The Best Beach Bars

You won't be at the Palm Pavilion for long before you realize you’ve discovered paradise in Clearwater Beach. Locals love this open-air beachfront eatery not just for the sunset celebrations but also for the laid-back, down-home feel (not to mention the extensive menu).

The original Caddy's on Treasure Island is one of the few beachfront bars on the Gulf Coast where you can legally wiggle your toes in the water while sipping your beverage of choice. It can get rowdy on weekends, but the panoramic views of the beach you’ll find on the open-air second floor are priceless. Other Caddy's locations include Madeira Beach and Indian Shores.

Music. Mai-tais. Sunsets. You can’t go wrong with a trip to Jimmy B's Beach Bar in St. Pete Beach, where most bands play classic rock covers to the delight of flip flop-wearing dancers. There are multiple bars, and a boardwalk leads you out to the beach. Check out some great summer cocktail recipes courtesy of Jimmy B's!

The Toasted Monkey serves up handcrafted cocktails, mouthwatering burgers and fresh seafood dishes amid breathtaking ocean views. This lively spot features a calendar of live music nearly every day of the week, so sit back and take in the funky artwork and collectibles that adorn the walls and ceilings of this classic Old Florida locale.

Located on Sunset Beach in Treasure Island, Ka'Tiki is a local favorite for its quintessential tiki bar vibe and consistent dancing into the night. A lineup of live music is on the schedule nearly every singe day, pulling in performers from local bands to national tours. Don’t miss the $3 Cheeseburger (all day, every day) and other pub-style fare with a cold beer.

A quintessential beachfront spot, Undertow Beach Bar has a great selection of import and craft beers. The oversized wooden beach chairs facing the beach volleyball court are a huge hit, and you can catch sunsets from the rooftop deck.

Old license plates line the ceilings at the Postcard Inn's Beach Bar & Snack Shack, where you can write on the wooden bar and listen to live music daily. It's the place to be on the weekends for its refreshing signature cocktails, frozen concoctions and menu of tasty Mexican dishes.

For boozy slushies, hand-crafted cocktails and a menu full of beach bites, head to Coconut Charlie’s at Hilton Garden Inn in St. Pete Beach. It comes with a daily schedule of live music representing all genres, fire pits to circle around and sweeping views to admire from a beach hammock.

A mainstay of Clearwater Beach, Frenchy's Rockaway Grill is the largest of the Frenchy's establishments in the area. It opens right onto the sands of the Gulf and often hosts live local bands. Come for the drinks and beachy atmosphere alone, but make sure you order the classic Grouper Sandwich.

Head to Clearwater Beach for Shephard's Tiki Beach Bar & Grill, one of the liveliest beachfront spots you’ll find in the St. Pete-Clearwater area. Check out the outdoor tiki bar and The Wave, a nightclub featuring DJs and bottle service that’s geared toward a dressed-up younger set. Dance the night away while a live band plays on a massive outdoor stage.

Crabby's on the Pass on Treasure Island, across from the iconic John's Pass Village & Boardwalk, offers boat docking, an on-site fish-filleting station and a menu full of shrimp, oysters, fresh fish and other specialties. Enjoy a lineup of live music and a menu of tropical cocktails including Rum Runners and Margaritas in 32 ounce buckets.

Not technically on the beach, but so close we wouldn't want to forget this divey gem on St. Pete Beach's blossoming Corey Avenue. The Swigwam Beach Bar is an old Florida classic that has dollar bills plastered to the walls and one of the best dartboards in town.