If you spend much time on the western end of Downtown St. Pete, there’s a good chance Southern Grounds (695 Central Ave) has already found a spot in your routine. Maybe it’s your go-to for morning coffee, a comfy place to fire off a few emails, or where you meet a friend for brunch before wandering through the galleries nearby. It’s familiar for a reason—and that reason is it’s really good.
What you might not have experienced yet, though, is Southern Grounds from golden hour on. Their made-from-scratch, seed-oil-free food hits a little differently after dark, and on Wednesdays, it’s the place to be for a low-key happy hour with friends.
Images via Southern Grounds
Come for the deals, stay for the vibes
Wine Wednesday is exactly what it sounds like, with a DJ playing in the background, half-off glasses of wine, and $10 off bottles. It’s enough of a draw to turn a regular Wednesday into something you can really look forward to. The music rotates every week, and the space itself also feels like a good time.
Inside, you can grab a seat at the bar or a table and enjoy the bright, airy aesthetic paired with colorful murals by local artist Matt Kress. Outside, the sidewalk patio is perfect for catching the sunset or doing a little people-watching along Central Ave, wine glass in hand.
And once you settle in, the food makes it easy to stay a while.
Images via Southern Grounds
Small plates, big flavors
Southern Grounds has always been more than a coffee shop thanks to its all-day menu, but evenings are an especially good time to lean into sharing a few plates. The Crispy Feta with Hot Honey is a standout that’s salty, sweet, and ideal for snacking while you catch up with friends.
If you’re hungry enough for something more substantial, there are plenty of options that don’t feel too heavy. The Mediterranean Power Bowl with grilled chicken is satisfying without slowing you down, while the Tuna Poke Bowl adds a fresh, light option that works especially well on warmer nights.
Stop in seven days a week
Southern Grounds is open daily from 6:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., with Wine Wednesday deals running from 4:00 p.m. until close. You can order online if you’re short on time, but it’s also worth lingering over a cup of coffee while you’re there. They source beans directly from fair trade farms in South America, and it shows—everything from espresso shots to flavored lattes is consistently delicious.
Follow Southern Grounds on Instagram and stop by this week for Wine Wednesday. It’s a good reminder that you don’t need to wait for the weekend to enjoy great food, good wine, and a fun night out.