Clearwater Beach is one of Florida’s most incredible coastal destinations, and the bar scene here is every bit as stunning as the sand and sun.
Whether you’re planning a laid-back beach night, a sunset cocktail crawl, or a full weekend of fun with friends, there’s no shortage of incredible spots to grab a drink.
Before you hit the beach bars, make sure you’ve got the perfect home base sorted. Sunny Orange Stays offers premium vacation rentals right in the area, so you can walk to the water (and the cocktails) with ease.
1. Jimmy’s Crow’s Nest
- 101 Coronado Drive
- jimmyscrowsnest.com
- Best for couples, sunset chasers, and anyone who wants the best rooftop views on the beach
If you’re visiting Clearwater Beach and you only make it to one rooftop bar, make it Jimmy’s Crow’s Nest. Perched on the 10th floor, Jimmy’s offers a 270-degree view of the Gulf, the white sand beach, Pier 60, and the emerald waters of Clearwater Bay.
The nightly Sunset Celebration is the main event where you’re treated to a free shot as the sun dips below the horizon and the island transforms into a city of sparkling lights.
Jimmy’s is a local favorite and a welcoming spot for visitors of all kinds, from families to groups of friends to couples on a date night. It has been voted the best rooftop bar in the Tampa Bay area for seven years.
The drink menu covers everything from frozen cocktails to craft beer, and the light bar food menu is more than enough to fuel a long evening up top.
2. Coco’s Crush Bar
- Original: 317 Coronado Drive
- North Beach: 423 Poinsettia Avenue
- cocoscrushbar.com
- Best for groups, seafood lovers, and cocktail fans who want something fresh and fun
Coco’s Crush Bar has been voted the number one bar on Clearwater Beach, and one sip of their famous Orange Crush will tell you exactly why.
The signature drink is made with fresh-squeezed citrus and crushed ice, and there are 15 different varieties available, including skinny versions, tequila versions, and bourbon versions. Nothing here is pre-made. Every drink is crafted to order.
Beyond the cocktails, Coco’s is a local favorite for fresh seafood, wings, burgers, tropical drinks, and the best happy hour on the beach. The open-air tiki bar vibe keeps things relaxed, and live music and games run throughout the week.
3. Bar Tiki
- 25 Causeway Boulevard
- bartiki.com
- Best for bachelorette parties, spring breakers, and anyone who loves a creative craft cocktail with a view of the marina
Located in the heart of Clearwater Beach and overlooking the marina, Bar Tiki is a rooftop bar serving up whimsical, expertly crafted tiki cocktails. It’s one of the most fun and photogenic spots to hang out on the beach, with a Hawaiian-inspired vibe that makes every visit feel like a mini vacation.
The bartenders here are known for their creativity. If you can’t decide what to drink, just ask them to surprise you.
Bar Tiki also has games like cornhole and Connect 4, making it a great spot for groups. It’s especially popular with spring breakers and bachelorette parties looking for a lively, memorable night out.
4. Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill
- 7 Rockaway Street
- frenchysonline.com
- Best for casual beachgoers, seafood lovers, and craft beer fanatics
Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill is about as classic Clearwater Beach as it gets. This casual beachfront bar opens directly onto the Gulf sands and offers plenty of craft beers on tap alongside their famous cocktails and daily specials.
Live music plays regularly, and the happy hour draws both locals and visitors looking for a reliably good time without the fuss.
Frenchy’s is a landmark on Clearwater Beach and the largest of the Frenchy’s establishments in the area, often hosting live local bands. The menu is loaded with fresh seafood, and the Garlic Crab Fries are a must-order.
It’s open late on Fridays and Saturdays, so there’s plenty of time to soak up the sunset and stay for the evening.
5. Shephard’s Tiki Beach Bar and Grill
- 619 S Gulfview Boulevard
- shephards.com/dining/tiki-beach-grill
- Best for night owls, dancing, and groups looking for a high-energy weekend night out
Shephard’s is one of the liveliest beach bars in the entire Tampa Bay area. Located right on the Gulf, it has an outdoor tiki bar that operates daily, as well as a nightclub called The Wave that operates on weekends.
The Wave hosts DJs and has a bottle service geared toward a younger, dressed-up crowd, plus a massive outdoor stage for live bands. It’s the kind of place where you can start the night with a frozen drink at the tiki bar and end it dancing until the early hours.
The energy here on the weekend is electric, and it’s one of the best places on Clearwater Beach if you want to mix cocktails and dancing in one spot.
The bar food menu covers all the beach bar basics, with plenty of snack options to keep you going through the night. If you’re spending a night out in Clearwater, Shephard’s is impossible to skip.
6. Badfins Food + Brew
- 215 S Gulfview Boulevard
- badfins.com
- Best for craft beer enthusiasts and sports fans
Badfins is the best beach bar for craft beer lovers in Clearwater Beach. It has over 30 local brews, a beer garden, and a charming outdoor patio with stunning views of the beach.
The atmosphere blends the energy of a sports bar with the breezy ease of a beachfront grill, and the vibe here is hard to beat on a sunny afternoon.
The menu draws on the artistic and cultural scene of St. Petersburg, with BBQ, Tex-Mex, and seafood dishes available for lunch and dinner. The food is so good that it lands Badfins on our list of top Clearwater Beach restaurants, too.
Badfins regularly hosts live music and is a go-to spot for visitors who want a full evening experience with great food and cold drinks by the sand. It’s also a great place to catch live sports on the big screens while you eat.
7. Clear Sky Beachside Cafe
- 490 Mandalay Avenue
- clearskyrestaurants.com
- Best for brunch lovers, families, and people looking for a laid-back Sunday morning
Clear Sky Beachside Cafe is the go-to boozy brunch spot on Clearwater Beach, and once you head inside, you’ll understand why it’s a local favorite. This is one of the best spots in town for a Bloody Mary.
Guests can build their own drinks with a long list of garnishes while waiting for a table, which makes the wait feel less like waiting and more like the party has already started. On Sunday evenings, a live musician often plays on the patio, giving the whole experience a true Florida paradise feel.
The menu is one of the most extensive on the beach, running from breakfast all the way through dinner. Gourmet pizzas, fresh seafood, sushi, burgers, and sandwiches all share space with classic brunch staples like eggs Benedict, skillets, and French toast done a dozen different ways.
Daily happy hour runs every afternoon with discounted drinks and great offers on food, making it just as good a spot for an afternoon visit as it is for a lazy Sunday morning.
Your Clearwater Beach Bar Hop Starts Here
Clearwater Beach has no shortage of places to raise a glass, watch the sunset, and make memories that last well past the weekend.
No matter what time of year you’re visiting, from spring break to the winter holiday season, you’re bound to find a watering hole that matches your style.
Make sure you’ve got the right home base to come back to. Sunny Orange Stays has Clearwater Beach vacation rentals steps from the action.
