Our long (by Tampa standards) cold winter has passed, and spring has blissfully returned. It’s the time of year for pools, patios, rooftops, and of course, getting our toes in the sand. It’s still a little chilly for swimming, but the weather is perfect to visit the best beach bars on St. Pete Beach and beyond.
It’s the first full season back for the beaches after the 2024 hurricane season, and we’re 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’s open? What’s new? What’s in a different place?
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’t directly on the sand, and we’ll be showcasing as many as we can in the coming months. From steaks and seafood to craft beer and authentic Italian, we’re lucky to have the great spots we do. For the sake of trimming this list to a manageable number, however, we’re taking this particular space to focus on spots you can walk up to straight from a failed skimboarding attempt.
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’t include every beach bar along the Gulf, so keep your eyes peeled as you walk for more great spots to try.
The best beach bars to add to your list
Paradise Grille
If you’ve spent any time at all on Pass-a-Grille Beach, you’ve 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
Beacon Pool Bar
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
Undertow
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
Sandbar Bill’s Bar & Grille
The beach bar at the historic Bon-Aire, Sandbar Bill’s 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’s an easy walk-up for a drink.
4350 Gulf Blvd
Crabby Bill’s
The St. Pete Beach outpost of the Crabby Bill’s family showcases fresh seafood, scenic Gulf views, and laid-back vibes. Don’t skip happy hour!
5100 Gulf Blvd
Harry’s Beach Bar
A classic, laid-back beach bar, Harry’s 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
Coconut Charlie’s
The long-time favorite is back and better than ever with revamped digs and the same great food and drink you’ve always loved. This is some of the best “bar food” on the beach, and we love seeing the upgrades post-hurricanes.
6100 Gulf Blvd
Salty’s Beach Lounge
You can’t 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’s Beach Lounge. It’s margarita heaven.
5500 Gulf Blvd
Jimmy B’s Beach Bar
The star is back! Jimmy B’s is high-energy, but in a laid-back beachy way that few can replicate. It’s 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
Caddy’s Treasure Island
Caddy’s 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’tiki right next door if you want to keep the party going late.
9000 W Gulf Blvd
Island Girl Tiki Bar
If it’s possible for a place smack in the middle of one of America’s 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’ll often find elsewhere.
9980 Gulf Blvd
Sloppy Joe’s
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
Waves Beach Bar
The beachfront bar at Bilmar Beach Resort, Waves keeps things low-key. It’s approachable, it’s 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
Sunset Cafe and Beach Bar
If “No Shirt, No Shoes, No Problem” were a bar, it’s this one. Sunset Cafe offers elevated views of the beach from it’s simple-yet-scenic outdoor patio, with a short walkway leading you right to the sands of Treasure Island.
12000 Gulf Blvd
Caddy’s Mad Beach
One of the only spots to get a drink on the sand in Madeira Beach, Caddy’s is your best bet if you’re staying nearby or looking for a spot with Gulf views after a visit to John’s Pass.
14080 Gulf Blvd
Clearwater Beach favorites
Shephard’s Tiki Beach Grill
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’s a little tucked away, so it’s more of a destination than part of a bar crawl.
619 S Gulfview Blvd
Tommy’s Tiki Bar
Tommy’s 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’re feeling peckish, it’s a good spot for nachos or a hot dog.
400 Mandalay Ave
Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill
Frenchy’s is a Clearwater Beach icon, and it’s for good reason. You’d 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
Crabby’s Beachside Pavilion
Local seafood star Crabby’s recently took over the 100-year-old landmark, and it remains one of CWB’s 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.
10 Bay Esplanade
