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| Caddy's rooftop bar, 4th of July. Just another perfectly ordinary evening on Treasure Island. 😄🎆 |
🍽️ Lunch & Dinner
From barefoot beach bars to candlelit waterfront dining, the Treasure Island and St. Pete Beach area has something for every mood and every occasion. These are the places we actually go — the ones we recommend to every single guest without hesitation.
Caddy's on the Beach — Treasure Island
📍 9000 W Gulf Blvd, Treasure Island | caddys.com
Caddy's holds a very special place in my heart — it's the first Florida beach I ever came to. I was still living in New Jersey, visiting my son's uncle, and he brought us here. We got lounge chairs, ate a shrimp basket, and my son made a new friend on the beach who taught him how to skimboard. The two of them played together for hours. When it was time for the other family to leave, they gave my son the board to keep — they were heading home the next day and wanted him to have it. He was absolutely over the moon. That kind of spontaneous kindness from a stranger is what this place is all about. I've been coming back ever since — with my son when he was little, with the girls for fruity cocktails and beach lounging, and now with guests as one of my most enthusiastic recommendations. 🏄
Here's the thing about Caddy's: it's not about the food review. It's about the vibe. And the vibe is pure Sunset Beach — relaxed, beachy, happy, and completely unpretentious. Grab a shrimp basket, get a lounge chair, put your feet in the Gulf, and just BE there. That's the whole point. 🌊
Caddy's is also a true community survivor — Hurricane Helene hit this stretch of beach incredibly hard, but they kept going through it all. We are so happy they're back and better than ever! 🌴
Ka'Tiki — Treasure Island
📍 8803 W Gulf Blvd, Treasure Island | katikisunsetbeach.com
Ka'Tiki holds a special place in the hearts of everyone who loves this stretch of coastline. When Hurricane Helene devastated Sunset Beach, Ka'Tiki was one of the very first places to reopen — and they did it with the help of locals who showed up with shovels to help dig them out. That says everything you need to know about this place and this community.
As soon as Evan and I could get down to check on our condo after the storm, our next stop was Ka'Tiki — to have a drink, show our support, and commiserate with other locals about what we'd all just been through. It was exactly what we needed. Ka'Tiki is that kind of place.
On a happier note — this is also where Daxie had her very first restaurant experience. She was warmly welcomed on the patio, got plenty of love from staff and strangers alike, and handled herself like a seasoned dining companion. 🐾 Ka'Tiki has always been dog-friendly and we love them for it.
The vibe here is a perfect mix of locals and tourists, live music at night and on weekends, and reasonably priced bar food that hits the spot every time. They just added a gorgeous new tiki roof for extra shade too — perfect for those sunny Florida afternoons. A true Sunset Beach institution. 🌅
Ricky T's Bar & Grille — Treasure Island
📍 10601 Gulf Blvd, Treasure Island | rickytsbarandgrille.com
Ask any local where to go on Treasure Island and Ricky T's is almost always the first answer. It's that kind of place — a genuine institution that has earned its reputation over years of great food, great music, and great energy. Always packed on weekends, and for good reason.
The live music here is outstanding — the best local bands tend to play Ricky T's, and they have live music every single day. Check their website for the full schedule before you go so you can plan around your favorites. The menu is huge and honestly it's always hard to pick — we've had seafood, sliders, and pizza here and everything has been great. When in doubt, just ask your server what's good that day. 🎵🍕
Oyster Shuckers — St. Pete Beach
📍 650 Corey Ave, St. Pete Beach | theoystershucker.com
This is a proper local's bar — walk in on any given night and the barstools are full of regulars who've been coming here for years. Rachel has been our favorite bartender for as long as we can remember, and that kind of consistency is what makes a place feel like home.
Every time we're out on the beach, this is Evan's go-to. He always gets the Corey Avenue burger with hand cut fries — and honestly, it's hard to argue with that choice. I tend to go for the chicken sandwich, the tostada nachos, or at lunch the shrimp tacos, which are an excellent lunch special. And here's an insider tip — ask for the chargrilled oysters with garlic and parmesan. It's not on the menu but they'll make it for you, and it is absolutely worth asking. Trust me on this one. 🦪
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| When Middle Grounds brings out the original Robby's pancake stack for your birthday dessert — a delicious nod to the pancake house that used to call this spot home. Best. Birthday. Dessert. Ever. 🥞🎂 |
Middle Grounds Grill — Treasure Island
📍 10925 Gulf Blvd, Treasure Island | middlegroundsgrill.com
When you want a proper sit-down dinner — the kind with elegant waterfront views, an exceptional menu, and an experience that feels genuinely special — Middle Grounds is your place. Named after the famous grouper fishing grounds off the coast of Treasure Island, this restaurant has been a local landmark since 2006, built on the site of a beloved old pancake house. The atmosphere is sophisticated yet relaxed, with tasteful nautical decor — an ideal spot for both intimate dinners and special occasions.
