St. Petersburg Distillery has opened a 45-seat speakeasy above its production floor, expanding its hospitality business with a new after-hours concept in the Warehouse Arts District.
Called 31 South, the second-floor lounge opened this month at 800 31st St. S. and operates Thursday through Saturday from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
The speakeasy expands the distillery’s tourism and tasting business as craft spirit brands increasingly invest in hospitality experiences that drive customer loyalty and higher-margin on-site sales.
The lounge overlooks the working distillery floor with deep green and blue interiors, wood finishes, gold accents and locally sourced furnishings inspired by Prohibition-era cocktail bars. Historic St. Petersburg photography reinforces the local design aesthetic.
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The cocktail menu features martinis, gimlets, mai tais and old fashioneds made with the distillery’s Banyan Reserve Vodka, Old St. Pete Tropical Gin and Old St. Pete Sunshine Whiskey. Spirit tastings are also available.
Chef Johnathan Rodriguez, who previously worked in Michelin-rated restaurants, developed the food menu. Rodriguez earned “Best Chef Award” honors at the Savor St. Pete Food & Wine Festival in 2022 and 2023.
“During the day, St. Petersburg Distillery is a place where guests can experience the spirit of St. Pete in our Spirits Garden, Welcome Salon, and tour Florida’s top craft distillery,” CEO Evan Brownstein said in a statement. “Now, at night, guests can discover a whole new experience.”
Founded in 2014, St. Petersburg Distillery has expanded beyond spirit production into tourism, events and hospitality experiences.
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