Our first experience here two years ago was absolutely exceptional, however; this time wasn't. I understand the limitations restaurants have to abide by in the current climate. I will say our server Rhonda was wonderful and she did everything to make our experience as wonderful as possible. I ordered the vegetarian option which was pizza and removed the cheese as I'm allergic. The pizza had no sauce, the toppings fell off as I picked the slice up. I had to order a side of marinara to make the "pizza" edible. My husband ordered the steak and within the hour or two from dinner he ended up getting sick. We sadly won't return. The manager on duty made the experience right off entry weird, she guarded the door before we entered watching us put on our masks and immediately grabbed any beverage we had. While we sat at the table she rushed around like it was busy when it wasn't. read more

Fantastic food! Best frog legs in Florida! Sometimes they are not available, but when they are I really enjoy them.

My husband and I were too busy the past couple of weeks so we just decided to watch the fireworks at Clearwater beach for New Years but then a nice gentleman who I talked to at work told me he might be able to help me get me a reservation at Beachcomber and we DID. We always passed by that place and really wanted to try it so I was so excited and they we got booked. I was running late from work so I decided to give them a call, I was still trying to talk but a rude hostess just basically cut me off. It wasn't too long of a conversation. I felt off and was iffy to go but we still went through hoping for a nice experience. There were nothing really special with this place. I've been to different "classy" restaurant and this place doesn't seem to impress me. It looks nice outside but such a disaster when we were seated. It didn't really deliver. Food were average and service was really bad- didn't get any water refill and our waitress disappeared on us but glad someone nicer came and took care of us. We were seated right away but with no set-up or whatsoever. The candle wasn't even lit. I'm not really picky but with such kind of place I was expecting more and this place failed miserably. No reason for coming back. read more

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My family normally comes here every time we vacation in Clearwater, but this time they were out of scallops, lobster, and baked potatoes with no warning until after we started ordering. Then to top it off, the whole family was sick and throwing up in the hotel the next morning, so naturally I called to question the cause of this food Bourne illness and was hit with the casual "I'm so sorry to hear that I'll talk to the cooks but nothing we can really do now", great, never eating here again ‍ read more

Went there for New Year's Eve. I know this place is expensive but $72 for lobster is a but much. We went with two friends and everyone had a seafood dish..all very pricey. I do understand we knew it was expensive to begin with & it was NY Eve but the quality of the food was very average. We all thought our meals were presented nicely but lacked flavor. For the price the food is very disappointing. Atmosphere is nice and our service was good, but I will pass up on this place in the future because of their tasteless food. read more

Wow! All I have is one star! I wish it could be less! This place is SEVERELY overpriced! I got an order of 6 medium sized "beer battered" gulf shrimp, "whipped" Very mediocre potatoes and a cob of corn for the low low price of $29 dollars. Wow the phone etiquette of the host was very unwelcoming so I guess that should have been our first indication to not order! Unfortunately Frenchie's wouldn't answer the phone soooo... here we are. $77 dollars and some food for the trash later wishing I had read the reviews and followed my gut BEFORE ordering.AND I forgot, they charged 20% gratuity. Off jump! Not even a "would you like to leave a tip?" It was a "there's a 20% gratuity charge" I'm such a clown for buying from here! I played myself! read more

We almost did go to Bob Heilmans Beachcombers Because of the reviews I have never gone through the trouble before. But this restaurant service was fantastic! The food was phenomenal! We enjoyed the pianist and was a wonderful evening!! read more

Wonderful family restaurant. Can't go wrong with any of the super fresh seafood and fish dishes. I love the little relish tray they bring with apple butter, pickled watermelon rind, cottage cheese with scallions, and pickled chopped beet. Wonderful nautical decor, excellent bar, excellent all the way. Waiters are knowledgeable and make you feel special. A touch of class on Clearwater Beach. read more

Bob Heilman's Beachcomber - Heilman's famous relish plate - Seafood Near Me - Clearwater Beach, Florida

Ambiance is terrific... linen, tables with great views, piano bar is intimate and talented, wait staff knowledgable and efficient. Nicest spot for romantic evening on Clearwater Beach Restaurant Row. Only three stars because of decline in food quality since last visit. Oysters looked old and were flat, not glimmering - probably not recently shucked. Pork chop excellent but green bean vegetable overcooked and bland. Mashed potatoes meh. Salad plain. Prices have been increased substantially without maintaining the food quality of the past. Romance/Piano Bar excellent. Food uninspiring. read more

