Best Tiki Bar Clearwater Beach: (From the movie: "Cocktail")

Let me tell you about the best tiki bar Clearwater Beach has - The Sandbar at Opal Sands. And yeah, I might be a little biased since I spent five years bartending there, but hear me out.

How I Accidentally Became a Clearwater Beach Tiki Bar Legend

(Okay, maybe "legend" is stretching it...)

Picture this: 18-year-old me, fresh out of high school with my AA degree (shoutout to Early College Program!), trying to figure out life while paying for my business degree. So what do I do? Lie about having "years" of bartending experience to land a gig at the swankiest tiki bar in Clearwater Beach. Sorry Justin, if you're reading this - but hey, it worked out!

Fun fact: My first day, I forgot to close the tap while changing a keg. Came back to beer spraying everywhere. Real professional, right? But mom always said "fake it till you make it," so...

What Makes The Sandbar the Best Damn Tiki Bar on Clearwater Beach

Listen, I'm not just hyping this place up because I worked there. The Sandbar is literally the most insane spot for a tiki bar:

• You can practically high-five dolphins from behind the bar (okay, slight exaggeration)

• 180-degree Gulf views that'll make your Instagram followers hate you

• 40+ bar seats, plus rocking chairs and fire pits for the "I don't want to talk to the bartender" crowd

• Live music that's actually good (looking at you, Jariah Higgins - when you're famous, remember who poured your drinks!)

The "Fancy Hotel Bar Food" That Actually Doesn't Suck

Here's the thing about The Sandbar - it's attached to the fancy-pants Opal Sands resort.

Which means yeah, it's a bit pricey, BUT:

• Same quality ingredients as their fine dining spot

• That burger? Same meat they use for $30 meatballs upstairs

• Heavy pours because they know what they're charging (you're welcome)

Drinks That'll Make Your Bartender Hate You (But They're Worth It)

Now that I'm not the one making these anymore, let me tell you what to order:

1. Mojitos - Real cane sugar, real pain in the ass to make, real delicious

2. Killer Colada - Tell Jake to make it from scratch, not the machine. (Sorry Jake!)

3. Rumrunner - When you want to make bad decisions at sunset

4. Skinny Blueberry Lemonade - For when you want to pretend you're being healthy

   
   

The Other Tiki Bars (Because I Should Probably Mention Them)

Look, there are other options:

• Tommy's Tiki at the Hilton (cute, but tiny)

• Tiki Boats (genius idea - wish I'd thought of it first)

But let's be real - they're not The Sandbar.

How Slinging Drinks Changed My Life

This isn't just another tiki bar story - this place literally changed my life. In five years I:

• Paid for college (zero debt, baby!)

• Bought a house at 20 (weird flex, but true)

• Saved a TON of cash... (for awhile my mom thought I was a drug dealer)

• Met Megan, got engaged, and celebrated at The Sandbar

• Met my mentor (who convinced me to leave for tech sales)

• Made enough stories to fill a book (maybe someday...)

The Sunset Situation

Guys, I can't even describe these sunsets. Every. Single. Night. Right in your face. I should've started an Instagram called "Sunsets from the Tiki" - would've been huge. (Jake, if you're reading this, you're welcome for the idea.)

What You Need to Know Before You Go

• Yes, it's expensive (but worth it)

• No, your kids can't sit at the bar (nice try)

• Yes, you can wear beach clothes

• No, it's not open late (10pm close - this ain't a nightclub)

• Yes, there are TVs for sports (four of them under the bar)

🌴 Want more Clearwater Beach insider tips or need help planning your trip? Hit me up at traveltoclearwaterbeach@gmail.com. I've got stories for days and actually helpful advice about the best spots in town.

Last Updated: 12/4/24 - From a guy who's definitely spilled a few drinks at this bar