While technically a part of St. Pete Beach, Pass-A-Grille — located at the southern end of the barrier island — boasts a laid-back character all its own.
EATS & DRINKS
The Brass Monkey Sure, the Brass Monkey is a refuge for Baltimore Ravens fans and the Pass-a-Grille sports bar and restaurant is widely known for its seafood, specifically the Maryland-style (breading-free) jumbo lump crab cakes (aka “Monkey Balls”), among other crabby delectables. (Crab-and-cheese smothered-and-baked soft pretzels? Yes, please.) But make no mistake about it — folks really frequent the place to enjoy its second-story patio, which offers unobstructed views of the Gulf of Mexico and proves a favored spot at sunset. 709 Gulf Way #200, 367-7620, thebrassmonkey.net.
Gennaro’s This family-owned Italian spot, highlighting recipes passed down for generations, focuses on cold and hot sandwiches, pasta plates, pizza and way more. 2004 Pass-a-Grille Way, 360-0563, gennarosstpetebeach.com.
Hurricane Seafood Restaurant The legendary Hurricane offers the quintessential beach experience: solid seafood, a fabled, gabled rooftop view and the means to craft a variety of boat drinks. Try the five-rum “Voo Doo Bucket” with friends. 809 Gulf Way, 360-9558, thehurricane.com.
Paradise Grille Burgers, fries and wraps right on the beach, plus decent tap beer, wine and some frosty concoctions. Don’t miss the nightly sunset celebration. 900 Gulf Way, 367-1495.
Paradise Sweets Whether your chosen pick-me-up is a cool bit of sugar or a tasty jolt of espresso, this part-coffeehouse, part-ice cream shoppe under the Brass Monkey patio and across from the beach has you covered. 709 Gulf Way, 360-5830.
Restaurant Su Ottavo Classic Italian mains, sandwiches and pies are cooked up at this quaint spot. 118 Eighth Ave., 498-6570.
Sea Critters Cafe Deck and indoor dining are offered at this seafood-driven spot on the water that tempts you to operate on island time, courtesy of its carefree feel. 2007 Pass-a-Grille Way, 360-3706, seacritterscafe.com.
Seahorse Restaurant This homey local landmark attracts a crowd for breakfast and lunch. Shrimp and grits, corned-beef hash and blueberry pancakes are included on the food lineup. 800 Pass-a-Grille Way, 360-1734.
Shadracks Beverage deals ($1 Busch and Busch Light!), pool and a mixed crowd add to this awesome landmark’s dive-bar finesse. Don’t be fooled by the dark ‘n’ smoky environs; Shadracks’ indoor space and patio draw a wide variety of thirsty beachgoers. 114 Eighth Ave., 360-8279.
Shaner’s Land & Sea Market With daily specials, this neighborhood corner store fills orders for to-go meats and deli sandwiches, but also offers cuts of meat and seafood you’ll prepare at home. Beer and wine are in stock, too. 2000 Pass-a-Grille Way, 367-4292, shanerslandandsea.com.
Vida de Cafe A minimalist haven for vegetarians and vegans seeking raw delights like zucchini pad Thai and portobello sausages. 120 Eighth Ave., 289-7164, vidadecafe.com.
The Wharf Seafood, sandwiches and spirits in an amiable spot located right next door to Sea Critters on the Intracoastal Waterway. Like its neighbor, The Wharf is conveniently located for landlubbers and sea cap'ns alike, the latter of whom can pull their boats right up to the slips in the back. 2001 Pass-a-Grille Way, 367-9469, wharfrestaurant.org.
SHOPS & SERVICES
A Little Room for Art This quaint artists’ cooperative gallery displays ceramics, jewelry, painting, glass, sculpture, mixed media and the odd crafty works by more than a dozen local artists. 111 8th Ave., 360-8572. alittleroomforart.gallery.
Art By Mckoy The friendly, cozy residential studio will transport you back in time to the living rooms of swanky 1960s bachelor pads. Ralph McKoy, who leaves the operational stuff to his daughter now, has been settled here for around 50 years. His subjects are rendered with curiously thick outlines, and are both animated and sensuously subdued. Recent works include women in reclining poses. McKoy may be a Florida art treasure. 1000 Pass A Grille Way, 360-6388.
Bamboozle, etc. Not your standard beachside women’s boutique. While you might expect pricey resortwear or strictly nautical jewelry and picture frames, this place strays from the norm. Check out handcrafted jewelry, chic hats and footwear as well as home décor that will appeal to vintage lovers. 105 8th Ave., 360-1166.