We used to LOVE this place-we unfortunately took an out of town guest and were embarrassed by the service and the food! We spared no expense and had lobster that was tasteless and under cooked vegetables and banquet style potatoes. Our meal was very expensive and there is no longer the cute retro tray of garnishes (they used to bring out). We had a reservation and had to beg for a booth (although I made the reservation for a booth) we were given attitude when we asked for a booth. Our server was CLEARLY not trained in fine dining and took away from the experience. The best thing about the meal was when it was over. We sure miss the old Bob Heilman's!!! read more

Excellent food, and great service !!!! Best scallops I have taste in a while also the Oscar grouper was excellent , Place is not cheap, but it's worth every penny. Excellent wine and alcohol menu , honestly a great place to celebrate or just to get some fine seafood. read more

Bob Heilman's Beachcomber - Seared scallops - Seafood Near Me - Clearwater Beach, Florida

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Such an amazing dining experience! There is live piano music and restaurant which creates a lovely atmosphere for a memorable evening! The food phenomenal! I recommend this to anyone who would like a very special evening! read more

This place received amazing reviews, so using the experts at Yelp we decided to choose this place as our Clearwater Beach dinner. We had a lovely day at the beach, but got changed into dresses and polo shirts - looking rather nice for a dinner. However, upon entering, the woman at the front counter looked us up and down and initially said "no" there was no room despite a nearly empty dining room filled with old people. Fortunately the man holding menus let us in..... We were extremely offended by the attitude the woman gave us at the counter, and wil never return or recommend the place because of how judgemental and rude our initial first impression was. Luckily for the restaurant our server was absolutely amazing and made up for the extremely rude front of house. She made our evening wonderful! We loved the special relish tray to start our meal, the chives and cottage cheese, and the horseradish beets were delicious! The man ordered the Bronzed Grouper, and I had the seafood melange. Both were absolutely delicious and one of the best seafood dinners we've ever had. The key lime pie was legitimate, and so tasty. I also had the fudge cappuccino. The prices were much better than in Canada, so we felt it was good value. The decor was old fashioned nautical, but it had charm. There was a man playing show tunes on a piano, and the bathrooms were beautiful. This place would have received a 5-star review if it weren't for the terrible treatment upon entering the restaurant. read more

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RACIST!!!!! We are on vacation and we wanted to have a nice fine dining dinner however there was a small line at the host stand of a black family and we were a Mexican family and the restaurant was nothing but Caucasian people and they did not want to service us employees walked past us like we were invisible. Very racist very rude. Mind you all we eat is Ruth's Chris and Nobu back in Dallas, Texas. We will take our tip money elsewhere.! read more

Great service by Lauri, excellent food. Overall ambiance is awesome - can't believe the live pianist. A favorite for sure

My Grandmother's favorite place on the beach. She started dining there sometime in the 1960s. My Dad, Brother, and I continue the tradition every time we are in town. read more

Bob Heilman's Beachcomber - Beachcomber - Seafood Near Me - Clearwater Beach, Florida

I believe Sherry, the owner, is the root of most of the problems with this place. Last night at Christmas dinner she personally was disrespectful twice and her staff a few times. First, she poked/pushed me to the side when I was coming back from the bathroom and yelled that I needed to let her server come through with a tray. She jabbed me about 5 times. I am 8.5 months pregnant and was trying to get the lady standing in front of me to move to the side so I could fit through the walkway. Later, Sherry was with two or three of her staff all bussing the far side of our table even though we were not done. We had a group of 12 and 4 left, but the rest of us were still drinking coffee and eating dessert. Sherry took my mom's coffee off the table and when my mom told her she was still drinking it she just responded that it was empty. During dinner one in our party asked the waiter, Jose, if anything could be done about the cold temperature. He said no because the waitstaff were working and "you can't believe how much we are sweating". There were about two more instances of similar instances, but won't bother spelling them out because you get the idea. And again, I'm thinking this type of rushed aggressive behavior stems from the owner, Sherry, and spreads to the rest of the staff. We left our phone number with the hostess when we left and are happy to have a conversation if someone wants to try and rectify our experience. As far as food goes - it was okay. I'd say about 6.5/10 overall. The lobster and shrimp bisque is the best part and is a 10/10. The salad seems to come from a bag, the green beans tasted like they were frozen and the fried shrimp was a bit soggy. The meal was definitely edible though! read more

The restaurant is starting to look dated inside but we enjoyed our visit. The escargot was very good. We will return.

