By Nanette Wiser
SIP TIPS In Grand Central, Mixers at Old Key West Bar & Grill is closed and up for sale. Also closing after New Year is Avid Brewery. DTSP’s Five Bucks Drinkery has taken over the Pete & Shorty spot next to Campanella’s on Park Blvd. and 49th. The Moxy Hotel by Marriott will showcase The Sparrow rooftop bar in the Edge District. Want to know where to shop, eat and drink on The Pier? Pick up Platinum Media’s annual St. Pete Pier magazine in Jan. 2023, showcasing happenings and personalities that make the Pier a world-class destination.
WHAT’S SUP Porchettoni food truck in Grand Central District is the hot spot for Italian boneless pork roast. Pete’s General will bring their all-day café with coffee and fresh bagels to a second location in Ybor City this spring. Seed and Feed is opening a new café, Perry’s Porch, at the St. Pete Museum of History in 2023; read Steve Traiman’s article this month to learn more.
Five-0 Donut Company opens in Old Northeast; the banana peanut butter or coconut cream filled are mouthwatering. Brunch Sunday at Sauvignon is fabulous, and the Saturday-only lunch 11am-3pm serves up charcuterie, salads and the best of boutique bubbly and wines. Estate Cigars and Social opened in December on Fourth St. and the bar, lounge and shop is sure to be popular among the downtown hoi poloi.
SHOP When exploring The St. Pete Pier, be sure to take the littles to Runrun Kids Store for toys. Urban Kai has opened a new retail and rental shop next to Lassing Park. The ultimate celebration of everything St. Pete is LOCALTOPIA in Williams Park, celebrating its 10th year and Keep Saint Petersburg Local says it is the biggest ever with 300+ of the city’s favorite independent businesses and community organizations. This family-friendly festival also commemorates KSPL’s 11-year anniversary; the event is free, but please consider throwing something into the tip jars at the “Local Thirst Stations” to support LOCALTOPIA. (LOCALTOPIA asks that you leave your furry friends home due to large crowds.) Here are some of the exciting vendors, entertainment, and services you’ll discover, plus delicious DTSP food and drink purveyors. There’s live local music on the Williams Park Bandstand, street performances and engaging activities for all ages including live screen printing, free demos and crafts.
MAKERS & MERCHANTS Art & Handcrafted Goods, Artisanal + Plant-Based Food & Beverages, Body/Self-Care, Books, Clothing & Accessories, Home Decor, Jewelry, Pet, Plants & Plant-Based Products, Vintage, Vinyl & Much More!
VILLAGES in Williams Park Arts Village | Family Village | Health & Wellness Village | #AllThingsPlants Village
EAT, DRINK & PLAY LOCAL on 4th St. (Food Truck Rally Alley), 2ND Ave. (from 2nd to 4th Streets) (more food trucks and restaurants) and other food, drink vendors. The Local Thirst Stations sell local beer and wine in cans plus there are local breweries serving their beers and draft beer trucks.
3RD STREET (from 1st to 3rd Avenues): Boutiques | Vendors on Wheels | More Artists & Artisans + Collectives | Gourmet Food | Home Decor | DJs | Literary Corner | Street Fun
