We are in Clearwater Beach and wanting recommendations for a restaurant in the area. We ate at Frenchy's Southside Cafe tonight and enjoyed it. I have heard good things about Backfin Blue Cafe, Skidders, and Snappers. Any suggestions? We also will be in Marco Island later in the week. Any suggestions for that area? Thanks

Bumping..any thoughts out there? Thanks

The Backfin Blue Cafe was our favorite! Their crab cakes were the best ever and their soup is so thick you could eat it with a fork. We also liked the location of Frenchy's Rock A Way as it's right on the beach and we enjoyed eating on the dock of Sea Critters.

I did not like Snappers at all.

Dockside Dave's in Madeira Beach, casual dining -- head for the waterside and see if you can be lucky enough to get one of the few tables there.

Island Way Grill between Clearwater Beach and Clearwater city. Upscale, wonderful!

I can't remember the name of this great casual bay-side waterfront place with outdoor and indoor seating in Marco but everyone will know it. Marco's not a big place. Ask around. I think it's Snook Inn.

Tandoori Girl is right. Snook Inn it is, more about the fun on the water open air atmosphere than great food, but the food's OK, and they do great Bloody Marys. Marco is not known for restaurants. People in Marco looking for exciting restaurants go up to Naples. The atmosphere of the Old Marco Inn is nice, but food is just average. Another really fun place is the sort of dive called the Little Bar in Goodland, at the south end of Marco.

Patrick, you are brave to recommend Goodland. It is certainly an unusual place, one that Carl Hiassen would love. What's the story there, do you know? I think someone told me that the city of Goodland used to be on the Gulfside but they moved it to make room for the condos -- or that it will be moved soon, or something like that, what's the deal?

Bethinks, be sure to check out the "museum" at Goodland. It's free, and well worth the price ;<)

Thanks so much for the info. We had already heard about Snook Inn from a friend whose parents live in Marco-so we will definitly give it a try. Also Cafe de Marco has been mentioned too. Again, thanks for the info.

The only think I know about Goodland is that in the years before Marco was developed -- until the 50's/60's it was literally a swamp -- Goodland was kind of it for that area. When they started developing Marco by dredging and filling, the only way to get to Marco was through Goodland. Then they built the bridge at the other end of Marco. I don't think the town of Goodland was moved -- it's just that Marco was created and built next to it.

bethinks, if you're still in Clearwater Beach, check out Bobby's Bistro. It's located behind the venerable Heilman's Beachcomber - it's the son's restaurant, great wine list, nice atmosphere, very good food.

There is some fine dining in Marco but not at any of the places mentioned. I have been to the places that you mentioned and would not go back again.

Verdi's is a good reasonably priced restaurant. The Blue Heron is a more expensive restaurant on Isle of Capri (just as close as Goodland). Also on the expensive side there is a wonderful restaurant at the Marco Beach Ocean Resort with an Gulf view and wonderful Italian food.

If you want good casual and inexpensive food go to the Sand Bar (sports bar - much better food than the Little Bar).

detraveler is probably right about better food at Sand Bar than at Little Bar, but he misses the point. One doesn't go to The Little Bar just for the food.

In 1968 or 1969 I worked on the original hotel on Marco (right out of college) doing the interior design. Things were very primitive and we stayed at a private home and the only place to go was the Little Bar. It was definitely a 3F place: fishing, fighting and well, you know. The hotel became the Marriott resort. Little Bar is definitely worth a one night visit. Burgers are in order here.

I like the Snook Inn but only if one sits at the Chickee hut, which is what it is about anyway. Grouper and cold beer. Marco Island is not about fine food. I personally like Quinn's at the Marriott. They have lobster bakes on the beach and you are beachside for sunset. LMF