Best Urban Living - Downtown St. Petersburg
Best Bakery –– Craft Kafe
This St. Petersburg cafe stone mills its flour to ensure that it
serves nutritious, high-quality baked goods that explode
with flavor. Organic salads, sandwiches and omelets are
featured. 6653 Central Ave., St. Petersburg,
(727) 914-7443.
Best Beachside Gathering Spot
–– The Palm Pavilion
Gathering at the Palm Pavilion has been a local tradition
since 1926 with its great food, wonderful views of the Gulf of
Mexico and spectacular live music. This landmark gets better
every year, as it blends the past with the best of the present.
10 Bay Esplanade, Clearwater Beach, (727) 446-2642.
Best Brewery –– Big Storm Brewing Co.
Big Storm is one of the fastest growing independent breweries
in Florida and makes more than 20 craft brews. Their craft
food menu is equally impressive with homemade culinary
creations that pair well with their libations.
12707 49th St., Clearwater, (727) 201-4186; and
2330 Success Drive, Odessa, (727) 376-2890.
Best Bistro –– Cork N Brew Bistro
This bistro offers appetizers, small plates and lava rock
cooking, plus craft beers on tap, bottled domestic and
imported beers and a diverse selection of wines.
524 Mandalay Ave., Clearwater Beach, (727) 239-0833.
Best Breakfast –– Jessi’s Restaurant
Jessi’s Restaurant features breakfast all day long, serving
everything from omelets to pancakes. You won’t believe the
size of the servings. 8331 66th St. N., Pinellas Park,
(727) 541-1200.
Best Boat Ride –– Caladesi Island Ferry
Caladesi Island is a magical place with three miles of pristine
beach and a great café for refreshments that is only accessible
by boat. The 20-minute ride to Caladesi Island leaves from
Honeymoon Island and runs between the islands throughout
the day. The ferry leaves from the west end of Dunedin
Causeway, State Road 586, (727) 734-5263.
MAY/JUNE 2018 | TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE 47
CHRIS DELLA PENNA
Best Acoustic Venue –– The Mahaffey Theater
Originally built in 1965, the 2,031-seat Mahaffey Theater
in St. Petersburg recently upgraded its stage with a “Diva
Acoustical Shell” to enhance all aspects of sound throughout
the venue, creating warmer tones with superior blends for
sound projection to the audience, while enhancing the ability
for musicians to hear themselves more clearly onstage.
400 First St. S., St. Petersburg, (727) 893-7832.
Best Airport Restaurant
–– The Hangar Restaurant and Flight Lounge
Although it is not at Tampa International Airport, this unusual
spot on the second floor of St. Petersburg’s Albert Whitted
Airport has a loyal following for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
In addition to watching planes take off and land, there is
jazz music on Monday evening and live music Wednesday
through Saturday evenings. 540 First St. S.E., St. Petersburg,
(727) 823-7767.
Best Architectural Statement
–– Henry B. Plant Museum
Henry B. Plant opened the Tampa Bay Hotel in 1891, and
hosted such guests as Teddy Roosevelt, the queen of England
and Babe Ruth, who signed his first baseball contract in the
hotel’s grand dining room. This landmark building topped
with its iconic minarets is home to the University of Tampa’s
Plant Hall and to the Henry B. Plant Museum, which features
original furnishings and artifacts from the hotel and objects
that were collected by Mr. and Mrs. Plant on their worldwide
trips. 401 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, (813) 254-1891.
Best Art Classes –– Dunedin Fine Art Center
Drawing, painting, pottery, calligraphy, jewelry, pastels and
other arts are taught by experienced artists and educators at
this well-established family-friendly institution that offers a
variety of programming. The staff is committed to making the
center the premier place for creative arts experiences.
1143 Michigan Blvd., Dunedin, (727) 298-3322.
Best Artisan Pizza –– Slyce
Stone-baked artisan pizzas can be enjoyed in these two
contemporary and comfortable restaurants where in addition
to their signature pizza crust, they also offer whole wheat
or gluten-free versions, fresh salads and unique appetizers
to help fill out the menu. 311 Gulf Blvd., Indian Rocks
Beach, (727) 408-5272; and 662 150th Ave., Madeira Beach,
(727) 308-7881.
Best Authentic Italian Dining
–– Da Sesto Italiano Ristorante e Vino
Da Sesto’s is now in its new larger location where its delicious
recipes, including Linguine al Pescatore and Ravioli, are
served in a relaxed, home-style atmosphere, along with a wide
selection of Italian wines. 7201 66th St. N., Pinellas Park,
(727) 209-2695.
Best Bagels –– Dunedin Bagels and Deli
Owners Saul and Miriam prepare and serve their own New
York style bagels, specialty cream cheeses, salads, Old World
deli sandwiches and Cuban sandwiches in this small but
convenient location. Order things to go or to eat there.
716 Main St. (State Road 580), Dunedin, (727) 734-1829.