Evander Preston Contemporary Jewelry Design A one-of-a-kind artist with a luxuriant ZZ Top beard, Preston creates pieces that are at once exquisite and quirky, like an 18K gold pop-top bracelet. His shop is a wonderland (or rather an Evanderland) where you may be greeted by a Great Dane and a glass of sangria, and where Preston’s prized possessions (like a rare 1930s Russian motorcycle and a miniature electric train made of gold) are on display along with his jewelry collection. 106 8th Ave., 367-7894. evanderpreston.co.
Mountcastle International Pier One? Bah. Though imports and knickknacks are well represented, their trade seems to be fair, and includes ethnic handicrafts created in developing countries by villagers and refugees, marketed to both retail and wholesale. Browse soapstone sculpture, nesting dolls, kitty key holders and more. Signs in the shop assure that artisans have been paid for their hand-craftiness. 107 Eighth Ave., 360-4743. mountcastleinternational.com.
Pass-a-Grille Art Mart Every Saturday, local artists and crafters gather to sell their wares on the large patio near Paradise Grille, often to the accompaniment of live music. Put on by Suntan Art Center (3200 Gulf Blvd.). 900 Gulf Way, 367-3818. suntanart.org.
Pass-A-Grille Community Church Thrift Shop Sift through this small collection of secondhand clothing and housewares and find your treasure. 107 16th Ave. 360-5508.
Gulf Beaches Historical Museum Delve into the past at this trove of interesting relics and stories of St. Pete Beach’s past. 115 10th Ave., 552-1610. gulfbeachesmuseum.com.
PARKS & RECREATION
Hurley Park Across the street from the beach, this park offers playground equipment, basketball and tennis courts and picnic shelters. 1501 Gulf Way. 363-9245. spbrec.com.
Merry Pier A haven since 1902 for fishermen, tourists, sightseers and other folks just looking to kill some mellow time on the water. This dock and shack on the Intracoastal Waterway side of Pass-A-Grille offers beer, bait, fishing tackle rentals and snacks. It’s also got fishing charters and sunset cruises, but doesn’t have that big, touristy vibe you’ll find at full-scale marinas around the area. It’s just a quaint, laid-back little spot on the water that’s perfect for showing visitors a bit of the classic Florida lifestyle before or after a trip to the nearby beach. 801 Pass A Grille Way, 727-360-1400. merrypier.com.
Pass-A-Grille Beach The sublime stretch of beach that’s the main natural attraction here at the southern tip of the St. Pete Beach barrier islands, with convenient on-street parking and a prime sunset-watching destination, complete with bell-ringing, at the Paradise Grille snack bar. Metered parking spots are available along Pass A Grille Way from 1st to 22nd avenues.
Pass-A-Grille Park Large park with baseball fields. 1000 Pass A Grille Way. 363-9245. spbrec.com.
Suntan Art Center A nonprofit arts collective that offers classes and occasional arts-related events at the facility and other spots throughout the city. Classes include watercolor, acrylic, oils, photography and crafts as well as yoga. 3300 Gulf Blvd. 367-3818. suntanart.org.
STAY & PLAY
Coconut Inn A lovingly refurbished boutique hotel just steps from the beach (the pool here is beautiful, too). Probably your best bet for a relaxing getaway for the weekend (or longer). 113 11th Ave., 367-1305. pagebeachinns.com.
Havana Inn A recently opened boutique hotel housed in a renovated inn. Relaxing area with a gazebo/porch swings. Steps to Pass-a-Grille Beach. 1007 Gulf Way, 367-1305. pagbeachinns.com.
Inn on the Beach Located directly across from the beach, this chic little inn features 12 beautifully appointed rooms with peaceful names like White Ibis and Periwinkle, plus adjacent cottages, one of which has a room named The Love Shack, baby! 1401 Gulf Way, 360-8844, innonbeach.com.
Island’s End A gorgeous collection of small cottages at the very southern tip of the island. While there’s no on-site restaurant, the property is steps from the beach and local restaurants. Amenities include a dock and swimming pool. Very cozy feel. 1 Pass-a-Grille Way, 360-5023.
Sabal Palms You can watch the sunset from the wide front porch of this stylish mom-and-pop, or you can just walk across the street to do so with your toes in the sand. Studios and one-bedrooms available. Pool on-site. 1301 Gulf Way, 367-1305. pagbeachinns.com.
