Your Ultimate St. Pete Guide

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On and off, I have lived in the St. Petersburg, Florida area for over 20 years. Over that time, I have seen it grow and change into a vibrant city that embraces the arts, sports, and a certain laidback lifestyle that you can only find on Gulf Coast Florida. This is not your Grandma’s St. Petersburg. Our little City by the Bay has gained some national attention this past year. Thanks to the new, award-winning St. Pete Pier and Tampa Bay hosting the Super Bowl, people across the country are starting to take notice. Recently, Conde Nast Traveler named St. Pete to be one of the 10 Top US Cities and cemented something that locals already knew. The Sunshine City is amazing! So, whether you’re visiting from down the road or across the country, this ultimate St. Pete Travel Guide is for you! Enjoy my favorite places around town. If I can inspire just one person to visit then I think it’s a job well done. 

How to Travel

Even if you’re traveling from across the country, it couldn’t be easier to visit the Sunshine City. While you can fly into the nearby St. Pete-Clearwater Airport (PIE), you’ll probably find more options flying into the Tampa Airport (TPA). Constantly rated as one of the nicest airports in the country, it’s clean, efficient, and beautifully decorated. From there, Downtown St. Pete is only a 20 drive away. Depending on where you stay and what you want to do, you won’t have to worry about renting a car since the city is extremely walkable and Uber is very present here.

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Where to Stay

The Vinoy Hotel

501 5th Avenue NE

The Vinoy Hotel is probably my favorite place in all of St. Pete. This pink palace sits next to Tampa Bay and is within walking distance to nearly everything on your itinerary for Downtown St. Pete. A city fixture since 1925, it’s also one of the original pink hotels, in case you’re into that sort of thing! With the Vinoy, you can either book a room in the Historic Building or the newly renovated Tower. Both give you full access to the pristine resort pool. If you want to hear about the “hidden” historic room, let me know. David and I stayed in the hidden room, with its own sweeping balcony, after our wedding and it was incredibly special!

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Where to Eat

4th Street Shrimp Store

1006 4th Street North

From the outside, 4th Street Shrimp doesn’t look like much, but it’s one of my favorite places for seafood in the city. The inside is full of St. Pete inspired kitsch and quintessential Florida cuisine. With nightly specials and a fantastic Happy Hour, you can eat like a king on a budget. I always order the Coconut Shrimp with a side of French Fries, extra cocktail sauce, please. To completely round out the meal, indulge in either an appetizer of Smoked Fish Dip or Key Lime Pie for dessert. 

Baba on Central

2701 Central Ave, Grand Central District

Greek cuisine will always hold a place in my heart and Baba on Central answers the call. This space was formerly a garage that was beautifully converted into an indoor-outdoor dining space, decorated with Mediterranean photos and the evil eye. I would happily order anything on the menu, but my favorite is the Falafel Mezze with Cabbage Slaw. If you need an afternoon pick-me-up, be sure to stop by their attached bakery for a strong Greek coffee and slice of Baklava. For even more details, visit my blog post.

Bodega

1180 Central Avenue, Edge District

From the same culinary geniuses as Baba on Central is Bodega. This has been an Edge District staple for a few years and is known for its Latin-inspired street food. No matter the time you visit, chances are there will be a line down the street to order. The good news is they just moved into a larger location that allows for more seating and counter service. If you can handle spice, definitely order the Pollo Asado Sandwich and whatever Soda Fresca they have available. Keep reading to learn more about a hidden surprise found at the back of the restaurant. 

Cappy’s

2900 1st Avenue N, Historic Kenwood

If it were up to me, I would eat pizza from Cappy’s every day of the week. In fact, getting pizza from here has become our Sunday tradition… Which turns into cold pizza on Monday mornings. My standing order is a New York pizza with Caramelized Onion and Bacon. Trust me, order this and you’ll thank me later. A quick tip when ordering, you may get a busy tone a few times, but don’t give up! They are absolutely worth the wait and then some!

Cassis

170 Beach Drive NE

Cassis has become a new recent favorite. Since I can’t jet off to Paris anytime soon, I’ve been finding any excuse to find French cafe dining locally. This restaurant is on the heart of Beach Drive and just seems like the place to be on a Friday night. Recently, David and I visited the bar for Happy Hour, which has been voted one of the best in the area, and to share a plate of Moules et Frites. If you want something a little richer and equally as decadent, I recommend the French Onion Soup.

El Cap

3500 4th Street N

St. Pete has become known as a hamburger kind of town. Nearly everyone has a pretty staunch opinion on who makes the best burger. Without question, I think that designation goes to El Cap. You’re not going to find any gourmet style burgers with a hundred different topping options here. Instead, they have perfected the fundamentals of what a good burger should be. There is enough flavor to order the Hamburger on its own, but I’ll add Swiss cheese and caramelized onions for good measure. Complete your meal by ordering the Broccoli Cheese Bites.

Left Bank Bistro

1225 Dr. MLK. Jr. Street N

Parisian-inspired restaurants will always be my favorite. Not only does Left Bank Bistro offer delicious French cuisine, but it brings you back to 1920’s Paris when the city was Ernest Hemingway’s and F. Scott Fitzgerald’s playground. On the menu, you can expect all of the classics: Boeuf Bourguignon, Coq Au Vin. During Happy Hour, they have a separate menu of snacks and bites. My favorite cocktail is hands down, The Hemingway. This daiquiri is always my preferred cocktail when dining, and they’ve completely mastered it. 

Moon Under Water

NOTE: Moon Under Water is currently closed and will be moving. New location TBA!

332 Beach Drive NE

There’s just something about Moon Under Water that will always be special to me. While I love it for its Indian Style Curry and English Pimm’s Cup, it actually has a whole menu of British favorites. Grab a table outside and enjoy people watching along Beach Drive. I wish I could say more, but if you know, you know!

Pete’s General

495 7th Avenue N, Historic Uptown

Living in New York City, I became accustomed to having great bagels on hand. Imagine my delight to find a brand new bagel shop in St. Pete when we moved back. Let Pete’s General introduce you to the Florida-style bagel which gives a satisfying crunch with each bite. My go-to order is the Everything Bagel with Scallion Cream Cheese, but I’m always happy to try their limited edition flavors. For special occasions, look at their dessert menu for cakes and pies that are sure to impress!

The Hangar

540 1st Street SE

Who would have thought that an airport restaurant would be so good? Just south of downtown, the Albert Whitted Public Airport boasts my favorite breakfast place in town. Since The Hangar comes from the St. Pete Hospitality Group, you know it’s going to be good. I order the Flying Chicken with a glass of Iced Tea on the back patio and spend the meal watching the local pilots come and go. If you have kids, this will definitely become a fast favorite for the same reason.

The Library

600 5th Street S

Away from the business of downtown, next to Historic Roser park, is this newer addition to the St. Pete food scene. The Library serves fantastic American cuisine that has been elevated by both flavor and presentation. An homage to the Peabody Library in Baltimore, the floor to ceiling bookcases and cozy armchairs make for an inviting space. Their menu rotates seasonally, but try the Roasted Chicken if you get a chance. The Hemingway is their take on a classic daiquiri and probably my favorite cocktail in the city. For even more details, visit my blog post.

Tropez

437 Central Avenue

When we walked in for a last-minute date night, I felt instantly transported to a city far away from St. Pete. As we snagged a seat at the bar, I was blown away by the endless cocktail menu and plate options from around the world. We opted to order a whole array of dishes: French Onion Soup Dumplings, Korean BBQ Short Ribs, Char-Grilled Spanish Octopus. Everything was simply delicious and we were only starching the surface. The next time we visit, I need to order the Tropez Salad and Moroccan Lamb Skewers. For cocktails, I thoroughly enjoyed the Havana Spritzer for an elevated take on the classic mojito.

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Where to Drink

Alto Mare

300 Beach Drive NE, #124

Alto Mare has become a new favorite on Beach Drive, but I’m a lover of seafood. It’s the perfect place to sip chilled wine by the glass and snack on top notch treats from the sea. If you’re feeling decadent, I recommend ordering the Triton Tower for a combination of raw and cooked seafood bites. Recently, David and I had their SEA-Cuterie Board and I was able to pair a variety of fish with different sauces and condiments. Be sure to check out their $3 Happy Hour from 4 to 6 pm, Monday through Friday. There’s a good chance you’ll see me there!

Annata

300 Beach Drive NE, #128

You read that address right, Annata is right next door to Alto Mare and is even owned by the same culinary family. While Alto Mare has mastered seafood, you will find the best Cheese and Charcuterie Board in all of St. Pete at Annata. Their wine list is fantastic and they also have a $3 Happy Hour from 4 to 6 pm, Monday through Friday.

Bar Chica

1180 Central Avenue, Edge District

If you’ve kept reading from Bodega, thank you so much for staying with me! Speakeasies will always fascinate me, especially when you think about the history, and Bodega hides one of the newest bars in town. I don’t want to give away how to find it, because that’s half of the fun, but inside you’ll find Bar Chica. This is a nod to the bygone era of Havana cocktail bars. The space is small but offers countless cocktails that are sure to inspire. Again, the Hemingway Daiquiri makes an appearance and you know that I’ve ordered that multiple times.

Black Crow Coffee

722 2nd Street North, Old Northeast

It has been so great to watch this local coffee shop grow. Black Crow Coffee first opened in Old Northeast about the time that David and I started dating. It became a mainstay of our life together, with every weekend morning beginning here. Since then, it’s grown into a roastery and second location in the Grand Central District. To experience it like I do, order a Black Iced Cold Brew with Parmesan Leek Croissant and explore the neighborhood.

Breweries

St. Petersburg, FL

This honestly deserves a whole separate blog post because St. Pete has a passion for craft beer and microbreweries. Off the top of my head, I can think of about 15 that are local to St. Pete. That doesn’t include the numerous taprooms that serve craft beer from around the country. I promise I’ll write about this more in-depth later, but for the purposes of the post, I want to highlight my favorites. David and I are avidly loyal to St. Pete Brewing. We are there at least twice a week and they even provided the beer for our wedding! Everyone who works there feels like a second family! When you go, tell them that Katie Kennedy sent you! Other favorites are Cage Brewing, mostly for their Peanut Butter Porter, and Mastry’s Brewing on St. Pete Beach. Each brewery in the city has its own charm and all deserve a visit while in St. Pete.

Flute and Dram

234 Beach Drive NE

Flute and Dram is a new addition to our cocktail bar lineup. In hindsight, I’m not quite sure what kept us for so long. This popular spot is right on Beach Drive, across the street from the Museum of Fine Arts. While you’ll most likely see groups of young professionals socializing outside, you can typically find a seat on the bar. They offer a novel of a menu for different whiskeys, champagnes, and cocktails. My favorite cocktail is the Italian Mojito. Almost nightly, live music can be heard playing by some amazing local talent. Stop by for Happy Hour and you may even want to stay for the whole evening.

Intermezzo

1111 Central Avenue N, Edge District

Even as I write this, I’m already thinking of my next trip to Intermezzo. The inspiration for this bright and cheerful space comes from cafes in the 1950s and 60s, where creatives would meet over good drinks and music. This coffee and cocktail spot is the perfect space to catch up with friends, work remotely, or unwind after a long day. In the mornings, I order a Dirty Chai Latte with Oak Milk so I can get caffeinated for the day. You’ll both David and I working on our computers towards the back. Towards the evening, I’ll order something a little stronger. Both the Rum Punch No. 1 and Paradiso are current favorites.

Paradeco

111 2^nd Avenue NE

Paradeco (pronounced para-deco) is the newest cafe on the St. Pete coffee shop scene and has fast become a favorite. Visually, you’ll see why as soon as you walk through their doors. Everything is in my signature combination of bubblegum pink and sea green, my favorite! More importantly, the coffee is incredible. They focus on the science behind brewing amazing coffee in everything from their pour-overs to cold brew. If you want to order a drink that decadent and caffeinated, I recommend the Coconut Cacao Latte. 

Paul’s Landing

501 5th Avenue NE

“Let’s meet at Paul’s Landing!” is one of my favorite expressions to say to friends. This has been a favorite since they first opened in 2018. It’s part of the Vinoy Hotel, so I get to feel like I’m staying there without actually reserving a room. The light and bright space has a huge patio area that overlooks Tampa Bay. While I often like to sit at the bar and chat with the bartenders, I’ve been known to take my Congelado outside to watch the boats come in. If you get hungry, order a snack of Hush Puppies or Edamame Hummus.

