I couldn't just stop at Central, could I? Downtown St. Pete is the mother lode of dining options. Sticking to just one street, even one as packed as Central, would be like eating a single plate of tapas at Ceviche.
And, after reading this issue of CL, the crowds will surely be packing Central. Don't be a follower! Here's a slew of worthy joints for your consumption, just a block or two off the main drag.
One of my favorite places to eat funky casual Italian with a South African splash (last year's Best New Restaurant, no less) is Primi Urban Café (27 Fourth St. N.), just a half block north of the drag. Or you can head a block south for Café Alma (260 First Ave. S.) and its tasty Mediterranean mishmash (and legendary Bloody Marys).
First Avenue deserves its very own Restaurant Row status. I start at Angie's (200 First Ave. N.) for a pre-Jannus gyro, then grab a slice at Joey Brooklyn's (Pinellas' PZZA Tournament champion, 210 First Ave. N.) after the show. A few steps away are the stellar sandwiches at Tangelo's Grill (226 First Ave. N.) or pad Thai and sushi at Ratchada (270 First Ave. N.).
For Bayside eats, there's the double threat of upscale steakhouse fare at Parkshore Grill (300 Beach Drive N.E.) and luscious gelato from newcomer Paciugo (300 Beach Drive N.E.). If you're strolling the park, dip into Moon Under Water (332 Beach Drive N.E.) for British pub food.
Or, if you detest King George, stick it to those colonizing bastards at Courigan's Irish pub (1 Beach Drive S.E.), where the stout is stouter and potatoes are prevalent. Hate all foreigners? Who doesn't! Midtown Sundries (200 First Ave. N.) has the good old American bar food your patriotic palate craves.
Unless you like quarterbacks who can't even win a Super Bowl, BayWalk isn't worth the walk, except for a slice of superior pizza pie at Ammazza. Better to head back in the other direction to Second Avenue. S. for upscale Asian fusion from Pacific Wave (211 Second St. S.). Or, if you're rich, you can jump to Fourth Avenue for the fussy French at Chateau France (136 Fourth Ave. N.E.).
Still not enough? You're insatiable! Just pick a place, and eat already!
Restaurant row: Downtown St. Pete
This article appears in Jun 13-19, 2007.