SEAFOOD DELIGHTS

By Nancy Foster

Great seafood goes hand in hand with a beach vacation, and on Clearwater Beach, there is no shortage of restaurants offering delectable choices. While grouper is undoubtedly the most popular, additional seafood options include snapper, amberjack, tuna, Mahi Mahi, redfish, shrimp and crab. Area chefs are experts at creating fabulous dishes sourced from the sea, and dining choices are plentiful.

Located a block from the beach, this beloved dining spot has been serving patrons and locals since 1948. The well-appointed dining room and friendly servers compliment culinary choices including prime steaks, chicken and a fabulous selection of seafood. The fresh Gulf Black Grouper, American Red Snapper or the mile-high Bronzed Seafood Platter are all great choices. bobheilmansbeachcomber.com

This award-winning restaurant inside the Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort offers patio dining overlooking the Gulf or seating inside with views of the open kitchen. Relax over a handcrafted cocktail and a Seared Scallops appetizer while considering upscale regional seafood dishes such as Pan Seared Florida Grouper, Seafood Coconut Curry or the zesty SHOR Tuna Poke. Live music plays on Friday and Saturday evenings. hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/florida/hyatt-regencyclearwater-beach-resort-and-spa/pierc/dining

Visitors interested in beachfront views, great food and live music will want to look no further than Shephard’s Beach Resort. If you’re hungry, head to the Tiki Beach Bar where flavorful Fish & Chips, Fresh Gulf Grouper or Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp will be sure to satisfy. For an unexpected twist on the original, order the Gulf Grouper Tacos, a savory, delicious and filling handheld dish that’s best washed down with a craft beer. For post-dinner fun, head to the concert stage for drinks and uptempo music by Florida’s best dance bands and DJs. shephards.com

There are four Frenchy’s restaurants on Clearwater Beach including the ultracasual beachfront Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill. Frenchy’s is known for its grouper sandwich which can be served either grilled, fried, Cajun style, Buffalo, Caribbean or even as a Grouper Reuben. For alternatives to their mainstay grouper sandwich, grouper egg rolls, baked stuffed grouper or a mouthwatering snapper sandwich add variety, but be sure to save room for a slice of Eggnog Cheesecake. frenchysonline.com

You never know what friends you’ll make at Palm Island Resor t, where wildlife is plentiful and always on display Come say hi, won’t you?