Island Breeze Restaurant Brings Tropical Vibe to Largo

Largo serves as a steppingstone to the Gulf beaches for many residents of and visitors to Pinellas County. 

But for those who don’t want to deal with traffic, sand and other inconveniences that come with a trip to the coast, a new restaurant on Clearwater Largo Road offers a tropical vibe in the heart of the city. 

Island Breeze Restaurant & Bar opened two months ago in the former home of Pastino’s Pizzeria, and it captures that fun, beachy atmosphere, thanks to an outdoor patio, live entertainment and an extensive food and drink menu.

“The reception has been great, we have a lot of repeat customers who come in and say they love the place,” restaurant official P.J. Jarrell said. 

“Pastino’s was an institution here, and people are sorry to see it go, but they’re happy something has finally opened in its place.”

Indeed a couple that was exploring the spot for the first time echoed Jarrell’s comments. 

“This is one of the best venues for live entertainment, so we were really happy to see it reopen,” Susanna Shea, a Largo attorney, said. 

“We used to come to Pastino’s a lot…but this is much nicer!”

That ‘nice’-ness is evident as soon as you walk in the door; glossy wood tables and chairs are complimented by new flat screen TVs and an open floor plan, providing an inviting dining atmosphere. 

Outside the large shaded patio is home to the nightly live entertainment as well as weekly group meet-ups; the whole place is decorated with colorful tropical art and images. 

“The owners started remodeling the place last June,” Harrell said of Paul and Lucy Kalli, who also own the popular Island Outpost Restaurant in Dunedin. “They wanted it to have the same theme as their other restaurant.”

But the Island Breeze isn’t all about style; the menu is designed to impress, as well. 

Jarrell said dishes like ribs, wings and pulled pork nachos use meats that are smoked on-site; other items include salads, flatbreads burgers and seafood. 

The full liquor bar offers drink specials as well as more than 30 varieties of beers, with happy hour from 3 – 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. until close every day. 

It all adds up to a fun, casual place to drink and eat without hitting the beach. 

“There’s nothing like this around here,” Jarrell said. “We hope to become a destination spot for people from all over the area.”

If You Go: Island Breeze Restaurant & Bar

• Address: 1750 Clearwater Largo Rd.
• Phone: 727-216-6520
• Hours: Daily, 11 a.m - 10 p.m
• Info:facebook.com/islandbreezerestaurantandbar

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