St. Petersburg
The city formerly known as “God’s Waiting Room” is transforming into the city now known for its craft beer scene, local coffee roasters, and independently-owned restaurants. It also happens to average 361 days of sunshine every year.
St. Petersburg
The city formerly known as “God’s Waiting Room” is transforming into the city now known for its craft beer scene, local coffee roasters, and independently-owned restaurants. It also happens to average 361 days of sunshine every year.
Downtown St. Pete Mural | Photo Credit: ©Find. Eat. Drink.
Downtown St. Pete Murals | Photo Credit: ©Find. Eat. Drink.
“We have a lot of murals throughout downtown. It’s a very art-driven town and our muralists are extremely talented.”
Avid Brewing | Photo Credit: ©Find. Eat. Drink.
“We have the smallest brewery in town called Avid that is located in the back of a grow shop. They make killer beers and you can get growlers to go.”
Downtown St. Petersburg | Photo Credit: ©Find. Eat. Drink.
“With over 300 days of sunshine, a St. Pete morning is the most beautiful way to start your day. With that sunshine, St. Pete offers some of the best local produce I’ve ever had.”
Downtown St. Petersburg | Photo Credit: ©Find. Eat. Drink.
“The biggest misconception about St. Pete is that it’s heaven’s waiting room. In reality, St. Pete is a growing city full of young, thriving artists and entrepreneurs. It seems like a new business opens every day. This city is amazing.”
MORNING | Coffee
Bandit Coffee Co.
Multi-roaster coffee shop serving single origin coffees and locally-made, small batch, gourmet donuts.
Bandit Coffee Co | Photo Credit: ©Find. Eat. Drink.
Bandit Coffee Co | Photo Credit: ©Find. Eat. Drink.
"If you're looking for coffee, come here."
FED Pro > Brewer Khris Johnson of Green Bench Brewing Co
2662 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg, FL 33712
www.banditcoffee.co
Kahwa Coffee
This cafe serves speciality drinks, latte art, coffee by the pound, French pastries, muffins and organic cookies.
"I enjoy Kahwa coffee because it is local, and it is roasted right down the street from us every 2-3 days – so it’s always fresh. We actually serve it at my restaurant."
FED Pro > Chef David David Benstock of Il Ritorno
475 2nd Street North, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
204 2nd Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
www.kahwacoffee.com
MORNING | Breakfast
Central Coffee Shoppe | Photo Credit: ©Find. Eat. Drink.
Central Coffee Shoppe | Photo Credit: ©Find. Eat. Drink.
Central Coffee Shoppe
This is a classic diner serving eggs and pancakes in the morning and burgers and tuna melts in the afternoon.
"If you like an old school, really fast egg sandwich, you can't go wrong here. We really like the sausage, egg, and cheese on an English muffin."
FED Pros > Restaurateurs & Chef George and Debbie Sayegh of Bodega
530 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
T: 727.821.1125 | www.centralcoffeeshoppe.com
Breakfast sandwich at Banyan Cafe | Photo Credit: ©Find. Eat. Drink.
Banyan Cafe
A neighborhood cafe serving breakfast and lunch with outdoor tables and coffee from local roaster Kahwa.
"They have an amazing breakfast sandwich. With their handmade furniture and trinkets, the atmosphere is great as well. You feel very at home and welcomed at Banyan."
FED Pro > Chef David David Benstock of Il Ritorno
"The egg sandwich is a must try."
FED Pros > Restaurateurs & Chef George and Debbie Sayegh of Bodega
"Banyan is one of my favorite spots. They make a breakfast sandwich with a fried egg, spinach, and bacon on Cuban bread."
FED Pro > Brewer Khris Johnson of Green Bench Brewing Co
701 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 | T: 727.896.6600
689 Doctor M.L.K. Jr St North, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 |T: 727.896.6100
www.banyancoffee.com
MORNING | Farmers Markets
Saturday Morning Market
Local farmers market where you can buy local produce, cheeses, and prepared foods. They also have food trucks.
"This is a great stop for fresh produce and grass-fed beef."
FED Pro > Chef David Benstock of Il Ritorno
"It's a great way to start your weekend. Local farmers and artisans come out to showcase their product on the waterfront. Featuring live music and local foods."
