The Neon Lunchbox, an ’80s and ’90s-themed bar, to open in St. Pete out of the former Hideaway Cafe

As if millennials didn’t feel old enough, a new “retro-themed” bar and restaurant is bringing all of the fun, nostalgic vibes of the late-20th century to Central Avenue this year.

According to St. Pete Rising, The Neon Lunchbox is slated to open at 1756 Central Ave. within the next few months and will soon boast a variety of themed craft cocktails, a casual food menu, local DJs and bands and tons of ’80s and ’90s pop culture-themed decor.

James Castetter and Chelsey Andrew, the duo behind casual restaurant Half Baked Potato on the same block, is bringing this new millennial-friendly concept to St. Pete’s Grand Central District.

SPR also says that Castetter and Andrew are looking for another lease for their potato-centric restaurant, which Creative Loafing granted the stamp of munchie-approval to last year. The Half Baked Potato is currently listed as “temporarily closed” on Google and its social media pages have already been switched to The Neon Lunchbox.

After 13 years of hosting both local and national musicians, St. Pete’s beloved Hideaway Cafe closed its doors in late 2021 after the building’s landlord did not renew its lease and has remained empty until now. 

When The Neon Lunchbox makes its debut in a few months, it will join Tampa Bay’s other nostalgia-themed concepts like GenX Tavern, Central Avenue neighbor Lost & Found and 70s’-themed club Good Night John Boy.

For the latest updates on Central Avenue’s latest concept, head to its new Instagram page at @theneonlunchbox.

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This article appears in Jan 11-17, 2024.