Clearwater Restaurant | The Bait House Clearwater Beach Waterfront Dining Bar
It’s rare that I post on non surfing related stuff, but I stumbled across a diamond in the ruff and I feel obligated to let the world know. I recently visited the baithouse bar / seafood restaurant in clearwater beach for a holiday party and was instantly mystified by the beauty of the location, the charm of the people and the quality of the food.
The nostalgia reminds me of the very popular waterfront dining restaurants and bars I frequented by boat as a kid in virginia beach, va. The bait house is literally an old dockside baithouse in clearwater beach municipal marina that was converted to a bar and restaurant. The entire place is on a dock over the water and they kept part of the true “bait shack” look by keeping a small bait and tackle shop in the entrance to the restaurant. The restaurant is out over the water, facing the waterway and the flow of boats motoring in and out of the marina.
It is a breath of fresh air for clearwater dining. I have lived in pinellas county Florida for about two years and this place is my new favorite. All of the fish is truly fresh catch and the specials change with what fish are biting. Their assortment of beverages (particularly in the beer department) is quite impressive. In addition to food, bait and tackle they have several boat slips, so coming by boat is a great option. If you have been out fishing on your own, or on a commercial charter trip (all the big charter boats park next door) they encourage you to bring your fish in and they will prepare it for you however you like, while you relax and enjoy the view. All the food on the menu is made to order, and is truly unbelievable. I can’t wait to go back.
- The Bait House
- Location:
- Phone:
- 727-446-8134
- Mon – Wed:
- 7:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Thurs – Sat:
- 7:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Sun:
- 7:00 am – 9:00 pm
We ate lunch at The Bait Shop today and agree with your thoughts about the place. We were just wandering around the marina in Clearwater Beach and happened upon it. We moved down to the Tampa Bay area in August and this is the freshest fish we have eaten in a restaurant. The homemade soup was also excellent. We will definitely be going back.
I like the idea that you can pull up by boat, have a sandwich and a cold beer and go on back out fishing. Can’t beat the location.
Clearwater Beach spring break is going to go off this year, between the bait house and shephards it is going to be so fun. I can’t wait. Here’s to spring break 2010 in clearwater beach!!