The staff, service and atmosphere was definitely 5 stars. The food was cooked perfectly and seasoned well. The reason for 3 starts was because of the quality of the food. The steak was very chewy and not even close to tender. Lobster tail and scallops were fishy tasting. Even the clam chowder was fishy tasting and watery. Salad and baked potato were good. read more

Bob Heilman's Beachcomber - Seafood Near Me - Clearwater Beach, Florida

Great restaurant in Clearwater right on the strip ; an unexpected pleasure! Dinner started with a basket of delicious hot rolls, gingerbread muffins and banana bread accompanied by a platter of luxurious treats : A pickled beet horseradish dish which was unprecedented, an apple butter- delicious and spicy. Huge wine menu to choose from and local craft beers were offered. Dinner consisted of Chilean sea bass and grouper with a side of broccoli. Over all- a very good dining experience. Parking challenging in such a heavily populated area but if you were staying in one of the hotels there on the strip it would not be an issue . Our service was good and overall this restaurant is a fine venue for a nice evening . read more

Bob Heilman's Beachcomber - Many menus for food and drink .... Live Christmas music played on the piano... Nice touch - Seafood Near Me - Clearwater Beach, Florida

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I've read through the reviews and it is obvious that this restaurant survives based on its history and not today's performance. Looking around, most of the clientele is older and has probably been coming here for years. They will likely forgive the rudeness of the staff at the host stand and Bob Heilman, Jr. Others of us are not so quick to forgive abrupt behavior, a chunk of glass in our wine or tables crowded together so closely that you feel like you are dining with the guests at two other tables.... as they are so close they comment on your conversation. My son and partner did say the prime rib was delicious. I found the relish tray to be interesting - but wasteful (as most diners barely made a dent in it). The bisque was delicious. The wine was served far too cold. And, as I pointed out before, one glass had a 1x2 inch chunk of glass in it. Three people hurried over to the table to make excuses but when the bill came the glass remained on the bill. After I pointed that out, it was removed from the bill but no other service recovery was offered. In fact the manager (who had to tell me twice that he was the son of the original owner) walked away as I nicely tried to talk to him about the poor approach he had taken to the situation. From reading other reviews, management appears to be an issue and I wonder how this restaurant will survive in Tampa Bay's very competitive environment. I know I won't be back. read more

No idea why they have 4 stars. This place is just a bad diner with a pretty outfit on. Start with presentation....there is none. The plates used are the same you find at an old diner. The soupy bland coleslaw is just cabbage with a frothy mayo based vinegar that comes in a dish you would get in a cafeteria. The fried chicken is just a under seasoned chicken with a very thin layer of flour and no taste. The bistro potatoe is just potatoes layered with some form of cheese, no flavor, definitely not creamy. The filet rips are just chuncks of cheap sirloin or the worst filet cut ever. Very chewy and dry. Both dishes went back and we didn't bother getting anything else to replace them because there was no trust in what would come out. Seafood platter is what you would expect at red lobster. Need I say more? One of us opted for a burger and not exaggerating when I say Wendy's is definitely much better. Basically a bad diner (I've been to many diners that are excellent this is not one of them). Even the piano player looked miserable. Their "home made" (we learned that's their code for horrible) hot fudge was worst than hersheys syrup. Chocolate Martini tasted Like a yohoo. For those that don't know what that is, cheap chocolate syrup mixed with water. I would have sent everything back but we were a table of 8 and some ate just because they were very hungry but nobody thought it was even ok. Extremely over priced for the quality of food tou get and the tasteless dishes that they serve. We left and ended up ordering Chinese that was much better than what we got here. The only thing that was ok was the bread and butter. I do this for a living and never post on my personal acct but needed to here. Please ignore the other reviews or go at your own risk. You've been warned by a professional in the food industry. They don't have the basic skills needed to run a kitchen. Gorden, please come and rescue them because they are delusional if they think they have a gem here. The waitress was ok for a diner. She couldnt get through to serve and i had to tell her to walk around instead of asking tour patron to stand up to let her through to the other side. Like insaid, basic 101 skills in this industry. 1 star for service 0 for food. read more

