Our top waterfront bars

• The Memorial Day weekend in Tampa Bay has always been an excuse for a lot of us to start summer off with an outdoor party. Maybe it's because we'll soon tire of the heat and take it indoors. But for now, we're focused on sun, sand and surf and eager to celebrate our Florida freedom to go to the beach on a moment's notice.

  In that sprit, we started thinking about some of the places on the water that offer the perfect spot for gathering with a group of friends (or your family) to sip a cocktail or two, soak in the sun and breath in that salty air that makes us giddy this time of year. We're talking about those mega-plex waterfront bars that offer tiki huts and decks and daiquiris and reggae and rock — the places that tourists love to discover and text home about.

  Of course, we could put Shephard's Beach Resort at the top of our list, with its massive tiki deck bar and its reputation as one of THE party spots anywhere in Tampa Bay on a weekend afternoon. Instead, we'll leave it in a class all by itself and share some of our other favorites. And if you think we've left off a deserving candidate, drop us a line . — The editors

  • Beach House Restaurant

    Once a rundown little place known as the Harbor House, the Beach House got a makeover in 1993 with new owner Ed Chiles, who also owns the SandBar further north on Anna Maria. The formula is simple: reasonably priced food served in a great beachside setting. Adults can sip a frozen cocktail while kids play on the beach just steps away.

    A massive deck runs the length of the restaurant, with parts of it covered. So it's a sure bet that when sundown arrives, the place is packed with locals and tourists alike enjoying libations and live music.

    200 Gulf Drive, Bradenton Beach, 34217

  • Capt'n Jack's Waterfront Grill

    This massive two-level tiki bar oozes laid-back island living, with fantastic views of the water and a massive deck for viewing sunsets. The menu is pure Florida comfort food: wings, shrimp, seafood, steak, and burgers and wraps. It's got a surprisingly diverse wine list for a tiki bar (Stags Leap, Quail Ridge, Dynamite) and offers a full bar.

    21 Oscar Hill Road, Tarpon Springs, 34689

  • Gators Cafe & Saloon

    

    Depending on when you visit Gators, it's either (A) one of the best sports bars in Tampa Bay (on Florida Gators game days), (B) one of the randier college-party scenes on the beach (on summer bikini-contest days), or (C) one of the bigger and better beachy-touristy bars on the beach (most of the rest of the time). Parking is free and plentiful, and there's a covered outdoor area with a DJ, so if it rains, the party doesn't stop. There's also plenty of seating for food and live music, but if you don't want to be bothered with all ...

    12754 Kingfish Drive, Treasure Island, 33706

  • Hula Bay Club

    

    Since opening in January 2009, Hula Bay Club has quickly established itself as a waterfront drinking destination. There are few pleasures more enjoyable than sipping a luscious libation while watching the sun slip beneath the horizon. The bayside funplex features an indoor restaurant, bar, a poolside lounge and a dining deck. Hula Bay has a Hawaiian theme driven home by homage to Waikikian surfing and swimming legend Duke Kahanamoku. There's a nice bio of him on the menu. And a fabulously fruity drink bears his name.

    Read the full review.

    5210 W Tyson Ave., Tampa, 33611

  • Jimmy B's Beach Bar

    All you really need to know is the signature drink is called a Hot Wet Spot, equally embarrassing to order and to drink: a pina colada with a drizzle of blueberry liqueur, topped with a dollop of whipped cream. But the outdoor deck is gorgeous and features two bars, plus a long boardwalk down to the beach illuminated by tiki torches. Add a live band twice a day, seven days a week and you have a great spot to hang year-round.

    6200 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach, 33706

  • Palm Pavilion Grill & Bar

    The PP is where folks go when the saturated Rockaway Grill won't squeeze in any other patrons. The spacious layout of the white wood-frame building and its swift servers accommodate large crowds comfortably and efficiently. Even at sunset, there's rarely a wait. While away on a big wrap-around porch, enjoying stunning views of Clearwater Beach's shoreline and sugary white sand, or dine indoors in the A/C. Full liquor and beer are served, and the PP makes the best pina colada in the South. The grub is better than average too. Choose from grouper tacos, surf 'n' turf sandwiches and ...

    10 Bay Esplanade, Clearwater, 33767