Cheeky's, a fish and chicken bar, is coming to the Grand Central District
Cheeky’s, a raw bar and seafood grill with classic fried chicken, will debut in St. Petersburg’s Grand Central District in mid-2024.
The new concept will be located at 2823 Central Avenue in a portion of the building formerly home to China Finders, a specialty china shop which closed earlier this year after more than 30 years in business.
Cheeky’s is being brought to life by Tampa native Nate Siegel, co-founder of Tampa’s award-winning Willa’s, a neighborhood restaurant and bar, and Willa’s Provisions, a casual all-day café.
“Coming to St. Pete is a dream come true, and opening a new little place along Central Avenue like Cheeky’s is so exciting,” said Siegel. “This is already such a special community, and I am honored to become a small part of it alongside my friends at Bandit, Baba, Wild Child. and more.”
The new eatery will offer fresh seafood, including East Coast oysters, shrimp, fish and daily specials from local waters and the Gulf, along with hot bowls of chowder, fried chicken, salads and more.
On the beverage side, fun frozen and classic cocktails, local beers, a curated list of approachable natural wines by the glass and bottle and spirit-free beverages will round out the menu.
As with most St. Pete establishments, and similar to New England oyster bars and Southern chicken shacks, Cheeky’s will be a family- and dog-friendly space.
Diners can choose to eat at the spacious horseshoe-shaped bar with room for 20 or surrounded by banquettes in an open and breezy space for fun and intimate dining. Cheeky’s will also an expansive outdoor patio for casual dining, all-day imbibing and great people-watching along bustling Central Avenue.
Siegel has over 15 years of experience in the restaurant industry, including time spent in New York working for the Keith McNally Restaurant Group (Balthazar, Minetta Tavern), Chelsea Hotels and Danny Meyer’s Tacombi, and as the Vice President at Mise En Place in Tampa.
Cheeky’s will be open daily for lunch and dinner plus brunch on the weekends. Walk-ins are welcome and reservations can be made for large groups.
To stay up to date on grand opening plans and upcoming announcements, follow Cheeky’s on Instagram.