The nibbler has spent years searching our shorelines for places with a grand water view as well as good food. Both the view and grill, pleasant and rare as they are, are only two of the parts that make the whole of Salt Rock Grill the most satisfying new restaurant on the Pinellas beaches in recent years. Salt Rock Grill has a beach attitude, laid-back enough to know you can enjoy sunlight, wear colors other than black, even have white hair and dine early and still have style. Naturally, Salt Rock has a cigar bar, which smells as much of cedar as tobacco. Sure there is a martini list, but it is only part of a bar that is thoroughly and cleverly thought out, with a great selection of rums, and signature margaritas served over mango and strawberry ices.
Salt Rock is primarily a grill, and the mainstay is beef, well aged and expertly cooked.
The signature appetizer, a mixed grill of beef, pork, and chicken had wonderful chunks of filet marinated with chili and lime. I was equally pleased with the swordfish from the grill, and here, too, my chief complaint was a desire for more. Among desserts the creme brulee was the creamiest I've tasted. No complaint about the 'human ingredients'. Staffing was more than ample, and everyone, from managers and hosts to servers, were knowledgeable, eager, and thoughtful.