Ask around and you’ll discover just how many people consider Pass-a-Grille their favorite beach or even their dream place to live or retire. With the calendar easing into the most beautiful time of year, now is our chance to enjoy as much of this slice of waterfront paradise as we can.
These are some of our favorite places to eat, drink, relax, shop, and enjoy the area. And a special shoutout to Compass Real Estate and Luxury Real Estate Advisor Tammy McNelis, who not only helped make this possible, but also used her years of living and working around Pass-a-Grille to help us put this list together. If you’re looking for a home in the area, she’s your local connection to get it done. In fact, she has our current dream home in her inventory, this beautiful (and exceedingly rare) double corner Gulf-front property along iconic Gulf Way, pictured above. You can take a tour in the video below, if you’d like to imagine yourself living in paradise (or just see what it will look like for someone else).
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Originally built in the 1920s and recently getting a modern update, the nearly 8,000 sq.ft. home is an absolute stunner. It’s the perfectly-Pass-a-Grille mix of modern amenities and comfortable living with historic touches, including the original shuffleboard court that was part of its construction nearly 100 years ago. One of the home’s most unique features is a fully self-contained two-bedroom, two-bath guest residence or in-law suite, complete with its own kitchen, laundry, living area, private entrance and separate electric meter. It creates incredible flexibility for extended family and long-term guests, while also offering the potential for rental income, all without sacrificing the privacy and enjoyment of the main house. It’s just a dream for us, but if you want to make it a reality, give Tammy a call at 727-455-2351 or email her at tammy@thecpmteam.com.
Whether you’re moving to Pass-a-Grille, visiting for a weekend, or just dropping in for a day. There’s plenty to keep you fed and entertained while enjoying one of the most beautiful beachfronts in the world. This isn’t the full list of everything to eat, drink and do in Pass-a-Grille, but it’s a great starting point to get your itinerary lined up.
Must-try spots in Pass-a-Grille
Moon by Malios
109 8th Ave
Let’s start with the newest spot in town, which is one of the hottest openings in years. The seafood and pasta-forward Moon is the creative companion to the beloved Malio’s Steakhouse in Tampa. This spot gives their celebrated culinary team a place to flex their creative culinary muscles, and it just opened this month.
Brass Monkey
709 Gulf Way
Other spots get headlines. Brass Monkey gets the locals. The Maryland-inspired bar has everything from Atlantic crab cakes to Gulf grouper sandwiches, with all the chicken wings, steamers, burgers, and pizzas you could want in between. Add in great cocktails and views of the Gulf and it’s easy to see why The Brass Monkey always has a crowd.
Paradise Grille
900 Gulf Way
Did you even go to Pass-a-Grille if you didn’t stop here for a burger or a drink? On any beautiful day, Paradise Grille will be the liveliest spot in town, and we highly recommend joining the fray. The simple, walk-up eatery is directly on the beach, with plenty of seating, dishing up great burgers, seafood platters, snacks, and cold beer.
Island Life
1000 Pass a Grille Way
The “Coastal Provisions” store is Pass-a-Grille’s unofficial beach day and party hosting shopping center. They have an excellent selection of nice wines and local craft beer alongside a variety of prepared snacks, charcuterie, and shareable dishes. Hitting the beach all day? This is where to rent a cabana and beach chair or find beach-worthy outfits. They even deliver.
Shadrack’s
114 8th Ave
Shadrack’s is the classic beach dive bar, attracting locals and tourists alike from open to close. Grab a cold drink and a spot on the patio if you want to soak up the sunshine. Hop inside for darts or pool if you need to cool down after a day in the sun. Their Bloody Mary bars are the stuff of legend, and it’s about the only place anywhere you can find $3 IPAs. Do not skip Shadrack’s.
Grace Restaurant
120 8th Ave
The unofficial date night spot of Pass-a-Grille, Grace Restaurant delivers high end meals in a casual and affordable environment. The seasonal menu rotates throughout the year, but fresh-caught seafood is always the main attraction at this fine dining star, alongside ingredients sourced from local farms.
The Wharf
2001 Pass a Grille Way
The Wharf isn’t just historic. It’s legendary. The iconic building is home to what may be the best grouper sandwich on the Gulf Coast (which by default makes it one of the best in the world), with massive servings of fish that dwarf the bun they come dressed on. It’s a great spot for happy hour, for catching games, or just enjoying a nice breeze off the water.
Photo of The Don Cesar by The Don Cesar
The Don Cesar
3400 Gulf Blvd
This one may be obvious, but let’s examine. Inside and around The Pink Palace, you’ll find: five restaurants and bars; an award-winning spa; heated pools; comfortable beach chairs and umbrellas (day passes available); beach-inspired retail shopping; and nearly 100 years of incredible history. You could spend days here without leaving. At the very least, stop by on your beach walk for a picture.
Seahorse Restaurant
800 Pass a Grille Way
Pass-a-Grille’s breakfast spot for the better part of a century, The Seahorse is an absolute gem. Their reopening after the hurricanes drew celebrants from literally all over the country, and with good reason. The down-home diner is a go-to for breakfast and lunch alike. There’s no telling how many thousands of people have started their day with Seahorse shrimp and grits at least once.
Gulf Beaches Historical Museum
115 10th Ave
One of Pass-a-Grille’s most iconic and, appropriately, historic spaces is about to reopen following hurricane damage, and we can’t wait to visit. Inside the 109-year-old church is a treasure trove of local history that allows you to step back in time and see what the community was like through the decades. Spoiler: a lot has changed!
