Seaside Spirits: Gators Café and Saloon

The first thing you notice as you enter Gator's Café and Saloon in John's Pass is its size.

The place is huge.

With six bars over two floors, lots of outdoor seating area and an enormous dance floor on the ground floor, it is easy to get lost in Gator's. Just remember, you are never far from your next drink. Instant party, just add alcohol.

Of course, Gator's has been a John's Pass landmark for what appears to be forever. In fact, it has been about 20 years—and appears to have stayed that way. Gator's was recently remodeled into a new and improved version of its former self.

That seems to be the point of the place; it is a nightclub with a retro-80's Florida look, sound and feel. It gives you that endless-party feel. Yes, I know that it is the point of a "beach side" bar.

The biggest vibe you get at Gator's is as if you were instantly transported to a place populated mainly with two types of people—drunken fraternity guys and girls that call other girls "dude."

Gator's advertised menu is "the finest in waterside dining." It does have a great view of the water as the Intercoastal empties into the Gulf. Here you will get a real dockside experience, only steps from the Kingfish Marina.

You can even arrive at Gator's by boat, just call beforehand for docking. Marlin's Dockside is available for all your tackle and fishing needs.

The menu is a little lackluster, standard party-bar fare. The most notable thing was a "Gator Bites" appetizer—made with real gator. Having eaten gator before, I suggest that (other than the curiosity factor), it is a safe bet to stick with wings or nachos. Both are good, and with huge portions.

Draft, domestic bottle and margarita specials fit right in with Gator's combination beach bar/sports bar atmosphere. Who can argue with a cold draft for a buck-and-a-half?

Gator's is a living, breathing anachronism. It seems like a place geared to people living perpetually their mid-30's. People who spend off time reliving their hard-partying college days. There is nothing wrong with that age group—especially if you happen to be in that demographic. Too old or too young, you may feel a little out of place—or trying too hard to fit in.

However, when it's  four in the afternoon and the guy next to me orders a Red Bull with vodka—a drink years past it's fashionable prime—you just know you landed in some alternate universe.

Gator's Café and Saloon is at 12754 Kingfish Drive, Treasure Island. For more information, go to http://www.gatorscafe.com, www.facebook.com/Gatorscafe, http://www.youtube.com/user/KingGatorVision, Foursquare or simply call (727) 367-8951.