Classic vintage cocktail bar Tampa Bay Drinkery opens in the Grand Central District

The venue is fully furnished and open for business | st. pete rising

Green and beige velvet chairs, mismatched oriental rugs, antique clocks, and a grand piano on center stage are part of the eclectic atmosphere inside a new bar and music venue in St. Pete's Grand Central District.

Located at 2756 Central Avenue, Tampa Bay Drinkery is the brainchild of Wellington Moto, who’s part of the management team at Grumpy Gringo Liquors located next door to the new bar.

“I handpicked all of the vintage items here down to the lightbulbs,” Moto said to St. Pete Rising, showing a stack of vinyl records next to a grand piano.

Moto scoured auction houses, antique dealers, and collectors from around the country for the long-vacant space.

“For the past five years, I've had this idea to create a bar where musicians can play at night and people can enjoy a drink in a laid-back space,” Moto said.

The new piano bar is next to Grumpy Gringo Liquors | st. pete rising

He originally planned to debut the bar in 2023 but said permitting and other issues delayed the opening.

Adding something different to Grand Central’s nightlife scene, Tampa Bay Drinkery will start hosting jazz performers and other artists in the coming weeks. It may also feature a piano player who takes requests on weeknights.

A red-lit bar with large walk-up windows welcome those walking along Central Avenue to stop and order drinks outside without going into the lounge.

Tampa Bay Drinkery can comfortably seat over 60 patrons at the bar, high tops, and vintage wood frame sofas and armchairs.

the stage features a grand piano along with a vinyl record player | st. pete rising

The cocktail menu features iconic Prohibition-era drinks in addition to modern-day favorites like margaritas and espresso martinis.

Additionally, a selection of French, Spanish, and Italian wines and draft beers from local breweries including Green Bench Brewing are on tap.

A selection of non-alcoholic concoctions is also available.

“I want people to come in the afternoon and work from here, play some vinyl, and enjoy drinks that can be non-alcoholic,” Moto said.

The bar has windows for patrons who want to enjoy drinks outside of the venue | st. pete rising

Tampa Bay Drinkery does not serve food; however, Moto, a former chef in New York City for 18 years, plans to buildout a commercial kitchen at a later date and offer a menu similar to upscale establishments found in New York City's Upper East Side and the Hamptons.

In the meantime, the bar is steps away from some of St. Pete’s best restaurants, such as Wild Child, Baba, Casita Taqueria, and more.

Tampa Bay Drinkery is open seven days a week from noon to 3 a.m.

Be sure to follow them on Instagram to stay up to date on drink specials and live music.