There’s few things in life better than a well crafted drink. As the EDGE District continues its rise in popularity, we’ve seen a handful of cocktail bars open up. Today, the neighborhood is a go-to destination for locals looking for a fun night out on the town.
Intermezzo Coffee and Cocktails
1111 Central Avenue
St. Petersburg, FL 33705
The original plan was for Intermezzo Coffee to pop-up in the EDGE District for 3 months. But after a very successful initial run, the coffee shop decided to put down roots permanently in the neighborhood. Owned by Jarrett Sabatini, Intermezzo eventually increased their hours of operation and launched an outstanding cocktail program.
Their best seller is the Old Fashioned (Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Angostura and orange bitters, and sugar). Other favorites are the Paloma (house-made grapefruit cordial, tequila, salt, carbonated in the keg), the Caffé Mezzo (vodka, espresso liqueur, cold brew, chocolate bitters), and the Branca Brew (bourbon, cold brew, fernet menta, orange zest, on tap).
Intermezzo’s interior is elegant and minimalistic. The centerpiece is a beautiful quartz bartop, with walnut siding and a golden foot rail. The building itself was constructed in the 1940’s and still utilizes the old terrazzo floor and glass block windows.
Be sure to stop in for your morning coffee and then come back at night for a delicious cocktail.
Room 901
901 1st Avenue South
St. Petersburg, FL 33705
Situated a block off Central Avenue, Room 901 is one of those places that you’d probably never walk into unless it’s been recommended to you. The outside of the bar is very unassuming, but the second you step foot inside, you’re transported to a warm, welcoming, and beautiful space that has been expertly curated by owners Peg Wesselink and Tony Dodson.
It’s a conversation bar specializing in whiskey, wine, and sour beer. The whisky flights are fantastic and allow you to taste a variety of offerings you’ve probably never had before. Our favorite cocktails are the Herbal Hoptonic (Hophead vodka, J. Rudy tonic, soda and orange) and the Eagle Rare Old Fashioned (bourbon, simple, bitters, and orange peel). If you’re in the mood for a beer instead, you’ll almost always find at least one beer on tap from Cycle Brewing, a local brewery owned by Peg’s son.
The interior is a true feast for the eyes. Thousands of books with their pages exposed are suspended from the back wall and a massive card catalog collection sits behind the bar. Custom walnut cabinetry displays everything from books, bottles, statues, and other random trinkets while upside-down lamps hang over the bartop. Nearly all of the woodwork was designed by Amanda Le and crafted by Stine Custom Woodworks.
From the decor, to the drink list, the owner, Peg, has worked tirelessly to create a bar that celebrates conversation and great drinks through and through. Check out Room 901 for a low-key, relaxing vibe that’ll be perfect for your next date night.
No Vacancy
937 Central Avenue
St. Petersburg, FL 33705
Stephen Schrutt’s Hunger + Thirst Group, which also operates The Avenue and Park & Rec, opened this local watering hole in early 2019 to much fanfare. The bar is half indoor, half outdoor with a vibe reminiscent of the old Florida motor inn lodges. The TV behind the bar is usually showing something from the 80’s or 90’s, such as Baywatch, Home Alone, or The Breakfast Club.
The cocktail menu features over ten drinks with fun and creative names, such as the Tropic Like It’s Hot, which contains Maestro Dobel tequila, yellow chartreuse, lime, cucumber, jalapeños, and hellfire bitters. If you’d rather opt for a frozen drink, there are two on the menu. The Pain Killer is reminiscent of a piña colada and consists of Wray & Nephew rum, Appleton Estate rum, coconut cream, tangerine, and pineapple.
With a large party? No Vacancy serves highly-Instagramable fishbowls (serves 2+) for $35 and punchbowls (serves 4+) for $60. Honestly, how can you not have a good time while sipping on the Rock Out With Your Conch Out?