FED Pro > Chef Tyson Grant of Parkshore Grill
Progress Energy Park, 100 1st Street South East, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
T: 727.455.4921 | www.saturdaymorningmarket.com
Tuesday Fresh Market
Weekly Tuesday farmers market featuring fresh produce, breads, cheeses, seafood, crafts and live music.
"This is my favorite market. They have a smaller crowd and I love that they feature local artists."
FED Pro > Chef Matt Bonano of Brooklyn South
3000 Beach Boulevard South, Gulfport, FL 33707
T: 727.278.4285
LATE MORNING | Food Shops
Locale Market | Photo Credit: ©Find. Eat. Drink.
Locale Market
This market is a collaboration between chefs Michael Mina and Don Pintabona and features gourmet foods, fresh produce, steaks, seafood, prepared foods and lots of locally-sourced products, including coffee and beer.
"Walk around the market and get a snack."
FED Pros > Restaurateurs & Chef George and Debbie Sayegh of Bodega
179 2nd Avenue North, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
T: 727.523.6300 | www.localegourmetmarket.com
Savory Spice Shop
"I get spices from here to use in my restaurant. If you don't want to buy a tremendous amount of spice, they have small batches so you don't have to spend a ridiculous amount of money on a spice you're only going to use three times in a year. He also has cool blends and spices you've never heard of. He has 10 different salts, and to me, salt is one of the most important things to have. If you're a home cook, you can get cool things for your spice rack."
FED Pro > Chef Zach Gross
400 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
T: 727.290.9893 | www.savoryspiceshop.com
Mazzaro’s Italian Market
Speciality foods emporium with a deli, a bakery, a cheese room, an espresso bar and a market selling imported Italian goods, beer, wine, and house-made pastas.
"This is one of my favorite stores in St. Pete. I could spend the whole day wandering around the shop perusing the specialty cheeses, gourmet coffee, handmade pastas and, of course, end the visit with lunch."
FED Pro > Chef Chris Ponte of Cafe Ponte
"I like shopping here for Italian specialty foods and aged steaks."
FED Pro > Chef Greg Baker of The Refiner, Fodder & Shine
"This is an Italian market worth checking out."
FED Pros > Restaurateurs & Chef George and Debbie Sayegh of Bodega
"I enjoy Mazzaro's because it has very good quality deli meat, and delicious cheese options."
FED Pro > Chef David Benstock of Il Ritorno
2909 22nd Avenue North, St. Petersburg, FL 33713
T: 727.321.2400 | www.mazzarosmarket.com
LUNCH
Ted Peters | Photo Credit: ©Find. Eat. Drink.
SMOKED FISH & BURGERS | Ted Peters
Right over the causeway on the way to St. Pete beach you’ll find Ted Peters. It's a smokehouse that's been around for 50 years. Red oak smoked fish, icy cold root beer, German potato salad, and a side of smoked fish spread equals delicious. It's a little incongruous to order a burger from a smoked fish joint, but it's one of their specialties.
Smoked fish and cole slaw at Ted Peters | Photo Credit: ©Find. Eat. Drink.
"It is quintessential Florida and they serve up some of the best smoked mullet known to humankind."
FED Pro > Chef Greg Baker of The Refinery
"Smoked fish dip sandwich and coleslaw -- simple and perfect."
FED Pro > Chef Chad Johnson of Haven
1350 Pasadena Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33707
T: 727.381.7931
Cuban Sandwich at Bodega | Photo Credit: ©Find. Eat. Drink.
CUBAN SANDWICH | Bodega on Central
You'll find made-to-order Latin American food at this small restaurant from former New Yorkers George and Debbie Sayegh. The menu features Cuban sandwiches, salads, platos with rice and beans, and fresh-squeezed juices. They also have a lot of vegetarian options.
"They have the best Cuban Sandwich I've ever had. I always suggest the Cuban if it's your first time to Bodega. I always order their Lechon Platos. It's a plate of white rice, black beans, mojo pulled pork, and plantains."
FED Pro > Brewer Khris Johnson of Green Bench Brewery
1120 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg, FL 33705
T: 727.623.0942 | bodegaoncentral.com
Photograph courtesy of Brooklyn South
SANDWICHES | Brooklyn South
Owned by Brooklyn transplant chef Matt Bonano who worked at Murray's Cheese in NYC.
"They have amazing grilled cheese sandwiches."
