5 Best Clearwater Restaurants on the Water

Last Updated on December 28, 2022 by Boatsetter Team

Clearwater Beach is one of Florida’s best barrier islands. Just across Tampa Bay, you’ll find powdery white sands, crisp blue waters, and an abundance of island activities. It’s enough to work up quite the appetite!

So, when you’re ready to dock and dine on Clearwater Beach, Boatsetter has you covered. Below, we’ve created a quick guide to some of the best dockside restaurants on Clearwater Beach, so you can make the most of your time on the water.

1. Bait House
2. Crabby’s Dockside
3. Island Way Grill
4. Marina Cantina
5. Salt Cracker Fish Camp

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1. Bait House

Dock at Bait House Tackle & Tavern to re-up on your fishing gear and grab a tasty bite to eat. Try with the famous Drunken Shrimp, served in a creamy bourbon creole reduction, or order any of their Fresh Catch entrees for a true taste of the gulf.

With a casual and welcoming atmosphere, Bait House Tackle & Tavern is the perfect waterfront restaurant on Clearwater Beach to dock, dine, and kick back. Enjoy scenic views of the bay and marina, from inside or under an umbrella on the outdoor patio.

• Address: 45 Causeway Blvd, Clearwater, FL 33767
• Hours: Tue – Sun 11:30am – 9:00pm
• Reservations: Not Available
• Type of Food: Fresh Seafood and Tavern Fare
• Dockage Available: Yes

2. Crabby’s Dockside

If you’re looking for panoramic sunset views, then Crabby’s Dockside is an ideal waterfront restaurant to dock at on Clearwater Beach. Upstairs you’ll find a casual-yet-modern layout with floor-to-ceiling windows that invite you to take in everything Clearwater has to give.

For some real Florida flavor, start with Florida Alligator Bites, order the Fresh Florida Grouper however you like it, and try the signature Dockside Punch!

Pro Tip: If you stop in between 12pm-4pm, you can enjoy daily entertainment.

• Address: 37 Causeway Blvd, Clearwater, FL 33767
• Hours: Sun-Thu 11am–10pm, Fri-Sat 11am–11pm
• Reservations: Available
• Type of Food: American Seafood
• Dockage Available: Yes

3. Island Way Grill

Dress up and escape the busy beachfront at Island Way Grill. With daily trips to the gulf, Island Way serves up some of the freshest grouper, Mahi, and snapper you’ll find in Clearwater.

Order a panko-crusted Mahi Mahi piccata, a wood fire-grilled grouper, or sample Asian-inspired flavors when you order from the sushi bar. The west-facing patio serves beautiful sunset views, and with plenty of space to spare, Island Way Grill is a great venue to host and cater special events.

Pro Tip: Stop in on Sunday between 10am and 1:30pm for the brunch buffet – a local favorite!

• Address: 20 Island Way, Clearwater, FL 33767
• Hours: Mon-Thu 4pm – 9pm, Fri 4pm – 10pm, Sat 11am – 10pm, Sun 10am – 9pm
• Reservations: Available
• Type of Food: Asian-Inspired Seafood, Sushi, and Steak
• Dockage Available: Yes

4. Marina Cantina

If you’re looking for quality rooftop dining, great Mexican food, and the perfect excuse to get a little dressed up, Marina Cantina in Clearwater is the place to go!

The house-made salsa and chips are a must-try starter. Merge Florida seafood with Mexican flavor when you try the seafood enchilada or stick to the mainland with the highly-praised braised short rib. And, of course, it wouldn’t be an island adventure if you didn’t cool off with a margarita.

• Address: 25 Causeway Blvd, Clearwater Beach, FL 33767
• Hours: Mon-Thu 4pm – 9pm, Fri 4pm – 10pm, Sat 11am – 11pm, Sun 11am – 9pm
• Reservations: Available
• Type of Food: Mexican Cuisine
• Dockage Available: Yes

5. Salt Cracker Fish Camp

Happy hour is all day every day at Salt Cracker Fish Camp on Clearwater Beach. From open to close, you can get good deals on your drink of choice or try one of Salt Cracker’s specialty cocktails.

The fresh-caught grouper is a favorite for locals and tourists alike. Try it anyway – as a taco, burger, or even stuffed. And for anyone craving serene southern flavors, stop in on the weekend for Salt Cracker’s breakfast and brunch. The shrimp & grits and chicken & waffles are an absolute must.

Pro Tip: Bring in your own fresh catch, and Salt Cracker Fish Camp will prepare it however you like for your entrée.

• Address: 25 Causeway Blvd, Clearwater, FL 33767
• Hours: Mon – Fri 11am – 9pm, Sat 7am – 11pm, Sun 7am – 9pm
• Reservations: Available
• Type of Food: American Seafood & Cocktails
• Dockage Available: Yes

Explore with Boatsetter and keep the fun going when you dock and dine at any of these great waterfront restaurants in Clearwater. Click here to book your boat today.

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Boatsetter Team

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