With Father’s Day around the corner, we wanted to put together a rundown of the best things to do with dad on his special day. But after introspection and years of giving dad new ties and Lowe’s gift cards, we realize we aren’t exactly the experts.
So, just like we do with everything else in life, we’re asking dad for advice. In this case, it’s the advice he’d give himself. With three staff dads living locally, we decided to put the responsibility of what to do for Father’s Day on their shoulders, and we hope it will help you celebrate your dad this Father’s Day, and any day.
Lucky for us, we have some foodie dads on our team. Clearly, we come by it honestly. If you’re a dad looking for a getaway, or someone with a dad in your life worth celebrating, the following local spots are 100 percent Dad Approved TM.
Ysa’s dad has great taste in soccer teams, too
Ysa’s dad’s St. Pete picks:
1 Chick 1 Bro
The family-run Venezuelan spot has been a star in Gulfport since day one, with amazing arepas as well as a full breakfast and coffee menu. There are 14 arepa varieties to choose from, including spicy sriracha chicken, pork belly, veggie options, and even a land-and-sea version packed with steak and shrimp.
Chile Verde
Chile Verde is the ultimate IYKYK spot for casual Mexican eats and drinks, and clearly Ysa’s dad knows. Props for the insider pick. There is no shortage of people who consider this their favorite Mexican spot in St. Pete.
Mazarro’s Italian Market
Just a few blocks from Chile Verde, Mazarro’s may well be the best-known spot in St. Pete, and it’s with good reason. Don’t skip the sandwiches in the deli, the pre-made meals in the market, the wine and cheese room, the cafe, or the … well, don’t skip Mazarro’s.
Bodega
For our money, this is the best Cuban sandwich in St. Pete. Presumably, Ysa’s dad agrees. Plus, you can stop by the speakeasy bar in the back after your meal.
Pia’s Trattoria
Ysa’s dad keeps coming through with great picks, and he clearly has a soft spot for carbs. The Gulfport star transports you straight to Old World Italy, with incredible food and an underrated cocktail program.
Engine No. 9
If you’re reading this, Father of Ysa, we should hang out more. Engine No. 9 could easily be considered the best burger spot in Pinellas County. Don’t sleep on the sriracha wings, though.
Alexa’s dad loves a beach walk and catching a sunset on the Gulf when he isn’t out finding great hidden gems
Alexa’s dad’s favorite spots:
The Joint
It appears we have another burger fan in the I Love the Burg family. The Joint is the quintessential pub grub spot, and it’s a genuine opinion that you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, though the burgers are some of the best in town. Plus, you can’t beat the prices.
Greek Village Cafe & Coffee House
Alexa’s dad likes a hidden gem, and we’re here for it. Greek Village serves up exceedingly tasty Greek dishes every day, and you don’t have to drive all the way to Tarpon Springs. Alexa’s dad stands on his word that it’s the best Greek salad in Florida.
Kelly’s dad’s go-to local spots
Calida Kitchen & Wine
Shoutout to our dads for the insider picks. Calida is one of the toughest tables to get in St. Pete, and it’s with very good reason. The intimate dining service and rotating menu make it feel like you’re being welcomed into someone’s home for dinner.
Il Ritorno
Color us unimpressed that Il Ritorno is Michelin Recommended. Being recommended by Kelly’s dad is the real honor here. The upscale, modern Italian destination has been a star in DTSP for years.
Allelo
We’re sensing a theme here. Allelo became a quick favorite on Beach Drive with its Mediterranean-inspired small plates, outstanding brunch, and top-notch wine and cocktail lists. Any moms reading, this is where to take dad for date night.
Isu Modern Japanese
Kelly’s dad is on top of the hotspots and I could not respect it more. In fact, Isu has been a favorite of the entire team, dads or otherwise, thanks to its stellar maki and sushi menu and escapist atmosphere.
Keep an eye out Kelly’s dad the next time you hit brunch at Elliott Aster
Elliott Aster
St. Pete’s newest addition to the Michelin Recommended list also gets the approval of Kelly’s dad. While the food is clearly top notch, it’s the high level of service and beautiful space that really put it over the top.
Olivia
Alright, pops – when are you taking us on the Kelly’s Dad’s food tour of Italy? This is a man with taste and an appreciation of the finer things, seemingly doubly so if they involve pasta. The modern Italian spot has become a quick star.
Bonus picks!
Dads are full of infinite wisdom, and ours are no different. In addition to their local favorites, we have four more thoughts from our fine fathers. Ysa’s dad shared the top three places on his list he wants to try for the first time, and Kelly’s dad gave us a spot currently open in Tampa that debuts in St. Pete later this month.
Forbici Modern Italian
If you’ve read all the way through, you can guess where this pick came from. The Tampa star for Roman pizzas and Italian classics opens in St. Pete this June. Kelly’s Dad urges you to try it out when it does, and I agree.
When he’s not checking off his culinary bucket list, Ysa’s dad also enjoys a visit to the aquarium
Ysa’s Dad’s list of places he wants to try:
Carúpano Kitchen – The Foodie Labs and pop-up sensation delivers absolutely outstanding arepas and Venezuelan fare every time.
Brick & Mortar – Sir, I have surmised that you like burgers, and Brick & Mortar has perhaps the best one in St. Pete.
Aji Ceviche Bar – The new(ish) Peruvian spot in Downtown St. Pete has a beautiful dining room and bar, as well as an intimate ceviche bar. It’s on my list too, Ysa’s Dad.