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.
The owners of Mazzaro’s Italian Market and Annata are at it again! Alto Mare Fish Bar will be opening next door to Annata at 300 Beach Dr NE #124 (formerly The Infused Tea Company). Alto Mare will offer dishes showcasing locally-sourced fish as well as fish from the Northeastern and Northwestern United States. Depending on the season, diners will be treated to a menu of crudos, oysters, clams, mussels, lobster, snow crab, tuna belly, uni and more. Vegetarian and meat options will also be available. The beverage menu will be catered towards drinks that pair well with seafood, such as white wines, champagnes and beer. Alto Mare has decided to take full advantage of being located next to Annata. The two restaurants will share Executive Chef, Joshua Breen, and Sommelier/General Manager, Rene Hernandez.
As Downtown St. Pete grows in popularity, it’s vital that our transportation system continues to evolve as well. In October, the Downtown Looper implemented new and exciting changes to their trolley service. In addition to adding an all-electric bus to its fleet, the Looper dropped their 50 cent fee and rolled out both an expanded route and extended hours. The new route increases the number of stops from 15 to 20, adding new stops in the Innovation District. The Looper will continue to run every 15 minutes, but now at the following expanded hours — Monday to Thursday 7am to 10pm, Friday 7am to midnight, Saturday 8am to midnight, and Sunday 8am to 10pm. Visit loopertrolley.com for more information.
A new weekly night market launched last month in the EDGE District of Downtown St Pete. The Royal Palm Market is held every Thursday night from 6pm until late in a beautiful lot next to Intermezzo Coffee and Cocktails that is covered in crushed shell, string lights, sail shades and over fifteen 30-foot royal palm trees. The market aims to attract vendors who are in-between conceiving a business idea and signing a lease for a brick and mortar location. Each week will see around 30 vendors, but that number is expected to grow as the market gains in popularity. While vendors will rotate week-to-week, the first few weeks of the market featured smoked meats, edible cookie dough, an ice cream truck, a photo booth inside of an old VW bus, graphic designers, artists, illustrators, jewelers, plants, and much more. So enjoy some live music, do a little shopping, grab a cocktail at Intermezzo, and celebrate the end of the week every Thursday at the Royal Palm Market!
Dr. BBQ opened to much fanfare last month at 1101 1st Avenue South in the EDGE District. The new smokehouse gets its name from award-winning pitmaster and Food Network star Ray “Dr. BBQ” Lampe, who has partnered with co-owners Roger and Suzanne Perry of the popular Tampa brunch gastropub, Datz. The menu features dishes influenced by barbecue techniques seen not only across the country, but also across the globe. Diners can expect a range of flavors, including sauces like Korean gochujang and North African harissa. The 200-seat restaurant is massive, a whopping 9,000 square feet spanning two floors and set in a former steel-casting factory. Due to overwhelming demand, Dr. BBQ has been experiencing long wait times, so we recommend calling ahead before you arrive.
St. Pete Rising is an urban development blog covering future retail, restaurants, and real estate in Downtown St. Petersburg, FL. Stay up-todate, visit StPeteRising.com.
We called Dr. BBQ last weekend to place a to go order. They do not accept them and they are not taking reservations right now.
Good to know! Thanks for sharing.