Vitals: 7700 W Courtney Campbell Parkway, Tampa. (813) 281-0566. Sunday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.
The spot: Rumor has it Crabby Bill's might be torn down soon, which is a shame — it's is the next best thing to a real beach bar, especially because it's right off the causeway. Yes, there's a decent-sized, more reserved bar inside, but the outdoor bar is the place to hang. Facing the water, the Tetris-shaped bar snakes along the back of the building, surrounded by high-top tables. A large pavilion juts out from the deck and provides a nice place to sit and watch beach volleyball. The deck really adds to the "on-the-water" feel, as it is adorned with beer flags, rusty oars and rusty fans missing their blades. Depending on which direction you look, you'd never know you were right near the causeway. Step off the deck and your flip-flop-clad feet will hit a beach equipped with three volleyball nets, two gazebos, lounge chairs and a wooden stage for live bands or DJs. Another bonus: There's a shop next door where you can rent water craft and other equipment.
South Beach Sundays: If you've ever visited South Beach in Miami, you know what it's like — rock-hard bodies, silicon and a ton of beautiful people who know it and are proud to show it. Crabby Bills has done a great job mimicking the feel of South Beach. On most Sundays, the place is jam-packed with oiled, tattooed bodies ready to party. Another difference is the attire — or lack thereof. Buff men and sexy women in their mid-20s and 30s show up in tiny bikinis or low-cut board shorts. A DJ spins a mix of upbeat techno, while the beauties lounge in cabanas or flirt on the man-made beach. If you're single and looking to hook up, this is the place to be. This weekend brings the final South Beach Sunday of the summer from 1 to 10 p.m.
The crowd: Since Crabby Bills is attached to the Ritz-Carlton, you never know who's going to be down at the bar getting a bite to eat or drink. Tourists and families are the main daytime crowd during the week. Weeknights see more of an after-work, middle-aged crowd dressed casually and trying to unwind. Thursday nights, a guy plays requests from the crowd on his guitar. On weekends, the crowd morphs into a young, stylish group ready to throw back shooters and flaunt their tight abs and asses.
Juice and Grub: Happy Hour is Monday through Friday from 3 to 7 p.m. with half-priced well drinks and draft beers — Yuengling, Bud Light, Budweiser, Bud Light Lime, Miller Lite, and Shock Top. Drink specials are available on South Beach Sundays. The grub at Crabby Bills is just as good as the drinks and atmosphere. The Steamer Bucket — a half pound of snow crab, a half pound of steamed shrimp, a half pound of steamed mussels and six steamed clams — goes down great with an ice-cold beer. It's big enough for two and comes with a choice of two sides. If seafood is not your thing, there are sandwiches, burgers and salads. Prices are moderate.
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