By Restaurateur Michael Sponaugle
St. Petersburg Street Art | Photo Credit: ©Find. Eat. Drink.
Michael Sponaugle is the owner of Buya Ramen in St. Petersburg, Florida. Here the restaurateur lays out his perfect day of eating and drinking in his hometown.
Photographs courtesy of Buya Ramen
Buya Ramen
My restaurant, Buya Ramen, is a Japanese gastropub (izakaya) that specializes in ramen. Our ramen bowls feature proteins such as crispy duck, pork belly, braised short rib and seafood, all swimming in broths made in-house, from scratch. We also feature a craft cocktail bar with an emphasis on Japanese whisky.
911 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg, FL 33705
T: 727.202.7010
www.buyaramen.com
Michael's Perfect Day in St. Pete
SOUVENIR
Photograph courtesy of Old St. Pete Distillery
Old St. Pete Distillery
Take home a bottle from Old St. Pete Distillery because it is a true reflection of the "spirit" of St. Pete (sorry, couldn't resist :).
MORNING | Breakfast
Photograph courtesy of The Frog Pond
The Frog Pond
This is, hands down, the best breakfast in town. While I'm a savory food guy, their cinnamon roll French toast is a must have.
7390 Gulf Boulevard, St Pete Beach, FL 33706
T: 727.363.7205
SHOPPING | Food Market
Meat House of St. Pete
Make sure to hit this meat market. They've got the tough-to-find cuts that up your BBQ game.
3101 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg, FL 33713
T: 727.328.1958
www.meathouseofstpete.com
RESTAURANT | Lunch
Photograph courtesy of VIP Lounge
The "Wet" Burrito
VIP Lounge & Mexican Restaurant
VIP on the beach is the best spot for lunch. Catch some rays on the beach and then head over to VIP for some of the best Mexican food in St. Pete. The 'Wet' burrito with steak (a messy flour tortilla with red burrito sauce) is the way to go.
10625 Gulf Boulevard, Treasure Island, FL 33706
T: 727.767.0523
www.viplounge-fla.com
AFTERNOON | Sweets
Photograph courtesy of (swah-rey)
(swah-rey)
This is where it's at for sweets. They've got the best mini cupcakes, which our 3 year old loves, and a great beer selection, which I love.
2105 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg, FL 33713
T: 727.767.0523
www.swah-rey.com
EARLY EVENING | Cocktails
Photograph courtesy of The Birchwood
Canopy
The go to spot for pre-game cocktails in St. Pete. The rooftop terrace provides amazing views of Tampa Bay and they put out some pretty good bites as well. It gets busy and crowded at happy hour.
The Birchwood, 340 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
T: 727.896.1080
www.thebirchwood.com/thecanopy/
RESTAURANTS | Dinner
Photographs courtesy of Annata Wine Bar
Annata Wine Bar
I'm a big fan of Annata. In addition to a creative menu, their charcuterie is made in-house and is the best in town. Make sure you add the honey comb!
300 Beach Drive NE #128, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
T: 727.851.9582
www.annatawine.com
LATE NIGHT | Bars
The Copper Shaker
This is where you want to be for late night. They get a great crowd and the bar staff is amazing. Give them your flavor profile and ask for the "Dealer's Choice" -- you won't be disappointed.
Open until 3am
169 1st Avenue N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
www.coppershaker.com
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