As Memorial Day Weekend approaches, so too will the desire for sand on your feet, crystal blue water in your foreground and a cold beverage in arm’s reach.
Our beaches are a wonderful landing place. But even so, you’ll eventually need to find refuge from your refuge—a respite from the blistering sun, the rain, or those vacationers feeding a voracious flock of seagulls nearby.
This is why beach dives exist. They are safe havens of history, local culture, oil-dunked seafood and, yes, even more of those tasty cold beverages that, sure, you need a few more of this instant.
A good dive bar tells a story, provides context and nourishment. These are some of our favorites around the bay area.
Mahuffer’s, Indian Shores
What can we say about Mahuffer’s that isn’t already inked onto a dollar bill and slapped onto every inch of its ancient, ocean-salted walls? It’s worn and grungy and in all the ways a proper Lower East Side dive bar should be, only a vortex throw away from the Gulf of Mexico.
Rod & Reel Pier, Anna Maria Island
The two-story Rod & Reel pier has been serving up cold draft beer and traditional island fare since 1947. Grab said beer and watch a few old fishermen haul in a fresh catch before heading to the restaurant upstairs for a grouper sandwich and clam strips.
The Drunken Clam, St. Pete Beach
The Drunken Clam provides vital pick-me-ups like their Cajun Parmesan Garlic Wings to locals and seasonal guests alike. They also boast an endless wall of TVs for when those Bucs, Bolts and Rays games fall dead in the middle of your weekend beach retreat.
Woody’s Waterfront, St. Pete Beach
Woody’s is close enough to the water that you can partake in audible conversation with folks docking their boats after a day in the gulf. They’ve got cocktails, fried shrimp and even a worthwhile scallop salad, but you’re here for the burger—best enjoyed outdoors in a pair of wet trunks.
The Beer Shed, Riverview
OK, it’s not the beach. But this time-tested Alafia River dock hang has some of the best food, charm and live music around. They’ll grill you up a whole snapper or any fish you’d like if it’s a fresh catch—boat docking is available right by the floating deck.