By Kelly Rouse
Spooky season is here! If you’re seeking some ghoulishly good cuisine and sublime spirits, head to one of these memorable haunts, if you dare…
SESH
Newly nominated for Best Brewery in the Burg, Sesh is set in St. Pete’s historic Earl Gresh Cottage and the building is said to have an aura of mystery and ghostly tales. The restaurant’s design delightfully plays upon the paranormal themes and for Halloween they go all out with decorating for the holiday, complete with a gigantic Jack Skellington greeting guests (for fans of “The Nightmare Before Christmas”). The menu will take you on an extraordinary gastronomic journey – highlights include the jelly donut burger, the gator po’boy, and the whipped feta salad, which can be enhanced with a protein. Their state-of-the-art Alpha Brewing Operations Brew House has created a terrific array of tasty beers, and you can sample a flight of four for just $12. Or try one of the tantalizing drinks from their Spirits selection, such as the “Evil Eye,” which features a lychee eyeball! And they serve BooRunch on Sundays.
Mon. 11am-10pm. Tues. and Wed. 4pm-10pm. Thurs., Fri. and Sat. 11am-10pm. Sun. brunch 11am-3pm and Sun. dinner 3pm-9pm.
DRACULA’S LEGACY WINE BAR & BISTRO
A divine spot for a night of decadence on Halloween or year-round, Dracula’s Legacy Wine Bar & Bistro is located downtown and specializes in fine wines (they have a second location in Tampa). They have a wonderful selection of red, white, rose and sparkling wines to choose from, as well as a delicious hand-crafted tapas menu from Chef Kate, owner of the Turnip the Beet catering company. Dracula’s Legacy Wine Bar & Bistro hosts a number of exciting events throughout the month, like wine tastings, live music, food and wine pairings, wine classes, wine glass painting, artist parties, and even book clubs. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or new to the wine world, they have something for everyone!
Mon.-Thurs. 4-11pm. Fri. 3pm-1am.
Sat. 2pm-1am. Sun. 2-10pm.
SPOOKEASY LOUNGE
“All spirits are welcome in Tampa Bay’s own haunted kava bar.” Located in Ybor City, Spookeasy offers alternatives to alcohol for those “weary spirits wanting a change of pace.” What is kava? Kava is a beverage made from the roots of a plant from the South Pacific Islands. It has been used ceremonially and medicinally for hundreds of years. Traditional kava has an earthy flavor, but can be flavored with savory selections of chocolate, vanilla or caramel- let your “tea-tender” guide you. Kava is also said to elevate the mood. For food, consider a Chupacabra Quesadilla or the Nachos of Nightmares. Spookeasy Lounge welcomes witches, warlocks, werewolfs, vampires and elves (ordinary humans are admitted as well). Their endearing motto is “All Souls are Welcome!” Spookeasy Lounge is an alcohol-free area, but if you’re looking for spirits, visit their sister business which is located downstairs, The Catacombs.
Sun.-Thurs. 11am-1am.
Fri. and Sat. 11am-3am.
HALLOWEEN BAR CRAWL
If you’re looking for the scariest Halloween themed bar crawl ever, don’t miss the annual event on Saturday, Oct. 26 from 4pm-12am that kicks off at The One Night Stand bar in downtown St. Pete. Once you check-in, you will be given your badge. The crawl includes five plus venues and two drinks – no covers at the bars and drink/food specials are offered. A “crazy” after party is promised and costumes are, of course, encouraged (the event is part of a national contest that awards the winner $1000). 2023 venues included: Crafty Squirrel, Park & Rec, Thirsty First and Whiskey Exchange. They suggest tickets be purchased in advance at the website below (prices increase as the event approaches, but groups get a discount). What are you waiting for? Get your ticket and your costume and have some thrilling fun!
www.crawlwith.us (St. Petersburg)
