DINING VisitSPC.com/Dining VEGETARIAN/VEGAN/ GLUTEN FREE THE CIDER PRESS CAFE • St. Petersburg; $ • In many ways, this bustling cafe feels like the vegan and raw anchor of St. Pete’s downtown dining scene. In the heart of the boutique and restaurant-packed 600 block of Central Avenue, the owners have taken full advantage of the prime real estate with lots of outdoor seating that stretches around both sides of the corner building. The wide-reaching menu is full of global and eclectic twists, from grilled seitan banh mi sandwiches to black bean burgers and hummus fries with sriracha. The restaurant also features a good selection of beer, wine, ciders and spiked seltzers. CORE • Safety Harbor; $ • This cozy vegan market and bistro in downtown Safety Harbor specializes in upscale and gourmet vegan dishes, Rice cakes are served with a coconut chutney, seared chive and cabbage dumplings feature spicy Korean gochujang paste, and bacon tempeh sliders are paired with leafy greens and sundried tomato pesto on toasted buns. The space doubles as a small market so be sure to stock up on some vegan goodies to-go before you hit the road. CRAFT KAFE • St. Petersburg; $ • The trendy cafe has built a name for itself as one of the most beloved local spots catering to the gluten-free crowd. A large selection of tasty, gluten-free pastries breakfast and lunch menus include a daily vegan soup, several sandwiches and a build-your-own omelet deal that comes with homefries and toast. A large awning provides plenty of shaded space at the downtown St. Pete location while the 66th Street N spot is a great place to grab an iced coffee and an avocado toast on your way to the beach. GOLDEN DINOSAURS • Gulfport; $ • This casual cafe’s eclectic, funky and laid-back vibe on Beach Boulevard have made it a Gulfport neighborhood meat alternatives all made in-house, from sausages to cutlets and seitan. And if it’s not made from scratch, there’s a good chance it’s sourced locally, from the pastrami reubens, piled high with St. Pete Ferments sauerkraut to the local beer and kombu-cha on draught. A recent remodel allows guests to order online or through a contactless walk-up window and the outdoor area includes plenty of patio seating. LOVE FOOD CENTRAL • St. Petersburg; $ • You’ll (SWAH-REY) • St. Petersburg; $ • extends beyond your basic veggie burger joint at this breezy Central Avenue cafe. Start with the kale Caesar salad and move on to something heartier, there is beer and wine served for the grown-ups) is a local favorite for sweet tooths. From-scratch cakes BEANS & BARLOUR • St. Petersburg; $ • Part cocktail lounge, part ice cream parlour and part craft coffee bar, this unique St. Pete hybrid features sweet treats and boozy concoctions like piña colada Dole outdoor sidewalk seating provides a nice place to sit and people watch but if you’re looking to take your ice cream on the road, the spot also serves a Bacon Pecan, anyone?) in pint size containers to-go. STRACHAN’S ICE CREAM AND DESSERTS • Dunedin; $ • and Palm Harbor, this ice cream parlor and dessert hub has become a must-go for locals looking for a STRACHAN’S ICE CREAM AND DESSERTS CRAFT KAFE like the buffalo tempeh sandwich. Or instead, why not linger over the impressive cheese board, which is made with a selection of macadamia and almond-based cheeses and paired with pickled do, don’t skip the Carmelita dessert bars, which are a salty and sweet caramel coconut treat. Almond Joy and Red Velvet Cake, there is no shortage of creativity. People rave about the carrot cake, and for good reason: Chock-full of pecans, shredded carrots and thick cream cheese frosting, it’s the buttery “special sauce” that keeps the layers so incredibly moist and delicious. Guess what? come in mini and full-size versions, and the creative coconut lime, pancakes and bacon, and chocolate salted caramel. The menu, like the decor, is fun and full of whimsy. Order the “hookup” and get your choice of beverage with a miniature cake balancing on the rim of the cup. VALHALLA BAKERY • St. Petersburg; $ • It’s hard to believe everything in this gem of a bakery is 86 AMERICA’S BEST BEACHES
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