Paradise Grille in Pass-a-Grille

Published on 09/09/24: Before I get into Paradise Grille in Pass-a-Grille, if you don’t already follow @LovingStPete on Facebook or Instagram, I’d love if you did!

Anyone know Paradise Grille in St Pete Beach and Pass-a-Grille? At only 18 minutes from downtown St Pete, I highly recommend as a peaceful way to start the day. Grab a beachside chair, take in the surroundings, enjoy time with nature, and I’m confident you’ll walk away feeling invigorated, seeing your day in a bit different light.

Paradise Grille is about as “Florida” as you’ll find. Whether you have friends visiting or simply looking for something tropical, I recommend adding it to your list! One of our family’s favorite ways to wake-up with a view, casual dining, and coffee. Scroll down for my favorite aspects, the “What I Love”.

As I return to posting, I decided to start with our trips to Paradise Grille in Pass-a-Grille. After all, this is one of the first places I wrote-up in the early days of LovingStPete. You can see here how some parents age 10 years in just 4 years. While I still don’t feel even close to 50, #dadlife speeds that process along. haha.

Address: 900 Gulf Way, St. Pete Beach (and another location at 6850 Beach Plaza, St Pete Beach)

Hours: 7am until 1/2 hour past sunset

Serves: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, cocktails, frozen drinks, beer and wine

Google Reviews: 4.6/5 with 3750+ reviews

What I Love: Eat a few feet from a beach full of beautiful shells and the shops of PAG. Casual picnic table dining, easy for kids to play in the sand after eating, wide range of options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Ring the bell at sunset. Often small vendors selling homemade items on the weekend.

Here’s my full blog post:

Discovering Paradise Grille in Pass-a-Grille: The Perfect Beachside Escape

Nestled in the heart of the Pass-a-Grille Historic District, a hidden gem on St. Pete Beach in Florida, Paradise Grille offers visitors an unforgettable experience. The allure of Pass-a-Grille lies in its laid-back, Old Florida charm, where the sugary white sands of the Gulf of Mexico meet quiet, sun-dappled streets. This barrier island oasis feels a world away from the busier tourist hubs nearby, making it the ideal destination for those who appreciate simplicity, beauty, and good food in a stunning beachside setting. And nowhere is this vibe more perfectly encapsulated than at Paradise Grille.

Whether you’re a local or a traveler passing through, Paradise Grille has become synonymous with the Pass-a-Grille experience. This iconic beachfront spot combines casual dining, breathtaking ocean views, and an inviting community atmosphere, creating an unparalleled place to unwind after a day in the sun.

Brief History of Paradise Grille

From a Fox13News article: “[…] In the early 1900’s, 1917 or there abouts, they built hotels on this exact site,” Janecek explained.

But soon there was trouble in paradise. Fire burned down the historic buildings not once, but twice. It wasn’t until 1969 when St. Petersburg businessman and record producer Phil Gernhard stepped in, and, as they say, the rest is history.

Gernhard, who was known for the hit song ‘Snoopy vs. The Red Baron’ among others, rebuilt the building in its present form.

“It hasn’t really changed its shape, everything has been the same since 1969 or there abouts,” Janecek said.

And when Janecek bought the grill, he transformed it into a beacon of rest and relaxation just like the old days, but with a new twist. “The first 8 years that I owned the place, I worked here every day,” Janecek said.

Brief History of Pass-a-Grille

Before diving more into the delights of Paradise Grille, it’s worth taking a moment to appreciate the rich history of Pass-a-Grille itself. This charming neighborhood, the southernmost point of St. Pete Beach, was once a remote fishing village. Its name is said to have been derived from the French phrase “Passe aux Grilleurs,” which means “passage of the grillers,” referring to fishermen who used to cook their catch on the beach. Over time, Pass-a-Grille transformed from a fishing outpost into a beloved destination, where visitors can escape the noise and busyness of the modern world.

Despite its growth in popularity, Pass-a-Grille has managed to preserve its Old Florida charm. The neighborhood boasts quaint cottages, local art galleries, and boutique shops, all while retaining a sense of serenity. At the heart of this tranquility is Paradise Grille, a restaurant that effortlessly combines the relaxed, welcoming spirit of Pass-a-Grille with good food and great views.

