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In the midst of a busy school/work week, the only thing on your mind is the weekend. You’ve done the whole Paines’s Prairie and Devil’s Den adventure, so it’s time for a weekend road trip. Say goodbye to the Gator Nation and hello to St. Petersburg, Florida, the home to everything Floridian. Not to mention the best restaurants, bars and beaches.
Being relatively easy on the wallet and only two and a half hours from Gainesville, there’s really no excuse not to grab a few friends and hit the road after that 3 p.m. Friday lab you’ve regretted since registration.
Expected time of arrival: Friday, 6 p.m.
Happy Hour
The first order of business on a Friday evening? HAPPY HOUR.
The Mandarin Hide
The Mandarin Hide is notorious for its Friday afternoon “Violet Hour,” offering five-dollar cocktails, “reminding us of yesteryear and the history of cocktails.” After drinking four of their famous Moscow Mules and stealing the copper mugs to complete your set at home, you’re reminded that you haven’t eaten dinner. But, alas, it’s too early in the night for a slice of drunk pizza.
Dinner
Hofbräuhaus
Newly opened, Hofbräuhaus St. Petersburg is the first and only German restaurant, beer hall and biergarten in the area. Designed after the famous Hofbräuhaus in Munich, Germany, this place puts authenticity in every drop – from fresh food bursting with Bavarian know-how to their famous beer crafted from German engineering. Order a liter of brew and a some sauerkraut.
La Vie
Located on the 400 block on Central Avenue, La Vie is an eclectic dinner favorite. They serve classic Vietnamese food with a modern twist. Their menu ranges from a list of banh mi sandwiches, pho, vermicelli bowls and rice dishes. Not to mention they have an extensive boba tea menu, if you’re trying to sober up.
Red Mesa Cantina
Red Mesa Cantina is home to some of St. Pete’s best Mexican food. Not only can you get the famous “El Gordo” burrito smothered in deliciousness, but also the atmosphere sets the vibes for what will soon be an amazing night out on the town.
Friday Night
Once you’ve gotten your fix on good drinks and a good meal its time to hit the town and venture to some downtown St. Pete’s most famous bars.
Tryst Gastro Lounge
Tryst offers a ah-mazing ambiance. If you’re not looking to eat, their lounge area is summed up with one word: upscale. The lounge is where you’ll find yourself dancing to groovy soul music rather than those top 40 club hits, giving the place a posh vibe. The bartenders are skilled in curating endless martini flavors!
The Canopy
Perched atop The Birchwood, The Canopy is a well-known spot for drinks with a beautiful view overlooking downtown and the bay. The swanky lounge setting includes lounge seating, fire pits and cabanas.
Saturday
Saturday Morning Market
Make your way to St. Pete’s Saturday morning market, a market that runs once a week from 9 – 2 p.m. downtown. Here you’ll find goods from local farmers, great food, crafts and lively music. Nothing cures a hangover quite like a freshly grown fruit and vegetable smoothie! Throw on some sunglasses, down a smoothie or iced cappuchino from No Name Coffee (tried to buy it by the gallon once), pet some cute local dogs and rally for your leisurely Saturday in the Burg.
Locale Market
Perched in the center of the newly completed Sundial, Locale Market has become a gem in the heart of downtown. No other place in St. Pete is like this market. Plan some time to really get lost in the two story set-up. Check out the chef stations, where food is prepared fresh in front of you. Fresh seafood and meat, artisan cheese and bright vegetables and fruits line the first floor. An assortment of handmade desserts, private wine room and restaurant compile the second floor. Feast your eyes on this great find.
Bodega on Central
Easy to miss but hard to forget, Bodega is a spot straight out of the rustic streets of Latin America. Serving authentic Cuban favorites and delicious Latin American sandwiches, your mouth will be watering while waiting in the long lunch-hour line. Be sure to grab one of their fresh, handmade soda frescas while you’re at it.
Culture Shock
The Dali Museum
The Dali Museum shares an expertly curated collection of Salvador Dali works to delight and educate all visitors. The museum is conveniently walking distance from all of downtown St. Pete’s Restaurants and bars, making it a great place to venture. The view out of the atrium is the best you can get of downtown St. Pete, short of chartering a Cessna tour out of Albert Whitted Airport Hangar.
Saturday Night
The Pedal Pub
Book an evening with St. Pete’s pedal pub. It’s literally a drinking tour of the city. Plus, you get to retox while you detox, naw mean?
Yard of Ale
Oh, Yard. A favorite of the natural-born St. Pete kids when home for holiday break, Yard is the ideal bar for any bar’s main activity: drinking. Not too stuffy or fancy, Yard has an open backyard for giant sized Jenga, beer pong and always has a local band playing.
Sunday Funday
Just when you thought you’ve had enough of St. Pete, you realize you haven’t even taken a trip to the beach! Only a 15 minute drive from downtown, St. Pete’s beaches are some of the best in the country. Not only does Gulf Boulevard offer hundreds of highly rated restaurants, but the bar scene is never ending.
Undertow Beach Bar
The Undertow is the best place to continue your drinking binge. Not only is it directly on the beach, but there are also various amenities like pool tables and beach volleyball nets. It’s always filled with both locals and vacationers that are having a blast. You’ll never want to say goodbye to your new love, St. Pete Beach.
Be sure to sober up before your trek back to Gainesvegas.
