ve clearly been missing out!
Start with their crispy fried calamari, then dive into the flavorful bolognese or their perfectly blackened redfish—seriously, one of the best fish dishes I’ve had on Clearwater Beach! Their cocktails are just as delicious, and whatever you do, save room for dessert or indulge in one of their decadent espresso martinis.
Pair all this with a relaxing yet sophisticated vibe and some of the best service in Tampa Bay, and you’ve got yourself a new favorite spot!
5. Palm Pavilion
Craving a laid-back beachside meal with killer views? Palm Pavilion has you covered! From juicy burgers and loaded tacos to hearty bowls and fresh salads, their menu is stacked with tasty options for everyone. And with its prime location right on the sand (just steps from Frenchy’s Rockaway), it’s the perfect spot to fuel up after a day in the sun.
This is where I fell head over heels for coconut shrimp—absolute perfection! And don’t sleep on their grouper sandwiches, which you can customize in three delicious styles.
Looking for something lighter? Their Southwest Salad and Sunset Salad are packed with vibrant, bold flavors that won’t make you feel like you’re missing out. Whether you’re in the mood for indulgent seafood or a healthier pick, Palm Pavilion makes it easy to have it all!
6. Jimmy’s Fish House
Jimmy’s Fish House is one of the best waterfront restaurants in Clearwater Beach! With a deck that extends over the ocean, this spot offers jaw-dropping views, a lively atmosphere with nightly live music (it’s a full-on party vibe on Fridays and Saturdays!), and a sunset celebration complete with free shots—yes, you read that right!
Whether you’re celebrating a big event like a Clearwater Beach bachelorette party or just soaking up those Clearwater Beach spring break vibes, Jimmy’s is the ultimate dinner destination.
Now, let’s talk food—because wow. Start with the Jolly Mon Shrimp; it’s a must-try. The crab legs, blackened grouper, crab-crusted salmon, and crispy honey shrimp bowl are all some of my favorites! Want something on the lighter side? The grilled salmon salad is AMAZING and enough to leave you satisfied.
And if you’re venturing beyond Clearwater Beach, their sister spot, Jimmy Guana’s in Indian Rocks Beach, is equally worth a visit!
7. Clear Sky
Clear Sky is a Clearwater Beach favorite, and it’s easy to see why! This gastropub serves up a menu so big and diverse, it feels like a passport for your taste buds. Whether you’re craving Mexican, Asian, Italian, French, or classic American comfort food, they’ve got something to satisfy your mood!
We had such a hard time choosing because everything sounded incredible! And Clear Sky is not just throwing everything at the wall here—the flavors hit. We kicked things off with the crab hush puppies (a must!) and then devoured the sesame chicken and cajun seafood pasta. Each bite was full of flavor and cooked to perfection.
They serve breakfast (hello, one of the best breakfast spots in Clearwater Beach), lunch, and dinner. Plus, their bloody mary bar on the weekends? Chef’s kiss! Don’t forget to swing by their Dunedin location for even more good eats.
8. Bait House Tackle & Tavern
Bait House Tackle & Tavern may look like a humble little dockside shack, but this spot is legendary for serving up some of the freshest seafood in Clearwater Beach. It’s been around since the 1940s, and while the full-service restaurant side opened in 2010, they’ve been absolutely crushing it ever since!
Start with their world-famous drunken shrimp. I’m not kidding when I say it’s so good, I almost ordered it again as my entree. Everything on their fresh catch menu is worth a try, and the casual, laid-back vibes make it feel like a true hidden gem.
They’re closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, and seating is limited (just a handful of tables and some bar stools). If you go during busy lunch or dinner hours, be prepared for a little wait—but trust me, it’s totally worth it!
9. Badfins
If you’re craving tacos, brews, and good vibes, Badfins is the ultimate spot! This laid-back hangout has a killer mix of Mexican and seafood dishes, with 34 brews on tap, artisan cocktails, and desserts that are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. Bonus: their terrace seating and live music set the perfect scene for a fun night out.
The whole menu is pretty fire, but if decision-making isn’t your strong suit, their online menu has photos of each dish to help you out. I went for the snapper tacos (aka the “oh snap” tacos), and WOW—each bite was bursting with fresh, flavorful goodness. Pair it with one of their signature drinks, and you’re golden!
10. Mandalay Prime
For a fancy night out on Clearwater Beach, Mandalay Prime (formerly Blinkers Steakhouse) is the spot. This upscale steakhouse serves up premium cuts, seafood, and even caviar service for a true splurge-worthy experience.
We couldn’t resist trying the wagyu beef carpaccio—so tender and flavorful, it practically melted in my mouth. For our main course, we created the ultimate surf and turf by adding a 6 oz lobster tail to their perfectly cooked prime ribeye. Every bite was absolute perfection!
11. Hurricane Eddie’s Clearwater Beach
If you’re on the hunt for a lively restaurant in Clearwater Beach, check out Hurricane Eddie’s! With two bars, plenty of TVs, and a prime location, it’s the perfect hangout for drinks and catching the game.
They also have a great menu with good variety and fresh seafood. We got the blackened grouper which was excellent! And because we were in treat-yourself mode, we couldn’t resist sharing both the onion rings and tater tots. No regrets here; they’re two of my all-time favorite sides, and both were spot on.
Which of these amazing restaurants in Clearwater Beach are you checking out first?!
I hope this list of the best Clearwater Beach restaurants helps you plan the ultimate foodie adventure during your beach getaway! Whether you’re craving fresh seafood, laid-back pub vibes, or an unforgettable waterfront dining experience, there’s something here for everyone. Don’t forget to share your favorite Clearwater Beach spot in the comments!
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Can you suggest a good place for thanksgiving dinner in Clearwater Beach?
Thank you! Going on Valentines Day.. SHOR American Seafood Grill??
Omg enjoy!! It’s SO good!!
very helpful guide, visiting from Canada for my birthday in Dec and have added these to my list to check out!