Gayle’s Restaurant

By Mark T. Cockson

Clearwater had changed dramatically from my previous visit 5 years before. Sure, the four Frenchy’s Restuarants and the Mandalay Family Restaurant were still there and the beaches were the most pristine white sugary sand of any in the Gulf Coast. However, the “soul” was gone. High rise $1,500,000 condominiums were either in the planning stage or under construction. Where was Old Florida? A short drive down the coast to St Pete’s Beach gave the answer.

Located at the corner of 75th and Gulf Boulevard, Gayle’s Restaurant (455 75th St) was built as a 30’ x 50’ diner and added onto so that the six huge picture windows wrap around three sides. It retains all of its 50’s décor, including six pink vinyl booths and half-dozen tables. The menu lists “House Rules: 1. We never start your meal without you, 2) Our signature potatoes are Never frozen, 3) Our turkey is fresh, off the bone…not processed.” 

Breakfast deals include “Catfish and eggs for $6.25”, “Pork chops and eggs for $6.25”, “Corned beef hash and eggs for $5.25”, and the perennial “Breakfast special of 2 large eggs, 2 bacon, 2 pancakes, for $4.49—-no substitutions”. Daily lunch specials include Roast Turkey w/dressing, Farm-Raised Catfish, Meatloaf w/gravy, Grilled Pork Chop, Roast Beef w/gravy, or One Half Fried Chicken. Desserts include pie at $2.50/slice (Key Lime, Blue Berry, Apple, and Cherry) or “Ruthie’s Famous Coffee Cake.”

While I was there the regulars came in a few at a time, until by 9:30 a.m. each booth and most of the bar stools were full. "Marv" complained about the looting and hooliganism in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina; on his way out the door, T.C. reminded him to take his medicine today. Another couple, re-settled here from Louisville, KY, gave directions to the local flea market. A couple of men from Medford, MA, came in with a two-year-old in tow and requested a kid's menu. Mandy told them she would give them a deal on a single pancake for Jr., who fiddled the entire time with his Game Boy. Dad ordered the Breakfast Special and a Diet Coke because he had had "too much coffee already today." The other man, Uncle Steve, played with the Game Boy while Jr. went with Dad to the restroom.

Gayle’s Restaurant is a pleasant family diner and throwback to the fifties with its décor and menu philosophy. Inhabited by locals and tourists alike, the prices and ambiance are reminiscent of a by-gone era of eating and prices. If you vacation in Florida, look for remnants like this of Old Florida and patronize them before they are gone forever!