Winners in 38 hospitality-related categories were crowned as best in Pinellas County as part of the Visit St. Pete-Clearwater Besties Awards, presented by Envisionit & Miles Partnership. The well-earned honorees were announced in a swanky celebration at the St. Petersburg Coliseum in downtown St. Pete on Thursday night.
All told, this year’s edition included 337 nominees – the most ever – as residents and visitors voted on their favorites in categories ranging from Best Foodie Hotspot and Best Beach Bar to Best Local Shop and even Best Influencer (shoutout to I Love the Burg contributor, Britt Addis, for her nomination there and our Account Manager, Alexa, who presented during the ceremonies!).
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The list of finalists in each category, along with a wealth of information about the beautiful St. Pete-Clearwater destination, can be found in the newest edition of Visit St. Pete-Clearwater’s award-winning Gulf to Bay Destination Magazine. The go-to source for all the amazing activities and experiences that await visitors is now available to view on VisitSPC.com or can be ordered for free.
With thousands upon thousands casting votes every year, The Besties are among the most prized awards by local businesses and organizations, knowing it’s their neighbors and visitors who are propelling them to success. So many of our area favorites took home awards, and it was a joy to celebrate with all the nominees at the party. St. Pete-Clearwater has some of the world’s best people, experiences, and food and drink. Having a night to lift up that world of local hospitality was meaningful for all involved.
2026 Besties Award Winners:
Best Beach: Clearwater Beach/Sand Key
Best Inn & Cottage: Gulfside Resorts
Best Beach Bar: Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill
Best Late Night Spot: Mahuffer’s
Best Beach Resort: The Don CeSar
Best Live Music Venue: The BayCare Sound
Best Boat Experience: Hubbard’s Marina
Best Local Beer: Beach Blonde Ale, 3 Daughters Brewing
Best Boutique Hotel: Fenway Hotel
Best Local Shop: Mazzaro’s Italian Market
Best Brunch: The Wild Iris Cafe
Best Casual Eats: Clear Sky Beachside Cafe
Best Market: Saturday Morning Market
Best Coffee Shop: Paradeco Coffee Roasters
Best Mural: Tarpon Springs Post Card Mural by Jeff / Sun Signs
Best Craft Cocktails: Gigglewaters Social Club & Screening Room
Best Museum: The Dalí Museum
Best Dog-Centric Hangout: Fort De Soto Dog Beach
Best Pizza: Pajano’s Pizza & Subs
Best Downtown Hotel: The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club
Best Rooftop Bar: Jimmy’s Crow’s Nest
Best Family Fun: Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Best 727 Influencer: Alexia Gonzalez, @thegalalife
Best Festival: Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival
Best Sporting Event: Tampa Bay Rays
Best Fine Dining: The Black Pearl
Best Sports Bar: Ferg’s Sports Bar & Grill
Best Foodie Hotspot: Pia’s Trattoria
Best Tour: Silent Slayer Ghost Tours
Best Vacation Rentals: iTrip Vacation Rentals
Best Golf Course: Innisbrook Golf Resort
Best Water Adventure: ECOmersion Kayak & SUP Rentals
Best Grouper: Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill
Best Waterfront Restaurant: Jimmy’s Fish House & Iguana Bar
Best Happy Hour: Noble Crust
Best Way to Get Around: Jolley Trolley
Best Hotel Spa: Vinoy Spa at The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club
No matter what your tastes and interests, there’s something for everyone in this list of winners. And even for us, whose job it is to find all the best things in the area, there are still a few spots left to check off our list.
“The Besties Awards at The St. Petersburg Coliseum was an unforgettable evening spotlighting the incredible talent, hospitality, and hard work across Pinellas County’s tourism and hospitality industry,” said Visit St. Pete-Clearwater President/CEO Brian Lowack. “Not only did we celebrate the winners, we were able to say thank you to all the businesses that play a vital role in making our community extraordinary and deliver the BEACH. CULTURE. that can only be experienced in St. Pete-Clearwater.”
