Noteworthy scholar Jeff Spicoli once stated that all one needs are some tasty waves and a cool buzz and they’ll be fine.
And while we agree with this sentiment wholeheartedly, there’s still something to be said for a well-timed, decadent beach spread. A drink, a beer, a fine repast of delectable bites that may or may not have arrived from the very water you’re sitting on.
Now, are our region’s beaches nice enough that a simple cooler and bag of chips will do? Yes, yes they are. But we don’t plug you for a cooler and bag of chips person.
Should you want a tried-and-true beach base for all things food and drink, these five bay area locales have you covered in the best ways imaginable.
The Daytrip
Undertow Beach Bar, St. Pete Beach
The Move: You could spend an entire day here shuffling a warm, sandy buzz back-and-forth between the Gulf and its beachfront dive bar. Rinse and repeat.
The Nightcap
The Sandbar, Anna Maria Island
The Move: Cap off an AMI staycation over a glass of cold wine, the Octopus Escabeche and the best sunset in the biz.
The Leisurely Lunch
Woody’s Waterfront, St. Pete Beach
The Move: A Sunday fiesta where half-priced margaritas, fried shrimp and clam strips await.
The Recharge
Paradise Grille, Pass-A-Grille
The Move: Snag a sandwich and a picnic table as close to the ocean as it gets.
The Classic
The Original Caddy’s, Treasure Island
The Move: We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: Sometimes clichés are clichés because they were a fine idea in the first place.