DINING VisitSPC.com/Dining DOC FORD’S RUM BAR AND GRILLE $ Most dishes under $15 $$ Most entrees under $25 $$$ Most entrees more than $25 RUSTY BELLIES WATERFRONT GRILL WATERFRONT CADDY’S ON THE BEACH • Treasure Island; $ • You can’t beat the toes-in-the-sand allure at this spot, which overlooks the Gulf of Mexico on Treasure Island’s Sunset Beach. The local mini-chain is known for its waterside beachy eats, from smoked fish spread to fried grouper nuggets, crab cake dinners and shrimp baskets. It’s also a popular party spot with frequent live music. Come sunset, the rooftop bar has the best seats in the house. DOC FORD’S RUM BAR AND GRILLE • St. Petersburg and Jungle Terrace; $$ • With locations at the St. Pete Pier and in Jungle Terrace, this casual Caribbean-themed sports bar and restaurant from author Randy Wayne White is always a good time. Potent mojitos are paired with signature dishes like the Yucatan Shrimp, which arrives swimming in a buttery sauce heavy with garlic and a touch of heat from Colombian chiles. Grab a seat outdoors to catch the best waterside views. FRENCHY’S ROCKAWAY GRILL • Clearwater Beach; $$ • The largest and liveliest restaurants of the Frenchy’s empire, the casual beachside spot overlooks the Gulf of Mexico and is just steps away from the sugar-white sands of Clearwater Beach. Favorites include the grouper sandwiches, served on onion rolls. If stone crabs are in season, there’s really no better way to wind down from a day on the beach than with a pound of claws and some sweet mustard dipping sauce. PALM PAVILION • Clearwater Beach; $$ • A great option for sunset watching, this Clearwater Beach institution sits directly on the Clearwater Beach overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Frequent live music performances, cocktails with heavy-handed pours and a wooden wraparound deck lend the space a casual vibe that’s just as nice to pop in for a few drinks as it is to while away a lunch or dinner for several hours. RUSTY BELLIES WATERFRONT GRILL • Tarpon Springs; $$ • This waterfront spot sits right off busy Dodecanese Boulevard and sports a large outdoor patio with views of the Tarpon Bayou and Anclote River. A Tiki bar features rum-heavy spins on Tiki classics while the restaurant’s proximity to the docks is a nod to the owners’ focus on fresh Florida seafood. Steamed Cedar Key clams, peel-and-eat shrimp and a fresh catch selection 76 AMERICA’S BEST BEACHES
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