There’s never been a better time for dining on a budget than this fall on the beach. The Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber is hosting its annual Taste of the Beaches food festival, and this year’s event is bigger than ever, running October 3-11.
The nine-day extravaganza features more than 45 of the best restaurants spread all over the beaches, with each of them offering one of their most popular dishes or combos for only $10. There’s no catch and no hoops. You just purchase a $10 ticket for any of the wide array of restaurants, show up during their usual hours between October 3-11, and redeem the ticket for that restaurant’s special. You can peruse all 45+ specials and pick out your favorites here. To purchase individual tickets, click through on the purple “click here to purchase tickets” banner at the top of the page.
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Before the nine-day Taste Tour begins, the community is invited to celebrate at the Taste of the Beaches Kickoff Party on Friday, October 2, from 6–9 pm at Horan Park in St. Pete Beach. The evening will officially launch Taste of the Beaches 2026 with live music from Big Brother Band and a chance for the community to come together before nine days of dining and exploring. The Taste of the Beaches Kickoff Party is sponsored by NextHome Beach Time Realty – Annie Fleeting Team, and it is free to attend.
The goal of the annual foodie bonanza is two-fold. First, it’s a way for locals and visitors alike to enjoy some of their favorites, or try something new, without breaking the bank. Second, it’s a way to support our local beach restaurants and their staff during what is historically the slowest time of the year. It’s a win for everyone involved, including the brewers of the local beer included in a handful of the specials. Plus, a portion of this year’s proceeds will benefit Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside.
One of the best parts of Taste of the Beaches is the flexibility with how the entire thing works. Want to hit up all 45 restaurants over the nine days? You’ll be full, but hey, it’s your metaphorical and occasionally literal oyster. Just see one you want to take advantage of? That’s fine, too. And anything in between counts just the same.
We’re using this as a mix of excuses to revisit some old favorites (lookin’ at you, Billy’s Stone Crab) or to try somewhere you’ve never been, like the newly opened Boca Ciega Waterfront Bar & Grill or Sundrop at The Luce Hotel.
With nearly 50 total options, we’ll hold off on listing them all here. You can see the full list and get tickets on the main Taste of the Beaches website. As a teaser, here are a few of the $10 deals we’re eyeballing:
Coco’s Crush Bar & Grill – One (1) Crab Cake Sandwich, One (1) side, and One (1) Orange Crush
Sloppy Joe’s on the Beach – Reuben Burger with A Pint of Green Bench IPA
Mastry’s Brewing Co – Two (2) Fresh made to order Street Tacos (Chicken or Beef) and Two (2) 4oz Draft Beer Pours of Choice
Drunken Clam – Two (2) Tacos, Three (3) Boneless Wings, and Corn on the Cob
SHOR – A Dos Equis beer battered Conch Fritter, alongside a Snapper Aguachile blue corn tostada with pomegranate and avocado emulsion.
Boca Ciega Waterfront Bar & Grill – Award-winning Yucatan Shrimp with your choice of one draft beer or signature mocktail
Vista at the Top – Tuna Poke paired with a Lemon Spritz
Curious Soul Bakery & Coffee Shop – Hot or Iced coffee with a Sourdough Bagel
Madfish St. Pete Beach – A comb of drunken island shrimp, Sauteed in our speciality spicy wine cream sauce & beef tenderloin bites, smothered in parmesan and peppercorn balsamic glaze
Jake’s Coastal Cantina – Birria Nachos
Guilty Sea Sports Pub – Texas Twinkies (Jalapeños stuffed with a blend of cheeses, wrapped in bacon and grilled, then topped with sweet BBQ and smoked brisket)
Beach Meats – Butcher Burger with Fries and a Drink
Seadog Brewing Co. – Texas Beef BBQ Sandwich with a pint of beer
Copper Kettle – Huevos Rancheros and a latte
Playa Taco at TradeWinds – Chicken Tinga Taco with a Skinny Margarita
Billy’s Stone Crab – Billy’s Taste of the Beaches Sampler
You can find full details on Taste of the Beaches and get individual restaurant tickets here. Taste of the Beaches takes place October 3-11.
Tickets can be picked up at any of these locations:
- Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber (6990 Gulf Blvd. St. Pete Beach) Monday – Friday 10am – 3pm 727-360-6957
- Wyne Indian Rocks Beach (311 Guld Blvd. Indian Rocks Beach, FL 33785 Saturday 12-9pm Sunday 11-4pm 727-220-4180
- Smith & Associates Real Estate (330 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg) Mon – Fri 10am – 5pm. Sat – Sun 12pm – 4pm 727-342-3800
- NextHome Beach Time Realty (6641 Central Ave. St. Petersburg, FL 33710) Mon – Fri 10am – 4pm
