We have found the best restaurant along the Gulf beaches in the St. Pete to Clearwater area. It's the Salt Rock Grill in Indian Shores Beach. Fabulous food, just as we'd begun to despair of ever finding a place that served non-touristy food. Unlike places like the Lobster Pot (which is rated highly by out of date guide books), the Salt Rock gives you value for your buck, and is not rude. Reservations are advised. By the way, if you find other good places to eat there, please send me an e-mail. We have a place on Sunset Beach and go down 5-6 times a year. It's not exactly a food heaven down there. Too many retirees and Snow Birds who are afraid to spend a dime. Doesn't exactly promote good restaurants.

I'm looking for a GOOD non-touritsy restaurant in that general area....what kind of food and prices??? If it is that good we might try it when we visit that area....

Reply to Cedar: Very reasonable prices - $135 for four people, including drinks beforehand, grilled salmon (they use an open oak fire)and a wonderful 1995 pinot noir from Stonestreet in Russain River Valley. Main courses ranged from $10 to $25. Salads were terrific - always a failing in Florida. Very nice wine list - reasonable prices. Pinots ranged from $25 to $49. It was crowded, but we had requested a nice table and it was waiting for us when we walked in. Our waiter worked his buns off and we gave him 20% (he seemed overwhelmed - many do not tip in Florida - I have seen this countless times.) This is a place we will frequent. Also: spread the word that the Lobster Pot is a rude, pricey dump that is standing on its laurels, and that alone. So, so over-rated. I wrote to Zagat's to ask them to tone down their review - just way too positive what the product. Also at all cost avoid Shells, Crabby Bill's (a chain) and Margo's in Treasure island. Just not worth the hassle and the food gets a D minus. Leverrocks is okay - try the one in St. Pete near the Cory Causeway. And by all means get some poppers at Nicks and the other beach places on Sunset Beach. Go in jeans and kick back and enjoy the sunsets. Terrific. And hit Captain K's for dancing - at the bridge from Treasure Island to St. Pete Beach, on Gulf Blvd. Have a nice time.

To jcameron: Thanks for all the info! And I will spread the word about the Lobster Pot....thanks for the tip.

for something different, drive across the big bridge to Bradenton and out to Anna Maria island to the Beach Bistro. One of the best restaurants anywhere and dinner is really on the beach with sunset, good wine list(my hobby & former job<buyer>), excellent food. Non beach place that is superb is Michael's on East in Sarasota. Sarasota has a more sophisitcated population and not as many penny-pinching retirees...hey this Florida, what's an hour drive?

Be warned - the Beach Bistro is horribly expenseive for the menu and quality. We were shocked, and we are used to D.C. and NYC and SF. And it's a surprisingly long drive, not just one hour.

Be warned - the Beach Bistro is horribly expenseive for the menu and quality. We were shocked, and we are used to D.C. and NYC and SF. And it's a surprisingly long drive, not just one hour.