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. Beach Pizza Plus

   North Pinellas beaches : 18117 Gulf Blvd., Redington Shores, 33708

3. Brew ...Mostly

   North Pinellas beaches : 15024 Madeira Way, Madeira Beach, 33708

   Hours: 6 a.m.-7 p.m. Mon.-Thur., until 9 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Sun.

4. Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.

   North Pinellas beaches : 185 Boardwalk Pl W, Madeira Beach, 33708

   While the shrimp are tasty and Gump-obilia decor fun, the biggest draw is the boisterous, whoop-it-up shenanigans of the staff. It's a multi-page menu, but many items recur in different combinations. Firm white mahi mahi gets a batter-dipping and just the right amount of time in the fryer before …

5. Cafe Fresh

   North Pinellas beaches : 206 Boardwalk Pl E, Madeira Beach, 33708

6. Coasters Bar & Grill

   North Pinellas beaches : 1311 Gulf Blvd., Indian Rocks Beach, 33811

7. Columbia Restaurant

   Editor's pick

   North Pinellas beaches : 1241 Gulf Blvd., Clearwater, 33767

   This is one of six branches (plus a cafe) of the original Ybor City location, considered the oldest restaurant in Florida (1905). You'll enjoy old-world service and traditional Spanish dishes such as paella, arroz con pollo and ropa vieja, to name just a few. Going to the Columbia is an experien …

8. 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 …

9. Corn City South Pizza & Subs

   North Pinellas beaches : 12987 Village Blvd., Madeira Beach, 33708

10. Crabby Bill's

    North Pinellas beaches : 401 Gulf Blvd., Indian Rocks Beach, 33811

    The Loder family started Captain Bill's back in 1975, then sold it and moved on to the unnamed next project. As Matt Loder remembers it, one of his sisters said, "We love eating crabs, we love selling crabs and Dad is pretty crabby." Not sure how patriarch Bill Loder felt about that as …

11. 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!

12. De Losa's Pizza

    North Pinellas beaches : 12800 Village Blvd., Madeira Beach, 33708

13. Dockside Dave's Grill

    Editor's pick

    North Pinellas beaches : 14701 Gulf Blvd., Madeira Beach, 33708

    Dave's legendary dive fell to development, but even in this spot, the fish sandwiches are still king of the beach, best with tomatoes and onion rings. Or try the Dockside Dave's Dip. The menu also has whole belly clams (flown in every Friday), spicy shrimp and fish tacos. There's also a second  …

14. El Loco Cigarro

    North Pinellas beaches : 14995 Gulf Blvd. # B2, Madeira Beach, 33708

15. 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 …

16. 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 …

17. Frog Pond

    North Pinellas beaches : 16909 Gulf Blvd., North Redington Beach, 33708

    This breakfast-heavy crowd pleaser is a must stop for vacationers, perhaps because they couldn’t eat frittatas, skillets and omelets this big at home (many need doggie bags here). Or get homemade strawberry jam. Come early, pick between waffles and eggs, make sure you get some thick bacon, sit …

18. Gulf Bistro

    North Pinellas beaches : 15225 Gulf Blvd., Madeira Beach, 33708

    For years this cozy refuge was called Cafe de France. It was a reliable outpost of superb yet simple French fare. It served classic French fare (coq au vin, duck confit, lobster bisque, escargot)at a steady but unhurried pace. Don't worry: it has a new name but not much has changed. This cafe tu …

19. 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.

20. Hooters (Madeira Beach)

    North Pinellas beaches : 192 John's Pass Boardwalk West, Madeira Beach, 33708

    There's one reason to go to Hooter's. The wings are absolutely phenomenal and it's a great place to sit back and catch the local game. The scantily dressed waitresses don't hurt either.

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