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Explore seven wonders of Pass-a-Grille

 
Good food, good vibes, the whole enchilada in one spot.
Good food, good vibes, the whole enchilada in one spot.
Published May 13, 2014

While you drown in end-of-year school obnoxiousness, we're throwing you a life preserver — seven special places in Pass-a-Grille, a historic stretch of St. Pete Beach in south Pinellas County, that will lift your spirits when school is out. We've even ranked them on a tropical scale of 1 to 10, so you can prioritize your visits to munch and shop. Put these spots on your "there's sanity in my future" list; summer's not that far away.

PARADISE GRILLE

900 Gulf Way

Hours: Mon.-Sun. 8 a.m.-10 p.m.

(727) 367-1495

It doesn't get more tropical than this! No shirt or shoes are required at this gulf-side patio. Chow down on all-American food with the sound of the waves and live music.

Ranking: 10 As tropical as … listening to Bob Marley while playing with your pet dolphin.

PASS-A-TACO

709 Gulf Way

Hours: Closed Mon.; Tues.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

(727) 360-2500

Enjoy not-so-typical beach food at this restaurant as big as a hole in the wall. The outdoor tiki-style tables are the perfect place to nosh on the best Mexican food on the beach. The proximity to Paradise Sweets makes a perfect pairing for lunch and dessert after a sun-filled beach day.

Ranking: 9 As tropical as … the sun beating down and breezes blowing through palm trees.

THE SEAHORSE

800 Pass-a-Grille Way

Hours: Mon. 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; closed Tues.; Weds.-Sun. 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

(727) 360-1734

The cutest little breakfast cafe sits on the waterfront so you can eat a fresh, healthy breakfast with the sea breeze at your back. This historic restaurant will make you feel like a Pass-a-Grille local. The location is perfect for watching boats speed past on the Intracoastal or taking a quick stroll the other way to the gulf beach.

Ranking: 5 As tropical as … burning beach candles in your room on rainy days.

PARADISE SWEETS

709 Gulf Way

Hours: Mon.-Sun. 9 a.m.-9 p.m.

(727) 360-5830

There's nothing better than licking cold ice cream while digging your toes in the hot sand. The assortment of ice cream, candy, milk shakes and shaved ice here will hit your sweet spot. If you don't mind a little melting, take your treats back to the sand. Or you can enjoy them in the air conditioning or outside the shop in the wacky beach chairs.

Ranking: 8 As tropical as … your last vacation to the Bahamas.

THE WHARF

2001 Pass-a-Grille Way

Hours: Mon.-Sun. 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

(727) 367-9469

Don't let the dilapidated exterior trick you. Through the doors of this building is a seafood paradise on the Intracoastal. You can dock your boat right at the restaurant to enjoy a home-cooked meal after a long day on the gulf. If you didn't hook any fish, just pick some up here!

Ranking: 6 As tropical as … a relaxing paddleboard ride down the Intracoastal.

ETC.

105 Eighth Ave.

Hours: Mon.-Sun. 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

(727) 360-1166

As its name suggests, this is an eclectic shop where you can pick up things you never even knew you wanted to suit your quirky beach needs. Etc. sells everything from beach house decorations to flowy beach coverups, fancier clothing and one-of-a-kind jewelry. The vintage feel of what was the original Pass-a-Grille post office gives it a quaint charm, a great extension to Bamboozle, the boutique next door run by the same folks.

Ranking: 7 As tropical as … a ukulele-playing beach bum in a Hawaiian shirt.

A LITTLE ROOM FOR ART

111 Eighth Ave.

Hours: Mon.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

(727) 360-8572

How much tropical art can you fit in a closet-sized gallery? Quite a lot! This petite gallery showcases all types of art and jewelry for fair prices. It also features a tiny but lush art garden out back that is the perfect creative oasis. Definitely a place to stop and fill up your senses while you beat the heat.

Ranking: 4 As tropical as … the Paradise Point smoothie from Tropical Smoothie Café.