{"id":169854,"date":"2026-02-26T09:37:59","date_gmt":"2026-02-26T09:37:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/169854\/"},"modified":"2026-02-26T09:37:59","modified_gmt":"2026-02-26T09:37:59","slug":"10-spots-to-grab-lunch-for-15-or-less-near-st-petersburgs-grand-prix","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/169854\/","title":{"rendered":"10 spots to grab lunch for $15 or less near St. Petersburg\u2019s Grand Prix"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">It\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Now in its 22nd year, the annual tradition, which serves as the IndyCar Series\u2019 season opener, transforms streets near Pioneer Park, the Duke Energy Center for the Arts, Dal\u00ed Museum and Albert Whitted Airport into a 1.8-mile, 14-turn track. A big highlight of the 2026 festivities: The first-ever <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tampabay.com\/sports\/2026\/01\/14\/st-petersburg-grand-prix-tickets-indy-car-5k-run-party\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series street race;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series street race<\/a> is set for Feb. 28.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">The Grand Prix has plenty of food vendors where you can fuel up with lunch in between the high-speed zooming. But if you\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">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\u2019s Garage offers $10.99 and $12.99 value meals that include an entree and a drink.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">200 First Ave. S., St. Petersburg. 727-295-3673. <a href=\"https:\/\/fordsgarageusa.com\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:fordsgarageusa.com;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">fordsgarageusa.com<\/a><\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/46178c0b0f3fb56569fc4b9cae6ac4e3.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Don\u2019t miss the neighborhood gastropub\u2019s 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">27 Fourth St. N., St. Petersburg. 727-575-7071. <a href=\"https:\/\/thegalleystpete.com\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:thegalleystpete.com;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">thegalleystpete.com<\/a><\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/586f526c27f7f38f0c6c803cde08101f.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">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 \u2014 with tangy sauce and a generous amount of cheese on a foldable, crisp crust \u2014 won\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">210 First Ave. N., St. Petersburg. 727-822-6757. <a href=\"http:\/\/joeybrooklynsfamouspizzakitchen.com\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:joeybrooklynsfamouspizzakitchen.com;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">joeybrooklynsfamouspizzakitchen.com<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">30 Beach Drive N.E., St. Petersburg. 727-220-1221. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kaiabowls.com\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:kaiabowls.com;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">kaiabowls.com<\/a><\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/0b6c14c700fa394092cab16bedc6579e.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">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) \u2014 tossed in your housemade sauce of choice and served with celery, carrots and housemade blue cheese or ranch for dipping \u2014 is a meal in itself. We recommend the Buffalo Garlic Parmesan variety. They\u2019re super saucy with good crunch on the skin and tender meat inside.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">1 Beach Drive S.E., St. Petersburg. 727-440-6323. <a href=\"https:\/\/localzsportsbar.com\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:localzsportsbar.com;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">localzsportsbar.com<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">For lunch, sometimes simplicity is best. The charming Mediterranean eatery\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">119 Second St. N., St. Petersburg. 727-498-8627. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.miosgrill.com\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:miosgrill.com;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">miosgrill.com<\/a><\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/bac0b5bd3cf9e0c25238cb6c77f29334.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">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 \u2014 including the $14 Tacos Gobernador featuring shrimp, jackcheese, red onion, pineapple, salsa macha and cilantro on flour tortillas.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">128 Third St. S., St. Petersburg. 727-896-8226. <a href=\"https:\/\/redmesacantina.com\/menus\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:redmesacantina.com;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">redmesacantina.com<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">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.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">270 First Ave. N., St. Petersburg. 727-800-9977. <a href=\"https:\/\/sushiincorporated.com\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:sushiincorporated.com;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">sushiincorporated.com<\/a><\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/a7b38d3b397fae4d26265950ed1ef743.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">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\u2019s sub sauce and balsamic glaze. It\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">217 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tonydsubs.com\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:tonydsubs.com;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">tonydsubs.com<\/a><\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/dd6d2126709f21d514a2baf8aa72bb11.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">You can\u2019t 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\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">104 Second Ave. N.E., St. Petersburg. 727-822-7373. <a href=\"https:\/\/thewoodenrooster.com\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:thewoodenrooster.com;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">thewoodenrooster.com<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"It\u2019s race weekend in St. Petersburg Feb. 27-March 1, when the Firestone Grand Prix takes over the downtown&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":169855,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[13],"tags":[37866,80885,80887,80889,80888,80886,202,204,203,199,201,200],"class_list":["post-169854","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-st-petersburg","tag-albert-whitted-airport","tag-civita-luparella","tag-italian-sandwiches","tag-lunch-special","tag-red-onion","tag-romaine-lettuce","tag-st-pete","tag-st-pete-headlines","tag-st-pete-news","tag-st-petersburg","tag-st-petersburg-headlines","tag-st-petersburg-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/169854","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=169854"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/169854\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/169855"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=169854"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=169854"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=169854"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}