By Nanette Wiser
Bars and breweries are back! As of Sept. 14th, restaurants are seating 50% with social distancing. So many new Pinellas County and beach spots to explore, some with new menus and some just brand new!
If you’re flying through PIE, you can enjoy the Italian dishes and sandwiches of Mazzaro’s, so popular on 22nd. While you’re at the original Italian grocer picking up fresh pasta, home-cooked dishes, calzone, olives, cheese and salami, be sure to shop Casa Mazzaro for early holiday home gifts.
Two chains we like are on Gulf Boulevard this fall. Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin Robbins come to Redington, and nothing is better for a morning beach stroll than 2 for $5 bacon, egg and cheese croissants and pumpkin iced latte.
If you haven’t dined at Treasure Island’s Sunset Bistro, you need to stop by for their hand-crafted Sangria (white mixed with red), French class and cuisine (French onion soup, steak au poivre) Wednesday, jazz and dinner (crab topped grouper, Florida style crab cakes) Friday and Sunday brunch and breakfast (berry pancakes).
Downtown Clearwater’s walking mall near the Capital Theater is an afternoon delight, from Taps & Tequila to Clear Sky’s happy hour and amazing menu (Asian, Mexican, Regional American comfort food). Speaking of cocktails, BJ’s Brewery’s blood orange pom sangria with Fireball cinnamon whisky is the perfect Sunday football watching spot.
Belleair Market has taken over the vintage Jewel House, serving breakfast (corned beef hash, bagel lox and cream cheese) and lunch in addition to their wine, cigar, beer and “to-go” market with one of the best Cubans in town and an awesome catering menu.
Indian Rocks Beach has lost Aqua Prime and Los Mexicanos, but Jake’s Coastal Cantina is open in the former Lulu location, where street tacos and Mexican customized bowls are some of the best in town. Grand Hacienda in the Tyrone area is another excellent Mexican restaurant, as is VIP in Treasure Island.
Slyce has a third location in St. Pete Beach in addition to its IRB and Madeira Beach pizza pubs. Anecdote Brewing is back open and you can again taste wines at Symposium (and buy craft beers and boutique wine).
D. J.’s Clam Shack is open in Indian Shores, serving Ipswich clams and lobster rolls near the Dog and Parrot Bar & Grill. D.J.’s is no longer serving breakfast, but live music is back, indoor and out. Sadly, Candy Kitchen in IRB has closed but you can still tickle your sweet tooth with the original Madeira Beach location and the Redington shop near The Friendly Tavern.
New in Gulfport is Gulfport Brewery & Eatery with amazing food by Chef Jackie and small batch craft beers are a big hit as is Golden Dinosaurs vegan deli and the upcoming Salty’s Deli. Jax In and Out Café has expanded and Isabelle’s Thursday night $10 burger and beer is back. Check out Poke Falls for some Aloha fare.
Fo’Cheezy Twisted Meltz food truck now has a new St. Pete Beach storefront, with dozens of comforting grilled cheese concoctions (Mac N’Rib, Sloppy Jose) from celebrity chef Robert Hesse. Nearby, Eat at Fresh serves cold pressed juices, avocado toast and acai smoothie bowls.
Also new to Gulf Boulevard is Burgerfish Bar and Grill in St. Pete Beach, Sushi & Poke and Leaping Lizard Taphouse in Madeira Beach. Thirsty? Check out Sip St. Pete in St. Pete Beach for wine, craft beers, flatbreads, charcuterie and more. Get all jazzed up on Fridays at Redington’s Wine Knot or Thursdays at The Horse & Jockey.
In the Marina District, Tiki Docks Skyway Bar and Grill is open in St. Pete’s Maximo Marina, at the former location of Getaway, serving cocktails, specialty sandwiches and raw bar delights with an awesome view. Specialty Markets: Sprouts in Seminole is open, Earth Fare is reopening in Seminole City Centre (with new owners) and Tyrone Mall’s former Lucky store has a new tenant, Hitchcock’s Green Market. What do we love at Sprouts? The fresh fish, organic meats, lotions and potions, bakery (gluten and vegan) and unique fruits and veggies, even an organic wine section. FYI, DTSP’s Brick Farms greens are now on sale in most Publix.
Cool Treats: Rita’s Gelato opens in Madeira Beach, one of the many frozen confections you can enjoy on the beach, including Sno-Balls. Order Studio Gelato online and get it delivered to your home. Sprinkles Ice Cream in St. Pete Beach serves Amish-made ice cream from Sarasota’s Big Olaf Creamery as well as frozen yogurt and Italian ice.
Local Shops1: You can always find a local gourmet delight here including County Line Produce and Greek dressing, Sassy Cucina whipped feta and hummus with olives, Saucy Queen cucumber dill dip (with pita bread, feta), The Main Ingredient Greek seasonings, Heavenly Puffs loukoumades and Yo Mama’s Foods Caesar dressing… and so much more.