Address: 330 1st Ave S, St Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 727-851-9531
Hours: Open daily 11:30am- close
Extras: Live Music Friday and Saturday Night
Website: theavenuedtsp.com
(Scroll to the bottom for a quick rating/review)
I woke up with a hankering for meat. Not the steak kind or the X rated kind … but a big o’ juicy, mile high burger, stacked to the sky with savory fixins’ kind!
I frequent Instagram (i.e. I live on it), that is where I saw a photo of a glorious burger that has been haunting my tastebuds for weeks. The photo was taken at The Avenue in St. Pete. This #IGFoodPorn showcased the huckleBERRY burger, topped with fresh blueberry jam, applewood bacon and brie cheese. I didn't need a menu for this one, I WAS ordering that succulent piece of heaven on a bun!
I gently nudged my luvah out of bed (insert Carrie Bradshaw’s voice here). Once he pulled himself up off the floor … OK, it was more than a gentle nudge, but I was excited to get my burger on. I proclaimed, “We’re heading to St. Pete for meat!! So, throw on your flip flops, we’re outta here!”
On the car ride, I did some research on guys behind this not so typical burger joint. The Avenue has been around since 2011 and is owned by Stephen Schrutt. Stephen has been in the restaurant biz since he was 14. Around that same age, Chef Ryan Kelly discovered his passion for food. This guy is no burger flipper, he attend the prestigous Culinary Institute of America. Ryan’s resume is impressively extensive and his television career memorably brief. A few years ago during his stint as the Chef for the Tampa Bay Brewing Company, Ryan was featured on Diners, Drive Ins and Dives with Guy Fieri. Not a bad 15 minutes if you ask me!
It’s a Sunday, so we both anticipated the typical brunch crowd wait. The hostess told us it would be a half an hour, so we b-lined to the bar. The Avenue has a large selection of craft beers and specialty cocktails. The Sunshine + Alcohol caught my eye, it’s made with Buffalo trace Whiskey, maple syrup, OJ and bacon … you had me at bacon. Since I was over served the night before, I went with a milder choice, Sangria. Luvah (a.k.a. Greg) had the Bloody Mary special, only $3.50 and made with ZingZang - it was quite tasty.
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| Sangria (pretty damn good too!) |
The crowd at the Avenue is a laid back mix ranging from hipsters to boomers. The theme seems to be that of a rugged, upscale, man cave. It looks like a converted garage that boasts dozens of wide screen TVs (even in the john!) all playing a variety of sports. There’s the giant porcelain buck’s head above the fireplace and shelves filled with various retro signage and funky decor.
We got our table in 30 minutes as promised. Chelsey, our server, and I swore she was a dead ringer for Reese Witherspoon. We ask her about some of the menu items and Chelsey proves to be quite knowledgable. We started with an app called mmmBACON, which is five thick cut bacon slices served in a mason jar, along with a side of black pepper maple syrup and a side of Guinness chocolate ganache. I was in pig heaven!! (I had to take that.) The side sauces were plentiful and the perfect pairing, although I had a hard time detecting the Guinness in the ganache. I’d also like to see six pieces of bacon as opposed to five, it would make sharing easier because I’m a hog when it comes to bacon! (sorry, the puns are irresistible!)
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| MMMM Bacon app |
The Avenue’s burger menu not only gives you a selection of 25 speciality burgers, you can also customize your order with a wheat, pretzel or gluten free bun, and switch up your meat for bison or ahi tuna steak if you want to take your burger up a notch. Greg ordered the fireCRACKER burger, made with jalapeño, homemade spicy habanero sauce + pepper jack cheese, cooked medium rare. Chelsey suggested getting the habanero sauce on the side since some people find it over-the-top spicy. As difficult as it was to make a decision, I stuck with the burger that brought me here, the huckleBERRY made with bison meat, cooked medium rare and served on a gluten free bun.
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| Firecracker Burger! |
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| Huckleberry Burger with sweet potato fries |
We were pleased with our choices. Greg thought the heat from the habanero sauce was perfect but, buyer beware, Greg is an expert hot food eater, this is not for the novice. I thought my burger was delicious although the blueberry jam flavor really didn’t come through as I had hoped. I was impressed with the gluten free bun. If you’re a frequent eater of gluten free breads, then you know most gluten free buns as dry and crumbly. This GF option was soft and never crumbled apart!
One side bar, our medium rare burgers were more like rare burgers. That didn’t bother us one bit as we’re bloody flesh eaters, and so appreciate a place that will still cook burgers to order. However, you may want to take note if it’s not your thing.
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| S'mores dessert - ooey gooey! |
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When we are done stuffing our faces, Chelsey returns to our table and poped the question … “dessert?” I looked at Greg and said, “I can’t embark on this food review journey without ‘checking out’ dessert!” I said ‘checking out’ as if I’m just going to look it over and not gobble it up like a three year old left alone with a giant Hersey bar! Chelsey recommended the s’mores, which she claimed is ahh-mazing. The dessert is an ooey-gooey brownie, chocolate syrup and toasted marshmallow smooshed into a mason jar and served with a side of graham crackers. Chelsey's description was dead on! Greg and I shared it, although I could have easily ate that one by myself. Next time I’ll give the deep fried Oreos a try!
RATING: 5 best / 1 worst
Food ****
The menu isn’t over whelming and predominantly burgers. Aside from burgers there are about a dozen apps, a handful of salads, about 4 gourmet mac & cheeses, some sammies and about a half dozen speciality hot dogs.
Vibe ***
The look: Man cave garage gets and upscale, retro, urban chic make over. It’s cozy and inviting. A bit hard to move around the back bar area and since it open air back there, it can get a bit warm in our Florida humid heat, but inviting nonetheless.
The crowd: Ranges from 20 somethings to baby boomers and very welcoming.
The bathroom: The unisex restroom was a stinky - my guess is that the 42” flat panel TV is too much of a distraction to the men folk.
And: Outside seating available on First Ave. S.
Service ****
The hostess was spot on when she gave us the 30 minute wait time and graciously directed us to the bar where she came and personally found us. Our waitress, Chelsey was always there when when ran out of something, clearing dirty dishes promptly and never helicoptering over us. She was knowledgable and honest about the selections.
Moola $$
We spent $69 (before tip) for two people. Included 3 adult beverages, an app, two speciality burgers and dessert. I would say we got our money’s worth!
OVERALL: 4
Overall I would happily return to The Avenue when I’m near St. Pete and craving meat. The burgers are high quality, the menu has the right amount of variety with top notch service. There is a full bar with 30 beers and unique speciality drinks and a fun, eclectic atmosphere.
Best Burger Disclaimer ** I still feel the best burger award goes to Hamburger Mary’s - who remains the reining queen of Bugerdom - she’s still number one in my little black restaurant book.
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