Our Story

Stillwaters Tavern is an American scratch kitchen and bar with roots in downtown St. Petersburg and a growing presence across Florida. Founded in 2014, the concept was built on a simple idea: take the dishes people already love — fried green tomatoes, burgers, steaks, local fish — and make them worth talking about. Not by overcomplicating them, but by starting from scratch every time and sourcing ingredients from the farmers, fishers, and foragers who are doing things the right way. Every plate that leaves our kitchen reflects that commitment, and you can taste the difference.

The collaboration with local artisans and producers is not a talking point, it is how we operate. Seasonal vegetables, locally caught seafood and shellfish, regionally milled grains, and fresh dairy shape the menu as much as our chefs do. The result is a menu that moves with the seasons, stays rooted in American cooking, and never stops finding new ways to make familiar food feel exciting.

The bar program is built on the belief that a great tavern earns its name through its drinks. Twenty beers on tap, many regionally crafted, sit alongside four wines and two cocktails on tap, with an extensive wine and cocktail list beyond that. Whether you are settling in for a long dinner or stopping by for a drink and an appetizer, there is something here for every pace and every mood. The staff knows the menu, knows the bar, and knows how to make you feel at home from the moment you walk in.

The atmosphere at Stillwaters is relaxed and welcoming without being forgettable. Indoor and outdoor seating, friendly unpretentious service, and a room that feels equally right for a solo lunch or a table full of friends. We take the food and drink seriously so that you do not have to — the experience takes care of itself.

Stillwaters Tavern currently welcomes guests at two locations. Our original home sits on Beach Drive in the heart of downtown St. Petersburg, steps from Tampa Bay, the iconic St. Pete Pier, and a neighborhood that has earned its reputation as one of the top arts and culture destinations in the country, home to the Chihuly Collection, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Dali Museum, and more. Our newest location in Bexley brings the same scratch kitchen, the same thoughtfully built bar, and the same genuine hospitality to a new community we are proud to call home.