6 Unique Dining Experiences to Try in St Petersburg, FL, This Year

Enjoy a tropical paradise just outside of Tampa when you live in St. Petersburg. Whether you're a foodie, a culinary expert, or a fan of the fresh fish and seaside dining you can get along Florida's iconic coastline, there's nothing better than enjoying a freshly caught meal around the edge of Tampa Bay. There are endless restaurants offering classic American cuisine, finely cooked fish, sushi, and oysters. But when you're looking for something a little more unusual, St. Petersburg still has you covered. The best restaurants in St. Petersburg, FL, offer everything from unique games to bars with themed cocktails and decor. So whether you're a long-time St. Petersburg resident or starting to think about moving to the area, make sure these unforgettable venues are on your list of places to visit.

In the mood for a spooky vibe or want to celebrate Halloween any time of year? The SpookEasy Lounge in St. Petersburg is a must-visit for witchy drinks, haunted house decor, and a spooky-chic aesthetic. It's a kava bar that serves alcohol downstairs and has a 'no alcohol upstairs' rule for people who want to sip their coffee and tea in (haunted) peace. When you're hungry for a hearty meal, you'll love their themed menu. Order the breakfast massacre sandwich or a plate of The Hills Have Fries, or try the wicked wings for dinner. There's even a 'Black Magic Cobb' for healthy eaters who don't want to miss out on the fun. The drink menu is even more extensive, with season kava flights, plenty of mocktails, and ghost-themed shots. Come here after a scary movie or to spend a memorable night out with friends.

Want some recreation with your next dinner out? Smack My Axe is an axe-throwing venue where you can practice (and compete) in axe-throwing rounds, play games, and eat great food. Sign up for an hour slot to refine your technique—you might even get some helpful tips from the owners on slow nights. Once you're finished axe-throwing, order a round of seltzers, wine, or beer and chat about your scores. They also serve pizza and wings, so it's a one-stop shop for a casual date night, an evening out with a group, or a fun social gathering. They're closed on Mondays and Tuesdays but stay open until 10 p.m. the rest of the week.

When you're looking for another spooky-themed restaurant, but you also want a bit more to do, The Potion Portal is the answer. It's part arcade, part bar, so you can take your drink to play video games, watch a game of air hockey, or try your hand at a round of ski ball. The aesthetic is a perfect blend of video game culture and Halloween chic, and you'll want to come back multiple times so you don't miss anything. This bar is open from 4 p.m. to midnight throughout the week and stays open until 3 a.m. on the weekends.

Repeat visitors love the service just as much as the wide selection of arcade classics and modern games. The drinks are even better. They keep 15 beers on tap, ranging from Chocka Moa, a strawberry kiwi sour, to All Hallow's Treat, their go-to Halloween stout. Whether you love unusual beers, vintage games, or a good time out, The Potion Portal is one of a kind.

Step into a classy, elegant lounge with an unusual hook: Level 11 is a rooftop bar along St. Pete Beach. Look out over the Gulf of Mexico to the west and St. Petersburg's iconic Gulf Boulevard to the east. You have a complete 360° of beautiful views, whether you come day or night. It sits above the Grand Plaza Hotel, and you can enjoy gourmet small plates with an international flair, professionally mixed cocktails, and golden hour spirits during happy hour. Enjoy a beautiful sunset around a fire-lit table, delicious tapas or a charcuterie board, and a wide selection of martinis by the hotel's experienced mixologists. It's the perfect choice for celebrating birthdays, celebrating a big milestone, or seeing the beauty of your new city.

St. Petersburg does themed restaurants right, even if you're in the mood for something a little more sedate. The Library, a chic restaurant between the local hospital and university, is a must-see St. Petersburg icon. The restaurant has a bar, indoor dining options, and plenty of outdoor dining. The building is a library stocked with readable books, classic library decor, and plush seats so you can comfortably sit and enjoy a good meal or a good book.

The food is also delicious, with upscale versions of classic American dishes like a BLT (made with a fried egg and fresh sourdough) and fries (which can be upgraded to parmesan truffle fries). The entire experience offers unparalleled elegance and fun; you'll feel like you've stepped into a novel.

For a unique take on classic American cuisine and decor, head to Social Roost, one of the best restaurants in St. Petersburg, FL. Giant paintings, airy decor, and modern, sophisticated furniture dominate the interior space. It's the go-to place for a fantastic brunch or dinner, and the full bar means there's no shortage of options for a sweet or savory boozy accompaniment to your table's dishes. For brunch, try the green eggs and ham or apple-stuffed French toast. For dinner, order multiple courses. Find rich small plates like ricotta toast and curry mussels. Then enjoy a tasty entree like a chicken pot pie with a flaky geometric crust, red snapper escovitch, or perfectly made shrimp and grits.

They also have a full wine list and an exhaustive list of signature cocktails and classic mixed drinks. They're closed on Mondays but make time to visit during their brunch or supper windows.

You can find witchy-themed bars, rooftop restaurants, dueling pianos, and more up and down the beach at St. Petersburg, and no vacation is long enough to see them all. If you are moving to one of the condos for sale or luxury homes in St. Petersburg, FL, you can enjoy exploring these iconic restaurants, eateries with seasonal menus, and beachside restaurants with all your seafood favorites. The KVA Group, with its expertise in St. Petersburg, FL, real estate, can help you find a home near your favorite dining districts and other attractions. Talk to us today about what property you're looking for, and we'll create a custom home search so you have a personalized tour of real estate options throughout the city.