There is a unicorn in Downtown St. Pete: a real third space, the kind we’ve all been craving. A bar with tons of indoor seating, air-conditioning, plenty of TVs, a scratch kitchen, a full liquor and NA selection, table service, reasonable prices and something happening every day of the week to get you out of your house. Whether that’s trivia on a Wednesday, brunch with friends on a Sunday, or just catching a game, Voodoo Brewing Co. (220 4th St N) is more than worth adding to your rotation this fall.
I’ve done my fair share of themed trivia, stopped in for a snack and some baseball by myself, and generally just always recommended Voodoo to anyone who needs a reason to get out of the house and be social. The reasons, listed above, speak for themselves. It also helps that the quality is great. Their brisket and smoked wings lead a BBQ program that is both impressive and surprising, while touches like house-fried tortilla chips for nachos and house-made sauces for dipping elevate the pub grub significantly. The beer selection is top-notch, and they have something for everyone thanks to a full liquor bar, wine selection, and NA cocktails and beverages.
St. Pete has no shortage of places to grab a drink, but few actually double as a gathering spot night after night. It can sound a little weird to recommend a place with “brewing” in the name for its social calendar, so I understand any surprise or hesitation. But if you’re looking for a regular spot to meet up with friends, or make new ones, Voodoo needs to be on your list. It’s the rare place that checks every box, including its downtown location. And yes, if you are watching the game, whatever it is, college football, MLB playoffs, or the upcoming NBA and NHL seasons, all you have to do is pick your table or barstool.
Of course, if you haven’t been to Voodoo at all, we should point out that it’s about more than just one thing. As mentioned above, the food is excellent, providing a scratch-made option for indulgent bar eats. The smoked meats are particularly worth seeking out, with the brisket available only on Saturdays and Sundays and served four ways: as a sandwich, tacos, platter, or nachos, making it an especially great weekend pick for football. Their smoked chicken wings are also a standout, with some of the best drums and flats in the city.
Beyond food and drink, you have arcade games, pool, ping pong, and TVs everywhere. There are regular theme nights for great eats, trivia, various events and more. Literally every day of the week, there’s something happening, whether it’s a game you watch on TV or that you play at your table. Plus, they’re open for lunch and dinner daily…