The grouper is what most people come for and it absolutely lives up to the reputation. But I'll let you in on a secret — the filet is my personal favorite. On my birthday, they brought out the original Robby's pancake stack as my dessert — a sweet nod to the pancake house that used to occupy this spot. It was absolutely delicious and one of those unexpectedly charming moments that makes a restaurant truly memorable. 🥞
Reservations are usually recommended, but Evan and I have had luck walking in and sitting at the bar. And here's a great tip for budget-conscious guests — they offer an early bird menu from 4:30–5:30pm with excellent pricing. 📞 (727) 360-4253
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| Sunset on the patio at Shrimpy's Blues Bistro — where the New Orleans vibes meet the Gulf Coast sunset and nobody is in any hurry to leave. 🌅🎵 |
Shrimpy's Blues Bistro — St. Pete Beach
📍 9524 Blind Pass Rd, St. Pete Beach | shrimpysbluesbistro.com
Shrimpy's has everything I love in a restaurant — incredible food, live music every single day, a shaded outdoor patio, and stunning sunset views over the Intracoastal where dolphins and manatees occasionally make an appearance. Evan's absolute favorite here is the Torpedo sandwich — shrimp and scallops on a hoagie — and I am a devoted fan of the jambalaya.
But here's what makes Shrimpy's truly special to us. We first met musician Daniel Childs when he was performing his regular Wednesday slot at Shrimpy's — after running into each other at a few different venues over time we became genuinely friendly. Daniel and his wife ended up staying at Funshine Sunset Beach in exchange for him playing at my 50th birthday party. Their weekend here clearly meant something to them — he wrote a beautiful song about how he and his wife reconnected during their stay. It's quite a pretty song, and every time we hear it we think of Shrimpy's, where it all started. If you're there on a Wednesday, you just might hear him play. 🎵 | facebook.com/danielchildsmusic
Carino's Northern Italian — St. Pete Beach
📍 9524 Blind Pass Road #5, St. Pete Beach | carinosrestaurant.com
Carino's is one of those places that feels like a warm hug the moment you walk in. The decor is wonderfully retro nautical — let's just say it has a lot of personality 😄 — and the food is genuinely outstanding Northern Italian. The pink sauce is legendary and the cosmos are excellent. Save room for the limoncello cake — it is not optional.
On weekends, Carino's transforms into a piano bar with a crooner playing classic songs that make the whole room feel like a special occasion. Call ahead for reservations on weekends — it fills up fast and for very good reason. 🎹🍋
Britt's Pizza Bar & Grill — Treasure Island
📍 10709 Gulf Blvd, Treasure Island | brittspizza.com
Coal-fired pizza, an outdoor bar with excellent people-watching, live music, and a pet-friendly patio — Britt's has been a Treasure Island staple since 1992 and we love it. As a Jersey girl I take my pizza seriously, and I am happy to report that Britt's earns my approval. 🍕 You can get pizza by the slice or the whole pie, and they deliver within 2.5 miles or via Uber Eats. Guests at Funshine Pointe Capri can literally walk here — it's right on Gulf Blvd.
Buoys Waterfront Bar & Grill — St. Pete Beach
📍 677 75th Ave, St. Pete Beach | buoyswaterfrontbar.com
Buoys is our family holiday tradition — Thanksgiving, Christmas, you name it. There's something about a waterfront scratch kitchen that just feels celebratory, and the food here absolutely delivers. Evan's go-to is the Steak & Eggs — two huge filets, and he always takes some home. I'm a devoted fan of the Shrimp & Grits. The views are stunning and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming year round. Note that the boat docks were lost to Hurricane Helene, but the restaurant is going strong. 🦐
82 Degrees — St. Pete Beach
📍 The Saint Hotel, St. Pete Beach | thesainthotelfl.com
Sometimes you just need a great cocktail and a stunning view — and 82 Degrees at The Saint Hotel delivers both in spades. Sat with friends on the pool deck back in February and we planned to stay for one drink. We stayed for hours. The bartender was one of the friendliest we've ever encountered, which is really saying something in a town full of great bartenders. Perfect for a girls' night, a date night, or just a spontaneous sunset cocktail. 🍹
Pepe's Cantina — Downtown St. Pete
📍 Downtown St. Petersburg | pepescantina.com
Pepe's is my birthday spot — I've celebrated there with friends multiple times and it never disappoints. This trendy downtown St. Pete gem does Mexican food with real creativity and flair. The birria dishes are outstanding, the Mexican-style tostones are addictive, and the Hawaiian-style Korean Fried Chicken sounds weird but is SO good — trust me on this one. For brunch, the Chilaquiles are a must. Ask for the manager Carlos — tell him Nancy sent you! 🎉🌮
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| When we said VIP's margaritas are dangerous in the best possible way, this is what we meant. 🍹😄 |
VIP Mexican — Treasure Island
📍 Treasure Island location | viplounge-fla.com
When the craving for great Mexican food hits, VIP is our go-to right here on Treasure Island. The queso is outstanding and the margaritas are dangerous in the best possible way. 🍹 Fair warning: parking can be tough and there's usually a wait — but it's absolutely worth it. We recommend walking if you're staying nearby!
See something we missed? Have a restaurant you think we absolutely need to try? Leave a comment below — we take all recommendations very seriously and our waistlines are proof of it. 😄 Stay tuned for our Vegan & Plant-Based dining guide coming soon!
🌅 The Best Meals Start With a Great Place to Come Home To
All of these incredible restaurants are just minutes from your Funshine Getaway vacation rental — and after a long, delicious day of eating and exploring, there's nothing better than coming home to a beautifully renovated space that feels like yours. Book direct at funshinegetaway.com for the best rates, and reach out to Nancy at (813) 810-8574 with any questions. We can't wait to feed you — I mean, welcome you! 😄🌴
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