When you think of Florida's best bars, your mind probably goes to Key West, Miami or maybe one of the trendy spots in Tampa.

Well… according to a new national ranking, the “Best Dive Bar” in the entire state is practically in Clearwater's backyard.

The Takeout recently ranked its favorite dive bar in every state across the country, and Florida's winner was Mahuffer's in Indian Shores. Located at 19201 Gulf Blvd., the beachside bar is only about a 30-minute drive from Clearwater.

If you're expecting polished décor and craft cocktails...

You're going to the wrong place.

Mahuffer's proudly embraces everything people love about a true dive bar. The walls and ceilings are covered with dollar bills, graffiti, string lights and even an impressive collection of bras. Mismatched furniture fills the sprawling space, while resident cats wander around as if they own the place.

It's wonderfully weird...and that's exactly the point.

The Takeout described Mahuffer's as a place where the cats "hold court" among the "trashy kitsch," adding that the bar may lack taste but more than makes up for it with cheap, strong drinks.

Its final verdict?

"It's so bad, it's good."

The recognition wasn't based on one publication's opinion alone.

The Scoundrel's Field Guide previously gave Mahuffer's a perfect 10 out of 10, calling it "perhaps the best American dive bar." Tampa Magazine also named it Best Dive Bar in both 2023 and 2024.

So this isn't simply another neighborhood favorite.

It's a beachside bar that earned statewide recognition from a national publication after being selected as Florida's Best Dive Bar in a 50-state roundup.

Whether you're already a regular or have never stepped inside, it might just be worth the short drive to see what all the fuss is about.

📍 19201 Gulf Blvd., Indian Shores MAP →

📞 (727) 596-0226

Have you ever been to Mahuffer's?

Or...what's your favorite dive bar around Clearwater?

Drop it in the comments. If enough recommendations come in, we may put together a reader-powered guide to the best dive bars around Clearwater and the surrounding beaches.

Source: The Takeout's ranking of the best dive bars in all 50 states.

If you've lived in the 727 for any length of time, chances are you've smiled every time someone says "727."

Today, July 27 (7/27), businesses across Pinellas County are celebrating our area code with special discounts and offers for locals.

We made a few phone calls and rounded up several deals worth checking out if you're planning to get out and enjoy the day.

🌊 Clearwater Beach Marriott Resort on Sand Key

From July 25 through July 27, local residents receive 20% off at Kokomo's Bar & Grille, Bistro on the Bay, and Watercolour Grillhouse by simply telling their server you're a local celebrating "727 Day on Sand Key."

Today only, they're also offering two $7.27 specials:

🍹 Sand Key Lemonade Cocktail

🧀 Sand Key Loaded Nachos

🛍️ Bay Republic

Celebrate 727 Day with 40% off City Connect merchandise for one day only.

No promo code is required. The offer is available both in-store and online.

🧜 Mae & Fay's Mermaid Finds

Support this local small business and save on handmade coastal treasures created from real shells handpicked from St. Petersburg beaches.

Use code LOCAL727 to receive your 727 Day discount.

🌴 For the Bay Clothing Co.

They're celebrating 727 Day by adding an extra discount on top of their Bay Days Sale.

Use code 727DAY at checkout to receive an additional 15% off your purchase in-store or online.

🐬 Clearwater Marine Aquarium

The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is also participating in 727 Day.

Visitors can receive $7.27 off general admission by using the 727 Day Mobile Passport.

📝 Editor's Note

As we researched today's story, we found many additional 727 Day specials throughout Tampa Bay. Many of those promotions require the free 727 Day Mobile Passport, while others can be redeemed directly through participating businesses.

If you're planning to visit multiple locations today, it may be worth exploring the passport to see if any of the additional offers fit your plans.

Happy 727 Day, Clearwater! 🎉

Before you load up the car, take a peek at the live beach cam to see exactly how busy it is out there. Sometimes the smartest move is knowing when to go and when to enjoy our little slice of paradise another day.