This is not a 'scene' restaurants like Ocean Prime, etc. The food is just reliably great. Fresh seafood, great chicken, meats, chops and cocktails. This place is a throwback to the 60's & 70's. Even the relish dish with cottage cheese, apple butter, pickled veggies, etc - wow! Mind you, the tables are well spaced out which is great to have a conversation and of course, allow the senior citizens using oxygen tanks plenty of space to move around. This is not a knock, it just is what it is... On Easter and other high holidays - make a reservation. This is this classic place where families go for a family meal - I went once and was told of a 3 hour wait for a table. On most other nights, usually no wait. Place is usually packed on Sundays and for a long time they're offered a very good deal of a 3 course meal for 2 people and at $25. Go! There are far worse places to spend the same amount... read more

Management, front and back of house, a bit too full of themselves. You're not that good bro. Treat your customers, as well as employees, much better and perhaps it will make up for the shortcomings at the table. I didn't get the disrespect directly but witnessed enough to make me uncomfortable. On top of: I've worked with food for 20 years and I'm looking at my dish and tasting everything at the table thinking "Um, you're not that good, bro." Humble Up A Bit Bobby (?) and whomever the kitchen manager was (Hector? - a Hispanic guy). read more

I am so happy to say that my husband and I have dined at this exquisite restaurant and personally meet Bob which was very warm and welcoming. He has stated to us that this business is a family operation which has lasted over decade's long. The locals love is what make the business more inviting and the food was amazing.the best cosmopolitan martini in all Clearwater. We originally came in for martinis and Matthew was our bartender he suggested appetizer which where fulfilling after these great dishes we had to return. Bob actually made us reservations with no problems we came for dinner and Jackie was the great lady which she has been employed there for 25 year. She took great care of my husband and I. Im very fortunate to have meet bob and his great staff thanks alot and i will return. read more

Bob Heilman's Beachcomber - Seafood Near Me - Clearwater Beach, Florida

Awesome bronzed (think lighter than blackened) seafood platter, black grouper, shrimp, scallops and crab cake. We were very pleased with the service and the price was fair read more

My family has been going to this establishment for over 40 years and always enjoyed it. But lately the quality has gone down, the prices up and the now manager/owner is very rude and nasty!!! read more

The food was great for the most part. The service was perfect! My lamb was tough but my sever was quick to bring me a crab cake as my second choice! The piano made the atmosphere perfect! Mussels Outstanding! Chilean Seabass Outstanding! read more

Bob Heilman's Beachcomber - Seafood Near Me - Clearwater Beach, Florida

Worth the every penny. Reminds me of the old supper club atmosphere. Great food. Great staff. Would go every time. Reasonable priced. Go early! read more

I have been to this restaurant twice and both were for my wedding anniversary with my husband. I'm in my mid 40's and I just absolutely LOVE this place. The atmosphere is very old school, reminds me of a piano bar. The Beachcomber has been around for many years and every time we go by, it's busy. The service is top-notch and first-class. Food is delicious as well! With every meal you receive a relish tray with bread and crackers and very filling as well. The roast chicken dinner is a winner and customer favorite and I can see why. Can't wait to go back again! Both times we sat inside but I'd like to try outside. read more

Bob Heilman's Beachcomber - Seafood Near Me - Clearwater Beach, Florida

Honestly, I thought the older clientele was one of the better features of this place. I'm pretty sure that the large table behind us was made up entirely of ex-goodfellas and burlesque dancers judging by their stories. But, expect the kind of food that goes along with a place that hasn't changed in fifty years. Yes, the decor was nice, very sharp and newly painted, but I'm not convinced that most of the food was even made in-house. First you get the relish tray: lance crackers in their packaging with horseradish (barely) beet paste , pickled watermelon rinds, cottage cheese with some chives, and apple butter. I'm betting all from a jar. The bread basket with dinner has two rolls, two zucchini (?) mini-muffins, and two slices of (banana?) bread. Again with the sweet accompaniments. I had the grouper. It was ok, but nothing you couldn't get at any other decent seafood joint. The asparagus was soggy and served with a thick hollandaise sauce. The shrimp, bronzed, were pretty good. The baked potato was a baked potato. The wine list was extensive - and physically enormous to hold. So, as a seafood restaurant, it wasn't bad. The vintage feel was interesting. But, I'm just not convinced that the food was worth the price. read more

