Local Businesses in St. Pete You Need to Know About
Ever since moving to St. Pete, I’ve been fueled by a surge of creative inspiration, to explore my local surroundings and engage with the community. This city is all about making tangible connections and feeding entrepreneurial souls, which is why it’s so important to continue supporting those businesses that are able to open and even flourish.
Whether a local or a future in-person visitor, be sure give these businesses some love online/via social media and read on for five awesome St. Petersburg businesses to visit and support this month!
The Saint Speakeasy
Having traveled the world and visited many uniquely experiential locales, I’ve never ventured into a place quite like The Saint. Having just recently opened, Saint is already the place to be in St. Pete, maintaining an air of exclusivity and decadence from the moment you step in — but sinners be ready to confess, as you’re required a secret sin upon entering. Once granted access, enter through the confessional that leads directly into the lavish speakeasy area.
Check out my interview the owner, creator and the mind behind the mischief, David Fischer. I won’t give too much away, as they mystery is part of the fun, but it’s up to you to decide whether you’re a sinner or a saint….The Saint invites you in to confess life’s darkest sins, enjoy fine cocktails and even finer company in a uniquely intimated and visceral atmosphere.
“Lurking behind a discrete, unassuming entryway on a side street in the Grand Central District of St. Petersburg awaits an unrivaled cocktail experience,” shares owner David Fischer.
Resident Mischief-Makers are masked and ready to serve one of the delectable 7 Deadly Sins cocktails — ranging from sloth to lust, each cocktail is paired with a matching sin that is immediately conveyed in its flavor profiles. As delicious as each beverage is, they are equally extravagant and artfully presented in master mixology form (picture a bubble full of smoke enveloping your cocktail).
The unassuming exterior is no indicator of the rich atmosphere you’ll find inside. Boasting a bold mix of classic and contemporary decor, from crystal chandeliers, black leather upholstery, a furry wall, and lots of incredible art, including a redeux of a classic piece by the Vitale Brothers and a super cool mural by local artist Chad Mize. While your senses will definitely overloaded, the dim lighting and not-too-loud music creates the ideal speakeasy vibe perfect for enjoying a drink and a conversation, albeit a sinful one.
Follow Saint on Facebook and Instagram to stay in the loop! Hours are currently Thursdays from 5pm-12am, Friday & Saturday 5pm-2am and Sunday 5pm-12am, 49 24th Street N Saint Petersburg, FL 33713
Wild Child Restaurant & Cocktail Bar
I was instantly enamored with Wild Child’s jungle-esque aesthetic, personality and seasonal tapas-inspired menu, even before my first visit. It’s hard not to fall in love with this Grand Central District newbie, boasting vibrant décor and a stand out menu and exotic cocktail lineup that’ll truly bring out your most wild side.
Seasonal ingredients are key and take center stage in every form. I was lucky enough to get a sneak peek into their brand new Spring Menu, including new floral-infused cocktails, fresh tapas and delicious main courses. Press play below and watch me devour some of these brand new dishes.
If you’re looking for a vibrant escape right in the heart of St. Pete, Wild Child will be your new oasis. The current spring menu include globally-inspired takes on classic favorites. Are you a lamb lover? Have you ever tried Lamb with goat cheese fondue? Watch until the end and you’ll definitely want to! I was blown away by this elevated pairing of lamb rack, with a savory cheese sauce, farro salad and a pistachio topping. The Chorizo Stuffed Dates with tomato piquillo pepper sauce are already a menu star but that romesco really sings under the spring sun! Not filmed, was the delectable Market Whole Fish, a red snapper with a tender meaty interior and perfectly crisp skin, paired with a clean tomatillo lime sauce and charred corn salad.
