Sand Key-ClearWater

[spookyuki]

Hi!
I have decided to surprise my DD and mom for 2 nights of wonderful gulf beach treat after WDW.
With Amex 50% off Starwood hotels, I am going to get Sand Key resort.
I don't think I can afford to eat on site too many times.. There aren't too much information available on internet.

Please share if you have favorite affordable place to eat (breakfast, lunch, dinner) or just to hang out. Local people food place would be great!

I am thinking about the aquarium but not Bush Garden. I can already see the withdraw from WDW coming.

First time in Tampa area.

 

[flatline]

the Florida aquarium and the Channelside district is very cool, it's the home of the Tampa cruise port. any of the Frenchy's restaurants are a good choice around the Clearwater beach area to begin with.

 

[Markstudy]

Sand Key is connected to Clearwater beach by a bridge.

On the Sand Key side of the bridge there is a nice shopping center on the bay... Try the Columbian for Lunch (it can be a bit pricey for dinner) If its not too hot out, sit outside for a great view of the bay and Clearwater, the salad is fantastic and the Cuban sandwich is a real treat. Very nice! Must try!

For dinner, drive 1/10th of a mile, and at the base of the Sand Key bridge on the Clearwater side is a great resturant for dinner. Good Prices, nice decore, and a nice view of the bay and bridge at night. I can't remember the name? ( it changed hands recently ) find out if they take reservations or go early to put your name in...its always busy, but worth the wait. You don't see it unless you look for it, the building is blocked by the new tall bridge.

For lunch or dinner.... You have to try Fenchys. They have 4 locations on Clearwater beach. The best one is Frenchys Rock-a-way right on the Clearwater beach, actually out on the sand. (Look for the Water tower and Fire Station) Casual food and best sunset in town, live music at night, very affordable. 2.5 miles from Sand Key.

Beach Comber is the most expensive resturant on Clearwater Beach. Fantastic, but very pricey.

 

[flatline]

For dinner, drive 1/10th of a mile, and at the base of the Sand Key bridge on the Clearwater side is a great resturant for dinner. Good Prices, nice decore, and a nice view of the bay and bridge at night. I can't remember the name? ( it changed hands recently ) find out if they take reservations or go early to put your name in...its always busy, but worth the wait. You don't see it unless you look for it, the building is blocked by the new tall bridge.

I know where you're talking about, but the new name escapes me as well.

and like Markstudy said, you've got to try a Cuban sandwich. actually, any of the Spanish cafe's offer the best value and incredible food for lunch.

 

[spookyuki]

Thank you!!!
Thread printed... Fenchys.. is must! A restaurant by bridge.. I love Cuban sandwiches!! They sound great.

Thank you so much for the information.

Also, there is a Greek Village little north of Clearwater. Have you been there?
Is it fun?

 

[Markstudy]

Also, there is a Greek Village little north of Clearwater. Have you been there?
Is it fun?

Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks.... its lots of fun, but the drive is about 55 minutes.

Its a one mile strip of shops and fishing villiage, sponge docks, old greek culture and feel. Stores and resturants on both sides. There is also a small aquirium that is very nice.

Your going to hate me I don't know the names of anything.
The best resturant to eat at... is half way down the 1mile strip on the bay side. (big resturant right in the middle of the strip, lots of windows facing the water)


You also asked about the big Tampa aquarium? Most people save that for a rain day. If you get a bad weather day.... (rare) then I would suggest the Tampa Aquarium as the best "plan-B"

 

[zalansky]

I second Frenchy's Rockaway. Not to be missed. The Aquarium, I could easily do without. We live 10 minutes from there and though it is nice, it is not worth the money, IMO. Channelside is nice, like a PP noted. Maybe you could plan the Aquarium and then lunch at Channelside.

And I think the restaurant Markstudy is talking about is called Pappa's?

EDITED: TO CORRECT MY TYPO OF SPELLING ERROR SINCE WE ARE APPARENTLY BEING GRADED

 

[flatline]

OK, how many more ways are we going to misspell "Frenchy's"

 

[spookyuki]

I couldn't a the room at Sheraton!! Actually many many hotels are SOLD OUT in July!!
got BestWestern Sea Wake..nice view of parking lot! It looks nice though.
AHHH.. nice warm white sand!!!

I didn't realize there are two aquariums in the area. lots to do!! sponge docks? I must see that!

Thank you all for all the information.

Frenchy's has nothing to do with the Frenchies, right?

 

[zalansky]

A friend of mine came down from NY about 4 years ago and stayed at the Sea Wake, we visited them there and it was a good enough hotel. Sheraton is nicer of course...but you'll be just fine! Have a great trip.

 

[MouseWorshipin]

I thought it was "French's" .