Some of the best scratch eats in downtown St. Pete are coming out of the kitchen at Southern Grounds. The all-day cafe and restaurant quietly opened last year at 695 Central Avenue, and in the time since, it has become a cult sensation among those in the know.
The fast-casual eatery and cafe is a favorite of the I Love the Burg team, and it’s with good reason we keep coming back. The from-scratch, seed oil-free kitchen dishes up creative and healthy eats from sunrise to well past sunset, making it a go-to spot for breakfast, lunch and dinner alike.
No matter what time of day, Southern Grounds is also our neighborhood go-to for a jolt of caffeine alongside our burrito. The quality of the coffee is outstanding, as they source beans directly from fair trade farms in South America. Whether it’s a quick espresso or one of their specialty flavored lattes, it hits the spot in both the energy and flavor departments. Plus, it’s a beautiful spot for some remote work on the laptop.
Much more than great coffee, Southern Grounds delivers culinary delights
Of course, as great as the coffee is, it’s important to point out that Southern Grounds isn’t a coffee shop. At least, it isn’t just a coffee shop. The eatery is an outright must-visit foodie destination, and it needs to immediately be added to your list for all three meals, as well as all the mid-morning and afternoon snacks in between.
Our first visit took us back when we saw and tasted the food menu, and it’s a huge reason we keep stopping in now.
For breakfast, they ace the basics, with bagels, sandwiches, fresh-baked treats, and steel-cut oats with fresh fruit. If you’re feeling something heavier, as we often are, the breakfast burrito is a showstopper, complete with fresh jalapenos. Their twists on breakfast classics run the gamut, from French toast or eggs Benedict to pancakes or omelets.
Come back for lunch or dinner (they’re open until 9 pm), and you’ll find an excellent mix of tantalizing-yet-healthy options. The brunch burger is our go-to, but the Korean steak bowl is also a huge hit for those aiming to up the protein level in their diet.
Southern Grounds also has a long list of sandwiches on the lunch and dinner menu that we’re ready to check off our list. The grilled goat cheese sandwich, in particular, keeps tempting us, though the turkey apple brie may be at the top of list. On the lighter side, their salads and toasts will fill you up without slowing you down. The grilled salmon salad and the avocado toast are among their most popular options.
One more important note: Southern Grounds also serves beer, wine, sangria, and mimosas, for the moments when caffeine isn’t the right kind of buzz. Like we said, definitely not just a coffee shop.
Southern Grounds is part of St. Pete’s health-conscious community
As with anything in St. Pete, however, our appreciation for Southern Grounds runs deeper than the food and drink. The team has also done an incredible job of integrating itself into the community. It’s become a favorite spot for the Pinellas Run Club, and they’ve partnered to support St. Pete SUP, both of which are great examples of their commitment to great food and a healthy lifestyle. It’s what the chef-driven scratch kitchen is all about.
Southern Grounds is open daily from 6:30 am – 9 pm, and you can also order online when you need to make it a quick stop. Follow the new foodie favorite on Instagram to see the latest events and specials, or stop by any day at 695 Central Avenue.