By Nanette Wiser
Sip Slip Hooray!
Come by car or boat to these Pinellas County waterfront restaurants and bars, preferably on weekdays as slips fill up fast. Localista note: McDonald’s in Madeira Beach has a dock! Also check out Billy’s in Tierra Verde, Red, White & Booze in Pass-A-Grille and in Indian Rocks, tie up at Keegan Docks (J.D.’s, VIP, Crabby Bill’s). Here are some of our faves.
Angry Pepper Best bbq on the beach, craft beers and if it’s a lucky Sunday, Biff sauce sliders and always a loaded Bloody Mary cool the day. Madeira Beach
The Big Catch at Salt Creek With a colorful refresh complete and a fab new menu featuring lobster rolls, seafood nachos and lobster mac’n’cheese, grouper nuggets and fresh local seafood, we look forward to a new oyster bar later this summer. The ultimate Sunday funday hangout, live entertainment and fun new pals to toast. Harborage Marine, DTSP
Caddy’s Indian Shores Live music, burgers and seafood plus happy hour Mon.-Fri. 3-5pm with $3.50 select beers, $4 house wine, $5 rum runners and margaritas and 25% off appetizers here and at Caddy’s St. Pete Beach, Indian Shores, Gulfport, Bradenton, Madeira Beach.
Crabby’s On The Pass Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, this waterfront Ole Florida style bar across from John’s Pass Village is a popular hangout for live music and day drinking. We like the hand-tossed pizza, chips and chorizo, avocado shrimp salad and grouper sliders. Treasure Island
Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille Check out the live music, exceptional service, food (shrimp scampi flatbread, crab cakes, island wings) craft cocktails (the BEST mojito) and new docks. Jungle Terrace
Frenchy’s Saltwater Café This laid back spot offers a wrap-around patio, delish Grouper Reuben sandwich, octopus and conch fritters; lots of beer and food specials. Clearwater Beach
The Getaway Tampa Bay So many bars, views and kayakers mixing it up with paddleboarders and expensive fishing boats near the Gandy. Good but expensive food and drinks. St. Petersburg
The lsland Grille & Raw Bar Some of the best seafood, steaks, oysters and cocktails plus live entertainment and if you’re eating and drinking, a day pass can be had for the adjacent hotel pool. Tierra Verde
Sea Dog Brewing Co. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, with happy hour Mon.-Fri. 2-6pm, the burgers, tacos, seafood, lobster roll, apps and Shipyard or craft brews are delish. Lots of cool cocktails, games and TVs for watching your favorite team. Treasure Island
Starlight Dining Cruise No boat, no problem. You can dine and drink in style, dance up a storm and enjoy a sunset…or lunch in these elegant ships departing Clearwater Beach or Pasadena.
Tiki Docks Bar & Grill Looking for South Pacific tropical vibe and food? Opening in June, the restaurant and bar will occupy the ground floor of Madeira Beach’s Cambria Hotel on Madeira Way. With locations in Riverview and South St. Pete, you can enjoy boat drinks and South Pacific comfort food including Kale Pig Roast Tacos, Hawaiian BBQ Chicken, Fresh Grouper Sandwiches, Mahalo Pork Sandwiches, a Big Kahuna Crab Cake Platter, house made Banana Bread Ice Cream Sandwich, Key Lime pie and more. The Skyway location is in Maximo Marina.
The Wharf This is where the locals hangout for 22 beers on tap, steamed shrimp, burgers, seafood and more, especially the Fish Fry special on Tuesday. Pass-A-Grille