Salty's Island Bar & Grille — Restaurant in Clearwater

My recent visit to Salty's was largely influenced by its reviews and ratings, particularly regarding oysters. This is precisely why I felt compelled to share my experience today. While I regret not capturing photos or videos, my primary motivation for this visit was a craving for fresh oysters. As a condominium owner in the Clearwater area, I acknowledge that establishments can sometimes be a hit-or-miss endeavor. My online search for oyster spots led me to Salty's, which prominently featured positive feedback for its oyster offerings. Originally coming from the Gulf Shores area, I have a strong preference for freshly shucked oysters, ideally prepared on the spot. Therefore, while enjoying the beach, I anticipated a similar level of freshness upon arriving at Salty's. We visited at approximately 5:30 PM, and unfortunately, the oysters served were visibly frozen and iced over. Upon informing our waitress and showing her the frozen oysters, she was apologetic and stated the oysters originated from "Oregon." Shortly after, a Hospitality Manager approached our table. She offered to "take the chill off" and explained that their oyster cooler is kept very cold. She further contradicted and stated the oysters are sourced daily from "Virginia" and are shucked only in the mornings before being stored in the cooler and thrown out nightly. Despite her assurance that the oysters were alive that morning, I demonstrated that they were still solid and frozen. While she reiterated her offer to warm them slightly, she maintained that they were not frozen at the time of delivery. I explained to her I was expecting fresh oysters, not frozen. For those seeking genuinely freshly shucked oysters, I cannot recommend Salty's based on this experience. We also attempted to order a wedge salad, which was listed on the menu, but were informed it was unavailable. Our waitress was consistently sweet and friendly, and I understand that the issues with our meal were beyond her control. However, the Hospitality Manager did not offer any alternative or compensation beyond the suggestion of running warm water over the frozen oysters. The last thing I wanted was my oysters “thawed out”. Furthermore, it was somewhat disheartening to learn that a restaurant with multiple locations in the area sources its oysters from distant regions rather than utilizing local options or shucking them to order. Considering these factors, I am uncertain if I will return to Salty's. The discrepancy between the anticipated freshness of the oysters and what was served significantly impacted our dining experience. The Pina Cola; however, was a yummy choice is you’re looking for drink options. Does Saltys offer other great menu options, of course....

DON'T BE FOOLED BY THE RESPONSE INDICATING THEY WANT TO HEAR MORE TO IMPROVE. I EMAILED TWO DAYS AGO. NO ONE REPLIES. My family was agitated when we left dinner. We're more upset seeing reviews complaining about the issue and the staff has not been trained! My 15 year old nephew ordered Market Price Alaskan King Crab legs...there was no price on the menu. Six adults were at the table and no effort was made to let us know that a child had just ordered a $175 meal. The restaurant was loud and it was not possible to hear other than the person next to you so we weren't aware of what the teenager in our party had ordered until the food was delivered.When we got the bill and asked if it was right, we were told "other people order them". WHAT??? Again, the price was not on the menu. We were shamed for questioning the price and now we learn that other people have complained about being caught in the same trap and no effort has been made to train the staff. What are they thinking allowing a teenager to order a $175 meal (price not on the menu) in a restaurant where the average price of a meal is ~$35, and not advise one of the six adults at the table. I've been to a lot of high end restaurants. I've don't recall not been advised of the price of a Market Price meal. I don't like to speak poorly of small businesses but this one has no shame taking advantage of it's customers. The price of this meal was almost twice the cost of the same meal in other restaurants based on a review of...

I have a lot of restaurants I would recommend on Clearwater Beach, but if I could only go to one restaurant on my trip, it would be Salty's. Upstairs or downstairs, the covered, open-air atmosphere is terrific, and gives off a nice, casual beach vibe! They have live music downstairs on the main level, but it doesn't overpower the conversation which is awesome.

FOOD: My favorite thing on Clearwater Beach to eat is Salty's Royal Red Shrimp. They offer it sauteed or chilled, get it sauteed. It's a little messy to eat, but it's the best shrimp on the island (and there's a LOT of good shrimp on the island). Their shrimp scampi is also very good, and I've also had their New York Strip if you're just wanting more of a taste of home. I haven't had a meal there I haven't liked! The Margaritas are fine - not spectacular but not bad either - well mixed but not memorable.

The service however is quite memorable. On our last visit, we brought our two little toddlers (and a small kids backpack just to have some table toys). After our meal we packed up and left, started walking back to the hotel. A block and a half later, we hear our waitress, running after us. We'd forgotten the kids' backpack and the waitress was bound and determined to make sure we got it back! Super kind people there! (And the kids ate like champions there too, by the way - good kid-friendly food!)

If you can only pick one place on your visit, make it Salty's and...