Old Northeast Tavern is preparing to reopen later this year after nearly two years of closure | St Pete Rising

When the Old Northeast Tavern closed for renovations, its loyal customer base assumed its doors would reopen shortly.

Nearly two years have passed, and the tavern and its adjacent pizzeria have remained closed—but not for much longer.

The Old Northeast Tavern, which has been a local staple for nearly two decades at 201 7th Avenue North, is expected to reopen later this year, co-owner Robert “Bob” Wareham said in a conversation with St. Pete Rising.

Wareham and his business partner, Mark Brindle, have owned the beloved pub and neighboring pizzeria, Old Northeast Pizza, since 2008.

The tavern, which originally opened in 2006, occupies part of a building that also houses Black Crow Coffee.

The building was constructed in 1925, back when the neighborhood was referred to as North Shore. It was in the 1970s that the neighborhood adopted its current name, Old Northeast.

The tavern chicken supreme sandwich, loaded with grilled chicken, bacon, gorgonzola cheese, avocado, pesto, tomato and lettuce | Old northeast tavern

Long before it became Old Northeast Tavern, the corner space served generations of neighborhood residents as a pharmacy, market, diner and restaurant.

Over the decades, tenants included Fender's Pharmacy, Elsie's Market, North Shore Sundries, Nan & Lou's Fountainette, N&L's Restaurant, and Ambrosia, a Mediterranean fusion restaurant that occupied the space before the tavern opened in 2006.

When the tavern closed for renovations and expansion in late 2024, plans called for a reopening in the summer of 2025. However, permitting issues delayed the project.

Prior to closing, the tavern served as a neighborhood gathering spot in the Old Northeast, known for its rustic charm, laid-back atmosphere, craft beer selection and American pub fare.

Both the pizzeria and tavern will retain their familiar character while benefiting from updated kitchen equipment and a large dining room that connects the two businesses.

The Wild Mushroom pie with shiitake and crimini mushrooms, spinach, pesto, prosciutto, parmesan, mozzarella, and sun-dried tomatoes | Old northeast tavern

Customers will once again be able to order pizza while dining at the tavern, though the two concepts will continue to operate with separate menus.

Old Northeast Pizza is known for its thin-crust New Jersey-style pies, including specialty offerings such as the Del Mar, topped with crab, shrimp and smoked Gouda, and the Wild Mushroom, featuring shiitake and crimini mushrooms, prosciutto and pesto.

The tavern's menu has traditionally centered on elevated pub fare, including sandwiches, quesadillas and salads. Popular items include its Reuben sandwich and Chicken and Plantain Quesadilla.

Wareham said the tavern may introduce several new menu items after reopening, including burgers and fries—a first for the restaurant.

Additionally, the tavern has obtained a liquor license and plans to offer cocktails when it reopens.

Wareham said both businesses are expected to reopen later this year.