Our 7 Favorite Independent Restaurants We Covered in Pinellas County, FL

Over the past year, we've reported on some awesome businesses. Here's a brief list of our favorites in Pinellas County.

1) Riveters — St. Petersburg

History: Tampa-born sports bar known for historic décor and scratch-made food; owner Andres Farfan also owns Boda Authentic Mexican in Tampa.

New plans: Expanding to 330 1st Ave S with ~150 seats and modest cosmetic updates; factory-inspired interior with original WWII wings; daily lunch, dinner, and late-night planned. Planning to open in Spring 2026.

Why we love it: An expansive history-themed concept with scratch made dishes and a friendly owner.

Read our article.

2) Fusillo Italian Pasta — St. Petersburg

History: Founded by longtime friends Giangiacomo “Giangie” Greco and Alessandro Casali; both bring Italy-based management backgrounds to the project.

New plans: Fast-casual fresh pasta at 905 Central Ave with ~12 indoor seats and planned outdoor seating; daily-made pasta, imported ingredients, classics like cacio e pepe; desserts, beer, and wine; seven-day schedule. Coming soon

Why we love it: Tight menu, real Italian sourcing, and a simple choose-your-pasta format built for speed without shortcuts.

Read our article.

3) Outside BBQ — St. Pete Beach

History: Started as a food truck in 2021, then added a Tampa takeout storefront in April 2024.

New plans: Full-service beach restaurant at 6305 Gulf Blvd with dine-in, takeout, delivery (including potential beach delivery), and a bar program; Tampa takeout and food truck continue. Targeting spring 2026.

Why we love it: Owner Jevonta Godwin built the brand up from a food truck to a brick and mortar and now a second location. A family-owned, independent business to its core.

4) Friendly Tavern — Redington Shores

History: Beach staple established in 1947; returning after storm-related closure with much of the original staff.

Reopened: at 18121 Gulf Blvd with ~90 seats inside, ~60 outside, and a tiki bar; daily 8 a.m.–midnight (to 2 a.m. Fri–Sat); menu of handhelds, fish platters, and a breakfast focus with a Bloody Mary bar.

Why we love it: It's a return of a local staple.

Read our article.

5) Tiki Tim’s TU — Pinellas Park

History: Second location of St. Pete’s Tiki Tim’s; known for Philly- and Maryland-inspired comfort food and a viral loaded Bloody Mary.

Opened in 2025 at 9711 66th St N with ~150 seats and two bars including one serving a private dining room; regular events, trivia, and weekday happy hours; early weekend openings.

Why we love it: Tiki Tim's spoke to us about their very first location in St. Pete back in 2023, so we're glad to see them expand. Another independent, family owned affair.

Read our article.

6) Clearwater Brewing Company — Clearwater

History: Closed in August 2023; now back under new owners Hannah and Robert Menard with partners Brian Thompson and Shane Seagle.

Now Open: Family-friendly brewery in a 1950s Gulf gas station near the Pinellas Trail with turfed play areas; scratch pizzas and wings; community programming; new 10-bbl system with 45 bbl fermentation.

Why we love it: A true neighborhood reboot—thoughtful food, kid- and pet-friendly outdoor space, and upgraded brewing capacity.

Read our article.

7) Bogey’s Tavern — Largo

History: Husband-and-wife team Pam Dufour (CEO) and Air Force veteran Mike D’Ottavio (COO) built the concept around classic New England/Mid-Atlantic taverns and vintage golf.

Opening Spring 2026 at 300 E Bay Dr Suite 2B with 130–140 seats, 26-seat bar, and a 20-seat private room; scratch-made chowders, baked cod, Rhode Island-style calamari; live acoustic music; detailed operating hours planned.

Why we love it: Locally owned with a unique, vintage golf / New England style menu. Can't beat it.

Read our article.