This is the list of places that I gate-keep as a St. Pete local. All of them are vegan/vegetarian friendly places that I love to bring my friends and family to when they come to town.
Map
Sections
4
Coffee
Food
Dessert
Drinks
Coffee
Along with Black Crow Coffee, Craft Kafe is one of my favorite spots. I can always count on them for the perfect lavender oat latte. The café is completely gluten-free, which makes it a treat to bring my GF friends—most people wouldn’t even guess the...
Craft Kafe
Intermezzo is a coffee and cocktail bar I don’t make it to as often as I’d like, but always enjoy when I do. The vibe is light and airy, casual yet refined, with a dog-friendly patio that frequently hosts indie markets. Even the address is memorable:...
Intermezzo Coffee & Cocktails
I first heard about Bandit from a film photographer who used to visit the photo lab where I worked. They were friends with the owners and even worked there as a barista, so I knew it was going to be special. It made perfect sense—the kind of person w...
Bandit Coffee Co
Black Crow Coffee has two locations that feel like different rooms in the same house, even though they’re a few miles apart. It’s a true neighborhood coffee shop, the kind of place I often retreat to by default. My dog is always welcome, and she know...
Black Crow Coffee Co - Old Northeast
The Grand Central location of Black Crow Coffee is similar to the original ONE location… but there is more space to sit and hang out- as well as a super cute courtyard that they share with Tombolo bookstore and another lunch spot.
Black Crow Coffee Co - Grand Central
Food
Mangosteen is a fun, eclectic tropical Asian restaurant that still feels “new,” even though it’s been around for about four years—a good sign it’s here to stay. It took me a while to finally check it out, but I’m so glad I did. It’s the spot where I ...
Mangosteen
Pia’s may not be in St. Pete—it’s in Gulfport—but it’s absolutely worth the short trip. This family-run Italian restaurant has an amazing staff, incredible food, and a vibe that’s truly unmatched. It feels more low-key than the downtown spots like Be...
Pia's Trattoria (Gulfport)
As a Dominican-American, Bodega is one of my favorite spots. They serve the kind of Latin flavors I love and miss, while keeping everything approachable for everyone. Their vegetarian platos had me hooked for a while, and I’m always down for some pla...
Bodega - Latin Street Food
Cassis is easily one of my favorite spots in Downtown St. Pete. It works for just about any occasion. The market and café are perfect for grabbing coffee and a pastry in the morning, while the restaurant always delivers no matter the meal. I especial...
Cassis Restaurant, Market & Cafe
BellaBrava is the kind of place you bring your parents when they’re in town- or anyone you want to impress. I recently went with a group of friends for our first reunion in nearly 15 years, and the atmosphere was perfect. At one table, a woman was ce...
Mickey's Cafe is an amazing little cafe on Central that is the best place to grab a smoothie and a bite to eat- especially if you are health-conscious… but DO NOT miss out on the Cosmickey Cookie! It is seriously the best cookie you will ever try.
Mickey's Cafe
Dessert
The Hyppo is the perfect spot to grab a popsicle on a hot day while wandering the 600 block. With tons of creative flavors to choose from, I can’t help but feel like a kid again every time I walk in.
The Hyppo
Drinks
I love bringing people to the Birchwood Canopy. The moment you step onto the rooftop, there’s an instant sense of ease, with plenty of cozy spots to sit back, sip a drink, and take in the atmosphere. The staff is consistently attentive and welcoming-...