Iconic Tampa Bay restaurant Datz has closed in downtown St. Pete
/Datz was located at 180 Central Avenue, adjacent to the James Museum of Western and Wildlife Art, in downtown St. Pete | Larry Bleck
Datz in downtown St. Pete has permanently closed, marking the end of what was once one of Tampa Bay’s most popular restaurants.
Earlier yesterday morning, a message was taped to the restaurant’s door:
“An ending to an era! It’s been a great and memorable journey throughout the years. Unfortunately, we have finished our final chapter in our Datz story.”
The message continued, “It’s been a privilege and our pleasure throughout the years! Be well and until we meet again. Stay Datzy!”
The note did not provide a reason for the closure, and a call to the owners, Suzanne and Roger Perry, was not returned.
former mayor rick kriseman, local business leaders, and the datz team celebrating the 2019 opening in downtown st. pete | city of st. petersburg
Once a cheeky newcomer to the local dining scene, Datz became a beloved institution after opening its first location in South Tampa in early 2009.
The St. Pete outpost followed in 2019 with an expansive 5,000-square-foot restaurant at 180 Central Avenue, adjacent to the James Museum of Western and Wildlife Art.
A Riverview location opened the following year, in 2020.
Over the years, Datz gained a reputation for inventive takes on American comfort food.
At its peak, it served as a national ambassador for the region’s culinary scene, with appearances on the Food Network and morning television shows.
Datz became known for its playful creations like bacon doughnuts, and its over-the-top comfort food attracted diners from across Florida.
The cheesy todd, a burger sandwiched between two fried mac-and-cheese “buns” with a side of chips | datz
Among the most popular items was the signature Datz Burger, made with two grass-fed beef patties, lettuce, tomato, red onion, and pickle on an artisan challah bun, served with house-made potato chips drizzled in creamy blue cheese and topped with green onion.
Other favorites included the Cheesy Todd (a sandwich with fried mac-and-cheese buns), Yum Yum Wings tossed in Korean BBQ sauce, Buffalo Cauliflower Popcorn, and breakfast staples like the Chicken N’ Waffle Benedict.
The dominos started to fall in 2023 when the flagship South Tampa location closed after the property was sold. It has since been replaced by 1983, a nostalgic restaurant and bar that opened in August.
In June 2024, the Riverview restaurant closed after the sale of its building.
And now, the last Datz has closed its doors.
In addition to Datz, the owners also operated Dr. BBQ in the EDGE District of downtown St. Pete, which shuttered in 2022. That site is set to be redeveloped into a residential tower as part of PTM Partners’ Edge Collective project.
the rustic-modern decor inside datz st. pete | tripadvisor.com
