I’ve shared info on St. Pete in the past within a few different posts, but recently I took about five-days and stayed in downtown so I was able to immerse myself a bit more in what the city had to offer. I found a sweet Airbnb a few blocks off the main drag of Central Avenue so I was close to the heart of Downtown. Special shout out to @maxgarcia for always giving me the truth about her St. Pete recs. You can follow her on IG.

EATS + DRINKS

Flatbread & Butter

A charming cafe that is coffee shop by day and neighborhood hang with beer and wine by night. They have a small menu of flatbreads and sandwiches, and the greatest perk is that breakfast is served all day. Very cute and comfortable.

497 7th Ave N, St Petersburg, FL flatbreadandbutter.com

Bandit Coffee

There is no shortage of coffee spots in St. Petersburg, but Bandit is my favorite. I love their roasts, their seasonal drinks are always tasty, and their service has always been hospitable. I go here pretty much every day that I’m in town. It’s my first coffee shop recommendation always.

2662 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, FL banditcoffee.co

Black Crow Coffee

A cute and earthy coffee shop with several seating nooks for working, reading, or catching up. There are two locations. The one I visited is on 1st Avenue.

2157 1st Ave S blackcrowcoffeeco.com

The Bier Boutique

A chill spot for seriously good burgers, as long as you like Bison. The bowl of candied bacon should also not be missed.

465 7th Ave N, St. Petersburg thebierboutique.com

Pete’s General Store

This quaint spot is a cute pit stop for visitors to grab some to-go eats and trinkets local to St. Petersburg (I got an adorable manatee mug). To those who live locally, this is also a breakfast stop with fresh hand-rolled, small batch bagels, and it doubles as a modern bodega of sorts to grab beer, treats, and gifts for friends. While I was there someone that ran an Airbnb was there buying items for their guests. This is absolutely a great place to do that.

495 7th Ave N, St. Petersburg petesgeneral.com

Casita Taqueria

While they aren’t quite giving Black Rooster a run for their money, this local taco joint was solid with fast and easy counter service.

2663 Central Ave, St. Petersburg casitatacos.com

Bright Ice

This is a relatively new shop that offers small-batch ice creams with unique flavor profiles. I got roasted strawberries with sugar and balsamic, along with their deepest darkest chocolate. If ice cream isn’t something you are craving, they also double as a cafe with espresso-based drinks, and fresh pastries.
The decor is bright and beautiful.

3701 5th Ave N, St. Petersburg brighticeisnice.com

Trophy Fish

This “open-air” restaurant brings the feeling of a beach-side restaurant to downtown, minus the salty air and waves crashing in the distance. The bar is the focal point with additional seating around it. All food is ordered from small window in the back. Good cocktails and fried pickles.

2060 Central Ave, St. Petersburg trophyfishstpete.com

No Vacancy

While there is an interior bar, all the action happens outside under the neon signs and between the lawn games. The small courtyard is Instagram friendly, as are the drinks.

937 Central Ave, St. Petersburg novacancydtsp.com

Pizza Box

This is a great spot for pizza in downtown St. Petersburg. The restaurant itself however is incredibly small so you may not find a place to sit during peak times. My advice if it’s busy is to take your pie to-go and walk a block down to Greenbench Brewing and eat there with a local beer.

923 Central Ave, St. Petersburg pizzabox727.com

Peachey’s Baking Co.

So Peachy’s is not local to St. Petersburg, but their mobile bakery stays mainly on the west side of Florida and makes stops in St. Pete. The doughnuts are SO good. Imagine Krispy Kreme but authentic and Amish. If you’re going to be in St. Pete I would check out their Instagram and see if they have any stops scheduled.

www.amishbakingco.com

Other food recommendations include:

Buya Ramen
Noble Crust
Bodega on Central
Better Byrd
Intermezzo
Urban Brew + BBQ
The Cider Press Cafe (vegan)
Plant Love Ice Cream (vegan)
Valhalla Bakery’s new shop coming soon (vegan)

SHOPPING + THINGS TO DO

Bohemian Rêves

This local boutique sells skincare items (I can vouch for their CBD lip balm and facial foam) along with other items the hippy in you might love. Plants, incense, select clothing, and cute accessories can all be found in this well-curated space. Great for a treat yourself trip or gifts.

1620 Central Ave, St. Petersburg bohemianreves.com

Bodhi Basics

This shop focuses on plant-based deodorants and skin care. The natural fragrances welcome you when you enter and you’ll spend time agonizing over which items to purchase from their various essential oils, soaps, and other products. I bought a lavender face mist that I just love.

240 9th St N, St. Petersburg bodhibasics.com

Parks + Rec

There are two locations of the arcade/bar, one in Tampa and one in St. Pete. I hopped over the bridge and visited the Tampa location. While they have a fun and game-centric cocktail menu I was actually hoping for more arcade games. It’s still a fun place to check out.

100 4TH ST S, ST. Petersburg or 290 S. Meridian Ave. Tampa youthhasnoage.com

Emerald City Comics Games Toys

For gamers and comic book lovers, Emerald City is a must visit. The address is Clearwater but it’s only about 15 minutes outside of downtown St. Pete. Aisle after aisle of graphic novels, Pop! collectibles, board games, figurines, and collectors items.

4902 113th Ave N, Clearwater emeraldcitycomics.com

Sunken Gardens

Sunken Gardens has been around for decades and I finally decided to take advantage of comfortable December temps and willingly walk around outside. The walking paths are quite tranquil and beautiful. The trees act as a canopy and keep it relatively cool. While it may only take an hour to explore, it’s a relaxing and affordable place to check out.

1825 4th St N, St. Petersburg

Other recommendations for things to do:

Shop at Vintage Modern St. Pete
Walk Vinoy Park at sunset
Visit the Dalí museum
Visit the Museum of Fine Arts
Drive to Treasure Island for sunset and lobster rolls at John’s Pass Boardwalk
Schedule your trip during one of their festivals
Visit the Imagine Museum

MURALS

Thanks to the yearly Shine mural festival St. Petersburg is filled with colorful art all over the city. I’ve shared murals in other posts, so here are some that are a bit newer to the area.

Artist: Leo Gomez | Location: 1955 3rd Avenue