Clearwater Restaurant Reopens Under New Name While Preserving 100-Year-Old Location

Crabby's Beachside Pavilion has opened at 10 Bay Esplanade in Clearwater. It took over where Palm Pavilion Beachside Grill & Bar once stood. The new owners kept menu favorites and the staff stayed too.

Grouper nuggets are still there. Coconut shrimp and gator bites remain on the menu, cooked the same way they've been prepared for years. Workers who wanted to keep their positions got to stay after ownership transferred hands.

Drink prices haven't changed under new management, which should please regulars who've been coming here for decades. The ownership group plans to introduce a happy hour with drink specials each day, and they're working on something different — a gluten-free menu prepared without any cross-contamination in the kitchen.

The pavilion building hits its 100-year anniversary in 2026. That structure has served as a waterfront gathering spot longer than most patrons have walked this earth.

Locals got worried when the sale was announced. The restaurant and pavilion represent a piece of Clearwater history that people didn't want to lose.

The new ownership listened. They responded to feedback from guests through thousands of comments and conversations held face-to-face. Changes were made based on what long-time customers wanted preserved.

"All of the staff that wanted to stay are still here," the owners said in a Facebook post, according to I Love The Burg. "Come in. You'll see all of the familiar faces."

Management addressed worries about changes to the space. They pointed out what has stayed constant at the waterfront spot.

"Change can feel big, but let's zoom out for a moment," they said in a Facebook post. "The Pavilion is still standing, the people you know are still here, the views are unchanged, and the 100-year celebration is moving forward. This building isn't going anywhere. And that's something worth being excited about. We invite you to come in and see everything for yourself. Then you can see how great everything is!"

The beachside spot operates from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday. Friday and Saturday hours run from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.