Clearwater, Florida, is west of Tampa on the Gulf of Mexico. The city beckons travelers with gorgeous white sandy beaches, nature trails, amusement parks, museums and botanical gardens. The Clearwater Marina situated on famous Clearwater Beach "has the distinct classification of a Blue Wave Beach," says the city's official website. Attracting tourists year round, the Marina is home to chartered boats, dinner cruises and dolphin tours. In Clearwater, visitors can partake in festivals like the Clearwater Jazz Holiday and the Annual Taste of Clearwater. The city also boasts an exemplary dining scene.
Established in 1961, O'Keefe's is a Clearwater landmark and home to one of the biggest St. Patrick's Day celebrations in Florida. Along with its signature Irish-puffs, this family-friendly restaurant serves an endless array of American and Irish flavor, featuring exclusive salads, flat breads, sandwiches, soups and wraps. Indulge in a seven-course O'Keefe's classic Irish dinner, or enjoy several steak, chicken and seafood entrees. Occasionally, the restaurant hosts a karaoke night too.
O' Keefe's Family Tavern & Grill
1219 S. Fort Harrison Ave.
Clearwater, FL 33756
(727) 442-9034
okeefestavernonline.com
Mirage specializes in Persian and Mediterranean cuisine, and offers an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet on weekdays, along with a daily a la carte dinner menu. Enjoy ethnic salads, kabobs, authentic chicken and beef entrees. House specials include rice cooked in green beans, lima beans or lentils, along with eggplant Khoresht (sautéed eggplant with lamb), and beef and fresh herbs Khoresht. Vegetarian patrons can enjoy a plate of falafel, hummus or mixed vegetables. Enjoy a belly dancer's performance during weekends.
Mirage Restaurant
2284 Gulf Bay Blvd.
Clearwater, FL 33765
(727) 724-3604
miragerestaurant.com
Tampa Bay Magazine awarded Antonio's Pasta Grill with Best Pasta from 1996 to 2006. Lunch and dinner entrees come with a complimentary Antonio's house salad, along with fresh-baked bread and olive oil. Fare includes grilled gourmet pizzas, pannini, soups, salads and several oven baked specialties, such as stuffed shells, lasagna, spinach manicotti, eggplant parmigiana and penne Antonio.
Antonio's Pasta Grill
2755 Ulmerton Rd.
Clearwater, FL 33762
(727) 572-5566
antoniospastagrille.com
Tampa Magazine voted Acropolis Greek Taverna the Best of Tampa Bay continuously, from 2005 to 2008. Located in the Icot Center in Clearwater, the tavern offers lunch, dinner and a full liquor menu. Other amenities include waterfront dining, belly dancing, hookah and a plate-smashing area (a traditional Greek custom). Menu items include ethnic delicacies and platters served with Greek fries and salad. Enjoy moussaka, pastitsio, dolmades and Greek-styled lamb chops.
Acropolis Greek Taverna
13575 58th St. N.
Clearwater, FL 33760
(727) 538-4273
acropolisclearwater.com
