Welcome to our first blog post of 2020!
You may be thinking about a diet or even “just” cutting back on alcohol as part of a New Years’ resolution. If so, stop reading as we will discuss some of our favourite beach bars within a short drive (taxi) of Eiko’s Beach House!
Now suppose you found a designated driver or have the Uber or Lyft app installed and wanted to search a wider area for the best beach bars on Pinellas’ SunCoast. We have a few unique places in mind for you to explore. None of these places are too far from Eiko’s Beach House but you need to budget some travel time. So let the countdown begin for our personal top 10 beach bars near Eiko’s Beach House in Treasure island, Florida:
Palm Pavilion Beachside Grill and Bar
On Clearwater Beach, the Palm Pavilion Beachside Grill and Bar has won the award for longevity. It was established in 1926 and is a must for those who take their beach drinking experience seriously.
They are located in the heart of Clearwater Beach and are surrounded by the comings and goings of the nearly 24/7 activity in this dynamic area. The Palm Pavilion rocks with live music and immediately puts you into the holiday vibe.
To help you officially launch your vacation try the Cabana drink. A fruity concoction which is one of the delicious specialty drinks to enjoy. For tasty eats we recommend the grouper sandwich or stone crabs which are a notch above the nearby completion.
While travelling to Palm Pavilion please note parking is an issue if you are not taxiing it and they do not take reservations so get there early well before sunset to claim your view of the Gulf of Mexico .
Hurricane Seafood Restaurant
On the opposite side of the Pinellas Beaches, in Passe-Grille, is the outpost of the Hurricane Seafood Restaurant. This long standing establishment has been in existence since 1977 serving locals, tourists and students from nearby Eckerd College.
A three story Victorian style structure houses this destination with a terrific 360 degree rooftop bar. While the menu is extensive, the grouper sandwiches and dinners are fresh as the Hurricane prides itself on its seafood reputation. Enjoy a cold beer or tropical drink from the roof terrace and watch freighters and passenger ships glide in and out of Tampa Bay. Both an evening and daytime hangout. It’s simply a must on any visit to Eiko’s Beach House.
Harry’s Beach Bar
Next on the list Harry’s Beach Bar on St. Petersburg, Beach a short trip from Eiko’s Beach House. While this is a buzzing bar with a terrific vibe, and good food and drinks, some are put off with a $15 parking fee.
If you can get around this by visiting via taxi, we strongly suggest you try the reputed best rum runner on the beach. If this does not knock you over then Harry’s hurricane will. Try these drinks with their amazing chicken wings and the signature avocado mango tango burger and you are ready to begin your holiday in the right spirit.
The best seats at Harry’s are outside near the pool so we suggest that you give this a try.
Swigwam Beach Bar
Nearby, in downtown St. Petersburg Beach, is Swigwam Beach Bar.
Technically they are not right on the beach but used to be before their former landlord sold up and they moved up the street. This is truly a local hangout where the more mature enjoy good and inexpensive drinks.
hile the rum runners are really good, try Bushwack and navigate your way around the friendly locals. This is not a party bar but really a “dive bar”; however, the staff and patrons are friendly and worth a try to get a true feel of real Florida.
Shepard’s Tiki Bar and Grill
Back in Clearwater Beach, if you want the taste of live music and a real party atmosphere. Shepard’s Tiki Bar and Grill tick all the boxes.
Good,if not great food, great but slightly pricey drinks along with a friendly staff and patrons who like you want to party. Being in the middle of Clearwater Beach helps elevate the mood. Worth a visit and is on our “go to list.”
Mahuffer’s
Down the Road in Indian Shores is Mahuffer’s.
This is the “original dive bar.” It is the real thing. It is a bar surrounded by a junkyard. Ice cold beer served from a cooler. Cats, dollar bills, bras hanging from the low ceiling.
Like it or hate it you will have a reaction and if you like people watching, reading funny graffiti and drinking (especially beer) this is your kind of place.
Bamboo Beach Bar
We love tiki bars and Bamboo Beach Bar is just a short walk from Eiko’s Beach House which allows you to forgo ordering a taxi or choosing a designated driver.
Situated on the John’s Pass Boardwalk this establishment has great live music and a vibe which yells “Relax, you are officially on holiday.” We like hanging out on the outdoor portion of this bar and find the beer to be cold and the tropical drinks served by an enthusiastic waitstaff.
It can get crowded at times, especially in early evenings so if you are going to order dinner, you may wish to consider a late lunch or late dinner to avoid crowds and longer waits.
The best part is walking 5 minutes back to Eiko’s Beach House to sleep off the evening or to continue the party.
Undertow Beach Bar
Down in St Pete Beach is another dive-like bar called Undertow Beach Bar. The bar staff are friendly and welcome you to this unique joint which is a local and tourist favourite. However, be advised that they only serve snacks as they do not have a kitchen.
One big selling point of this bar is that it has a Midnight Happy Hour from Midnight until 3 am every day of the week.
So, can’t sleep, or want to have a nightcap or two ? You can’t go wrong at Undertow Beach Bar, less than a 10 minute drive from Eiko’s Beach House.
18 On The Rocks
Up on Indian Rock Beach is 18 On The Rocks. We like this place for the laid back Florida atmosphere.
Good food, decent drinks with a tiki bar to boot. Technically not on the Beach but a walk across Gulf Boulevard will allow you to witness some terrific sunsets before returning for the relaxed ambience. If you are dining at Crabby Bills or Salt Rocks, we suggest you visit 18 on the Rocks for an after dinner drink .
Dog and Parrot Pub
For those of you who yearn for a traditional British Pub the closest place on the beach is the dog and Parrot Pub on Indian Shores .
Enjoy craft beers and some surprisingly good and very affordable food like $5 hamburgers and $1 tacos (basic with no additional toppings). We tend to opt for a few tacos and sample the craft beer while our sons down a hamburger or two chased with with some ice cold beer.
Is this a traditional British Pub? No, however, they try and get an A for effort and beside most traditional British Pubs are not situated on white powder sand in sunny warm Florida!
So if you are ready to break your no drinking vows thean here are a few places to let your hair down and have some fun.
Be reminded, at the Eiko’s Beach House we have an authentic Prohibition still (Deactivated) and a 1935 beer keg (empty). With a little imagination and some rum, bourbon and beer you can enjoy your own private speakeasy at Eiko’s Beach House. No worries about transportation and some of the best sunrises and sunsets in Florida.
Wishing You a Happy New Years’ from the management of Eiko’s Beach House.
