Ted Peters Famous Smoked Fish, 1350 Pasadena Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL 33707
An institution in the area, family owned since 1951, stamped on the side of the road just before the bridge to the beaches. Atmosphere is very casual, choose between an open air patio or air conditioned indoor seating. You will find huge portions of uniquely delicious food for affordable prices. Start with a bowl of the Manhattan clam chowder, so hearty and comforting.
Next sample the smoked fish spread with crackers, even though I’ve never had it before this brought me back to childhood.
It’s an elevated version of the tuna and crackers I would occasionally have for lunch. Lastly for the main attraction, the famous smoked fish. We went with mullet because it is the traditional variety of fish used, and I had never had it before. How is it made? Raw fish on racks are laid over smoldering native to Florida Red Oak. Fish cooks and smokes for up to 6 hours, soaking in that flavor – similar to hickory. The outcome is unlike anything I’ve ever had – deeply smoky – deeply delectable. The generous slab of fish is paired with the most incredible German potato salad and solid coleslaw.
The meal was enough to feed an army, we had plenty of leftovers for the next day to enjoy the experience all over again. Cash only!
Blakes Crab Cakes, 7224 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, FL 33707
Florida may not be the place you think of when you’re hankering for crab cakes, but this little strip mall hole in the wall delivered some of the best I have ever had. Huge flakey portions of fresh crab meat and light breading, absolutely incredible package! One cake was filling enough along with the hand cut fries, and the homemade sauce was divine.
Service is fast and friendly, we were even given a little crab claw to nibble on while we waited. Another fantastic affordable option when heading to or from the beaches.
Bodega, 1120 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, FL 33705
Located in the hip downtown section of the city, this is where you can get your Cuban fix. I usually stick to water or wine, but I couldn’t pass up the hibiscus homemade soda.
The pollo asado sandwich was right on, a unique twist with coconut marinated, mango mayo, avocado & fresnos. Jeff tried the special of the day, a frita with steak, mint, Fresno chimi churri aioli, mushrooms and onions.
We loved our meal and people watching as you can sit on the sidewalk right in the middle of it all.
Better Byrd, 4447 4th St N #1, St. Petersburg, FL 33703
Motherclucker. That’s a sandwich with fried chicken, french fries, and sriracha queso on a potato bun. You should get it, because it’s clucking amazing.
This place is really good. It’s got foosball outside, iced chai cold brew coffee, unsweeted ginger peach tea, lemon watermelon fresca…and an array of mini donuts.
Oh baby these bad boys are tasty. We ordered a dozen of them and they seemed to disappear instantly! We tried horchata, snickers, lucky charms, Mexican chocolate, blueberry lemon, salted caramel – all so good! This was a fun casual place, located away from the downtown.
Wahoo’s Waterside Pub & Patio, 17801 Gulf Blvd, Redington Shores, FL 33708
Not technically in the Burg, but located at the beaches – nonetheless this place just outside the city reaches was a favorite. The service leaves a bit to be desired, but the food was good enough we came back for an additional visit (a rare occurrence). Coleslaw was different, it was cared for instead of an afterthought like in so many establishments.
The Creole grouper was in a killer red sauce, tasted just like your grandma made it.
The dessert was awesome, I highly recommend the brownie. 
It was ultra ooey gooey just the way I like it!