Clearwater & Palm Harbor
Clearwater has some fabulous white sand beaches, along with too many high rises. This is a barrier island, with the town of Clearwater on the mainland. Back to the beach: north of the Radisson Resort, the municiple beach is wide and handsome, flat and relatively uncrowded, with ample parking meters. Like Key West, there is a sunset ritual at Pier 60 where street performers, clowns, stilt walkers and others gather to gather, as you watch the sun go down. It’s a fun time, with a moment of quiet as the group stands together watching the magic of the day fall below the horizon. Boat cruises, fishing charters and lots of shopping opportunities abound on Causeway Blvd. Rent a bike, go shelling, sift some white white sands across Clearwater Pass onto Sand Key Park, often in the top 20 favorite beaches inthe US.
Breakfast/lunch:
Lenny’s Restaurant: Great breakfasts and deli with lots of Phillies memorabilia and bowls of danish pastry on the table.
21220 US Highway 19 N, Clearwater, (727) 799-0402
Acropol Inn Restaurant: Yet another great little Greek place with wonderful breakfasts and lunches.
2552 Sunset Point Rd, Clearwater, (727) 796-2879
Wildflower Cafe: Real nice breakfasts and lunches in a real cozy place to relax a meal away.
1465 S Fort Harrison Ave, Clearwater, (727) 447-4497
Seafood:
Guppy’s On the Beach: Some locals say it’s the best seafood restaurant in the state. Maybe. Your call. It sure is good. Not cheap, not too pricey, and real, real good seafood.
1701 Gulf Boulevard, Indian Rocks Beach, (727) 593-2032
Keegan’s Seafood Grille: Casual gourmet seafood with conch ceviche, lobster rolls, and fresh oysters and clams.
1519 Gulf Blvd, Indian Rocks Beach, (727) 596-2477
PJ’s Oyster Bar: Laid back, mostly fried, but they’re happy to grill and broil, and it’s all real good.
500 1st St, Indian Rocks Beach, (727) 596-5898
Bonefish Grill of Safety Harbor: Upscale seafood and well worth it with a good menu, a nice elegant atmosphere and a locals bar.
2519 N McMullen Booth Rd, Clearwater, (727) 726-1315
Frenchy’s: Drive up “Grouper Sandwich City”, and a funky institution on the beach forever.
41 Baymont St, Clearwater Beach, (727) 446-3607
Bonefish Grill: $$$ This seafood chain started here and it’s always been good.
2519 N McMullen Booth Rd, Clearwater, FL 33761, (727) 726-1315
Barbecue:
Brady’s Backyard BBQ: $ Barbecue? Look no further. You’ll be licking your fingers and smilin’.
122 3rd Ave N, Safety Harbor, (727) 712-3727
Steakhouses & burgers:
Sam Seltzer’s Steakhouse: $$ Another local institution. It’s been popular for decades for good reason. Real good ribs & steaks.
18409 US Highway 19 N., Clearwater, (727) 519-7267
Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery: Perfect pub grub and plenty of brew to wash it down.
2571 Drew Street, Clearwater, (727) 724-6177
Frenchy’s: Same funky Frenchy’s you saw before. What can I say. The burgers are great too!
41 Baymont St, Clearwater Beach, (727) 446-3607
Pizza & Italian:
Cristino’s coal oven pizza: These ovens are the hottest. The pies are done in no time and the crust is incredible! If you like pizza, you’ve got to try this one.
1101 S Fort Harrison Ave, Clearwater, FL 33769, (727) 443-4900
Angelo’s Pizza: Real good pies out at the beach with thin and crispy to thick Chicago crust, anyway you like it.
665 Mandalay Ave, Clearwater, (727) 447-2020
Capogna’s Dugout: Kick back and catch a game on the multiple boob tubes with a great deal on real good pizza and beer.
1653 Gulf To Bay Blvd, Clearwater, (727) 441-4791
Casa Ludovico Italian Restaurant: Real nice little place with unique Italian specialties like truffle sauces and great calamari.
1710 Alt 19, Palm Harbor, (727) 784-7779
My 7 Kids Restaurant & Pizzeria: Nice, little family run place with pizza and foods that’ll make you happy.
35631 Us Hwy 19 N, Palm Harbor, (727) 216-6375
Watercolor by Peter Bailey