Barfly: Dive in to Beach Bar on Mandalay for diverse beer list, specials

By Heather Trese

Special to the Times

I've lived in Clearwater for years but never stopped at the Beach Bar on Mandalay. It didn't really look like the sort of place where I would hang out.

I wasn't entirely right.

True, cheesy silver fringe decorations hang above the stage area, and the chairs and bar surface are peeling. There are TVs dangling from the ceiling, some pool tables in the front, and dartboards and arcade games. The only thing that looks new in the entire establishment is the tiki bar (ah, the "beach" theme). The farther back you go, the darker it gets, so I find a spot near the front.

"What do you have on tap?" I ask the bartender, not expecting much beyond Bud or Miller. He points to a huge chalkboard above my head.

"Those," he says with a knowing smile.

The list of brews scrawled on the board would impress even the snootiest palates: from St. Bernardus to Leffe and Magic Hat #9. They also have the staples — like Miller Lite, Bud and PBR. I could get used to this.

It's then that I start to realize the charm of this place. The Beach Bar isn't meant to be adorable. The prime location on Mandalay, within walking distance of the water and major hotels, makes it ideal for vacationers (especially during spring break), and the dark corners and large area make it great for dancing to the frequent live acts and DJs.

If the perfect beach bar fell in love with the ideal college bar and they had an underachieving son who'd rather hang out and surf than go back to school, it would be the Beach Bar on Mandalay.

This venue is great for the older crowd to come out early and have a few drinks, or for the younger crowd to put on their dancing shoes and hit the dance floor late into the night. Just don't wear anything you wouldn't want to get beer spilled on.