FED Pro > Chef David Benstock of Il Ritorno
"They have incredible cheese and meat selection, but they also make the best sandwiches in St. Petersburg, hands down."
FED Pro > Brewer Khris Johnson of Green Bench Brewery
1437 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg, FL 33705
T: 727.914.4967 | brooklynsouthcheese.com
Casita Taqueria | Photo Credit: ©Find. Eat. Drink.
MEXICAN | Casita Taqueria
Tacos, tortas, pressed-sandwiches and bowls with beans, rice and guacamole.
"Come here for a taco at lunch."
FED Pros > Restaurateurs & Chef George and Debbie Sayegh of Bodega
"Their bowls are legit. I always order the Chorizio bowl. It comes with ground chorizo, white rice, black beans, guac, pico and sour cream."
FED Pro > Brewer Khris Johnson of Green Bench Brewery
2663 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg, FL 33713 | T: 727.223.1031
2701 4th Street North, St. Petersburg, FL 33704 | T: 727.498.6473
www.casitatacos.com
AFTERNOON | Sweets
Pear & Gin and Pink Grapefruit Ice Pops at The Hyppo | Photo Credit: ©Find. Eat. Drink.
GOURMET ICE POPS | The Hyppo
Popsicles made with all natural, seasonal ingredients. They have over 450 flavors that range from simple ones like strawberry or chocolate sea salt to more unusual like eggnog or cucumber lemon mint.
"Their popsicles are off the chain. They have so many unique flavors. My favorite one is the Blackberry Goat. It's a popsicle with blackberries and creamy goat cheese."
FED Pro > Chef Matt Bonano of Brooklyn South
627 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
T: 727.498.6536 | www.thehyppo.com
AFTERNOON | Tea
Infused Tea Company [Temporarily Closed]
This tea house offers over 100 different blends of tea.
"They have a drink called 'Cheeky Peach' that has their Peach Rooibos tea and graham crackers mixed in like a milkshake, and it's really good. We actually use their tea for our Lavender, Vanilla and Peppermint Gelato and our Blueberry Rooibos Tea Gelato."
FED Pro > Chef David Benstock of Il Ritorno
300 Beach Drive North East, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
T: 727.894.4832 | www.infusedteaco.com
AFTERNOON | Breweries
Green Bench Crewing Co | Photo Credit: ©Find. Eat. Drink.
Green Bench Brewing Co.
Stop by their 6,000 square foot beer garden adjacent to their brewery to sample their craft brews.
"Green Bench is a great St. Pete brewery, both familiar and adventuresome. Their Surrealist sour IPA is quite tasty."
FED Pro > Chef Greg Baker of The Refinery
1133 Baum Avenue North, St. Petersburg, FL 33705
T: 727.800.9836 | greenbenchbrewing.com
Green Bench | Photo Credit: ©Find. Eat. Drink.
St Pete Brewing Co
"Just a block from Cycle, they make solid, clean beers. Milo's IPA and Orange Wheat are their cores."
FED Pro > Brewer Khris Johnson of Green Bench Brewing Co
544 1st Avenue N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
T: 727.692.8809 | stpetebrewingcompany.com
Pinellas Ale Works & Cage Brewing
"We have two new breweries in town, Pinellas Ale Works and Cage Brewing. They're directly across the street from each other."
FED Pro > Brewer Khris Johnson of Green Bench Brewing Co
PAW | 1962 1st Avenue S, St. Petersburg, FL 33712 | T: 727.235.0970 | www.pawbeer.com
CAGE | 2001 1st Avenue S, St. Petersburg, FL 33712 | T: 727.201.4278 | Website
Cycle Brewing
Get free tastes from the tap at this local micro-brewery and tasting room.
"Their session IPAs are my favorite: hoppy and low alcohol. If you like big stouts they've likely got you covered, too."
FED Pro > Brewer Khris Johnson of Green Bench Brewing Co
"I'm a big fan of their Fixie IPA and of their El Camino delivery truck."
FED Pro > Chef Greg Baker of The Refinery
534 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
T: 727.320.7954
For More Breweries, Check Out Our St. Pete Brewer's Guide
PRE-DINNER | Cocktails
Photograph courtesy of Mandarin Hide
Photograph courtesy of The Mill
Mandarin Hide
Craft cocktails ranging from classics to their own signature drinks. You'll find antler-shaped chandeliers, exposed bricks, and a chalkbaord menu. Live music on Wednesdays and Sundays.
