Last updated: 2025-03-21
From the casual vibe of Pete and Shorty’s Tavern to the upscale dining at Alfano’s Restaurant, Clearwater’s group dining scene offers diverse options for every gathering. The mix of mainland favorites and beachfront spots like Island Way Grill creates perfect settings for celebrations.
Gulf-fresh seafood at Jimmy’s Fish House pairs with waterfront views, while local brewpubs like Big Storm Brewing and Sea Dog serve up craft beers alongside shareable plates. Downtown gems like Clear Sky on Cleveland showcase the area’s evolving culinary landscape.
Explore these Gulf Coast group dining destinations below!
Featured Group Dining Spots in Clearwater
- Columbia Restaurant (Clearwater Beach)
- Bob Heilman's Beachcomber (Clearwater Beach)
- Island Way Grill (Clearwater Beach)
- O'Keefe's Tavern
- Shephard's Tiki Beach Bar & Grill (Clearwater Beach)
- Big Storm Brewing
- Bobby's Bistro & Wine Bar
- Clear Sky on Cleveland
- Cooters Restaurant & Bar (Clearwater Beach)
- Palm Pavilion (Clearwater Beach)
Casual Dining in Clearwater
Big Storm Brewing
What to Expect
Award-winning craft beers and outdoor patio
Description
Big Storm Brewing Co. offers a vibrant setting for group dining with its award-winning craft beers and inventive menu options. The brewery features a spacious outdoor patio with multiple TVs and an outdoor bar, making it ideal for casual gatherings. The menu includes items like Nashville chicken sandwiches, customizable burgers, and mahi tacos. Big Storm also hosts events like trivia nights and live music.
Where: Clearwater | More Info: Big Storm Brewing
Bobby's Bistro & Wine Bar
What to Expect
Impressive wine cellar
Description
Bobby's Bistro & Wine Bar offers a casual yet refined dining experience with a focus on California cuisine. Located on Clearwater Beach, it features an impressive wine cellar and a relaxed atmosphere, making it suitable for group dining. The bistro provides a variety of options, including seafood and steak, in a setting that is both elegant and unpretentious.
Where: Clearwater | More Info: Bobby's Bistro & Wine Bar
Clear Sky on Cleveland
What to Expect
Global cuisine in a historic setting
Description
Clear Sky on Cleveland is a Global Bistro located in Clearwater's historical Cleveland Street District. It offers a diverse menu featuring cuisine from around the globe, along with a selection of wines, craft beers, and cocktails. The restaurant provides a casual yet sophisticated atmosphere, ideal for group dining with its New Orleans-inspired tavern and Mediterranean-style courtyard. It features live music on weekends and offers private functions.
Where: Clearwater | More Info: Clear Sky on Cleveland
Cooters Restaurant & Bar (Clearwater Beach)
What to Expect
Beach-inspired seafood specialties
Description
Cooters Restaurant & Bar offers a casual, beach-driven atmosphere with a focus on seafood and American cuisine. It features dishes like she crab soup, crab stuffed mushrooms, and the Super Grouper Sandwich. The restaurant is well-suited for group dining with its relaxed vibe and family-friendly amenities.
Where: Clearwater Beach | More Info: Cooters Restaurant & Bar
Downtown Pizza
What to Expect
Sports Bar with Live Music
Description
Downtown Pizza Sports Bar & Grill offers a casual dining experience with a focus on Italian cuisine, featuring thin crust pizzas, wings, and mussels. The restaurant provides a lively atmosphere with numerous TVs for sports events and live music. Its outdoor seating area and ample space make it suitable for group gatherings.
Where: Clearwater | More Info: Downtown Pizza
Island Way Grill (Clearwater Beach)
What to Expect
Waterfront dining with oak-fired grill
Description
Island Way Grill offers waterfront dining with a focus on locally caught seafood and hand-cut steaks. The restaurant features an oak and citrus fired open pit, adding smokiness to grilled dishes. It provides a casual yet scenic setting ideal for group dining, with options for outdoor seating and a full bar. The Sunday brunch buffet is a highlight, complemented by stunning sunset views.
