Rockaway Grill

Rockaway Grill is one of the most attractive establishments near St. Petersburg, USA, where you can enjoy American cuisine. This spot is famous for its specialization in fresh seafood and excellent grilled dishes. Thanks to its prime location near the beaches of the Gulf of Mexico, the restaurant has become a favorite for both locals and tourists looking to combine a beach day with quality food.

The atmosphere at Rockaway Grill is perfect for unwinding, with a consistently friendly and relaxed vibe. Guests are drawn not only by the delicious food but also by the pleasant interior and the opportunity to dine on the open terrace overlooking the sea. It is an ideal place to watch the sunset while enjoying a meal.

The menu offers a wide variety: from the famous grouper sandwich and She-crab soup to Caribbean chicken and fish tacos. Special mention goes to the signature drinks, such as the Rum Runner cocktail and the refreshing Margarita, which perfectly complement the dishes. To set the mood, Rockaway Grill frequently hosts live music performed by local artists, making every visit truly memorable.

To make your visit to Rockaway Grill—part of the Frenchy's family—as comfortable as possible, use the current contact information provided below. Please note that the establishment is located in Clearwater Beach, a popular resort town situated near St. Petersburg.

Full Name: Frenchy's Rockaway Grill.

Address: 7 Rockaway St, Clearwater Beach, FL 33767, USA. The restaurant is located right on the beach, making it easy to find.

Phone: To book a table or for general inquiries, you can call +1 (727) 446-4844.

Official Website: The latest information on the menu, special offers, and live music can be found on the official website, frenchysonline.com. A beach-view webcam is also available there.

Opening Hours: The restaurant is typically open Sunday through Thursday from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, and Friday and Saturday from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM. However, it is recommended to check the current schedule on the official website before your visit, as it may change depending on the season or weather conditions.

A visit to Rockaway Grill offers guests a range of experiences, starting with culinary discoveries. The menu features a wide selection of fresh seafood, including fish, shrimp, and crab. For fans of American classics, the restaurant offers juicy burgers, salads, and a variety of grilled appetizers. You can round off your meal with a drink from the extensive menu, which includes signature cocktails and local craft beer, making it an excellent choice for dinner with friends or family.

Beyond the food, Rockaway Grill is famous for its unique atmosphere. Here, you can enjoy stunning sunsets with an ocean view, allowing you to fully experience the spirit of the Florida coast. In the evenings, the restaurant often features live music performed by local bands, creating a festive and relaxed mood. The combination of delicious cuisine, picturesque landscapes, and entertainment makes a visit to Rockaway Grill a bright and memorable event for any traveler.

Rockaway Grill, located in the resort town of Clearwater Beach near St. Petersburg, can be reached in several ways. The most convenient option is by car, as the restaurant is located near key coastal roads. Parking is provided for guests, so you won't have to worry about finding a spot even during the height of the tourist season.

If you are traveling without a vehicle, the restaurant is easily accessible by public transport. Buses run throughout the city, with routes connecting the center to the beach area where Rockaway Grill is situated. Additionally, you can always use a taxi or popular ride-sharing services for a quick and comfortable arrival.

For tourists staying at one of the many hotels or apartments along the coast, a walk or bike ride is an excellent option. This method is not only healthy but also allows you to fully enjoy the scenic views of the Gulf of Mexico and soak in the relaxed atmosphere of the Florida resort on your way to the restaurant.

The history of Rockaway Grill is inextricably linked to its founder, Michael "Frenchy" Preston. Born in Quebec, Canada, he earned his nickname as a child from American friends because he spoke French. After falling in love with the atmosphere of Clearwater Beach during a vacation, Preston decided to stay and worked his way up from dishwasher to manager at a local restaurant. In 1981, he realized his dream by opening his first establishment, Frenchy's Original Café. His goal was to create a simple, friendly place serving fresh seafood and cold drinks, which brought him instant success.

A key factor in the popularity and unique character of the Frenchy's chain was the famous grouper sandwich. To guarantee the freshness of the catch, Michael Preston took an unprecedented step: he founded his own fishing company, Frenchy's Seafood Company, purchasing a fleet of boats for this purpose. This allowed him not only to supply his restaurants with the freshest fish but also to provide it to other establishments around St. Petersburg. It is thanks to this approach that the grouper sandwich became a hallmark and a legend of the coast.

Rockaway Grill opened in 1991 as the fourth establishment in the growing Frenchy's empire. It was designed to be the chain's largest restaurant, boasting a unique location right on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico, offering guests open-air dining with panoramic ocean views and daily sunsets. The venue quickly became the brand's flagship restaurant, known not only for its cuisine but also for its live music, becoming a major destination for both tourists and residents of the USA vacationing in Florida.

When planning a visit to Rockaway Grill, located near St. Petersburg, you should budget about 1.5–2 hours. This is plenty of time to enjoy a relaxed lunch or dinner and take in the atmosphere and views of the Gulf of Mexico. During a standard visit, you will have time to choose dishes from the menu, wait for them to be prepared, and eat at a leisurely pace without feeling rushed.

However, the length of your stay may change depending on your plans. If you want to not only eat but also listen to the live music that often plays here in the evenings, you should set aside extra time. Many guests stay longer to admire the famous Florida sunsets from the restaurant's open terrace. In this case, a visit to this popular spot in the USA can easily last 3 hours or more, turning into a full evening of relaxation.

Rockaway Grill is open daily year-round, allowing guests to enjoy the food and coastal atmosphere in any season. Standard operating hours vary slightly depending on the day of the week: from Sunday to Thursday, the establishment is open from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, and on Friday and Saturday—the busiest days—from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM.

Given the high popularity of Rockaway Grill, especially in the evening when guests gather to watch the sunset, it is recommended to plan for a table in advance. While reservations aren't always a strict requirement, planning ahead can help you avoid waiting in line, especially if you visit on a weekend or with a large group. To get the most accurate information on opening hours, especially during holidays, or to reserve a table, it is best to visit the restaurant's official website or contact the management by phone.

A visit to Rockaway Grill is a great opportunity not only to enjoy the food and views but also to explore the numerous attractions located nearby. The Clearwater Beach area, where the restaurant is situated, is famous for its well-developed tourist infrastructure, offering entertainment for every taste within walking distance. A short walk or drive will allow you to add variety to your trip and gain even more vivid impressions.

By combining lunch or dinner at Rockaway Grill with a visit to one of the nearby points of interest, you can create a full day's itinerary. You will find natural parks for quiet relaxation as well as entertainment centers for the whole family close by. Below is a list of nearby attractions worth considering for your visit.