If you enjoy craft cocktails, unique nightlife experiences, and discovering hidden gems, there\u2019s a new destination on Florida\u2019s Gulf Coast that deserves a spot on your must-visit list. A secret speakeasy has quietly opened inside one of the state\u2019s most successful craft distilleries, bringing a touch of Prohibition-era glamour to downtown St. Petersburg.<\/p>\n
A Hidden Cocktail Lounge Above the Distillery Floor<\/p>\n
The new venue, called 31 South Speakeasy, is tucked away inside the working facility of St. Petersburg Distillery at 800 31st Street South in St. Petersburg. The intimate lounge occupies a hidden room overlooking the active production floor where whiskey, rum, vodka, gin, and specialty spirits are distilled. Guests typically pass the location during daytime tours, but after dark, the space transforms into an exclusive cocktail destination.<\/p>\n
The 45-seat speakeasy officially debuted on May 1 and currently operates Thursday through Saturday evenings from 6 p.m. until 11 p.m. Access requires a daily password, adding to the authentic speakeasy experience. Password information is released through the venue\u2019s social media channels.<\/p>\n
Inspired by the Roaring Twenties<\/p>\n
Walking into 31 South Speakeasy feels like stepping back into the 1920s. The design embraces classic Art Deco styling with rich colors, vintage glassware, warm wood accents, historic photography, and carefully selected furnishings sourced locally. The atmosphere is designed to evoke the elegance and mystery of America\u2019s Prohibition era while maintaining a distinctly St. Petersburg personality.<\/p>\n
According to company leadership, the concept was created to offer a completely different experience from the daytime distillery tours and tastings that have helped make St. Petersburg Distillery a popular attraction for both locals and visitors.<\/p>\n
Signature Cocktails Highlight Local Spirits<\/p>\n
The cocktail menu showcases spirits produced onsite and features both classic and contemporary creations. Guests can enjoy drinks such as:<\/p>\n
Matcha Latte Martini made with Banyan Reserve Vodka
\nHibiscus Gimlet featuring Old St. Pete Tropical Gin
\nMai Tai crafted with Old St. Pete Righteous Rum & Spice
\nMaple Old Fashioned using Old St. Pete Sunshine Whiskey
\nEspresso Martini and other specialty cocktails<\/p>\n
Visitors can also order curated tasting flights that allow them to sample multiple spirits produced by the distillery. Suncoast readers who follow the region\u2019s craft beverage scene may also remember when Good Liquid Brewing Company expanded with a Bradenton brewery, distillery, and restaurant<\/a>, another sign of how quickly local drink destinations are evolving.<\/p>\n Elevated Food Menu Complements the Experience<\/p>\n Unlike many cocktail lounges that offer only light snacks, 31 South Speakeasy features a food program developed by Chef Johnathan Rodriguez. Rodriguez is known throughout the Tampa Bay culinary scene and previously worked at Tampa\u2019s Sal Y Mar. His accolades include multiple \u201cBest Chef\u201d honors at the Savor St. Pete Food & Wine Festival and recognition from other regional culinary events.<\/p>\n The combination of handcrafted cocktails and chef-driven cuisine positions the venue as both a nightlife destination and a unique dining experience.<\/p>\n A Distillery That Continues to Grow<\/p>\n Founded in 2014, St. Petersburg Distillery has grown into what company officials describe as Florida\u2019s largest distillery by size and production volume. The family-owned operation has become a key attraction in the city\u2019s Warehouse Arts District, offering tours, tastings, community events, and its popular Makers + Shakers Market.<\/p>\n The opening of the speakeasy reflects a growing trend across Florida where craft distilleries are expanding beyond production into immersive hospitality experiences. Similar upscale concepts are appearing throughout the Tampa Bay region as consumers increasingly seek unique local entertainment options. The Suncoast has seen that appetite before, including interest in Loaded Cannon Distillery in Lakewood Ranch<\/a> and other craft beverage stops.<\/p>\n Why Suncoast Visitors May Want to Make the Trip<\/p>\n For Suncoast residents from Sarasota, Bradenton, Anna Maria Island, Venice, and beyond, St. Petersburg has become one of Florida\u2019s premier destinations for dining, arts, craft beverages, and nightlife. The addition of 31 South Speakeasy provides yet another reason to spend an evening exploring the city.<\/p>\n Whether you\u2019re a fan of craft spirits, vintage-inspired cocktail culture, or simply enjoy uncovering hidden venues, this new speakeasy offers an experience unlike anything currently found on Florida\u2019s Gulf Coast.<\/p>\n Learn More<\/p>\n For the latest password information, special events, and cocktail offerings, follow 31 South Speakeasy on Instagram at @31southspeakeasy and St. Petersburg Distillery on Facebook and Instagram and by visiting the distillery.<\/p>\n Location: 800 31st Street South, St. Petersburg, Florida For more Florida food, drink, and destination stories, visit The Suncoast Post.<\/p>\n Related Stories<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"If you enjoy craft cocktails, unique nightlife experiences, and discovering hidden gems, there\u2019s a new destination on Florida\u2019s…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":299635,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[13],"tags":[125983,125984,125985,125986,54236,202,204,203,199,95102,201,200,1526],"class_list":["post-299634","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-st-petersburg","tag-31-south-speakeasy","tag-craft-cocktails","tag-distillery","tag-florida-nightlife","tag-speakeasy","tag-st-pete","tag-st-pete-headlines","tag-st-pete-news","tag-st-petersburg","tag-st-petersburg-distillery","tag-st-petersburg-headlines","tag-st-petersburg-news","tag-tampa-bay"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/299634","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=299634"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/299634\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/299635"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=299634"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=299634"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=299634"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
\nHours: Thursday-Saturday, 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
\nConcept: Hidden speakeasy inside a working craft distillery<\/p>\n