Where: Clearwater Beach | More Info: Island Way Grill
Jimmy's Fish House & Iguana Bar (Clearwater Beach)
What to Expect
Largest waterfront deck on Clearwater Beach
Description
Jimmy's Fish House & Iguana Bar offers waterfront dining with a diverse menu featuring seafood, steaks, pasta, and more. It boasts the largest waterfront deck on Clearwater Beach, making it ideal for group gatherings. The restaurant hosts a nightly sunset celebration with live music and entertainment. Kids eat for free off the kid's menu, making it family-friendly.
Where: Clearwater Beach | More Info: Jimmy's Fish House & Iguana Bar
O'Keefe's Tavern
What to Expect
Florida's largest St. Patrick's celebration
Description
O'Keefe's Tavern offers a blend of British and Irish cuisine, featuring dishes like corned beef & cabbage, shepherd's pie, and fish & chips. Known for hosting Florida's largest St. Patrick's celebration, it provides a lively atmosphere suitable for group dining. The menu includes a variety of options such as steak, chicken, pasta, and salads, making it an ideal spot for casual gatherings.
Where: Clearwater | More Info: O'Keefe's Tavern
Palm Pavilion (Clearwater Beach)
What to Expect
Oldest operating beach pavilion
Description
Palm Pavilion Beachside Grill & Bar offers casual dining with a beachfront setting, serving seafood, steaks, and wraps. It features live music daily and is known for its famous beach burger and grouper. The restaurant provides a relaxed atmosphere ideal for groups, with outdoor dining and waterfront views.
Where: Clearwater Beach | More Info: Palm Pavilion
Pete and Shorty's Tavern
What to Expect
Midwest-inspired comfort food
Description
Pete and Shorty's Tavern offers a cozy, down-home atmosphere reminiscent of small-town Midwest taverns. Known for its Iowa Bistro-style comfort food, the restaurant serves dishes like crispy Alaskan Pollock fillets and slow-cooked pork shank. Its welcoming setting makes it ideal for group gatherings seeking an unpretentious dining experience.
Where: Clearwater | More Info: Pete and Shorty's Tavern
Sea Dog Brewing Co.
What to Expect
Waterfront views and on-site brewery
Description
Sea Dog Brewing Co. offers a casual dining experience with a focus on Gulf-inspired cuisine and handcrafted beers. The restaurant features waterfront views, boat docks, and a dog-friendly atmosphere, making it ideal for group gatherings. Its menu includes a variety of seafood options, specialty sandwiches, and craft beers brewed on-site.
Where: Clearwater | More Info: Sea Dog Brewing Co.
Shephard's Tiki Beach Bar & Grill (Clearwater Beach)
What to Expect
Beachfront live music venue
Description
Shephard's Tiki Beach Bar & Grill offers a vibrant beachfront dining experience with live music, outdoor seating, and waterfront views. It features a full bar with wine and beer, serving lunch and dinner. The venue is known for its lively atmosphere, making it suitable for groups seeking a casual, entertaining setting.
Where: Clearwater Beach | More Info: Shephard's Tiki Beach Bar & Grill
Fine Dining in Clearwater
Alfano's Restaurant
What to Expect
Extensive wine list and live music
Description
Alfano's Restaurant offers a blend of Italian-American cuisine with a classic Italian touch, featuring dishes like Cannelloni Florentine and Veal Parmesan. The restaurant provides a casually elegant atmosphere and is well-suited for group dining with private rooms accommodating up to 85 guests. Alfano's is known for its extensive wine list and live music in the Splendido Lounge.
Where: Clearwater | More Info: Alfano's Restaurant
Bob Heilman's Beachcomber (Clearwater Beach)
What to Expect
Award-winning wine list
Description
Bob Heilman's Beachcomber offers a blend of American, steakhouse, and seafood cuisine in a classic setting. Known for its old Florida charm, it features live piano music, generous cocktails, and an award-winning wine list. The restaurant provides a sophisticated atmosphere suitable for group dining, with amenities like outdoor seating and private dining options.
Where: Clearwater Beach | More Info: Bob Heilman's Beachcomber
Columbia Restaurant (Clearwater Beach)
What to Expect
Historic Family-Owned Waterfront Dining
Description
Columbia Restaurant offers waterfront dining with a mix of Spanish and Cuban cuisine. It features a Mediterranean dining room and an outdoor deck overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway. Known for its family-friendly atmosphere and extensive menu, it is well-suited for group dining with options like paella and seafood dishes. The restaurant is part of a family-owned tradition dating back to 1905.
Where: Clearwater Beach | More Info: Columbia Restaurant
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