Between Central Avenue and St. Pete Beach is a little municipality you might miss if you're focused on hurrying to get a good parking space by the sand — or dismiss as a stretch of bland suburbia if you're looking, but not too closely. If you take the time to scratch the surface, however, you'll find South Pasadena is home to a host of funky spots, good eats and quintessentially Florida experiences.
1. Paddle faster.
Put in by the park, nature walk and fitness trail known as Fred Held Habitat, paddle past the shallows to the spoil island to the south, and relish knowing two things: one, the drunk powerboaters can't get to you, and two, you can let your pup run on the island.
Speaking of getting outdoors, the city sports a few foliage-heavy natural parks, spots and walks that are pretty cool. Spend some time "forest bathing" — but try not to get too pretentious, OK? Also, these aren't national parks, y'all — they're a couple of roadside escapes into nature. Don't expect a strenuous hike, just… get outside and enjoy the shade.
3. Eat some smoked mullet at Ted Peters.
From the cranky-ass waitresses to the Old Florida staple that made it famous, this is the place to swig a cheap beer and get fish under your fingernails. Plus, their smoked fish dip makes you see Allah.
4. Bring your appetite for burgers and beer.
It's an American classic, and the Pasadena Bar & Grill is rumored to have the best. They're cash only, so come with some coin in your pocket — and, of course, come hungry. There's nothing like a big, juicy burger and an ice-cold brew on a hot, lazy weekend afternoon.
5. Eat a gyro at Spiros. (photo from sandwich issue)
South Pasadena family institution Spiro's is more than just a deli counter — they've got a gyro so good that Cathy highlighted it in our Sandwich Issue back in June. If you think all gyros are created equal, we challenge you to pick up one of these decadent delights, and tell us the fresh onion and tomato don't make all the difference in the world.
6. Grab cheap organic produce at Pasadena Produce.
Like we said, Spiro's is more than just a deli — they've also got a rotating selection of veggies hand-picked from the farmers' market four early, early mornings a week. Check out what's in season, and pick up a couple of healthy options for a nice salad after you get home from gorging on burgers and gyros and beer all day. (Plus, you're gonna be too tired to cook, anyhow.)
7. Watch musician Dean Johansen perform at an intimate house show.
A house show in Pasadena is kind of like the Prairie Home Companion version of "ask a punk," but that doesn't mean this one isn't going to sizzle. Long-running Bay area songwriter Dean Johanesen takes to the home of scene staple (and sometime New World Brewery soundman) Bob Soptei for a night of swing, rumba, jazz and Americana that'll have the house feeling a little like a tent revival. Cozy, cool and super intimate. For those who would like, a potluck will begin at 6 p.m. Bring your favorite dish and beverage to share. Music will begin at 7 p.m. Space is very limited (25-30 attendees), so make your reservations as soon as possible.
8. Get your pet's shots up-to-date on the cheap at this weekend's clinic.
For less than you'd think, you can get your pup or kitty all set for the year at this low-cost vaccine clinic at the Pet Supermarket in South Pasadena. The clinic runs for 90 minutes only on Saturday, from 4-5:30 p.m., so timing might be everything when it comes to taking a break from taking a break to get your furry friend hooked up.
9. Bowl with Jimmy. But you're gonna lose.
Head to Ten Pin Lanes to bowl with Jimmy, a local who can kick your ass without even looking. Seriously, this guy kicks ass and he's something of local legend, because he bikes everywhere on his green Regions bike and is the friendliest guy at the local supermarket.
10. Buy "Florida wine" and send it up north.
Got a friend or relative above the Mason-Dixon Line whose idea of tasty wine runs, shall we say, to the sweeter side of things? Florida Orange Groves Winery has long been a touristy spot to pick up a few fruity bottles of vino that those with discerning palates tend to consider a novelty — but hey, your aunt who loves a cheap Moscato will probably love it.
This article appears in Aug 10-17, 2017.