Dead Bob’s will take over the kitchen at the Holiday Isle Elks Lodge #1912 at 14111 East Parsley Drive in Madeira Beach | Elks Lodge

Dead Bob’s is expanding once again – this time to the waterfront.

The popular St. Petersburg bar and restaurant, known for its affordable burgers and seafood, will soon open Dead Bob’s Waterfront Kitchen inside the Holiday Isle Elks Lodge #1912 at 14111 East Parsley Drive in Madeira Beach, which reopened last year after Hurricane Helene.

For owner Ben Scherlis, the partnership offers a rare mix of scenic views, built-in community, and something a little different from the typical restaurant experience.

“We’re really trying to be open on February 1st; it might be a few weeks later, but that’s what we’re shooting for,” Dead Bob’s owner Ben Scherlis tells St. Pete Rising.

The bar inside the Elks Lodge in Madeira Beach | Elks Lodge

Dead Bob’s Waterfront Kitchen will operate as a members-only restaurant, meaning guests must be affiliated with the Elks Lodge to dine there.

However, non-members won’t be turned away. Visitors can apply for membership on the spot, pay a $50 application fee, and enjoy Dead Bob’s famed fare right away.

“If somebody comes in who's not a member, we’ll have a pile of pre-filled applications that list me as the sponsor,” Scherlis explains. “So the process will be really quick and simple.”

Those who choose to become full members of the Elks Lodge will also pay roughly $150 in annual dues.

The tiki bar on the Elks Lodge’s outdoor patio in Madeira Beach | Elks Lodge

Scherlis, who immediately joined the Elks Lodge after his first visit, says that the fees are definitely worth the benefits. Members and their families can enjoy the space seven days a week, including its pool, along with events, social gatherings, and charitable efforts.

While Dead Bob’s Waterfront Kitchen will dish out its classic bar fare and provide catering services, the Elks Lodge will oversee a full-service bar program.

The menu will closely mirror the offerings at Dead Bob’s flagship location at 6475 Central Avenue in west St. Pete, featuring a variety of burgers, sandwiches, and appetizers like onion rings, Philly cheesesteak egg rolls, and chicken wings.

Guests can also expect weekday dinner specials, Fish Fry Fridays, and the eventual launch of a pizza program.

Dead Bob’s will continue serving their popular burgers | Dora Boyd

Since Dead Bob’s newest location is on the Madeira Beach waterfront, freshly-caught seafood will also be a highlight on its menu.

Guests can hang out with food and drinks on the outdoor patio, at the tiki bar, by the pool, or inside the dining room, where plenty of TVs keep that classic Dead Bob’s sports bar feel alive.

Boaters will also be able to use the lodge’s on-site slips, allowing arrivals by water or by car.

Bill Hepscher and Francesco Balzano, who are also associated with Dead Bob’s and The Joint, will be joining Scherlis as partners in this new waterfront location.

The pool at the Elks Lodge in Madeira Beach | Elks Lodge

After its February debut, Dead Bob’s Waterfront Kitchen will be open from noon-7 p.m., Wednesday to Sunday. It will also be open during every major holiday that falls on a Monday.

Late last year, Dead Bob’s relocated from its original space to a much larger restaurant and bar at 6475 Central Avenue. The local hangout now offers an expanded breakfast menu with the same late-night hours and dive bar-feel that customers love.

Scherlis is also teaming up with DeLosa’s Pizzeria owner Jim Breazeale on a new Italian concept, Bob’s Side Piece, slated to open in the former Dead Bob’s space in February.

Keep up with the latest news by following Dead Bob’s on Facebook.