Backwater’s

Backwater’s on Sand Key is one of my favorite restaurants off of the island. Before you get alarmed that it is off the island, let me explain. Clearwater is part of a string of islands that outline the Florida coastline. San Key is to the south of Clearwater and can be accessed by taking a bridge over the inner coastal. It takes only about 5 minutes to reach Backwater’s. It is 100% worth the small drive, and they have free parking in front of Backwater’s. It is in a small strip mall so keep your eyes peeled.

Brad and I always love sitting on the back patio at Backwater’s. It is right on the inner coastal and gives a fresh perspective to the area. We both have a special place in our heart for the inner coastal. Yes, the sunset is not as stunning, but the houses are breathtaking. Plus, it is fun to watch the boats go by. To put this in perspective, I love sitting on a patio and watching the cars go by while drinking a beer. Watching the boats on the inner coastal is the Florida equivalent.
One small warning about Backwater’s, they will hand you a small entree menu which you imagine would hold true…wrong! Brad and I both got meals of the small menu, and we had leftovers! They were beyond delicious, so I was happy to eat until my top button had to be undone, but the concept of small is a lie. I am a sucker for fresh fish and chips, so when I saw it on the menu, it was a no-brainer for me. Backwater’s fish and chips did not disappoint. The coleslaw was rich and creamy, fries crispy and the fish caught that morning. Fresh fish is crucial in making excellent fish and chips otherwise they taste like fish sticks to me and need to be smothered in ketchup.

The real reason we go is for the Backwater’s Hot Crab and Seafood dip. When looking for the words to explain this dip, I am nearly speechless. My mouth is watering just thinking about it so we will start with the easiest part, the buttery toasted baguette which is rich and delicious all on its own. Then you scoop cheese, crab and seafood mixture on top, and it might be the best appetizer I have every had. When I ask Brad for his description, it was “cheesy seafood goodness.” Clearly it is so good neither one of us can explain it. It doesn’t help that I am so overwhelmed with the mouthwatering flavor that I am not able to determine the ingredients to recreate it. None the less, trust me, I am an eating expert and just go to Backwater’s for yourself!

After dinner, we headed over to Sand Key’s park which backs into the ocean. I had never seen a sunset from here and thought it would be fun. Parking was $5, but it was worth it. Brad, my photographer in training, had a blast taking new pictures with his favorite phrase…”leading lines.” Today’s header image is from that sunset. While he was busy getting that perfect shot, I was people watching. I enjoyed the two lovers cuddled in a blanket sipping on wine taking it in. I loved the Mom chasing her three girls and grabbing some fun shots in the sunlight. Most importantly, I loved basking in Brad doing what he loves, sharing paradise through social media. When you are like Brad and me, our careers (marketing/digital marketing) isn’t just an 8-5, we truly love it. It is our passion which makes us do crazy things like start blogs for fun or start your own business to help other small business. Brad is the smarty pants behind St. Louis Social Media Consultants, bradwester.com and the motivation for Scrumptious Style. No matter where we are, we find ways to share our passion. It is just easier when the subject is sunsets, drinks and good food. 🙂

To view the entire menu and hours, check out Backwater’s website- backwatersonsandkey.com