The sunset over the Gulf of Mexico looks as beautiful as ever from the deck at the former Palm Pavilion, but step inside and the improvements are immediate.
Crabby's Beachside Pavilion as it's now known, opened its doors Wednesday evening, marking the first time since 1964 that the Hamilton family hasn't owned what is one of Clearwater Beach's most recognizable landmarks. The restaurant, which operated as Palm Pavilion since the brothers purchased it 60 years ago, closed January 25 following its sale to Beachside Hospitality Group.
The new owners spent just over a week transforming the space, and it shows. Fresh paint and new lighting brightens the interior and the new tables and chairs look crisp and clean. There's also a digital ordering and payment system that speeds up service and eliminates the wait for checks.
"We've kept 95% of the staff," a manager said Thursday evening. "The people who made this place special are still here."
The continuity shows, with servers greeting returning customers and bar staff working with the same efficiency they always have. But they're doing it in a space that finally feels as polished as its beachfront location deserves.
The menu has been streamlined considerably, which might upset some purists but makes a lot of sense. Gone are the nearly dozen burger variations that once filled an entire page, replaced by a single option: the Palm Burger. It's a straightforward choice with lettuce, tomato, and American cheese on a brioche bun, but it's well-executed with a properly seasoned patty and fresh toppings. If we're honest, the old burgers were pretty average anyway, so trading quantity for quality feels like the right call.
The chicken tacos are simple, served with pico de gallo and chipotle aioli. Nothing fancy, but everything tastes fresh. The portion sizes are not excessive here.
Some menu items have temporarily disappeared, including the Gator Bites that drew locals for years. Management has promised they're returning, though there's no timeline yet. It's the kind of thing that'll probably make the Facebook groups light up, but for those of us just looking for a good meal with a view, it's not a dealbreaker.
Beachside Hospitality Group operates 15 restaurants across Florida, including two other Crabby's locations in Clearwater Beach. The Hamilton brothers sold after hurricanes Helene and Milton forced the restaurant to close for four and a half months, with all four brothers at or near retirement age and ready to spend more time with family.
The building itself will turn 100 on May 31, making it Florida's oldest operating beach pavilion, and the Hamiltons plan to participate in the anniversary celebration.
Thursday night's crowd filled the deck tables as the sun began its descent, a mix of tourists and locals all in jackets and sweaters, crowding underneath patio heaters. Thankfully excellent live music continued as it always has, floating over conversation and the sound of waves.
Here's the thing: the draw for most of us making the drive from Tampa or beyond was never about having 12 burger options or fried gator. It was about the view, the atmosphere, and the feeling of dining directly over the sand whilst watching one of the best sunsets in Florida. Those elements remain intact, and the restaurant itself feels more welcoming than it has in years. Beyond that, it is great that a beachfront venue has been kept open for locals instead of being bulldozed.
