{"id":184897,"date":"2026-03-09T23:34:25","date_gmt":"2026-03-09T23:34:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/184897\/"},"modified":"2026-03-09T23:34:25","modified_gmt":"2026-03-09T23:34:25","slug":"the-best-beach-bars-to-visit-right-now-from-st-pete-beach-to-clearwater-beach","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/184897\/","title":{"rendered":"The best beach bars to visit right now, from St. Pete Beach to Clearwater Beach"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Our long (by Tampa standards) cold winter has passed, and spring has blissfully returned. It\u2019s the time of year for pools, patios, rooftops, and of course, getting our toes in the sand. It\u2019s still a little chilly for swimming, but the weather is perfect to visit the best beach bars on St. Pete Beach and beyond. <\/p>\n

It\u2019s the first full season back for the beaches after the 2024 hurricane season, and we\u2019re thrilled to be able to support the local restaurants, the historic resorts, and the hidden gems that make the area special. We also know that this spring may be a bit more confusing than usual. What\u2019s open? What\u2019s new? What\u2019s in a different place?<\/p>\n

To streamline things, this guide sticks to spots that are directly on the beach. As in, once you grab a mai tai, you can step straight onto the sand and hear the crash of waves from the Gulf without crossing a road. There are tons of great spots for food and drink throughout our beach communities that aren\u2019t directly on the sand, and we\u2019ll be showcasing as many as we can in the coming months. From steaks and seafood to craft beer and authentic Italian, we\u2019re lucky to have the great spots we do. For the sake of trimming this list to a manageable number, however, we\u2019re taking this particular space to focus on spots you can walk up to straight from a failed skimboarding attempt.<\/p>\n

The majority of this list focuses on St. Pete Beach and Treasure Island, though others make appearances, including several Clearwater Beach options at the bottom. The order runs south to north, from Pass-a-Grille to Madeira Beach, so feel free to pick a section and make it a crawl. This doesn\u2019t include every beach bar along the Gulf, so keep your eyes peeled as you walk for more great spots to try.<\/p>\n

The best beach bars to add to your list<\/p>\n

Paradise Grille
<\/a>If you\u2019ve spent any time at all on Pass-a-Grille Beach, you\u2019ve likely had lunch and a cold beer at Paradise Grille. The classics are classics for a reason, and this one may be able to claim the prettiest stretch of beach of the bunch.
900 Gulf Way<\/p>\n

Beacon Pool Bar
<\/a>The Don CeSar is the most historic and iconic hotel on the Pinellas County beaches, and the pool bar is the destination of choice for day-trippers in search of a little luxury, history, and beachfront imbibing without splurging for a room.
3400 Gulf Blvd<\/p>\n

Undertow<\/a>
For our money, this is one of the most scenic beach bars in America. A wide swath of sand is complemented by palms waving in the blue sky, while the rubber duck river surrounding the bar inside the tiki-style digs adds a touch of whimsy to your frozen cocktail.
3850 Gulf Blvd<\/p>\n

\"The\"ThePhoto via Bon-Aire Resort<\/p>\n

Sandbar Bill\u2019s Bar & Grille
<\/a>The beach bar at the historic Bon-Aire, Sandbar Bill\u2019s is another in a long line of scenic spots that have stood the tests of time and storms alike. This is our underrated pick for lunch, and it\u2019s an easy walk-up for a drink.
4350 Gulf Blvd<\/p>\n

Crabby Bill\u2019s
<\/a>The St. Pete Beach outpost of the Crabby Bill\u2019s family showcases fresh seafood, scenic Gulf views, and laid-back vibes. Don\u2019t skip happy hour!
5100 Gulf Blvd<\/p>\n

Harry\u2019s Beach Bar
<\/a>A classic, laid-back beach bar, Harry\u2019s is the more casual option at Sirata Beach Resort. Stop in for a domestic beer, a fruity cocktail or, honestly, fantastic people watching.
5300 Gulf Blvd<\/p>\n

Coconut Charlie\u2019s
<\/a>The long-time favorite is back and better than ever with revamped digs and the same great food and drink you\u2019ve always loved. This is some of the best \u201cbar food\u201d on the beach, and we love seeing the upgrades post-hurricanes.
6100 Gulf Blvd<\/p>\n

Salty\u2019s Beach Lounge
<\/a>You can\u2019t go wrong with any of the four new restaurants and bars at Island Grand, but for the true sand-in-your-toes, drink-in-hand beach bar experience, nothing beats the new Salty\u2019s Beach Lounge. It\u2019s margarita heaven.
5500 Gulf Blvd<\/p>\n

\"The\"ThePhoto via Jimmy B\u2019s<\/p>\n

Jimmy B\u2019s Beach Bar
<\/a>The star is back! Jimmy B\u2019s is high-energy, but in a laid-back beachy way that few can replicate. It\u2019s a waterfront oasis by day, and a live music party by night. This is one we were thrilled to see reopen recently.
6200 Gulf Blvd<\/p>\n

Caddy\u2019s Treasure Island
<\/a>Caddy\u2019s on TI has some of the best sunset views anywhere on the Gulf, and you can watch the crowds gather along the shore every night. Stop in for lunch or dinner, and you have Ka\u2019tiki right next door if you want to keep the party going late.
9000 W Gulf Blvd<\/p>\n

Island Girl Tiki Bar
If it\u2019s possible for a place smack in the middle of one of America\u2019s best beaches to be a hidden gem, Island Girl pulls it off. The cozy spot is steps from the sand and rarely has the big crowds you\u2019ll often find elsewhere.
9980 Gulf Blvd<\/p>\n

Sloppy Joe\u2019s
<\/a>The Treasure Island outpost of the Key West star sits directly on a massive swath of white sand beach, while also offering excellent eats and a robust beer and cocktail menu, plus outdoor games.
10650 Gulf Blvd<\/p>\n

Waves Beach Bar
<\/a>The beachfront bar at Bilmar Beach Resort, Waves keeps things low-key. It\u2019s approachable, it\u2019s scenic, and like its neighbors, it sits on one of the deepest portions of the beach, offering plenty of room to walk, relax, or search for shells.
10650 Gulf Blvd<\/p>\n

Sunset Cafe and Beach Bar
<\/a>If \u201cNo Shirt, No Shoes, No Problem\u201d were a bar, it\u2019s this one. Sunset Cafe offers elevated views of the beach from it\u2019s simple-yet-scenic outdoor patio, with a short walkway leading you right to the sands of Treasure Island.
12000 Gulf Blvd<\/p>\n

Caddy\u2019s Mad Beach
<\/a>One of the only spots to get a drink on the sand in Madeira Beach, Caddy\u2019s is your best bet if you\u2019re staying nearby or looking for a spot with Gulf views after a visit to John\u2019s Pass.
14080 Gulf Blvd<\/p>\n

\"The\"ThePhoto via Frenchy\u2019s<\/p>\n

Clearwater Beach favorites<\/p>\n

Shephard\u2019s Tiki Beach Grill
<\/a>The lively Clearwater Beach tiki bar has live music, scenic palms, a beautiful patio, and all the rum-filled libations you could ever want. It\u2019s a little tucked away, so it\u2019s more of a destination than part of a bar crawl.
619 S Gulfview Blvd<\/p>\n

Tommy\u2019s Tiki Bar
Tommy\u2019s is the quintessential walk-up beach bar, famed for its pina coladas and prime location next to the pier. You may be tempted to just grab a drink and walk the shoreline, but if you\u2019re feeling peckish, it\u2019s a good spot for nachos or a hot dog.
400 Mandalay Ave<\/p>\n

Frenchy\u2019s Rockaway Grill
<\/a>Frenchy\u2019s is a Clearwater Beach icon, and it\u2019s for good reason. You\u2019d be hard-pressed to find a more scenic view for a grouper sandwich lunch or dinner, and that sandwich is indeed worth the hype. It does get busy, but the line usually moves quickly.
7 Rockaway St<\/p>\n

Crabby\u2019s Beachside Pavilion
<\/a>Local seafood star Crabby\u2019s recently took over the 100-year-old landmark, and it remains one of CWB\u2019s best spots for food and drink. From fresh grouper in platter, sandwich or nugget form to coconut shrimp and the return of gator bites, longtime regulars can still get their usual order.
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