Paradise Grille — Restaurant in Saint Pete Beach

This place holds a lot of nostalgia for me. Every time I drive over to the west coast to visit my mom, who lives in Tampa, this has always been our spot — ocean views, a great vibe, good music, and even cute little pop-up markets on the beach. We love talking with the sweet older gentleman who always makes his rounds, chatting with everyone. It’s a place that has felt like a little tradition for us.

Unfortunately, today was different.

We came packed for a beach day and stopped in for lunch and cocktails. While my mom and niece waited in line to order, my sister asked for a cup of ice. After receiving it, she mentioned that a lot of people had been asking for ice, and the manager on duty — I believe his name was Danielle — seemed visibly irritated. Moments later, he walked over to our table. My sister had her own beverage with her, which we understand is not allowed, and she immediately apologized, explaining that she would get rid of it and that we had family in line ordering lunch.

Instead of de-escalating, the manager continued to call us rude and created a scene. It was clear he was looking for confrontation. He embarrassed us in front of the other guests, and when we decided to leave quietly, he told us, “Please do.” I attempted to speak with him discreetly to explain how much this place meant to us, but he became even louder. It felt personal and unnecessary.

He even followed me to the back of the restaurant, where my family and I were trying to find another place to eat, and continued the confrontation — taking pictures of us and telling us he didn’t need our business.

We ended up walking across the street to Hurricane Seafood, where we were warmly welcomed. Scott, our server, was an absolute delight and especially kind to my mom. We had a wonderful lunch (highly recommend the fish dip!) and enjoyed great service, great food, and most importantly — a positive atmosphere.

While I’ll miss the beach views and the good music, it’s clear that how a place makes you feel is just as important. Moving forward, Hurricane Seafood will be our new meeting spot. I’m sad to say goodbye to a place that once felt like a second home, but kindness and hospitality will always win in the end.

This is a pic of the last time we met up here and were hanging out with our...

My first time at this beautiful beach and it was ruined. Why you ask ? Well, I’ll tell you. My boyfriend and I went to watch the sunset. I must say that it was AMAZING !! Can’t say the same for the food and service at this establishment. We decided to grab a bite to eat since we were already there. He ordered a grouper sandwich and fries and I got a Piña Colada and some fries. Let me tell you that the first bite into one of the fries I got a mouthful of oil that tasted like fish was fried in it. It was just gross. The oil tasted old and fishy. And if I am correct you’re not supposed to fry seafood in the same oil as other foods. What if someone was highly allergic ? FYI I’ve worked in the food industry for many years and I can tell when the oil was old. The coleslaw that came with my boyfriend’s meal tasted like it came out of a jar. The Piña Colada tasted like it came out of a can. Not a hint of rum or anything. Anyway… We decided to leave it alone and not create a fuss but the icing on the cake was that kid that kept bothering us. He kept coming to the table asking us if he could take the condiments. Ummm… we’re not done eating .. We let him take it anyway. Les’s than 10 minutes later he came over asking if he could close the umbrella !!! There were 2 empty tables he could’ve taken care of but no he kept bothering us !! I understand that you’re closing but that is not the way that you do things and treat paying customers. We leave and get home and my boyfriend starts throwing up and had a terrible stomach ache. And I can bet it was due to that oil that was used. If I ever go to that beach again I’ll make sure I do not eat there. And please train your employees on how to treat customers. If anyone pulled that on one of my shifts they would’ve been sent home....

Rude staff, pricy but decent food, beautiful views, and great entertainment.

Ive been here occasionally over past few years and the staff at the register are always so rude. They are very unapproachable, unfriendly, and I always feel uncomfortable ordering. When I went to go pick up my food the lady pushed my burrito towards me and when I asked for a water she just rolled her eyes, got it, and didn’t say anything at all. Everyone there just seems super unenthusiastic. The food in my opinion is not worth the price for its quality, although I do believe it is priced that way for its convenience right on the beach. I got a breakfast burrito last time and it wasn’t delicious, but I was hungry and it satisfied me. Although, their entertainment is always very good. They have the best singers and they are always so friendly and interact with the audience. What does make this place somewhat worth it is the location right on the beach. No matter what time it is, the views are always so stunning. Although, going there during sunset is the best part. Everyone goes and rings the bell when the sun sets and its a...