Today eating out is not necessarily “dining out.”
Very often the only choice may be to grab some good quality eats before the game, after a hard day’s labor, or just because your have a craving for multiple “bites.”
Whether a restaurant menu announces “small plates,” “appeteasers,” or just plain old bar bites, there’s a huge variety for us to choose from here in Tampa Bay.
Happy hours, “earlybirds,” and “daily specials” have become the affordable way to spread our wings and enjoy! Here’s a selection of my favorite places where you will experience good food and drink at reasonable prices, without having to sit through the often painful process of formal dining. Since happy hours and specials change (even on a daily basis) is sure to check with the eatery before you venture out.
THE BEACH SCENE
Blue Parrot
One of the hottest gathering places for good music, from rock to country. Often referred to as the “Cheers” of the beach. Typical happy hours are from 4-7 pm and include $2 domestic drafts and $2.25 well drinks. Not so easy to find, located on East Corey Avenue in a rambling but cozy building. 85 Coral Circle, St. Pete Beach • 727-368-9619
Bongo Beach Bar & Grille
Especially popular with tourists, this busy bistro offers a variety of seaside fare including tropical libations and American style eats. 5250 Gulf Blvd, St. Pete Beach • 888-207-1473
Castile Restaurant in the Hotel Zamora
The rooftop lounge in this new hotel is perhaps the best in the area for a spectacular view of the Gulf and about as romantic as it gets. Watch the sunset and chill for a few hours sampling their excellent tropical cocktails and fancy munchies. 3701 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach • 727-456-8660
Chill Restaurant & Bar
Lively eatery with a good selection of tapas and other favorites. The bar is perfectly positioned for watching the happy diners and listening to live music from the piano bar. Shrimp & Grits are excellent, as are the tropical libations. 357 Corey Ave., St. Pete Beach • 727-360-2445
The Drunken Clam
Wings, wings and more wings. A favorite of beer lovers. Casual and just what you’d expect of a bar beach bar. Located across the street from the Gulf, so head out to the beach for a nice swim afterwards. 46 46th Ave, St. Pete Beach • 727-360-1800
Gators Café & Saloon
If you’re up for lots of live music (they have four stages) this bar is the place to hang and make a few new friends. Specials start at 11am opening, including $2 domestic bottled beers & drafts, $4 well drink. Waterfront views are spectacular. 12754 Kingfish Dr, Treasure Isl. • 727-367-8951
Gennaro’s
Having lived in Italy, I find this traditional trattoria to be one of the best on the beach. Okay, it’s not on the water, but their handy location keeps prices more than reasonable. Try their thin-crust pizza and any of their authentic home-style dishes. Wines and beer reasonably prices. Opens noon for lunch, closed Mondays. 2004 Pass-a-Grille Way, Pass-a-Grille • 727-360-0563
Hurricane Seafood Restaurant
This waterfront icon in a three story building features rooftop and beach bars plus plenty of fresh seafood fare. The grouper sandwich is one of the most noted. Chef Gary Mayfield helps make a difference. Specials run from noon until six and include $2 domestic draft beers and $2.75 well drinks. 809 Gulf Way Pass-a-Grille • 727-360-9558
Jimmy B’s Beach Bar
Located in The Beachcomber Resort Hotel ever since I can remember. Jimmy’s has been the Margaritaville of the West Coast. You’re welcome to dine in your bathing suit or bikini. Drafts are more than reasonable and the bartenders are a trip. Live music and a spacious deck overlooking the glorious Gulf. 6200 Gulf Blvd, St. Pete Beach • 727-367-1902
Oyster Shucker
This lively place has been a fixture on the beach for years. Known for oysters, of course, but there’s a good selection of beers and deep frieds. From 4-6 pm; get a dozen oysters for eight bucks, $2.50 domestic beers, $3 house wines and specific well cocktails.650 Corey Ave, St. Pete Beach • 727-363-4464
The Pearl
Chef Karim runs a tight ship here with a nice variety of Mediterranean and Continental bites. Go early for the specials. There’s a small bar where you can sit but most fun is dining alfresco in the front patio. $5 martinis are one of the favorite specials with $10 – $15 Early Bird specials for two course meals. 163 107th Ave., Treasure Island • 727-360-9151
