Category Archives: Restaurant Reviews

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The Return of IL Ritorno – Downtown St. Pete 2018

Rack of Venison

IL Ritorno is back! Actually, they’ve been back since December 27th, but we finally got a chance to check out the new space on Valentine’s Day. They closed during the last quarter of 2017 to expand, nearly doubling their size, adding two more dining areas, an open kitchen, chef’s bar, and full liquor. More details […]

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Tap Into Some Great Apps at The Hollander’s Tap Room

The Tap Room at The Hollander’s Happy Hour is a Great Deal The Tap Room is a really cool, fun place to hangout in the heart of downtown St. Pete. It’s in The Hollander Hotel, so you have an eclectic mix of locals and tourists, and you never know who you are going to meet, […]

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Lolita’s Brunch Gives You One More Reason To Go

The Benedict at Lolita's Wine Market

When Lolita’s Wine Market opened last year, it seemed like they relied mostly on “word of mouth” (i.e. social media shares) to get the word out about the make-your-own-charcuterie concept. Lucky for them, people couldn’t stop raving about the place. And truth be told, I still can’t. The food is undeniably good. In an effort […]

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NuMex Chile Keeps Getting Better and Better

Red Chile with Ground Beef

When we first told you about NuMex Chile in the Grand Central District of St. Pete, we talked about traditional New Mexican fare (as in the US state), and there were no tacos or burritos. There are still traditional New Mexican dishes using the famous Hatch Chiles, but there are also tacos, burritos and a few […]

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Casita Taqueria Has Earned Their Loyal Following

Barbacoa, Chorizo, and Camarones Tacos at Casita

We recently published the 10 Best Mexican Restaurants in St. Pete, for which Casita did not appear. Ut oh. Suddenly, the villagers were chasing us down with torches in hand, ready to hang us from the rafters. We had been to Casita Taqueria on 4th Street North a few years ago in its current location. I […]

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Sola – One of the Best Eateries on the Beach

Pancetta-wrapped Pork Pâté

See the latest Sola Review from February 2020 here. Sola Bistro & Wine Bar is definitely not your typical beach spot. Many beach eateries cater to tourists with a turn and burn approach consisting of poor service with frozen deep fried foods. On the other hand, Sola is a foodies oasis at the beach with […]

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M-N-M BBQ: A Hidden Gem on the St Pete BBQ Restaurant Scene

M-N-M BBQ Pulled Pork, Beef Brisket, Black Eyed Peas and Collard Greens

Thursday, January 25th 2018, Kevin and I ventured out of the 33701 to find some good BBQ. We had ordered previously from M-N-M through Delivery Dudes and found it to be quite good, but visiting a restaurant and eating there is usually quite a different experience than delivery. M-N-M is located off of 16th St […]

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Ichicoro ANE Now Open for Weekend Brunch with Many Enticing Options!

Ichicoro ANE Brunch

Ichicoro Ane in downtown St. Pete is permanently closed. Last Saturday, January 20th 2018, Ichicoro ANE opened its doors for the first time for brunch. They are now open for brunch every Saturday and Sunday from 11am – 4pm. We were there for the first day of brunch and were we ever bowled over (pun […]

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The Hive at the Vintin Hotel Offers Up Old & New

Prime Rib at The Hive

UPDATE: May 12, 2018 – The Hive is no longer in business. I remember eating Prime Rib as a kid, and loving it. It’s just so juicy and tender. I recently learned about Poké Bowls last year, so they are new to me, and even if they’ve actually been around for a long time, they […]

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MidiCi at Tyrone Mall is the Whole Package

Slice of Prisoner's Pizza at Midici Tyrone

At MidiCi Neopolitan Pizza Company, the focus isn’t just on the food. It’s also about the experience. The quote “People are the best thing that can happen to anyone” is painted in large lettering on the wall of the visible kitchen. The folks behind the Neopolitian pizza concept set out to create an atmosphere where […]

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El Huarache Veloz – Mexican Food for Mexican People
(Gringos are Allowed too)

A huarache is a Mexican sandal, and it is also a masa-based Mexican dish. It is the name of a great local Mexican restaurant as well. The first time I heard “Huarache sandal” was in the lyrics to The Beach Boys Surfin’ USA when I was a kid. The first time I heard a recommendation […]

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A Secret Rendezvous with the New Menu at Tryst

Tryst Adds Over 25 New Menu Items for Dinner & Brunch We’re not sure how many restaurants do this, but it sure is a great idea. When Tryst updates their menu, which happens 2-3 times a year, they have a two hour meeting with all of the employees where Chef Jon Robben cooks and explains […]

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Tantalize All of Your Dining Senses at the Reading Room! Exceptional!

The Reading Room

The Reading Room is the best and most unique overlooked restaurant in St Petersburg. Located just a short 3.5 miles from downtown in the same parking lot as freeFall Theatre, it is well worth the drive! They have been open nine months now and opened to high praise and acclaim on social media. But when […]

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Jimmy Hula’s St. Pete Friends & Family Pre-Opening December 2017

Jimmy Hula's St Pete 4th St N

Note: October 2018 – this location is now closed. The new Jimmy Hula’s in St. Pete is set to open on Monday, December 11. The first 50 people in the door win free tacos for a year, which we reported on here. Their soft opening starts today, Sun Dec 3rd, and runs through the week. Hours […]

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Red Mesa’s Cantinita & DeSanto Debut in Downtown St. Pete

Desanto Rooftop Bar

The much anticipated opening of the new Red Mesa spaces is finally here! Red Mesa Cantina opened in the historic McNulty firehouse in early 2009 on the ground floor. The second and third floors were occupied by the Push Ultra Lounge night club until Red Mesa took over the rest of the building last March. […]

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