Madeira Beach gets more fun by the day.
Sugar sweet sand, a new concert pavilion and community center, lots of annual events with music and during season, farmers’ markets, art/crafts shows and bike enthusiasts mingle in the closed off street between the Oar House & the CVS.
Take a walk with me around this quirky beach town and you’ll fall in love with its easy access to Tyrone…
Downtown… & North Beaches.
SHOP!
From John’s Pass boutiques to downtown Madeira Beach shops, I’ve discovered all kinds of gifts and finds. City Bazaar sells $10 jewelry for those who like Charming Charlie or Claire’s,
The Brass Lady’s accessories and Pandora are the best around, Windworks’ kites thrill kids of all ages and the vintage shops next to Brown Boxer yield goodies and treasures from clothes to lamps and books.
Jeff the Jeweler sells new and estate jewelry while Bronze Lady Home Furnishings can help you make your house look like a page from Coastal Living.
Eat, Drink & Be Merry!
Usually, I end up at Redington’s Conch Republic or Treasure Island’s Middle Grounds. But thanks to this story, I’ve now discovered some new favorites.
Angry Pepper, 4330 Duhme Rd.: Over near the American Legion, this legendary smokehouse serves the best pulled pork in town and sweet potato fries. Dozens of craft beers on tap and a beachy décor plus view perfect for kicking it on a weekday afternoon.
The Brown Boxer Pub & Grille, 15000 Madeira Way: Great drinks, good servers, live music and yummy sandwiches (buffalo chicken), stone crab soup and tacos (fish). The key lime martini and margaritas go down smoothe.
Mad Beach Craft Brewing, 12945 Village Blvd.:
Flights of craft beer, good eats, dartboards, pool tables, air hockey and big screen TVs make for family fun with blues and other live music most Friday-Saturday nights 8 pm. Orange Blossom Honey Wheat Ale, Imperial Sweet Potato Ail, Grapefruit Cider and other frisky brews beckon, meshing nicely with Caribbean Short Rips, Pirate Shrimp and Triple Threat Sliders.
Passionate about what they do, brewers Matthew Powers & Alex Garcia, work closely with Chef Tyson Williams in coming up with unique twists on traditional styles as well as dabbling in the normal realm of IPAs and Lagers that play well with a brew pub menu like no other.
Mario’s Ristorante, 14995 Gulf Blvd.: Next to Daiquiri Deck, this family gem serves homemade past, linguine with clams and lobster ravioli using only the freshest ingredients. Sweet Brewnette, 13999 Gulf Blvd.: For java jive and breakfast, this cute little café features mimosas, banana bread, caprese grilled cheesy and yummy homemade soups.
Still Got Room?
Other places I enjoyed were tourist fave’s Scullys, The Hut Bar & Grill, The Friendly Fisherman, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. & The Boardwalk Grill in John’s Pass; Dockside Dave’s for the fish & chips; Thai Star Sushi Bar for crab Rangoon or sushi; Gulf Bistro’s salmon and lobster bisque; Lisa’s Café for the grouper Oscar and espresso-crusted filet; Walt’z Fish Shak for the grouper and the Mad Beach Fish House’s Bloody Mary bar and music.
For music, Bamboo Beach Bar & Grill or Daiquiri Shak Raw Bar & Grille are fun and the bands rock the house. If you want a pizza, DeLosa’s garlic nuts and pies are good, and soon, Slyce will open next to Publix for those who love gourmet pizza, boutique wines, craft beers and cool cocktails, especially the Greek pizza and bruschetta.
Before or after a day at Mad Beach, stop in at The Old Snack Shack for burgers/dogs and fries; the Candy Kitchen for ice cream and South Beach Bar & Grille or The Oar House for cheap eats and drinks. PN
Story by Nanette Wiser