It’s race weekend in St. Petersburg Feb. 27-March 1, when the Firestone Grand Prix takes over the downtown waterfront with a buzz in the air.
Now in its 22nd year, the annual tradition, which serves as the IndyCar Series’ season opener, transforms streets near Pioneer Park, the Duke Energy Center for the Arts, Dalí Museum and Albert Whitted Airport into a 1.8-mile, 14-turn track. A big highlight of the 2026 festivities: The first-ever NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series street race is set for Feb. 28.
The Grand Prix has plenty of food vendors where you can fuel up with lunch in between the high-speed zooming. But if you’re looking to explore local restaurants beyond the event gates without venturing too far from the festivities, we made a list of 10 places to grab a midday meal for $15 or less.
Why not keep the car theme going and check out this Florida-born restaurant chain with vintage automotive vibes? The menu has a trio of 1/3-pound Roadster Burgers, each served on a brioche bun and with fries, under $15: Americana (American cheese, red onion, tomato, lettuce, pickle planks), Brisket Ranchero (hickory-smoked brisket, bourbon barbecue sauce, red onion, sharp cheddar, crispy onion straws) and Cali (roasted garlic aioli, tomato, avocado, pepper jackcheese, lettuce). On weekdays starting at 11 a.m., Ford’s Garage offers $10.99 and $12.99 value meals that include an entree and a drink.
200 First Ave. S., St. Petersburg. 727-295-3673. fordsgarageusa.com
Don’t miss the neighborhood gastropub’s tasty Buffalo Tofu Sandwich ($14.95). The Galley piles cubes of fried tofu tossed in zingy buffalo sauce, which would make a dreamy appetizer all on their own, on a toasted Amoroso’s roll with creamy vegan paprika ranch, romaine lettuce and tomato. Your choice of side completes the meal. For a heartier lunch, pair the sando with black beans and rice.
27 Fourth St. N., St. Petersburg. 727-575-7071. thegalleystpete.com
The popular New York-style pizza joint is a reliable place to score a huge, hot slice late into the evening. It also runs a solid lunch special: two slices and a drink for $7. Toppings are $1, but a couple slices of the classic cheese — with tangy sauce and a generous amount of cheese on a foldable, crisp crust — won’t disappoint. We hit ours with a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes. Whether you chow down at one of the picnic tables out front or snag a barstool inside, this speedy spot should have you on your way back to the track in no time.
210 First Ave. N., St. Petersburg. 727-822-6757. joeybrooklynsfamouspizzakitchen.com
In the mood for an acai bowl? Stop by Kaia Bowls, the fast-casual joint specializing in poke and other bowled delights that recently opened an Ybor City location. Beach Drive’s cute outpost sells five acai bowls (six if you include the build-your-own option) under $15. Choose from creations such as Wipe Out (banana, pineapple, kiwi, raw cacao nibs, almonds) and the signature Kaia Bowl (banana, strawberry, Nutella, coconut flakes). Each starts with acai and gluten-free granola before getting loaded with their respective toppings.
30 Beach Drive N.E., St. Petersburg. 727-220-1221. kaiabowls.com
This casual spot close to all the actionfeatures a large menu of crowd-pleasers, from bar snacks like tater tots and chicken wings to sandwiches and burgers. The nine-piece order of bone-in wings ($13.95) — tossed in your housemade sauce of choice and served with celery, carrots and housemade blue cheese or ranch for dipping — is a meal in itself. We recommend the Buffalo Garlic Parmesan variety. They’re super saucy with good crunch on the skin and tender meat inside.
1 Beach Drive S.E., St. Petersburg. 727-440-6323. localzsportsbar.com
For lunch, sometimes simplicity is best. The charming Mediterranean eatery’s Greek salad is $13.95 and tops lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, parsley, black olives and feta with Greek dressing. Enjoy it at a table inside, or dine along the sidewalk.
119 Second St. N., St. Petersburg. 727-498-8627. miosgrill.com
Tacos are the perfect quick bite, and ordering a couple of them a la carte at Red Mesa Cantina will keep you under the $15 cap. Take your pick from chicken, grilled shrimp, ahi tuna, steak and duck. Some of the specialty tacos, which come two per order, also fit the bill — including the $14 Tacos Gobernador featuring shrimp, jackcheese, red onion, pineapple, salsa macha and cilantro on flour tortillas.
128 Third St. S., St. Petersburg. 727-896-8226. redmesacantina.com
Get one of the classic sushi rolls between $7 and $10, then complement it with the $4.50 house salad or miso soup. Among the roll options: Love (smoked salmon, shrimp, avocado, sesame seeds), Inc Roll (tuna, salmon, tempura chips, roe) and Tampa (fried white fish, scallion, sesame seeds). The Japanese restaurant and bar does lunch specials, such as $1 off all classic rolls and $2 off all specialty rolls, on weekdays from 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
270 First Ave. N., St. Petersburg. 727-800-9977. sushiincorporated.com
Launched in January, this Italian sandwich spot with an old-school deli feel has one of our favorite sammies right now. Head to the counter and order Civita Luparella ($14). Mortadella and Italian ham are layered on a sturdy roll that holds up to the rest of the smartly curated ingredients: burrata, fresh arugula, pistachio pesto, salt and pepper, the signature Tony D’s sub sauce and balsamic glaze. It’s wonderfully messy and full of salty, creamy goodness with a nice peppery kick from the greens. Not big on that mashup? Several hot and cold sandwiches range from $10-$14, including vegetarian offerings.
217 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. tonydsubs.com
You can’t go wrong with a crepe from this welcoming, laid-back cafe. The menu lists more than two dozen, with most of them priced at $14.50, so you’re sure to find one to satisfy your cravings. For lunch, try the Whole Enchilada, showcasing smoked pork with cilantro, avocado, cheddarand tomato salsa, or Apple Melt, a combination of turkey breast, spinach, roasted apple, brie and caramel drizzle.
104 Second Ave. N.E., St. Petersburg. 727-822-7373. thewoodenrooster.com