It seems like each time we take a stroll through downtown there are new restaurants and galleries opening and more apartment complexes and condo towers being built. We realize it’s difficult to keep track of everything. Luckily, we’ve done the research, so you don’t have to. Each month we will feature a few of the most exciting new downtown developments that are on the horizon for the Sunshine City.
On the Jannus block, Rattle N Hum has opened, replacing Cask and Ale. Owned by the folks at Thirsty First, Rattle N Hum’s focus is on providing exceptional craft cocktails, craft beers, and fine food. All cocktails, food and beer will rotate seasonally in order to keep everything fresh. Renovations on the space, which include the addition of an outdoor bar area, will be wrapped up this month. Grab a cold one and watch the game at Rattle N Hum, located at 29 3rd Street North.
Debuting in Downtown St. Pete in January 2018, The Imagine Museum will showcase the art of contemporary American studio glass. Located at 1901 Central Avenue, the 50,000 square foot museum will house a permanent collection across two floors, which will display glass works from the early 1960s to the contemporary moment. Specifically, fifty-five artists have been chosen to represent 55 years of studio glass in America. Once open to the public, the museum will also include special exhibits, a museum shop and a cafe. The Imagine Museum joins two other museums currently under construction in Downtown St. Pete — The James Museum of Western and Wildlife Art and The Museum of the American Arts and Craft Movement.
Last month, Fabrica Pizza turned on the wood-fired ovens and opened their doors to the public. This marks the second location for Fabrica — the first location is situated in Downtown Tampa. The brand new Downtown St. Pete location sits on the ground-level of The Hermitage Apartment Homes at 101 7th Street South, directly across the street from the new Publix. Fabrica specializes in build-your-own, individual-sized Neopolitan pizza, however they also serve salads and small plates such as oven-roasted meatballs and marinated olives. Be sure to top it all off with a scoop of their locally made gelato!
A year after announcing their intent to join the Downtown St. Pete restaurant scene, Ford’s Garage has finally broken ground at 200 First Avenue South, which was formerly home to the Rowdies Den. With seven locations throughout Florida, Ford’s Garage is all about their burgers and craft beer. The burger options are endless, offering a wide variety of patties including black angus beef, American Kobe, turkey, chicken, tuna, seafood and vegetarian. If you’re not in the mood for a burger, Ford’s Garage will also offer a diverse selection of entrées including steaks, pasta, and ribs. On the lighter side, the menu boasts fresh salads, grilled chicken, turkey and fresh fish. Ford’s Garage will open in the first half of 2018.
The Fringe District continues to grow as 11 Chicks opens, bringing Venezuelan cuisine to 199 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street North. The star of the menu are their build-your-own arepas, a Venezuelan specialty that consists of two fried corn patties stuffed with your choice of meat, cheese, eggs, and more. The Venezuelan bowl, empanadas, and tequeños also come highly recommended. While visiting, check out the macaw mural on the side of the building created by a local Venezuelan artist, Alà Hernández (@hadart_vzla).
St. Pete Rising is an urban development blog covering future retail, restaurants, and real estate in Downtown St. Petersburg, FL. Stay up-to-date, visit StPeteRising.com.
