Vitals: 647 Mandalay Ave., Clearwater Beach. Open 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Monday-Thursday and 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday-Sunday. Cash only; wheelchair accessible.
The spot: This might be Clearwater Beach's best kept secret - the anti-Shephard's - with a low-key, friendly beach locals appeal that's increasingly rare in our beach towns. The small strip mall dive on the far north end of Clearwater Beach sits close to a few motels that have survived the condo invasion and provides the perfect after-sunset spot to chill with a cheap pitcher of beer. The dim, shanty-like atmosphere boasts kitschy decor in the way of wicker-covered lamps, pylon fixtures, plastic fish, lighthouse sculptures and netting. A separate game room offers two pool tables, sports electronic games and a widescreen TV. In the main bar area, a long, polished oak counter stretches along the lefthand wall with a jukebox, pay phone and cozy square booth at the front. On the right, tall and roomy booths divided by thick slabs of wood feature tables with checkers games.
The crowd: Like we said, mainly locals. On the night of our visit, we encountered a couple of sloppy-drunk guys in baseball caps and a few service professionals. Some snowbirds and tourists trickle in. It's a little quieter during the week, but it fills up with customers on Friday and Saturday nights.
The jukebox: A variety of classic rock, blues and some hip-hop. You'll hear B.B. King, the Rolling Stones, David Allan Coe and Matisyahu.
The juice: Prices are pretty cheap - extremely inexpensive for a beach bar. $1.50 domestic drafts and $6 pitchers. You can get imports such as Newcastle, Kalik, Heineken, the Amstels and Coronas, along with American-brewed Yuengling by the bottle for $2.75. Cocktails are stiff and simple, costing $4.25 for a call brand, $5.50 for premium liquor.
Good bartender: Millie Hoskins, who works most days of the week, is professional, straight-talking and warm. She serves quickly and doesn't play favorites with the regulars.
