10 Places To Eat Outside In Tampa Bay Before It Gets Too Hot

You feel it coming. That heat. The humidity. It's about that time of year where our lunch hours move back inside where the air conditioning keeps it in the 70s like mother nature (should have) intended. There are still a few weeks left before summer officially arrives in Florida so here are some spots to have a bite to eat in the fresh air, while it's still refreshing.

The dining highlight of the Redneck Riviera.  This one's not far from the radio station so you'll often find one of us you listen to on the radio kickin' back with a beer when we want to, well, get away. Honestly it's a bit overpriced for what you get food-wise, but the views and vibe make up for it.

It doesn't get much more Florida than Frenchies. Well known for their grouper sandwich, boiled shrimp, seafood gumbo, and plenty of adult beverages on days and nights when it gets sticky.

The food options honestly are just ok, but the views from the new St. Pete Pier made having to put up with all the whining people did for years on end.  The city did a fantastic job.  It's a destination.  Sure long-time locals probably still have their fond memories of the old design, but the new St. Pete Pier is a great place to chill out and have a bite to eat.  The better dining choices can be found downtown to be honest. However, if you want that view, you can't beat the St. Pete Pier.

Widow Fletchers may not win many culinary awards, but the vibe is super chill and it's a great place to watch a Pasco sunset.

We live here to have a drink at the beach.  So this is a must for the list.

Live music, great views... and lots of food choices - oysters, burgers, wings.

Try their fresh local smoked fish spread served with crackers and hot sauce.

Many of us still call it Channelside, but the many choices you have now at Sparkman Wharf really make it a great reason to leave early if you're going to an event at Amalie Arena.

OK I have to be totally honest... the views are nothing special here.  But the outdoor seating is helpful because this place fills up fast.  It's hands down my favorite pizza anywhere in Florida.  It's so good that the first time I had it, when I visited NYC the following week, I didn't even seek out any pizza.  You should ALWAYS eat pizza when you go to NYC.  But Cristino's is that good.  It's made several national lists for a reason.  The outdoor seating isn't terribly inspiring - it's not near the beach. But that's a good thing because it's tough enough to find parking anywhere in Clearwater.

Live music and great views with Sunday pool parties.

A listener tip from Mark Hoeller from St. Pete: "Island Grille is on a marina and there’s a pool there as well (but not sure if the restaurant patrons can use it). The blackened shrimp tacos and lobster mac and cheese are both awesome. Prices aren’t crazy, and both an inside and outside bar. Usually have great service as well."

A listener tip from Amy:  "Ozona Blue is by the marina & has a kinda chill vibe dur day & upscale at night. They even have a pool you can swim in during the day! Their main entrees are a little spendy ($23.90-$36.90), but I love their mahi & grouper tacos ($15.40 & $16.40, respectively)."