The EDGE District of Downtown St. Petersburg is teaming with nightlife options. While we love to imbibe in delectable bespoke cocktails, sometimes it’s nice to save some money and have a cheap night out instead. Here is a list of our favorite EDGE District bars that won’t break the bank.
The Bends
919 1st Avenue North
St. Petersburg, FL 33705
The Bends is one of those classy hipster dive bars. It’s a raucous bar featuring signature cocktails, frequent DJs spinning a variety of music, and a framed picture of Tom Selleck behind the bar. They opened back in 2012 just before the EDGE District hit its stride.
Their twelve signature cocktails will run you around $8, but the real savings comes from the beer and shot combos. For a crisp Lincoln you can get a can of Tecate and a shot of tequila, PBR and whiskey, or Bud and Jameson.
The Bends doesn’t have any beer on tap, but offers an extensive list of bottled and canned beer. If you go, try the Blackberry Bramble. Also, note that the Bends can get smokey at times, especially on the weekends.
Steve’s Tavern on the Avenue
933 Central Avenue
St. Petersburg, FL 33705
Steve’s Tav on the Ave is a classic dive bar. The bar usually attracts a laid back, unpretentious crowd just looking to wind down from a busy day at work. Steve’s is popular with local artists and those in the service industry.
The interior is typical dive bar chic. There are a few TVs scattered around the bar playing sports. And if you are feeling competitive, there’s a pool table and a darts.
My personal favorite drink at Steve’s is their Bloody Mary, which they do exceptionally well.
If you go, be aware that Steve’s is cash only, but there is an ATM on-site. Also, smoking is allowed inside, so if that’s not your thing, you might want to take a pass on Steve’s. Otherwise, throw some coins in the jukebox, put on a jam, and enjoy Steve’s Tav on the Ave. And remember from 9-12pm on Friday night it’s $2 fireball/jäger shots!
Fergs Sports Bar
1320 Central Avenue
St. Petersburg, FL 33705
Fergs is a true St Pete institution. The bar opened in 1992, just two years after the debut of Tropicana Field (or the Florida Suncoast Dome as it was known back then). The Rays wouldn’t play their first season at the Suncoast Dome until 1998, but the Tampa Bay Lightning and Tampa Bay Storm kept the stadium full and pint glasses filled in the meantime.
The casual sports bar has stood the test of time and now occupies nearly two city blocks making it the largest sports bar in the state of Florida. Even as the EDGE District continues to rise around it, Fergs has stayed true to what gained them a loyal following in the first place.
Fergs has a pretty extensive beer menu with over 40 beers available. Domestic beers such as Bud Light costs $3, whereas a craft beer will cost a few dollars more. However, every beer on the menu is cheaper than $6. Be sure to swing by on Tuesdays for $3 craft beer and half price appetizers.
