Clearwater Beach

Question

We are coming to Clearwater in April of this year and in the past we always have went to Caddys at Treasure Island spent the day at the beach was able to eat and drink. I see all the locations are closed. My question is where can we go for some beach food and drinks and of coarse parking?

Answer

Clearwater Beach and the surrounding St. Pete/Treasure Island area still offer plenty of places where you can enjoy a full beach day with food, drinks, and parking—similar to the vibe Caddy’s used to provide. While you won’t find an exact replica of the Caddy’s setup, there are several excellent beach bars and restaurants that let you hang out just steps from the sand and make a full relaxing day out of it.

Below are the best alternatives depending on whether you want direct beachfront seating, easy parking, or a casual food-and-drink environment right by the sand.

Best Clearwater Beach Options

Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill – One of the most iconic beachfront restaurants in Clearwater. Great food, tropical drinks, live music, and you can walk straight onto the sand. Parking can be found in nearby paid lots within a short walk.
Palm Pavilion Beachside Grill & Bar – A casual, beachy restaurant right on the sand with open-air seating, good seafood, cold drinks, and a family-friendly atmosphere. There’s a public parking lot nearby, and you can walk right from the car to the beach and the bar.
Sandbar at Opal Sands Resort – A beach-facing bar with excellent cocktails, relaxing lounge seating, and a very chill vibe. While technically part of a resort, it is open to the public. Public parking lots are a short walk away.
Cabanas on the Beach (at Shepherd’s Resort) – Big bar area right by the water with music, food, and drinks. Great if you want a more energetic vibe. Public paid parking is next door.

Best St. Pete Beach Options (Close to Treasure Island)

If you enjoyed the Caddy’s atmosphere on Treasure Island, you might prefer the St. Pete Beach options, as they are more relaxed and more similar to the beach-bar vibe you’re used to.

Paradise Grille (St. Pete Beach) – One of the closest matches to the old Caddy’s feel. Right on the beach, very casual, cold drinks, simple food, and picnic tables in the sand. Multiple public parking lots available right behind the beach.
PCI Beach Bar at Postcard Inn – A local favorite for an easygoing beach bar setup. You can hang at the bar or step onto the sand. Paid parking is available at the hotel or nearby lots.
Jimmy B’s Beach Bar – Right on the beach with music almost all day, good drink specials, and a fun crowd. Parking is available at the Beachcomber for a fee or in several nearby lots.
Rum Runners Bar & Grille (Sirata Resort) – Beachfront food and drinks with great gulf views. You can hang out on the sand right outside the restaurant. Parking is paid but convenient.

Good Options on Treasure Island Itself

Even though Caddy’s closed its Treasure Island location, the island still has a few great beachfront venues.

Sloppy Joe’s on the Beach – Beachfront food and drinks with indoor/outdoor seating and a relaxed vibe. Public parking across the street or in the municipal lots nearby.
Bilmar Beach Resort’s Beach Bar – Has a similar feel to a beach shack bar where you can enjoy drinks with direct beach access.
Sea Dog Brewing Co. – Treasure Island – Not directly on the sand but right across the street with good food and drinks plus easy parking.

Tips for Parking at Clearwater & St. Pete Beaches

Arrive early if you want to be within a 1–3 minute walk of the sand, especially in April (spring break + great weather).
Use public beach parking lots—they are well-marked and abundant in Clearwater and St. Pete Beach.
Download the ParkMobile app if you want to easily extend your time.
Consider St. Pete Beach if parking ease is a priority; Clearwater Beach gets more congested.

Bottom Line

If you want the closest vibe to spending the day at Caddy’s—laid-back, toes-in-the-sand service, beach atmosphere—your best matches are Paradise Grille (St. Pete Beach) and Palm Pavilion or Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill (Clearwater Beach). All offer food, drinks, beach access, and public parking nearby so you can settle in for the day.