"It's a craft cocktail place with a little more high-end price point, but they serve awesome drinks."
FED Pro > Chef Zack Gross
31 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
T: 727.231.4007 | www.mandarinhide.com
The Mill
4,000 square food restaurant from chef Ted Dorsey who made a name for himself at Castille before opening this restaurant that features a mixture of cuisines and a creative cocktail menu.
"The Mill uses some of the best ingredients available and also makes some very nice cocktails."
FED Pro > Brewer Khris Johnson of Green Bench Brewing Co
"Awesome cocktails and a very good bourbon list."
FED Pro > Chef David Benstock of Il Ritorno
200 Central Avenue St. Petersburg, FL 33701
T: 727.317.3930 | themilldtsp.com
Photograph couretsy of Intermezzo Coffee
Intermezzo Coffee
Coffee by day and cocktails by night. They open at 8am and start serving adult beverages at 5pm, just in time for Happy Hour.
"Check out the pop-up oyster bar — it’s Wednesday through Saturday from 6-9. Also, at the bar, you can ask one of our baristas or bartenders for an off menu drink since we are always working on something here!”"
FED Pro > Barista Jarrett Sabatini of Intermezzo Coffee
1111 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg, FL 33705
T: 727.342.0156 | www.intermezzocoffeeco.com
DINNER
Photograph courtesy of Il Ritorno
ITALIAN | Il Ritorno
"When you eat at my restaurant, I'd recommend you try the octopus because we're taking a classic Italian dish such as the Putanesca and presenting it with an entirely new approach. It's unlike anything else on the menu."
FED Pro > Chef David Benstock of Il Ritorno
"Short Rib Mezzaluna with truffle fonduta, tomatoes and pecorino is my very favorite."
FED Pro > Chef Matt Bonano of Brooklyn South
"Locally owned, chef Dvid Benstock is serving modern Italian cuisine. You can find fresh pasta on his menu and one of the best Short Rib Mezzaluna I've ever had."
FED Pro > Chef Chris Fernandez of Red Mesa
449 Central Avenue #101, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
T: 727.897.5900 | www.ilritornodowntown.com
FRENCH-VIETNAMESE | Alesia Restaurant
"It's French-Vietnamese. It's a mom and pop type of restaurant and you can't get anything wrong on their menu, which to me is hard to do. I eat the banh mi all the time and the pho, which usually I get both together. I just dip the sandwich right in there. They make everything daily. The freshness of the cilantro and radishes and the spice are what turns me on and why I like to come here. They also have awesome Vietnamese coffee."
FED Pro > Chef Zack Gross
"Come here for a bowl of pho."
FED Pros > Restaurateurs & Chef George and Debbie Sayegh of Bodega
7204 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg, FL 33707
T: 727.345.9701 | www.alesiarestaurant.com
NEW AMERICAN | Brick & Mortar
Opened by two Bay Area caterers, this is their first brick and mortar place, which may lead to clues on how they came up with the name. Expect rustic farmhouse decor with both indoor and outdoor seating and a locally-inspired menu.
"I come here for their fat noodles. The place has a cozy atmosphere, and the owners are really great people.:
FED Pro > Chef David Benstock of Il Ritorno
"Chef Jason Ruhe creates rustic elegant flavors. You’ll find dishes like Pan Seared Cobia, Smoked Tomato Broth, Pearl Cous Cous & Florida Sweet Corn, Fresh Herb & Cucumber Gremolata on his menu."
FED Pro > Chef Chris Fernandez of Red Mesa
539 Central Avenue, Saint Petersburg, FL 33701
T: 727.822.6540
NEW AMERICAN | The Reading Room
Chef Lauren Macellaro worked at Locale and Rooster & the Til before opening The Reading Room. They describe their food as garden-inspired and wood-fired cuisine. They don’t have a liquor license, but do serve beer and low-alcohol cocktails.
"I would suggest the Liver Mousse, Burrata, Marrow & Egg Toast, and the Fish of the Day. Enjoy the views to the garden and indulge in anything vegetable-based."
