Honeymoon Island Fish Fry: Coastal Views, Sandy Toes, Comfort Food

The Fish Fry Friday Night experience at South Beach Pavilion Cafe can make even the most native of Floridians feel like a carefree traveler. 

It's the type of place beachgoers wander up to after a day in the sun, with sand on their toes, salt in their hair and an appetite for comfort food.

And friendly, personable staff make first-time visitors and longtime regulars feel instantly welcome. The laidback, anything-goes beachside cafe also doubles as a gift shop-convenience store stocked with all the essentials and kitchsy items necessary for a day on the beach. It's got everything from water socks, surf wax and bug repellent to T-shirts, magnets and koozies.

Walk inside the cafe counter and order from staff, then seat yourself in the elevated outdoor pavilion at one of several large or small picnic-style tables.

Friday's special, of course, is three pieces of traditional beer-battered, panko hand-breaded New England cod served with your choice of two sides: coleslaw, macaroni and cheese, french fries or potato salad for $10.99. 

It doesn't matter where you sit, because every seat has a scenic view of Honeymoon Island beach.

Food arrives on paper plates, courtesy the chef — Jonni Malatesta. And it disappears just as quickly as it came.

Watch the waves or sunbathers coming off the beach spraying the sand from their feet while drinking a sangria.

Top 40 contemporary hits play low in the background, but patrons can still have low-level conversations with one another, without the cliche Jimmy Buffet tunes.

And if you time your visit just right, Honeymoon Island's sunset steals the show.

Want to Go?

• When: Every Friday night from 4 until sunset
• Where: South Beach Pavilion on Honeymoon Island State Park, 1 Causeway Blvd
• Parking: Plenty of parking available for free; entry into Honeymoon Island State Park is $8 a vehicle.
• Menu: New England beer-battered Cod, served with your choice of two sides: coleslaw, macaroni and cheese, french fries or potato salad; $10.99. 
• Tips: Accepted

See Also:

• Friday Fish Dinners in Dunedin

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