Whenever I arrive somewhere new, I’m typically ready to throw down my luggage, change into more festive (beachy) apparel, and head out to explore the area. Typically, by ‘explore’, what I mean is find a local bar and see what’s happening. Thus my question, what are the best bars in Treasure Island, Florida? This depends on what you’re looking for in a bar. Nonetheless, I mapped it out, then took a walk around, and here’s what I found.
For easy locating, here’s my map of the best bars in Treasure Island.
Treasure Island beach bars
I’ll start with beach bars because this is my kind of vibe. Even better when they offer a variety of seating options with a view, beer on draft, and the occasional live music.
Caddy’s Treasure Island
- 9000 W Gulf Blvd, Treasure Island, FL 33706
- Menu
- Open 8AM to 11PM daily
Number one pick – with a variety of seating options from tables in the shade to picnic tables on the sand to chairs on the beach. There’s even a second floor to enjoy the view from above and cabanas to enjoy more intimately with friends. This friendly and laid-back beachfront cafe serves seafood, burgers and other casual fare amongst a happy crowd and with the added bonus of music and DJs. Enjoy tropical drinks, fresh seafood, and live music while taking in panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico. Enjoy the sunset along with the rhythm of crashing waves, or groove to the music, whatever happens to be happening in the moment. I only drink beer but I heard the drinks are fabulous. The food is delicious and the servers also attend the beach chairs and cabanas. Open every day at 8am, they even offer breakfast and bottomless mimosas — recommendations include the burrito and egg sandwich. The service is relatively quick, but who’s in a hurry when you’re on the beach? When it comes to parking – either pay to park close, or find a nearby spot on the street for free, and be wary of parking on the sand because one could potentially get stuck!
Sloppy Joe’s on the Beach
- 10650 Gulf Blvd, Treasure Island, FL 33706
- Menu
- 8AM to 10PM Sunday-Thursday; 8AM to 11PM Friday & Saturday
Located within the Bilmar Beach Resort and representative of a historic Key West bar, Sloppy Joe’s offers draft beer, beachfront views, and much more! Grab a seat on the outdoor patio, sip on a cocktail, and enjoy the ocean breeze in a casual atmosphere with live music. There’s an indoor and outdoor bar, booth and table seating with a view of the beach or pool, and tables on the sand. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, this bar is known for its fish sandwiches and Gulf views, as well as nightlife until 11PM on the weekends. Browse the gift shop and take home a souvenir for those who could not join in on the fun!
Treasure Bay Sunset Cabana Bar
- 11125 Gulf Blvd, Treasure Island, FL 33706
- Open Noon to 11PM daily
The Cabana Bar is located in the Treasure Bay Resort & Marina. Really this is my kind of bar – mostly outside, with a view of the ocean and sunset… and it closes early. I’m a day drinker anyway. Their beers are sourced from within a 30-mile radius from some of Tampa Bay’s best breweries, so expect a beer as fresh as it was the day it was brewed. While the bartenders are friendly, you won’t always get the quickest service. So come to enjoy the vibes, and not in a rush. This is one of the best spots to enjoy a drink and a view of the sunset. They offer plenty of outdoor seating and occasional live music, but food options are limited.
Treasure Island nightlife
For the night owls out there, these beachy bars get spicy when the sun goes down.
Lana’s Place
- 109 107th Ave, Treasure Island, FL 33706
- Open 8AM to 3AM daily
Lana’s Place is a beachy dive bar hole tucked in the wall with cheap drinks and friendly bar staff. Could you ask for more from a beachy dive bar? They’re open early in the morning until late at night. This is where you can come and kick it with the locals, enjoy the jukebox music or the tiny outdoor seating area. Some visitors say the staff aren’t so friendly unless you’re a local. I say it is what you make of it.
CJ’s On The Island
- 115 107th Ave, Treasure Island, FL 33706
- Open 11AM to 3AM daily
CJ’s is a Bustling, family-owned sports bar featuring a game room, live bands, DJs and karaoke. They stay open late and allow smoking inside. They do not serve food but you’re welcome to bring your own. All sorts of games are available for the playing – darts, pool tables, and a mini arcade. It’s a great spot to enjoy the nightlife, with friendly bartenders, music and dancing. There’s even a few chairs in front if you’d rather enjoy the outdoor scene.
Other Treasure Island Bars
Beach bars are fabulous but sometimes you might want something more low-key and off the beaten path. Maybe you’re not a night owl and you’re seeking some daytime beach vibes a few blocks off the beach. Check out these options!
Ricky T’s Bar & Grille
- 10601 Gulf Blvd, Treasure Island, FL 33706
- Menu
- Open 9 or 10AM to Midnight daily
Ricky’s is your relaxed choice for elevated comfort fare at breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus live music and sports TV. They’ve got everything here – serving food and drinks all day long in a casual beach bar vibe. Sit outside and enjoy the weather and live music – you can even see their live music schedule here. I highly recommend the outdoor patio, decently covered with umbrellas and fans, making it comfortable even in the Florida heat. While the view isn’t directly over the ocean, you still get the beach-vibe feels and the sunset experience in the evening. At night the lights get colorful and the live music comes on! Plus it’s a great spot for people watching while tucked among the seagrapes and other tropical foliage. Last I checked they offer a full bar, except for draft beer. But there’s seafood and pizza to make up for it.
R Bar
- 245 108th Ave, Treasure Island, FL 33706
- Open 8AM to 11PM weekdays; Open to 2AM Friday & Saturday
R Bar is a cozy, relaxed hangout offering seafood & other casual fare, plus house-brewed beer and live music. They serve good food all day and night, at decent prices. This one is off the beaten path, if you’re seeking a more local vibe away from the tourist traps. Inside this beach-themed dive is a tiki-hut-style bar with friendly staff. It’s a divey feel, but it won’t disappoint. There’s good service and rarely a wait. There’s all-you-can-eat specials most nights of the week. Best of all, there’s usually live entertainment on the weekends.
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