Clearwater’s more than its sugar-sand beaches and sunsets—locals know it’s a seriously tasty town with a mix of old-Florida seafood shacks, waterfront hangouts, and chef-driven kitchens.
Whether you’re here for a weekend or you’ve been calling Clearwater home for years, these five local favorites capture the flavors that keep people coming back.
Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill
You can’t talk Clearwater without talking Frenchy’s. Rockaway Grill is the quintessential beachfront spot—flip-flop casual, open-air, and perfectly positioned for that neon-pink sunset.
Local Grouper is the star here, and it’s sourced fresh daily from Frenchy’s own boats.
Go for the blackened grouper sandwich or the Super Grouper—both are Clearwater rites of passage.
Conch fritters and she-crab soup are classic starters, and the rum runners don’t hurt either.
Expect a lively scene, sandy feet, and live music that leans full-on beach vibes.
Clear Sky Cafe
A go-to any time of day, Clear Sky Cafe is beloved for its globe-trotting menu that somehow still feels local.
Breakfast is a standout—think benedicts, creative omelets, and cinnamon roll pancakes—while lunch and dinner broaden into seafood, steaks, and pastas.
The seafood risotto and lobster mac are fan favorites, and the fish tacos are a reliable win.
The atmosphere is relaxed bistro meets beach casual, with friendly service and a bar program that punches above its weight for a laid-back cafe.
Island Way Grill
Perched on the water just off the causeway, Island Way Grill delivers a polished yet coastal-casual experience with a focus on fresh-caught seafood and a sushi bar that’s more serious than you’d expect for a beach town.
The kitchen runs with a wood-fired grill that gives dishes a kiss of smoke—order the cedar-plank salmon or a simply grilled grouper and taste the difference.
Sushi rolls, oysters, and weekend brunch draw locals, while the sunset views from the deck do a lot of heavy lifting in the ambiance department.
Rumba Island Bar & Grill
For Caribbean-leaning comfort food with a Florida soul, Rumba is a local staple.
It’s the kind of place where you settle in for a laid-back meal and end up staying for one more round.
The menu leans into bold, sunshine-y flavors—jerk-seasoned mahi, blackened shrimp, and citrus-glazed chicken—plus hearty platters like the Big Fish with plantains and rice. Daily fresh fish options keep things interesting, and the tiki-style cocktails and live music complete the breezy, vacation-at-home feel.
Bob Heilman’s Beachcomber
A true old-Florida classic, Bob Heilman’s Beachcomber offers white-tablecloth service without the stuffiness.
It’s where locals go for special occasions or simply to indulge in a timeless seafood dinner.
Start with the relish tray and the famous onion rings, then move on to classics like the baked stuffed shrimp, grouper almondine, or a perfectly done prime rib.
The vibe is retro in the best way—thoughtful service, piano-bar nostalgia, and a menu that proves why some traditions don’t need reinventing.
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