Ricky T’s Bar & Grille
Never mind that the proud founder of this rockin’ establishment passed away while enjoying some of his popular wings. Great place to hang with good prices on fried foods and lots of music and action. Always busy, so get there early. 10601 Gulf Blvd, Treasure Island • 727-363-7425
R Bar
Having lived on Sunset Beach for four years, this den of deliciousness was always one of my favorite go-to places. Excellent beer prices and good chow; they even include live music at specific times and plenty of party folk. 245 108th Ave, Treasure Island • 727-367-3400
Rumfish Grill
It’s world-famous artist Guy Harvey territory with excellent seafood and a lively outdoor bar. Graze on the luscious appetizers and marvel at the amazing snorkel aquarium. Nightly specials in the bar.6000 Gulf Blvd, St. Pete Beach • 727-329-1428
Sea Critters Cafe
I’ve been reviewing this waterside cafe’ consistently ever since it’s opening back in the 80’s. Prices are reasonable, the seafood is fresh and you can dock your boat outside, and enjoy waterfront dining. What more can you ask for? 2007 Pass-A-Grille Way, Pass-a-Grille • 727-360-3706
Selene
The Newest Happy Hour on the beach features a gourmet happy hour menu priced $5-$7 with a good house wine and craft beers at $4 from 4-7 pm Sunday-Friday. Try the pita points served with your choice of three delectable house-made spreads for just $6 or the best grilled octopus south of Tarpon Springs. 4945 Gulf Blvd, St. Pete Beach • 727-317-2064
Shells Seafood Restaurant St. Pete Beach
Okay, so it’s just another seafood chain across from the Gulf. Surprisingly, this is one of the best of the Shells chain, prices are reasonable and include lots of friendly young servers who serve well and fast. Shrimp entrees are the best. 7081 Gulf Blvd, St. Pete Beach • 727-826-0729
Sloppy Joes
An upscale version of the iconic Key West bar, this nicely decorated bar serves a variety of good food with somewhat hefty prices, though worth the tariff. Good fresh seafood and Gulf views make it worth the trip. Have a Daiquiri in honor of the old fisherman. 10650 Gulf Blvd, Treasure Island • 727-367-1600
The Toasted Monkey
If you don’t mind the sound level, this favorite of the millennial generation is the place to get “toasted monkey around a bit.”Join in one of the ongoing volleyball games and eharmony type of stuff. 6110 Gulf Blvd, St. Pete Beach 727-360-5800
The Wharf Restaurant
Located on the way to downtown Pass-A-Grille, this go-to restaurant does a great job preparing seafood nibbles and meals. It opens early with a good beer selection and makes it ever better with the casual seafood view. 2001 Pass-A-Grille Way, Pass-A-Grille • 727-367-9469
VIP Lounge & Mexican Restaurant
I’ve been going to this popular restaurant and oh-so casual hang out for over 30 years now. Order an assortment of their menu; the wet burrito is a winner. Around 4 pm there are specials on all beers starting around $3. 18625 Gulf Blvd.,Treasure Island • 727-360-5062
Woody’s Waterfront
A favorite of tourists, this indoor-outdoor eatery often features Jimmy Buffet style music and lots of fried fish. Right on the Gulf at the mouth of Blind Pass. 7308 Sunset Way, St. Pete Beach • 727-360-9165
DOWNTOWN SCENE
Bella Brava
Casual Italian cuisine both from the north and south of the boot-shaped country. Specials on food and wine are vigorously rotated so there’s always something new. Sit by the pleasant u-shaped bar to enjoy your meal or one of the numerous tables inside and out. Their wine list is always current and one of the best in town. 204 Beach Dr. NE, St. Petersburg • 727-895-5375
The Burg Bar & Grill
My favorite bites here are the fall-off-the-bone baby backs with a slightly spicy sauce, just enough to make you want to engage in several of their craft beers. Mostly stool seating, but there are a few tables out back. 1752 Central Ave, St. Petersburg • 727-894-2874
The Canopy in the Birchwood
The highlight, of course, is the penthouse bar which gives you the best view of the city. Sip a tropical cocktail while lounging in a cozy cabana. Truly the most romantic setting in town. Order a few nibbles to go-with. 340 Beach Dr. NE, St. Petersburg • 727-896-1080
Casa Taqueria
Hands down these are some of the best tacos you’ll ever devour. Tortillas are made from scratch. Order as you enter and your Mexican delights will be delivered to you asap. Beer or sangria makes for the perfect go-with. 663 Central Ave., St. Petersburg • 727-498-8749
Crowley’s Downtown
My first name, “Joyce” is the last name of my Irish grandfather, so I’m always in the mood for an Irish-themed tavern featuring pub grub & lots of beers on tap. Authentic Irish recipes and plenty of satisfied customers. 269 Central Ave., St. Petersburg • 727-821-1111
Emerald Bar
This Irish den of delightful conversations and cheap beers has a very casual vibe and once in awhile has some live music. Regulars have been going here for decades and you can expect them to hang out nearly every day. 550 Central Ave., St. Petersburg • 727-898-6054
Engine No. 9
One of the hottest sports bar with ‘burgs galore. Also wings, sashimi and a few unique items like fried dill pickle spears. Craft beers and ciders are excellent but this bar offers few specials. $5 Burger night 7-9 pm Wed’s. 56 MLK Blvd. N, St. Petersburg • 727-623-0938
Green Bench Brewing Company
Prefer to drink your lunch? Sip and savor some of the finest craft beer in town. These folks are fuzzy about what they produce and you can bet you’ll order a few. 1133 Baum Ave. N., St. Petersburg • 727-800-9836
Hawkers
It’s Asian heaven. Lots of specials from 12-2 pm and 3-6 pm. Best bites include a luscious roti with dipping sauce, summer rolls, five spice chicken and pork, and chicken wings done a half dozen ways. Recipes are from a variety of regional areas. Great beer and wine specials and an enthusiastic serving staff. Loud, but worth the visit. 1235 Central Ave., St. Petersburg • 1-844-EAT-HAWK
The Mill
Okay, it’s a mite pricey but how many bites do you really need. Order a selection of “First Plates” and then graze away. There’s also cheese and charcuterie you may have never tasted the likes of. Ted Dorsey, Chef Extraordinaire, also offers a great selection of wines-by-the-glass and craft beers. 200 Central Ave. #100, St. Petersburg • 727-317-3930
Moon Under Water
One of the first successes of Beach Drive, the owners maintain an excellent consistency in a variety of appetizers with East Indian flavors as well as American flavors. Beginning around 3 pm until 7 pm 1/2 off house wine, drafts & well drinks. $6 appetizers are a bargain. 332 Beach Dr. NE, St. Petersburg • 727-896-6160
Red Mesa Cantina
Chef Chris knows his stuff, after all he’s from Mexico and understands the ins and outs of authentic cuisine. Try the duck tacos and just about everything else you can. Good wine list and a pleasant outdoor patio. 128 3rd St. S, St. Petersburg • 727-896-8226
Souzou
New on the ever-evolving St. Petsrsburg dining scene is this lovely upscale Asian eatery serving a variety of original favorites, including a lychee martini, luscious lettuce wraps and unique sushi creations. Happy hour is lots of fun. 435 5th Ave. N, St. Petersburg • 727-823-4050
Stillwaters Tavern
This vibrant bar, known for its cheese fondue, house made beer nuts and fresh seafood is one of the newest editions to the St. Petersburg scene. Good wine list and craft beers.224 Beach Dr. NE, St. Petersburg • 727-350-1019
Tryst Gastro Lounge
Here you will find some of themost delicious appetizers in town, though not on the cheap side… But, quality and ambience are worth a few extra bucks. An indoor-outdoor bar adds to the festivities, but I prefer dining alfresco on the cozy chairs. Good wine list and impressive place for a first date. 240 Beach Dr. NE, St. Petersburg • 727-821-4567
Wine Madonna
Locally-owned wine bar by a team interested in books as well as wine offer a sizable list, plus tasting & pairing events in a cozy ambience. Enjoy a movie at Sundial before or after your visit. 111 2nd Ave NE, St. Petersburg • 727-289-7257
Z-Grille
Zack Gross, owner of this cozy little eatery by the Bay, conducts one of the best happy hours in town. Be sure to order one of each, including the deviled eggs and the Dr. Pepper ribs. Dinner will cost you a bit, but it’s worth every last nibble. 104 2nd St. S, St. Petersburg • 727-822-9600
3 Daughters Brewing
St. Pete’s Warehouse District is exploding and 3 Daughters is one of the most popular. There are an exceptional brews and plenty of camaraderie. 222 2nd St. S., St. Petersburg • 727-495-8002
Author: Joyce LaFray