A sinful speakeasy is coming to St. Pete
/David Fischer, owner of Zazoo’d and The Saint
Enter a sinner, leave a saint.
There’s a new church on the block—but this one’s got booze. It’s called The Saint and will be located at 49 24th Street North in the Grand Central District.
Founder David Fischer is a seasoned business owner. A Texas native, he bounced from Orlando to Treasure Island before establishing his home decor and interior design business, ZaZoo’d, on Central Avenue in Downtown St. Pete. The shop offers a unique array of treasures and services, from weddings to design consultations. But Fischer’s ambition didn’t stop there.
With ZaZood's success and Fischer's admiration for St. Pete's creativity, the city was just right for building his dream — his very own speakeasy.
The Saint honors what makes St. Pete special — its reverence for the arts. Local artist Chad Mize has contributed a mural of a hipster Saint Peter to the space. Even the bar’s resident badass angels, Penance and Absolution, are handmade. Upon entering, don't be surprised if it’s not them you notice first, but oil paintings in gilded frames crafted by The Vitale Bros. And don’t be surprised if a nun flips you the bird, either.
Despite the crosses and votive candles, The Saint is every bit a speakeasy — a place of chatter, merriment, and most importantly, alcohol. Fischer recommends one of the 7 Deadly Sins Specialty cocktails to begin your evening.
Saint Peter by muralist Chad Mize
At 1,800 square feet, The Saint can hold a “congregation” of 60. That’s plenty of room to indulge in your own devil’s brew, all beneath the wicked gleam of the chandeliers. And if you’re tired of hunting for a bar where you can actually hear your drinking buddy over the music, rest assured: no tricks here. The Saint promotes an atmosphere suitable for more laid back occasions and conversations.
Some details about The Saint are still under wraps. Fischer plans on peeling back the curtain for a small number of guests and VIPs to take a peek before the grand opening.
In the meantime, the staff is working hard at developing a unique palette of drinks. While we don’t know the full scale of the menu yet, Fischer says he’s collaborating with local kitchens to create charcuterie boards and bite-sized desserts to pair with the handcrafted cocktails. He is also planning future classes where you can learn how to make these craft cocktails yourself.
So when is the bar due to officially open its doors to thirsty parishioners? Whenever it’s allowed, says Fischer. When that time comes, you can find The Saint at 49 24th Street North on the ground floor of the historic Mari-Jean Hotel. They plan to be open Tuesday through Saturday, 5 until “whenever,” and Sundays at noon. To track The Saint’s progress, check out their Facebook and Instagram.
