First Look: Juno & The Peacock and Pluma Lounge - St. Pete’s Hottest New Destination
Downtown St. Pete, Florida is buzzing with excitement as the city welcomes its newest restaurant and cocktail lounge, Juno & The Peacock and Pluma, now open on Beach Drive. Located across from North Straub Park and the iconic Vinoy Hotel, this sophisticated hotspot is set to elevate the dining and nightlife scene with its New American Coastal Cuisine and elevated cocktail menu, fused with a total Great Gatsby, roaring twenties, indulgently elegant vibe.
The owners of this new concept are the creators of sister Beach Drive restaurant, Allelo — one of my favorite restaurants in Tampa Bay, and total culinary couple goals. They’ve made such a mark with the gorgeous Allelo, so the community was thrilled to learn they would be bringing yet another new hot spot to the bustling Beach Drive corridor with Juno & The Peacock and Pluma Lounge.
I had the pleasure of attending the ribbon cutting on August 23, hosted by the St. Pete Chamber, and it was a celebration to remember! The grand opening offered guests a sneak peek into the thoughtful design and culinary experiences this new venue brings to Beach Drive. It was so wonderful to see the many spaces of the venue thriving with action and live music, and lots of feathers!
Cocktail Hour at Pluma Lounge
So there are technically two establishments to this lovely location, Pluma Lounge and Juno & The Peacock. Both which are meant to be enjoyed independently of one another, yet dovetail so seamlessly into a corner of color and culinary delight. I would suggest to begin with a cocktail at the sultry Pluma, the adjacent cocktail lounge, where you can sip on expertly crafted drinks in an intimate yet trendy atmosphere. Pluma’s cocktail menu takes you on a journey through the South America, from Lima to Tulum and beyond. Each drink is crafted with precision and a touch of nostalgia and a curated wine selection featuring over 1,400 options from primarily New World regions adds a special flair.
Culinary Delights at Juno & The Peacock
Juno & The Peacock offers a vibrant menu showcasing locally sourced ingredients prepared in-house, blending traditional and modern techniques. The restaurant’s focus on New American Coastal Cuisine means that you’ll find an eclectic mix of flavors inspired by the region’s freshest seafood and produce. Everything from coastal-inspired dishes or indulgent entrées. The space itself is incredibly alluring — think casual Floridian sophistication mixed with international design influences, and a sprinkle of St. Pete’s historic and eclectic charm. The design of Juno & The Peacock truly encapsulates the essence of St. Pete. Imagine old-world charm blending effortlessly with sleek, modern elements. With indoor and outdoor seating for up to 300 guests, there’s plenty of space to enjoy the ambiance while you sip, savor, and soak in the vibes.
What to Eat & Drink
When visiting, I highly recommend starting your meal with one of their unique cocktails, if you think you’ve tried a martini, you’ve never had one like this before. Follow that with Monica’s Corn Bread and a selection of their freshest, locally sourced oysters.
The seafood-forward offerings, including some must-try fish entrees, are not to be missed. I love the way they highlight veggies and the freshness, like in the Baby Gem salad. Pro tip, the ceaser salad has the corn bread in crouton form.
However, my favorite entrees were the Bone-in ribeye and the Seafood bucatini, you can taste the love in the homemade pasta. Lastly, we had to wrap on a sweet note. I’m usually not a key lime pie girly but this one is a must try (and so pretty to photograph), so I’m glad our gorgeous and amazing server Alex convinced us to do so.
St. Pete remains the place to be for a diverse community full of art, culture, funky events, and dining experiences like Juno & The Peacock. Make your reservation at www.junoandthepeacock.com.
Stay tuned as I galavant and highlight more of what makes Tanpa Bay such a vibrant place to live and visit!