Week in Dunedin. Great food/bars Clearwater or Dunedin?

Question

One week in Dunedin late April. Looking for great food, nothing fancy. Will prob eat out every night and want to experience both Dunedin and Clearwater. Any suggestions for good food, fun atmosphere? Mixed family group ages 25- 65. Thanks!!!!!

Answer

Spending a week in Dunedin is a fantastic choice—it's one of the most charming small towns in Florida, and both Dunedin and Clearwater offer tons of great, casual places to eat and drink. Since your group ranges from 25 to 65, you’ll find plenty of spots with fun atmospheres, good food, and easygoing vibes without anything being overly fancy.

Dunedin especially shines when it comes to walkable dining, breweries, and waterfront areas. Clearwater offers more beachside restaurants and nightlife, so splitting your evenings between the two makes for a perfect mix.

Below are some of the best casual restaurants and bars in both Dunedin and Clearwater, plus ideas for how to spend your evenings.

Dunedin Brewery – Florida’s oldest microbrewery with great bar food, live music, and relaxed energy. Perfect for all ages.
Sea Sea Riders – Classic Florida-style comfort food in a historic house with a big porch. Great for a casual but delicious meal.
The Living Room on Main – Tapas-style small plates, cozy-yet-lively atmosphere, indoor/outdoor seating.
Olde Bay Café & Dunedin Fish Market – Waterfront, casual, fresh seafood bowls, sandwiches, and great sunset views.
Honeymoon Island / Causeway food trucks – Not a restaurant, but a fun local vibe if you want something ultra-casual before sunset.

Clearwater Beach has a different vibe—more energy, more foot traffic, and plenty of easygoing restaurants where you can enjoy good food along with beach views. It's a great contrast to Dunedin’s small-town charm.

Frenchy’s (any location, but Rockaway Grill is most fun) – Iconic Clearwater spot for fresh grouper sandwiches, casual drinks, and a lively atmosphere.
Salty’s Island Bar & Grille – Great for groups, tropical drinks, nice variety of seafood and American fare.
Clear Sky Café – Eclectic menu, consistently good food, lively atmosphere without feeling hectic.
Cooters – A long-time local favorite for seafood, wings, and cold drinks; family-friendly and fun.
Crabby’s Dockside – Beaches, sunsets, rooftop dining, perfect for a relaxed but memorable evening.

If you want both good food and something active or culturally fun afterward, Dunedin is the more unique spot. Walking around downtown is safe, compact, and filled with breweries, shops, and live music. Clearwater is best when you're already spending time on the beach during the day, then staying for a sunset dinner or drinks.

Here are a few more tips to make your week fantastic:

Visit the Dunedin Causeway – Beautiful water views, casual bars nearby, great at sunset.
Check out the brewery trail – Dunedin has excellent breweries all within walking distance (Woodwright Brewing, HOB Brewing Company, Caledonia, Dunedin Brewery).
Spend an afternoon in Clearwater Beach – Ideal for strolling, people-watching, or enjoying a waterfront happy hour.
Try a seafood shack-style lunch – Palm Pavilion or Frenchy’s are perfect options.

In general, Dunedin is best for laid-back charm, live music, and local flavor, while Clearwater is ideal for big beach views and classic Florida seafood meals. Splitting your week across both is the best way to enjoy the area—and you’ll have no shortage of great, casual places the entire group will love.

Week in Dunedin. Great food/bars Clearwater or Dunedin?

More Clearwater Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions