Quiet and relaxed with less than three miles of land slicing the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico on the west and the canals of the Intracoastal Waterway on the east, Indian Rocks Beach manages to retain that laid-back “old Florida” feel of its days as a1920s weekend getaway.
Restaurants in this tiny town include fine dining and beach-side casual settings serving everything from fresh fish and seafood to traditional Italian dishes, Spanish tapas and French pastries.
Quick Bites and Sweet Treats
1. Lighthouse Doughnuts offers bagels, sandwiches and fresh hot coffee. But really, the name says it all. Flaky flavor-filled doughnuts come in every variety from cinnamon and coconut-topped to cake and jelly-filled. Get there early to snag one with key lime filling; they go quickly.
2. Café de Paris Bakery features the finest in French pastries, quiche, croissants, fruit tarts, turnovers and chocolate éclairs.
Leisurely Lunches and Beachside Bars
3. P.J.’s Oyster Bar appeals to tourists and locals alike. The fun and funky setting offers an eclectic array of clam chowder and seafood gumbo, salads, sandwiches, wings, burgers and seafood dinners.
4. Cuso’s Beach Place is open-air and beach breezy with an outside deck and live bands. Popular with locals, it’s the perfect spot to plop after a day in the sand and sun.
5. Crabby Bills is truly fun and relaxing. Imagine the most laid back atmosphere possible where everyone is smiling. That’s Crabby Bills.
Upscale Ambiance
6. Salt Rock Grill sits waterside overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway. The extensive wine list pairs well with menu choices of filet mignon, pit grilled pork chops with ginger and pomegranate, salmon, coconut shrimp and other seafood dishes.
7. Dine outdoors beneath umbrellas and twinkling lights at Tapas Garden and Wine Bar. Spanish omelets and tapas share the menu with herb grilled lamb chops, spicy grilled pork kabobs and fried green tomatoes.
The restaurants of Indian Rocks combined with the entertainment and attractions of nearby Tampa, Clearwater and St. Petersburg make an Indian Rocks Beach vacation rental a great base from which to enjoy all that Florida’s sunny Gulf Coast has to offer.
