Best Burgers, Restaurants Near St. Petersburg and Clearwater Florida
Jimmy Buffett would feel right at home on the Gulf Beaches area of St. Petersburg. ABd, whether you a local Parrothead or just visiting the white sand shores of the St. Petersburg and Clearwater, Florida area finding a Buffett-worthy fun time and good food near the water is easy if you know where to look.
#1 Sunset spot and complete with awesome drinks and good grub: The famous Hurricane Bar right on St. Pete beach. This historic multistory restaurant is a favorite with locales and tourist alike. A varied menu features burgers, salads and plenty of fish fresh from the Gulf of Mexico. The staff is fun and friendly and the bartenders mix some fine drinks. You can even have a tropical libation served in a coconut shelled hand carved to look like a monkey! But don’t harass the waitress’ for a free monkey cup. The one of a kind souvenir sipper runs about $8 and can double as a “monkey” bank once you’ve drained your drink. Eat outside on the patio and be sure to make you way to the top floor before sunset to stake a table on the roof top bar for the best view of the sunset on the beach!
#2 Perfect party spot for the whole family: The Conch Republic in the middle of Reddington Beach also on Gulf Boulevard doesn’t offer the views of the Hurricane … but the food and the party atmosphere are great just the same! This causal restaurant has a Key West feel that will make any Parrot Head feel right at home. The menu features a wide variety of tasty items at excellent prices and includes options for kids. Best known fresh fish and hand cut steaks, the Conch Republic also has excellent homemade soups. And yes, you can get Conch Fritters! Happy Hour special abound and the bartenders pour generously! Be sure to read the “true story” of the real Conch Republic highlighted on the menu for a good laugh.
#3 Dining on the dock on the bay: The Pub is an Indian Shores institution. This tiny restaurant sports a HUGE deck right on the Intercoastal Waterway. Diners have access to this fun restaruant by car or by boat! The friendly staff never rushes you to finish your meal, but instead encourages you to sit back and watch the boats go by while listening to “classic 80’s” music. The menu is small but tasty with plenty of choices. Don’t be afraid to try the “Smoked Fish Spread” appetizer. It is homemade with Amberjack fish and it is fantastic! The huge melt in your mouth burgers and their steak and blue cheese salad are not to be missed. Come early (before 6 pm) and you’ll get a great deal on the “Sunset Specials.”
One to avoid … Crabby Bill’s
Crabby Bill’s is also a local institution with multi-restaurants up and down the area. While folks line nearly every night, I feel it has much to be desired. The atmosphere is dull, made up of special signs, TVs and neon beer advertisements. The food is fine, but nothing to write home about. The menu offers the usual fried suspects (clams, grouper, shrimp, etc.) along with crab claws and other fresh fish. But portions are small, th food is overcooked and swimming in butter. The price isn’t right. Even the inexpensive “Early Bird Special” isn’t very special in terms of value or taste. I will say that the french fries are fantastic. Large, crispy and golden, they are to die for .. but I can’t live on fries along. Overall, the restaurant is to touristy for my taste. Perhaps, that is due to the ever handly attached gift shop. Go ahead, make Bill crabbier. Drive on and try The Pub, Conch Republic or the Hurricane instead.
Hurricane Seafood Restaurant
807 Gulf Way, St. Pete Beach
727-360-9558
Open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner
The Conch Republic
16699 Gulf Blvd. North Reddington Beach, FL
727-320-0536
Open 7 days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner
Full bar
The Pub
20025 Gulf Blvd. Indian Shores, FL
727-595-3172
Open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner. Sunday brunch available.
Full bar
Crabby Bill’s – The Original
412 1st St. (and Gulf Blvd.), Indian Rocks Beach, FL
727-595-4825
Open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner
Full bar