Check current water temperatures and conditions Here

Watch the live Clearwater Beach Cam Here

Our pets aren't just animals - they're family. If you've seen any of the pets below please email us at [email protected] and we will connect you directly with their families. One share could bring someone's baby home.

Zena has been missing for over 138 days from the Seville Condo area near Clearwater Costco. Her heartbroken family will not give up searching

LEARN MORE →

Leah has been missing since April 28th from the King Arthur Court in Dunedin. Her Mom has owned her since she was a puppy.

LEARN MORE →

Lobo has been missing since May 11th from Gladden Park in St. Petersburg. Her Mom has owned her since she was a puppy.

LEARN MORE →

River is a one-year-old male tabby (brown, white, and gray) who slipped out the front door on May 30th, and last seen near 134th Ave and Trotter Rd in Largo.

LEARN MORE →

Mama Kitty is a 15 year old black cat with with a clipped left ear that went missing on June 4th, and last seen near Druid and Belcher in Clearwater.

LEARN MORE →

🎸 The Black Keys Tuesday July 28th - 8:00 pm The BayCare Sound Clearwater, FL TICKETS & INFO→

🎸 Mello Vibes Tuesday July 28th - FREE - 5:00 pm Crabby’s Dockside Clearwater, FL INFO→

🤠 Wednesday Night Line Dancing — OCC Roadhouse Clearwater Free lessons. 6:00pm to 7:30pm — All ages welcome DJ Brandon takes over at 7:30pm playing requests all night 10575 49th Street North, Clearwater INFO →

🎸 Josh Higgins Thursday July 30th - FREE - 5:00 pm Crabby’s Dockside Clearwater, FL INFO→

🎸 The Jerry Outlaw Group Thursday July 16th - FREE - 7:00 pm OCC Roadhouse Clearwater, FL INFO→

READ MORE →

🧘 Free Sunset Yoga Monday at 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm - FREE admission - Coachman Park, 300 Cleveland Street, Clearwater, 33764, Meet on The Green LEARN MORE →

🚶‍♀️ SilverSneakers: Zumba Gold Class Tuesday and Thursday 9:00 am - Aging Well Center @ The Long Center, 1501 N. Belcher Road, Clearwater, 33765, View Map LEARN MORE →

🧘 Yoga Tuesday and Thursday 7:00 pm - 8:15 pm - Aging Well Center @ The Long Center, 1501 N. Belcher Road, Clearwater, 33765, View Map FEES & LEARN MORE →

🧘 Golden Hour Yoga - FREE - Wednesday at 7:00 pm - Pier 60 Clearwater Beach View Map

🚶Indoor Walking at the Countryside Mall: Beat the heat and rain with some indoor walking, grab a bite to eat, browse the shops, or catch a movie…all while letting the mall’s A/C do the heavy lifting. MAP →

If you must be out in nature, please don’t forget to bring water

🌳🥾 Beat the Heat: Peaceful Nature Parks Looking to escape the crowds and cool off in the shade this weekend? Tampa Bay is loaded with hidden natural gems, all free to explore:

🦅 Moccasin Lake Nature Park (Clearwater) — A peaceful 51-acre preserve with shaded oak trails, boardwalks over the lake, and a wildlife rehabilitation sanctuary where you can see rescued eagles, hawks, and falcons.

⛵ Clearwater Community Sailing Center A nonprofit sailing center at 1001 Gulf Blvd offering boat rentals, sailing lessons for all ages, and Summer Camp. Open Tuesday through Sunday 9am to 5pm. LEARN MORE →

🏓 Pickleball Court Locations: Here is the easiest way to find Pickleball courts near you with an interactive map. LEARN MORE →

🏖️ Near the Beach

🏙️ Inland

⚠️ Trivia nights and schedules can change. We recommend confirming directly with the venue before heading out. Know of a change or a new spot? Tell Scout →

Thanks for reading My Clearwater Scoop today. If you found something useful, please share it with someone that you think would enjoy it.

Until next time,

Stan, Scoop and Scout