The Paradise Grille Experience

Paradise Grille is more than just a beachside restaurant—it’s an institution. Located steps from the sand at the 10th Avenue beach access point, it offers a relaxed, open-air dining experience where guests can enjoy the Gulf breeze while indulging in fresh, flavorful meals. The picnic-style tables are shaded by umbrellas, giving diners the perfect spot to enjoy the surrounding beauty.

What makes Paradise Grille truly special is its effortless connection to the natural environment. Unlike many restaurants that try to dazzle guests with overly elaborate interiors, Paradise Grille keeps things simple, letting the beach and the view be the star of the show. The restaurant offers stunning, unobstructed views of the Gulf of Mexico, making it the perfect place to catch one of Pass-a-Grille’s legendary sunsets. It’s no wonder that both locals and tourists flock here to grab a meal, kick back with a drink, and watch the sky turn shades of orange, pink, and purple as the day winds down.

Casual Dining with Flavor

While the relaxed atmosphere is a major draw, Paradise Grille’s food is equally impressive. Their menu is full of laid-back favorites that complement the beachside location perfectly. Whether you’re craving fresh seafood, a juicy burger, or a refreshing salad, the menu offers something for everyone. It’s the kind of place where you can arrive straight from the beach—sand still on your feet—and enjoy a delicious, unfussy meal that hits the spot.

For breakfast, early risers can enjoy classics like the Paradise Breakfast Sandwich, featuring eggs, cheese, and your choice of meat on a soft, toasted bun, or the Veggie Breakfast Wrap for a lighter, healthier option. There’s nothing quite like starting your day with a meal at Paradise Grille, watching the sun rise over the Gulf.

Lunch and dinner bring even more tempting options. The fresh Gulf Grouper Sandwich is a local favorite, cooked to perfection and served with crisp lettuce, tomato, and tangy tartar sauce. If you’re in the mood for something simpler, their cheeseburgers and chicken sandwiches are always a hit. Salads like the Gulf Shrimp Caesar offer a lighter alternative, packed with flavor and featuring fresh, local ingredients.

The restaurant also boasts an impressive selection of drinks, including ice-cold beers, cocktails, and refreshing non-alcoholic beverages, which are perfect for sipping as you soak in the warm Florida sun.

Sunsets and Community at Paradise Grille

While the food and beachside location are key components of what makes Paradise Grille so beloved, it’s the sense of community that really sets it apart. The restaurant is a gathering place for both locals and visitors alike, creating a sense of camaraderie that embodies the spirit of Pass-a-Grille.

Each evening, Paradise Grille hosts the daily sunset bell ringing tradition. As the sun dips below the horizon, one lucky guest is chosen to ring the bell, signaling the end of another beautiful day. This simple but charming ritual brings everyone together—tourists with cameras in hand, locals catching up after work, families laughing together—as they pause to appreciate the natural wonder of the sunset. It’s moments like these that make Paradise Grille more than just a place to eat. It’s a place to create memories. I plan to do a separate post on the bell ringing as it’s an experience in itself!

A Must-Visit on Florida’s Gulf Coast

If you’re planning a trip to St. Pete Beach or even a day trip from nearby Tampa or Clearwater, a visit to Paradise Grille is a must. The laid-back atmosphere, delicious food, and breathtaking location combine to create a quintessential Florida experience. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing breakfast after a sunrise beach walk or a casual dinner to enjoy as the sun sets, Paradise Grille offers the perfect setting.

With its rich history, connection to the local community, and a setting that feels like paradise, it’s easy to see why Paradise Grille has become such a beloved part of Pass-a-Grille. So the next time you find yourself on Florida’s Gulf Coast, stop by this beachside gem. You’ll leave with a full stomach, a happy heart, and memories of sunsets that will last a lifetime!

I’m a Pass-a-Grille Realtor and St Petersburg Real Estate Agent with over 56K people following my LovingStPete Guide on social media! My past includes developing a vacation rental advertising business that I ran for more than a decade, then sold to HomeAway/VRBO. I’d love to help you buy or sell a property, simply contact me.