Clearwater's sandwich counters run from Cuban breakfast plates to Italian sub shops slicing on crusty bread, and the good ones don't need the beach crowd to survive. This list sticks to the rooms that earn a lunch break or a Saturday morning drive, not the ones coasting on hotel foot traffic.
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Silver dollar pancakes stack high next to a ham and cheese omelette built for sharing, and the room fills up fast on Saturday mornings. This is a family breakfast spot first, with service that keeps tables moving without rushing anyone out. Spring Training visitors have found it through fan groups, but it runs on regulars the rest of the year.
What to orderham and cheese omelette, silver dollar pancakes, eggs and toast
№ 02
Shorty's Breakfast & Gourmet Deli
Clearwater $$
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The all meat omelet and a proper Reuben carry this Cuban leaning breakfast and lunch counter, which serves breakfast all day rather than cutting it off at eleven. Prices stay well below the hotel breakfast buffets nearby. Seating runs tight and the room gets loud at peak hours, so this is a grab a booth and eat fast kind of place, not a lingering one.
What to orderall meat omelet, Reuben, Cuban sandwich
№ 03
Sunset Subs
Clearwater $
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Cheesesteaks and a footlong Italian are the draw at this counter service sub shop, built for a fast lunch between errands. Portion consistency has been an issue lately, with some finding the fillings thinner than the price justifies. Reliable for a quick sandwich, but worth ordering with clear expectations rather than nostalgia for a better version.
What to ordercheesesteaks, footlong Italian, submarine sandwich
№ 04
Mangroves Café
Clearwater
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A morning burrito and cappuccino combination anchors this small St. Petersburg Clearwater area cafe, prized mainly for its location near the airport. The counter runs friendly and the room is sized for a quick sit down or a to go order before a flight. It works best as a convenient stop, not a destination meal.
What to ordermorning burrito, cappuccino, coffee
№ 05
Ferisa's Smoothie Cafe
Clearwater
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Fresh smoothies and hotdogs share the menu with from scratch Middle Eastern plates at this small, family run cafe, the kind of place where everything on the plate tastes made that day. Reports of the storefront being permanently closed have circulated, so anyone planning a visit should call ahead before making the trip.
What to ordersmoothies, hotdogs, from-scratch Middle Eastern plates
№ 06
Frankie's Deli
Clearwater $
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Crispy Italian bread wraps a long roster of sandwiches at this counter service deli, where the roast beef and turkey builds get the same care as the namesake Italian. Prices stay reasonable and the staff keeps the line moving for takeout or the handful of eat in seats. A straightforward neighborhood lunch stop, not a production.
What to orderItalian sandwich, roast beef sandwich, turkey sandwich
Frequently asked
What is the best deli near me in Clearwater?
It depends on what you want. Frankie's Deli and Shorty's Breakfast & Gourmet Deli both rank high on the Insider Score for classic sandwiches and Cuban leaning breakfast plates, while Sunset Subs covers a faster cheesesteak fix. No restaurant on this list pays to be included; placement is based on the Insider Score alone.
Which spot is best for a quick breakfast before heading to the beach?
Lenny's Restaurant and Shorty's Breakfast & Gourmet Deli both serve full breakfast menus without hotel prices. Lenny's leans into weekend family brunch, while Shorty's keeps breakfast running all day, which helps if plans run late.
Is Mangroves Café good if I have a flight to catch?
Yes, that is its main strength. It sits near the airport and serves a fast morning burrito and cappuccino combination, with both dine in and to go options, making it a practical stop rather than a leisurely meal.
Are any of these restaurants closed or unreliable?
Ferisa's Smoothie Cafe has had reports of its storefront being permanently closed, so it is worth calling ahead before visiting. The Insider Score reflects past performance, not necessarily current operating status, and no restaurant pays for its ranking here.