FED Pro > Chef Noel Cruz of Ichicoro
6001 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg, FL 33710
T: 727.343.0052 | www.rrstpete.com
Photograph courtesy of Sea Salt
SEAFOOD | Sea Salt
The focus of this large restaurant is seafood and salt. They have an extensive raw bar, fresh fish that you pick from the display case to be cooked and creative seafood entrees.
"The wine list at sea salt is amazing. Order any whole fish or the raw oysters."
FED Pros > Restaurateurs & Chef George and Debbie Sayegh of Bodega
183 2nd Avenue North, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
T: 727.873.7964 | seasaltstpete.com
BARS
The Emerald | Photo Credit: ©Find. Eat. Drink.
DIVE | The Emerald
In the land of sunshine, it's nice to know that dark dive bars exist. Come here for cheap drinks, a jukebox and dim lighting.
"This is an awesome dive bar."
FED Pro > Brewer Khris Johnson of Green Bench Brewing Co
550 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
T: 727.898.6054
BEER | The Ale And The Witch
They offer 32 American craft brews on tap and one cask ale. They have live music nightly with no cover charge.
"They've only been around about 5 years, but that's ancient when considering our local craft beer scene. The owner, Brett, has paved the way for great beer in our town. He serves a rotation of American craft beer."
FED Pro > Brewer Khris Johnson of Green Bench Brewing Co
111 2nd Avenue NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
T: 727.821.2533 | thealeandthewitch.com
LATE NIGHT
Photographs courtesy of Copper Shaker
Copper Shaker
Quench your thirst and satisfy your late night munchies with their tapas selection and craft cocktails and beer.
"Give them your flavor profile and ask for the ‘Dealer's Choice.’ You won't be disappointed."
FED PRO > Restaurateur Michael Sponaugle of Buya Ramen
Open until 3am
169 1st Avenue N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
www.coppershaker.com
FED24 To Go
FED24 To Go
Prep for your trip. Take the guide with you by downloading our FED24 To Go version.
Souvenirs
Souvenirs
Old St. Pete Distillery
Chef David Benstock recommends this small-batch local distillery that makes craft spirits that include gin, whiskey, vodka, and rum & spice.
Green Bench Brewing Co
Chef Greg Baker is a fan of Green Bench Brewing Co., "It's a great St. Pete brewery, both familiar and adventuresome. Their Surrealist sour IPA is quite tasty."
Kahwa Coffee
Recommended by chef David Benstock, this coffee company has been roasting in St. Petersburg since 2006.
Planning Links
Planning Links
INSPIRATION
READ | Trip Reads for St. Petersburg -- Inspirational reading lists
MUSEUMS
SURREALISM ART | Dali Museum
CLASSIC & MODERN ART | Museum of Fine Arts
HISTORY & HERITAGE | Florida Holocaust Museum
ARTISTS AT WORK | Morean Glass Studio and Hot Shop
MUSIC AND THEATER
LIVE MUSIC | Duke Energy Center for the Arts - Mahaffey Theater
LIVE MUSIC OUTDOORS | Jannus Live
THEATERS |
St. Petersburg City Theater
American Stage
Freefall Theatre
Stay
HOTELS | Room77
APARTMENTS | Airbnb
Getting Around
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION | Looper Trolly
CAR SERVICE | Uber
Map
Map
The Pros
The Pros
David Benstock
Executive chef and owner of Il Ritorno in downtown St. Petersburg.
Zach Gross
Executive chef and co-owner of former Z Grille in downtown St. Petersburg.
Matt Bonano
Chef, cheesemonger, owner of Brooklyn South in downtown St. Petersburg.
Debbie and george Sayegh
Chef and restaurateurs of Bodega on Central in downtown St. Petersburg.
Chris Ponte
Executive chef and owner of Cafe Ponte in Clearwater.
Paul Liptak
Executive chef of The Club at Treasure Island in St. Petersburg.
Tyson Grant
Executive chef of Parkshore Grill in downtown St. Petersburg
Greg Baker
Executive chef and owner of The Refinery in Tampa.
Chris Fernandez
Executive chef and owner of Red Mesa Restaurant, Cantina and Mercado in St. Petersburg.
Chad Johnson
Executive chef of Haven and Elevage in Tampa.
Khris Johnson
Head brewer and partner of Green Bench Brewing Company in St. Petersburg.
Noel Cruz
Chef and co-owner of Ichicoro Ramen in Tampa, St. Pete and Birmingham.
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