Restaurant Spotlight: Clearwater, FL

Welcome back to our Restaurant Spotlight series! During my winter break, I visited Clearwater Beach on Florida’s Gulf Coast, a place known for its sunshine and beautiful water.

One of the highlights of Clearwater’s food scene is its seafood. But as someone with allergies to crab and lobster, dining at seafood-heavy restaurants can also come with real risks.

Despite that, I had several positive dining experiences where restaurants took my allergies seriously. I wanted to spotlight two Clearwater restaurants that stood out for their attentiveness and allergy awareness.

Frenchie’s Saltwater Café

Frenchie’s Saltwater Café is a classic seafood shack in Clearwater, known for its laid-back atmosphere and fresh Gulf seafood, especially their famous grouper sandwiches.

My Experience

When I walked in, I immediately noticed that at the bottom of the menu, the restaurant included a notice to a clear notice at the bottom of the menu asking diners to “please make your server…aware if you or anyone in your party have an allergy and/or dietary restrictions. Your dining experience and safety is our top priority.”

While this may seem like a small detail, it made me feel confident that my allergies would be heard and taken seriously even before I placed an order.

In addition, our server, Tyler, clearly understood how to handle allergy-related concerns. When we began ordering, I let him know about my allergies. Even though my shellfish allergy is specific - I can eat shrimp and scallops but not crab or lobster - Tyler was knowledgeable about which dishes could pose a cross-contact risk.

For my entrée, I ordered the World-Famous Grouper Sandwich (highly recommended!) He proactively explained that the grouper was cooked in the same fryer as shrimp, demonstrating a clear understanding of cross-contact risks. After I confirmed that shrimp was safe for me, he still double-checked before submitting the order to the kitchen.

In a restaurant where shellfish cross-contact could easily be an issue, Tyler’s attentiveness and communication made me feel significantly safer eating there.

Here is a picture of the delicious food:

Cajun Fried Gator Tail, Boiled Shrimp (cold), and Greek Style Octopus. All three dishes were amazing!

Practical Information for Allergy Sufferers

If you have a shellfish allergy and are considering Frenchie’s Saltwater Café, here’s what I learned:

• Their protocol: Servers are upfront about which dishes contain allergens or pose a cross-contact risk, and they’re knowledgeable about how food is prepared.

• My recommendation: Walk-ins are generally fine depending on your allergy. While there are meat options available, I would not recommend eating here if you are allergic to both crustaceans (shrimp, crab, lobster) and mollusks (clams, oysters, mussels).

• A note on risk level: Shellfish is present throughout the kitchen, so true zero-contact is difficult. If you have a severe contact-level allergy, calling ahead to discuss your needs may be a safer option.

Clear Sky Beachside Café

Clear Sky Beachside Café is another popular restaurant near Clearwater Beach, offering a menu that leans heavily toward seafood but includes a variety of other options as well.

My Experience

I informed my server of my allergies right before ordering and was immediately impressed by how carefully she handled the information. She asked multiple follow-up questions to confirm my specific allergens and carefully reviewed ingredients to assess any potential risks.

What stood out most, however, was a small but powerful detail: a cardboard “allergy stick” attached to my dish to indicate it was free of my allergens.

Below is a picture of the stick on a broccoli side:

This simple tool served two important purposes. It reminded kitchen staff and servers which dishes required extra care, and it gave me reassurance that my allergy had been clearly communicated.

This was the first time I’d ever seen an allergy stick used this way, and it made a meaningful difference in how safe I felt. I would love to see more restaurants, especially back home in Westchester, adopt a similar practice.

Practical Information for Allergy Sufferers

If you have a shellfish allergy and are considering Clear Sky Beachside Café, here’s what I learned:

• Their protocol: Staff are attentive and willing to explain which dishes may contain allergens or be at risk of cross-contact.

• My recommendation: Walk-ins are usually fine. Even if you’re allergic to shellfish (crustaceans or mollusks), there are several meat and fish options available.

• A note on risk level: Shellfish is present in the kitchen, so true zero-contact is challenging. If you have a severe contact-level allergy, calling ahead to discuss your needs is recommended.

What These Restaurants Did Right

For restaurants looking to improve allergy safety, Frenchie’s Saltwater Café and Clear Sky Beachside Café shared several best practices:

• Staff training: Servers understood cross-contact risks without needing detailed explanations.

• Clear communication: Staff could confidently identify which dishes were safe and explain preparation methods.

• Visible allergy indicators: The use of allergy sticks signaled that my allergy was clearly communicated and taken seriously, a practice I’d love to see adopted more widely.

Want to Be Featured?

If you know of a restaurant that deserves recognition for its allergy-safe practices, let me know! I would love to feature more places that are setting the standard for safe and welcoming dining.

Thanks for reading, and I’ll see you next time!

Disclaimer: This information is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider or allergist about managing your specific food allergies. Individual reactions can vary, and what works for one person may not be appropriate for another. In case of a severe allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention.