By Nanette Wiser
With 4th of July celebration in the wings, we’re finding fireworks in All American foods like burgers, brats, hot dogs, BBQ, pizza and watermelon. Take it to go or gobble it onsite, it’s the ultimate comfort food from the beaches to downtown St. Pete. Two spots that offer them all are Clear Sky (downtown Clearwater and Clearwater Beach) and Big Jim’s on Seminole Blvd. Here are some of PN’s faves.*
BURGERS: Sometimes ground beef, sometimes brisket and on occasion vegan, a good burger topped with Duke’s mayo or (fill in the blank), soothes the savage beast. At the beaches, you can’t beat the gourmet burgers at Treasure Island Beach Resort’s BRGR Kitchen and Bar with a hand-crafted cocktail. RumFish Grill’s Angus burger with caramelized onions, Vermont cheddar and horseradish aioli on a brioche roll is a step above, along with Boulevard’s BLVD Burger with cheese blends brisket, Angus chuck and short ribs on a brioche, potato or sesame bun. In Gulfport, O’Maddy’s hangover burger is the perfect hair of the dog. Sea Dog Treasure Island’s Drunken Burger is made with Angus ribeye beef topped with bourbon bacon jam, IPA -braised onions, Sea Dog beer mustard and Dakin white cheddar. Dead Bob’s on Central Ave. serves a pastrami or gyro burger, very tasty.
Downtown, The Avenue Eat + Drink serves a burger with bacon onion jam, egg, American cheese, waffles and maple syrup. Engine No9 serves 20 burgers and 60 beers, and The Heart Attack with chipotle sauce, egg, bacon and cheese on the burger. The Chattaway in south St. Petersburg is an eclectic classic hang-out as is Biff Burger, but my personal favorite next to The Hideaway is The Burg Bar & Grill with house made French fries and an excellent plant-based burger.
BRATS & DOGS: We argue about Coney Island vs. Chicago-style dogs, but we never fight over going to Redington’s Wahoo’s, where Jimmy’s dogs and brats cooked on a cast-iron stove and a draft are perfect nooners. Treasure Island’s Dixie’s Dog House gives you both Chicago or Coney dogs, plus brats, Italian and Polish sausages done right. Not sure if Nah Dogs vegan cart is still in the Edge District, but it’s worth the drive. Also love the dogs at Five Bucks Drinkery and everything at The Galley. Hot Dogs on Main in Dunedin is the ultimate pilgrimage for one-of-a-kind incarnations such as the Reuben, Dixie, spicy Chihuaha or Picnic dogs.
BBQ: Pork or beef, pulled or ribs, go to these spots if you don’t want to grill your own. Sonny’s BBQ and Smokey Bones do a fantastic job, but we love Cody’s on Tyrone, Urban Brew & BBQ, Lucky B’s, Thirsty First and Stillwaters Tavern. Best of show, of course, is Dr. BBQ in downtown St. Pete especially the Stunt Pig Sandwich (smoked pulled pork, Southside smoked sausage, bacon, roasted poblanos, tobacco onions, purple slaw, melted Pepper Jack, with Rays Original BBQ sauce all between two buttery slices of Texas toast). My go-to here is the Korean BBQ tacos (pork belly, grilled flour tortillas, frisee, purple slaw, Korean BBQ sauce and sesame seeds).
PIZZA: It’s an American tradition, hot from the brick oven or cold for breakfast. Paesano’s, Gennaro’s St. Pete Beach, Campanella’s and Tony’s DTSP are traditional favorites. For gourmet pies, go to Slyce (soon to open in St. Pete Beach), Coastal Pizza and daSesto’s.
*Menus and availability may change. Check ahead for hours, onsite dining, take-out or delivery options.