Nestled in the scenic Pass-a-Grille area of St. Pete Beach, Florida, the Hurricane Seafood Restaurant stands as a beacon for seafood lovers and beachgoers alike. Located at 809 Gulf Way, St Pete Beach, FL 33706, this iconic eatery, known locally and beyond, offers a multi-level dining experience with breathtaking views and a menu packed with fresh catches and Floridian flavors. Having heard whispers of its “world-famous” reputation, and after reading glowing reviews, I was eager to experience the Hurricane firsthand. My recent visits confirmed the buzz – this isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a St. Pete Beach institution.
The iconic green building of Hurricane Seafood Restaurant, a landmark dining destination at 809 Gulf Way St Pete Beach, FL 33706, inviting guests to experience its world-famous seafood and Gulf views.
Navigating to Paradise: Parking at Hurricane Seafood Restaurant
Before diving into the delightful dining experience, it’s essential to address parking, a common consideration for visitors to Pass-a-Grille. Street parking is available but operates on a metered system. While charming, finding a spot can be challenging, especially on sunny days when the nearby beach is bustling. You’ll need to arm yourself with quarters or a credit card for the parking kiosks. However, a local tip for dining at Hurricane Seafood Restaurant: utilize the parking lot located behind the restaurant. Though somewhat hidden and unassumingly signed, this lot offers a more convenient parking solution. While there’s an upfront fee, validated parking is offered to restaurant patrons, making it a worthwhile option to avoid the street parking hassle and fully enjoy your meal without parking meter worries.
Outdoor seating at Hurricane Seafood Restaurant, St Pete Beach, Florida, offering a relaxed dining atmosphere with views of Pass-a-Grille and the Gulf of Mexico.
Rooftop Views and Beachfront Breezes
My introduction to Hurricane began at their rooftop patio bar. This level is the epitome of casual beachside relaxation. Sipping on cool drinks while gazing out over the Gulf of Mexico is an experience in itself. From this vantage point, the panoramic views of St. Pete Beach are simply stunning. Below, the white sands are dotted with beachgoers enjoying the Florida sunshine. The rooftop bar sets a laid-back tone, perfect for appetizers and drinks before heading to another dining level. It’s an ideal spot to soak in the atmosphere and appreciate the beautiful coastal setting that makes Hurricane Seafood Restaurant a sought-after destination in St. Pete Beach, FL.
A Culinary Journey Through the Hurricane Menu
Hurricane Seafood Restaurant caters to various dining preferences across its three floors. The rooftop is undeniably casual, perfect for quick bites and drinks. The second floor offers a more formal dining ambiance, likely suited for evening dinners. The ground floor, where we dined, presents a relaxed café setting with both indoor and sidewalk seating. Opting for a sidewalk table, we enjoyed the shade and the gentle Gulf breezes, setting the stage for a delightful lunch.
Our server, Amber, was exceptionally welcoming and attentive, enhancing our dining experience. To start, we ventured into local flavors with an order of Gator Bites. Described as “Right from the bayou. Tender bites of alligator hand breaded, lightly fried in rice bran oil and served with barbecue sauce,” this appetizer was a conversation starter. The gator bites, served with barbecue sauce and lemon wedges, were indeed reminiscent of chicken in texture and taste, a fun and unique way to begin our meal.
A plate of Gator Bites appetizer at Hurricane Seafood Restaurant, St Pete Beach, featuring lightly fried alligator pieces served with barbecue sauce, offering a taste of Florida’s unique cuisine.
For the main course, the Triple Decker BLT on Cuban bread was a hearty and satisfying choice. Stacked high with bacon, lettuce, and tomato, the freshness of the ingredients and the flavorful Cuban bread made it a standout sandwich. It’s a substantial meal, especially when paired with a side of fries.
The generous Triple Decker BLT sandwich from Hurricane Seafood Restaurant’s menu, showcasing layers of bacon, lettuce, and tomato on toasted Cuban bread, a fulfilling lunch option.
However, the star of the show, and a must-try at Hurricane Seafood Restaurant, is undoubtedly the World Famous Original Grouper Sandwich. Having been a menu staple since 1977, this sandwich lives up to its reputation. Fresh Gulf grouper, hand-breaded and fried to order in Hurricane’s signature breading, is served on a corn-dusted Kaiser bun with Duke’s tartar sauce and lemon. Available fried, grilled, or blackened, we sampled all three variations. The blackened grouper was boldly seasoned and perfectly cooked, the grilled option highlighted the fish’s natural flavor with beautiful grill marks, and the classic fried grouper was crispy and golden. Each version was a testament to the quality and freshness of the grouper, and the generous portions ensured a satisfying seafood feast.
The World Famous Original Grouper Sandwich at Hurricane Seafood Restaurant, St Pete Beach, featuring fresh Gulf grouper prepared fried, a signature dish since 1977.
Blackened Grouper Sandwich, a flavorful variation of the famous Grouper Sandwich at Hurricane Seafood Restaurant, cooked with blackened spices and served on a Kaiser bun.
Fried Grouper Sandwich at Hurricane Seafood Restaurant, a classic preparation showcasing crispy, golden-brown grouper fillet on a Kaiser bun.
For a lighter seafood option, the Tilapia Fish and Chips were excellent. The tilapia fillet, hand-breaded and lightly fried, was moist and flavorful, complemented by crispy fries and a refreshing house-made coleslaw. The coleslaw, with its zesty dressing and crisp vegetables, was a perfect side, rounding out a classic and satisfying meal.
Tilapia Fish and Chips at Hurricane Seafood Restaurant, featuring hand-breaded tilapia fillets fried to a golden crisp, served with French fries and house-made coleslaw.
World-Famous Indeed: A Prime Ministerial Endorsement
Adding to the Hurricane’s allure is a touch of celebrity recognition. As our enjoyable lunch concluded, the arrival of numerous law enforcement vehicles hinted at a special visitor. It turned out that the Prime Minister of Canada, Stephen Harper, was dining at the Hurricane that day. This unexpected event underscored the restaurant’s “world-famous” claim, suggesting it’s a favored spot even for dignitaries seeking a taste of St. Pete Beach.
Your Coastal Dining Destination in St. Pete Beach
Whether you’re a local or a visitor to St. Pete Beach, the Hurricane Seafood Restaurant at 809 Gulf Way, St Pete Beach, FL 33706 is a must-visit. From the rooftop bar with its panoramic Gulf views to the diverse menu featuring fresh seafood and Floridian specialties, Hurricane offers a memorable dining experience. So, if you find yourself on the scenic Gulf Way, look for the distinctive green building and step inside to discover why Hurricane Seafood Restaurant has been a beloved St. Pete Beach landmark for decades. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a taste of the Gulf Coast lifestyle.