Trophy Fish

2060 Central Avenue, Grand Central District

People in St. Pete simply love being outside. You can tell that by our parks, our markets, and even some of our bars! Trophy Fish is great proof of that. It gives a new life to the city’s fishing culture with freshly caught seafood and nautical flair. The cocktail menu includes the kind of boat drinks you would expect. They even create specialty drinks for different events and holidays. Because rainy days or the temperature getting under 65 is an event, right? Sipping on a Salty Dawg drink, with its full grapefruit flavor, is perfectly refreshing on a warm Florida day.

Wild Child

2710 Central Avenue, Grand Central District

Wild Child, also in the Grand Central District, is the perfect setting to make a night feel special. Outside, the pink exterior matches many of the historic buildings in the city. Inside, is vibrant decor with great food and even better cocktails. When David and I visited for the first time, we made sure to sample as many drinks as we could. They are tropical inspired and definitely up my alley. To drink like me, consider ordering the Bermuda Triangle or Queens Park Swizzle. For even more details, visit my blog post.

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What to Do

Visit the Pier District

If you’re thinking about visiting St. Pete, you’ve probably heard a lot of buzz about the new St. Pete Pier. This has become the focal point of our city and locals take a lot of pride in it. Since it’s situated right next to Beach Drive, you can explore so much that our city has to offer. While at the Pier, start with the St. Pete Museum of History to learn more about the Sunshine City. From there, wander through the Marketplace where local vendors can set up shop. Grab a Frozen Rum Runner from Doc Fords and keep walking all the way to The Point. Here you’ll find the best views of the city and a great place to eat at Teak. If you have kids, they’ll love playing in the Playground or Splash Pad. For even more details, visit my blog post.

Museum Hop

Throughout the city, you’ll find a huge array of museums. Some may even surprise you. The most notable is probably the Dali Museum. With the exception of his hometown in Spain, our museum has the world’s largest collections of Dalí’s works. Here, you’ll get to see some of his most prolific work and learn about him on a personal level. Another museum close to my heart is the Museum of Fine Arts. While The Dali focuses on surrealism, the MFA holds traditional art from around the world. They always have an interesting exhibition collection, so visit often.

Take in a Baseball Game

St. Petersburg is also home to the Tampa Bay Rays. We got to the World Series last year and there’s a lot of love for this team. Often when you visit a city, you have to travel even further to get to a major stadium. Here, Tropicana Field is right next to the Edge District and is a stone’s throw away from some of my favorite restaurants. Since the current stadium is indoors, it serves as a great reprieve from the intense Florida heat in the summertime.

Day Trip to the Beach

Visitors are often surprised to learn that St. Pete isn’t right on the Gulf of Mexico. The nearby beach towns hold that honor. Still, a trip to the water is just 15 minutes away from downtown. While there are so many beaches to choose from, my favorite is Pass-a-Grille on St. Pete Beach. It’s tucked away and doesn’t have the high rises you’ll find in most of the area. This slice of paradise is full of quaint beach cottages, pristine sands, and delicious local restaurants. If you’re hungry, make a reservation at The Dewey.

Explore the Murals

When I said St. Pete loves art, this also extends to the streets. It’s hard to turn a corner without coming face to face with a breathtaking mural. Street art is kind of our thing. Alleyways and sides of buildings that were once blank canvas are transformed into designs that belong in a museum. Each year we host the Shine Mural Festival that invites artists from around the world to add their mark on St. Pete. If you’re not here during that time, you can still take a walking tour to learn more about each work.

Shuffleboard

Just like St. Pete isn’t just for retirees anymore, neither is shuffleboard. We’re home to the world’s largest shuffleboard club and the game is universally loved by locals. It’s a great opportunity to be outside, spend time with friends, and enjoy a drink or two. If you feel passionate, put your skills to the test and join the shuffleboard league. We might even be able to square off. For a more casual game, Friday nights are typically free for all to play. Currently, that is on hiatus because of COVID, but I promise to let you know when it’s back. For even more details, visit my blog post.

Over 3,000 words and there’s still so much more to be said about St. Pete. This post is just a sample of the amazing restaurants, bars, breweries, coffee shops that make this community so wonderful. I haven’t even gotten into the wonderful local businesses and shops I’ve gotten to know over the years. This is a living document and I will add as I visit what’s new or recommended. If I’m missing something crucial from my guide, kindly let me know!

Love from St. Pete,
Katie