The weather is wonderful, why not dine and drink outdoors?

St. Pete/Clearwater, Florida has become a foodie hotspot with chef-led restaurants, access to seafood fresh from the Gulf, local craft breweries and – best of all – well over 200 sunny days every year. You’re almost required to enjoy a meal or drink outdoors.. Here are some of the best restaurants, bars and breweries with al fresco options.

Restaurants

Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill

Clearwater Beach

Frenchy’s restaurants have been a staple in St. Pete/Clearwater ever since their first location opened in 1981. Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill is their largest venue with seating right on the sand and stunning Gulf views. Dig into fresh grouper, sip a rum runner and enjoy their daily live music on the spacious open-air patio. Frenchy’s commercial fishing fleet delivers the day’s catch directly to the restaurants, ensuring fresh seafood while keeping the pricing reasonable. Pair that with the sunset views at Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill and you’ve got a meal to remember.

Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille

St. Pete

This restaurant takes its name from the Doc Ford mystery book series, where a marine biologist becomes a crime-solving detective. Doc Ford’s has an adventurous vibe with playful dishes, live music and strong drinks (seriously, they taste amazing but take your time savoring them!) Their location on the southern end of the St. Pete Pier’s overlook area provides waterfront views of the bay and plenty of space to relax. The patio area is spread out, keeping it from feeling crowded even at the busiest times. For a real treat, order the Yucatan Shrimp (their signature dish) made with steamed shrimp dressed in real butter, garlic, mild Colombian chilies, fresh cilantro, and Key lime juice. Top it all off with a Mojito (another signature feature) and enjoy the breeze off Tampa Bay.

Bodega

St. Pete

Bodega is a St. Pete/Clearwater classic. Their downtown location is in the heart of St. Pete’s bustling Central Ave. surrounded by shopping and street art. Bodega is known for their Cuban sandwiches (the pork is so tender we often wonder what their secret is) and fresh juice bar. Grab a sandwich at this fast-casual spot and take a seat on the patio to people watch. Or, grab your meal to-go and enjoy at Williams Park or South Straub Park (which comes with waterfront views).  

Related Content: Set Sail with Boating Tours and Cruises in St. Pete/Clearwater, Florida – outdoor adventures on the water

Breweries

Grand Central Brewhouse

St. Pete

Brewed in a 10-barrel system and poured from copper serving tanks, the beer at Grand Central Brewhouse is made in the European tradition. There’s a focus on lagers, but Grand Central Brewhouse also brews an assortment of pale ales, IPAs, darker ales and sours. The large space offers multiple ways to get some fresh air. Sit on the front patio to people-watch or head upstairs to the expansive rooftop area complete with outdoor games and splashy murals.

Green Bench Brewing Co.

St. Pete

Located in an unassuming brick building, this St. Pete staple offers a large lawn area complete with palm trees, patio games and of course, good beer. The plastic lawn chairs and strands of lights add to the relaxed backyard vibe. Along with their one-of-a-kind beers, Green Bench brews ciders and meads at Webb’s City Cellar, their second brewing room. Their core line of beers focuses on tropical flavors with inspiration drawn from St. Pete, but they always have some new seasonal on tap ready for beer lovers to try.

Woodwright Brewing Co.

Dunedin

Part craft brewery, part woodworking showspace, Woodwright Brewing Co. is one of the more unique breweries you can visit anywhere. You’ll want to stop inside to see the woodworking pieces on display, but the outdoor brewgarden is a treat. Plenty of shade canopies provide respite from the sun and seating is spread out so even when it’s lively you won’t feel packed in. Woodwright is also known for their live bluegrass shows, but they fill up quick, so arrive early!

Bars

PCI Beach Bar & Snack Shack

St. Pete Beach

Located right on St. Pete Beach, PCI (short for Postcard Inn) Beach Bar & Snack Shack is a popular weekend hang spot. There’s usually live music, always good drinks and the relaxed vibe embraces flip flops and board shorts. Come right up from the beach or make an entire evening of it, complete with sunset views.

Hi-Fi Rooftop Bar

Dunedin

Surrounded by views of swaying palm trees and open to the Gulf breeze, Hi-Fi Rooftop Bar is always up for a good time. Craft cocktails add to the overall musical theme with names like “Jam Session” and “Tropical Tune”. The historic hotel that the bar is located in, The Fenway, housed the area’s first radio station, a history which the hotel nods to all throughout. Once you have a drink in hand, soak up the views of Caladesi and Honeymoon Islands from your rooftop perch. 

Caddy’s Treasure Island

Treasure Island

The flagship Caddy’s location, this beach bar has everything you could want for a day on the beach. It’s one of the few bars where you can sit with your toes in the sand thanks to the bar’s private beach. Grab your drink of choice (frozen or on the rocks) and take advantage of complimentary beach chairs and umbrellas. It can get a little rowdy on weekends, but you can’t go wrong surrounded by sand, surf and friendly people.