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Favorite place to eat when I hit this side of Florida is Heilman's Beachcomber Restaurant. The oysters are sublime, fresh and served cold with traditional garnish. Old school relish tray starts with assorted baked breads. Terrific steaks, crispy farmhouse chicken and really good rainbow trout are some of my family's favorite entrees. I dream about the chicken livers. The best waiter we've had in all the 20 plus years we've been dining at Beachcombers is Nick. Ask for him, he's professional, personable, communicates beautifully, well versed in the menu & wine list. read more

Bob Heilman's Beachcomber - Don the Beachcomber - Seafood Near Me - Clearwater Beach, Florida

The Beachcomber has been a family mainstay for 3 generations. The food is always perfect, the atmosphere is cozy and inviting, the service impeccable. Compared to other beach restaurants, their prices are within the norm. The accoustics are wonderful, no matter how busy, there is never a need to shout to be heard. I never feel rushed to turn the table. Drinks, complimentary relish tray, appetizers, main course, deserts are all perfectly timed. There is a reason the restaurant survived for so many years. read more

My and my boyfriend was walking around and decided to try the food in this restaurant. We were seated right away and the atmosphere in the restaurant is amazing. The piano music is so relaxing. We have ordered mussels and escargot for an appetizer. Both portions were delicious and huge. We were so full and maybe not so hungry so we didn't have place for a main course but we ordered desert chocolate brownies with hot fudge and ice cream- definitely best dessert you can ever get. Our server Jose was so pleasant, attentive and friendly. He made our dinner even better and probably we haven't received such a good service in a long time. I definitely recommend this restaurant because absolutely everything is perfect! We are definitely coming back next time. read more

Bob Heilman's Beachcomber - Escargot and Mussels. - Seafood Near Me - Clearwater Beach, Florida

If you're looking for an old school classical steakhouse this is the place to go to. Table relishes will fill you up even if you don't order an appetizer. Try the fried chicken and the chicken livered entrees. Service is beyond comparison and truly a tribute to past. Of course I would be remiss if I did not mention the excellence of the steaks. We have been here about a dozen times and each time we always say why don't we come here more often. read more

Our Florida friends took us to the Beachcomber. Their families have come here to celebrate special occasions over the years. It is fine dining. We were seated promptly by our waiter Timothy. We ordered drinks and waters. When our drinks came, he also brought a relish tray and warm assorted breads in a basket. Such a nice touch! We all ordered side salads and different seafood entrees of grouper and shrimp with baked potatoes. The seafood can be prepared various ways. I was concerned the bronzed style might be too spicy for me. He explained that they lightly season, and it is not spicy. We also ordered key lime pies with blueberry sauce and coffee. Everything was so delicious and perfectly seasoned!! read more

My wife and I went in on a Saturday evening, wasn't too crowded. The hostess was somewhat rude, as we were an inconvenience and kind of threw menus at someone to seat us. We sat for about 10 minutes with no servers greeting our table. At that time, we decided to leave due to a complete LACK of service. read more

We had a Thanksgiving dinner at Beachcomber restaurant. Food was excellent and they had large variety. Our server Jackie was very sweet and attentive as well as the rest of the staff. We highly recommend this restaurant. Definitely coming back ! read more

It's been many years since I've dined at Bob Heilman's Beachcomer restaurant yet the same high quality and consistency in food preparation continues. I applaud them. My guest chose their signature fried chicken entree with mashed potatoes and gravy and was not disappointed! It takes a little longer to prepare this dish. I also greatly enjoyed my choice of sauteed soft shell crabs over toast with fresh green beans.Perfect. The mixed salad with homemade blue cheese dressing is delicious accompanied with Heilman's mainstay relish tray which is a longtime tradition and a very pleasant treat. We arrived before six o'clock on a Sunday night and as we were finishing our meal an excellent pianist began to play standards which is quite enjoyable and capped the night. This is one of the best fine dining restaurants not only on Clearwater Beach but throughout Tampa Bay. Service was first class, prompt when needed. Valet parking in the rear of building is available. Also noteworthy is a smaller version of Heilman's adjacent to the parking lot which provides very intimate atmosphere or more secluded dining or dining for a smaller setting. Experience Heilman's at least once when dining in Clearwater Beach at this landmark fine dining restaurant. You'll thoroughly enjoy it. read more

This last minute dinner plan turned out to be one of the best experience I had on this getaway trip. Our waitress Melanie was the absolute sweetest!! I was so surprised how quickly everything came out right after ordering. Things I would find myself not liking normally, like the ginger muffins and Steak, were so delicious. Thank you so much Melanie for taking care of us and being so attentive! read more