That first cocktail was the Queens Park Swizzle, combing premium Caribbean rum and rich simple syrup with a bouquet of fresh mint, a squeeze of lime and several dashes of Angostura bitter. A tropical surprise for your tastebuds, indeed! As a lover of mezcal, I love the fact that I can order both a variety of cocktails made with mezcal, as well as various specialty mezcal options. Cocktail options include freshly squeezed juices, homemade bitters and specialty mixers, made with real ingredients, which translate with every sip. Whether you’re visiting for dinner and drinks or brunch with the bunch, there’s a dish and a drink for every friend in your group. They’re also currently expanding their outdoor dining space and adding a brand new bar, which I absolutely cannot wait to visit!
Along with the incredible food, the customer service is truly top-notch, with every team member boasting a beaming smile palpable under their masks. Their passion and love for what they do is tangible in every bite and sip. After returning only two days later for a second helping of Wild, I’ve officially decided that I can’t stop won’t stop visiting and am so thankful that a place like Wild Child lives in our little slice of sunshine.
Hours for Wild Child are Wednesday & Thursday, 5pm-9pm; Friday & Saturday from 5pm-10pm. Check out @Wildchild_stpete on social media to keep up with the latest updates! 2710 Central Avenue.
One of Historic Uptown’s newest additions is Neat Neat Neat, an eclectic boutique meets apothecary, offering a stand-out array of unique gifts, goods, décor, St. Pete merch and so much more.
Image via Neat Neat Neat
Neat Neat Neat is the incredible brainchild of Reneata Griffin, who moved to St. Pete from Colorado and decided to bring a taste of the rockies to the Sunshine City.
If you’re looking for bespoke gifts, perfect for the holidays this is the perfect spot for you. From one-of-a-kind accessories, goods and art, you’ll have everything needed to delight that special someone in your life. Not to mention, you can spoil yourself while shopping for loved ones, as Neat Neat Neat also offers waxing and facial services, such as brow and lash tinting, facial LED light treatments, peels and more. You can view the full menu of services and offerings on Neat Neat Neat’s Instagram.
Hours are Thursday-Saturday from 11am-6pm, Sunday from 11am-2pm and Monday from 4-7pm. 689 Dr. MLK Jr. Street North
Pinoy
While Tampa Bay is home to a plethora of Asian eateries, I’m beyond excited to welcome downtown St. Pete’s first authentic Filipino restaurant, which officially opened in Baum Avenue Market! Pinoy was brought onto the scene by owner and Chef Raquel ‘Jingle’ Baluyut, who is actually sister of Josie Barber, owner of Karma Juice Bar in Baum Avenue Market on 1113 Central Avenue.
Both the interior as well as the homemade recipes pay tribute to Jingle’s home in the Tarlac region of the Philippines, influenced by Chef Raquel ‘Jingle’ Baluyut’s roots in Pampanga, known as the culinary capital of the Philippines. Jingle has hired an all-Filipino staff to stay true to her cultural roots — creating an overall sense of good food and good energy.
“Filipino cuisine consists of a multi global influence. From Chinese, Japanese, Malay, Spanish, Indian and many more. We are the Melting Pot of Asia. So Pinoy shared a few dishes that are derived from different countries and its own,” reads the website.
While the entire menu radiates complex flavors and deliciousness, the below are some must-try’s:
Appetizers
Adobo Rice Balls, yummy deep fried Chicken Adobo Stuffed in rice.
Mains
Bistek Tagalog, made with thin slices of tender beef stewed in soy sauce and lemon juice, topped with onions and served with rice.
Vegetable Curry, made with fresh veggies and served over jasmine rice.
Extras
Buko Juice, a refreshing fresh juice made from the meat of young coconuts.
Halo-Halo, a delicious dessert made with crushed ice, evaporated milk, sweetened beans, coconut strips, nata de coco, fruit slices, flan, topped with a scoop of ice cream.
Follow Pinoy on Instagram and Facebook and learn more by visiting their website or in-person at 1113 Baum Avenue North. Hours are from Tuesday-Sunday 11am-9pm.
Let me know if you visit any of these incredible local spots or if you think I missed anything on this list! Remember to always keep {locally} galavanting! xx Alexia