1. Backwaters

   North Pinellas beaches : 1261 Gulf Blvd. # 130, Clearwater, 33767

   Backwater's isn't afraid of the fryer, serving seafood with no frills, including high-quality fish and shellfish, most of it local. But while the food is a fine attraction, the view of Clearwater Bay is a prime reason why this is a favorite.

2. Bamboo Beach Bar & Grill

   North Pinellas beaches : 13025 Village Blvd., Madeira Beach, 33708

3. Conch Republic Grill

   North Pinellas beaches : 16699 Gulf Blvd., North Redington Beach, 33708

   You can't miss this complex in Redington Beach, with its orange, red and purplish colors (yep, it reminds us of a Key West sunset, too). This large restaurant/bar screams tourist spot, complete with T-shirt shop up front (not a bad selection). But we say head outside to the bar fronting Gulf Bou …

4. Cuso's Club and Cantina

   North Pinellas beaches : 2405 Gulf Blvd., Indian Rocks Beach, 33811

   One side's an open air bar with a bright mural outside and a nifty neon bikini sign on the wall inside. It's perfect for a stop after a day at the beach. The other's a well-chilled, dark, woodsy bar that rocks with live music most weekends. On our visit, we chatted up an iguana named Boogie.

5. Daiquiri Deck & Oceanside Grill

   North Pinellas beaches : 14995 Gulf Blvd., Madeira Beach, 33708

   Daiquiri Deck is part sports bar, part beach bar, part neon-trimmed patio. And it specializes in ... do we even need to say it? Among the many fruity concoctions offered: the Mexican Bitch, the Pain in the Ass and the Banana in the Bush. Bottom's up!

6. Fort Knox

   North Pinellas beaches : 17850 Gulf Blvd., Redington Beach, 33708

   The Vibe: a classic dive bar with all the trimmings, and a short walk from the beach. Hours: 10 a.m.-2 a.m. daily.Read more here.

7. Friendly Fisherman Waterfront Restaurant

   North Pinellas beaches : 150 Johns Pass Boardwalk W, Madeira Beach, 33708

   One of the longest-running restaurants at John's Pass Boardwalk (since 1978), you can't miss its lighthouse and giant redfish on the western end of the boardwalk. It's a place where you can bring the family and enjoy the intensely Floridian experience of having your fresh catch from the nearby m …

8. Friendly Tavern

   Editor's pick

   North Pinellas beaches : 18121 Gulf Blvd., Redington Shores, 33708

   Darts and one of the beach's best karaoke nights on Tuesday (this was supposedly the first bar in Pinellas County to get a karaoke machine) are reason enough to hit this longtime local favorite. But Friendly is a place where summer and winter beachgoers alike go for cold ones and killer conversa …

9. Guppy's On the Beach

   North Pinellas beaches : 1701 Gulf Blvd., Indian Rocks Beach, 33811

   Fresh finfish, Caribbean fire, Southwestern flair and healthful ingredients make fun fusion in Margaritaville-by-the-Sea. Fresh fish gets uptown treatment with everything from papaya and sugarcane rum salsa and brandy sauces to potato crust. Trimmings are packed with fruits, herbs and grains.

10. Hub's Raw Bar & Tavern

    North Pinellas beaches : 150 John's Pass Boardwalk, Madeira Beach, 33708

11. J D's Restaurant & Lounge

    North Pinellas beaches : 125 Gulf Blvd., Indian Rocks Beach, 33811

12. Jimmy Guana's

    North Pinellas beaches : 401 Second St., Indian Rocks Beach, 33811

    When you see the wahoo and iguana (natch) signs, you'll know you're in the right place. Enjoy a sunset and seafood in this waterfront bar and grill that makes its home at the Holiday Inn.

13. Lana's Red Lion Pub

    North Pinellas beaches : 1407 Gulf Blvd., Indian Rocks Beach, 33811

    It's an awesomely funky British pub on Gulf Boulevard in Indian Rocks Beach. A red English telephone booth marks the spot. Walk inside the cozy wooden confines and you're immediately transported away from the tacky condo and tourist trap scene — and the merciless heat. The Red Lion Pub has jus …

14. Latitudes

    North Pinellas beaches : 13205 Gulf Blvd., Madeira Beach, 33708

    It's a space with a pedigree. In the spot that used to house Dockside Dave's, a new three-story building has been erected at the edge of Madeira Bay Marina. It's the handiwork of a bunch of pros who know what they're doing when it comes to casual, waterfront dining heavy on the Jimmy Buffet soun …

15. Lobster Pot

    North Pinellas beaches : 17814 Gulf Blvd., Redington Shores, 33708

    Lobster Pot has been a favorite of returning snowbirds and beach vacationers since opening in 1978. It got a remodel with new owners in 2009, but the best dishes are still the classics. A whole steamed Maine lobster arrives like a page out of a New England magazine, split down the middle and spi …

16. Mahuffer's

    Editor's pick

    North Pinellas beaches : 19201 Gulf Blvd., Indian Shores, 33811

    Don't miss this South Pacific-styled gem of a beach bar on your way up Gulf Boulevard. Four decades old, low-ceilinged and slathered in graffiti and beachabilia — fish nets, crab trap markers, boat parts, bras, dollar bills and more photos than you can imagine — the outrageously quirky Mahuf …

17. Marker 34 Grill

    North Pinellas beaches : 401 Second St. # A, Indian Rocks Beach, 33785

    Specializing in fried lobster tail, steaks and seafood, this Indian Rocks favorite has indoor and outdoor seating and what it bills as the largest covered waterfront tiki deck in the area.

18. Sculley's Boardwalk Grille

    North Pinellas beaches : 190 John's Pass Boardwalk, Madeira Beach, 33708

    Marvel at the nautical bric-a-brac upstairs in the dining room or enjoy the laid-back bar scene downstairs at this John's Pass tourist magnet. Sculley's is the name of the restaurant where you'll find fresh seafood that's often been caught in the gulf in the past 24 hours. With water views and a …

19. Slyce Pizza Bar

    North Pinellas beaches : 311 Gulf Blvd., Indian Rocks Beach, 33785

    "Hip" is the word that comes first to mind at Slyce, the down side being that it can be noisy and a little frenetic. As per the pizza, there are some shock-value pies: A Coney Island topped with chili and sliced Sabrett dogs; the super-spicy Sunburn with chilies and hot sausage and a s …

20. Tapas Garden and Wine Bar

    North Pinellas beaches : 321 Gulf Blvd., Indian Rocks Beach, 33785

    Start off by ordering a pan of the paella, because that's the star of the menu and you won't want to leave without trying it. It will be enough to feed a couple of people, but the made-to-order nature of it means it will take a half-hour. No problem, because a couple of choices of the tapas list …

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