Cheeky’s St. Pete: Where Seafood and Cocktails Make a Splash

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.

– Tucked along Central Avenue,
Cheeky’s
is St. Pete’s newest seafood spot that doesn’t take itself too seriously, unless you’re talking about the food.

With cheeky branding, colorful cocktails, and a raw bar that hits harder than expected, the waterfront-inspired eatery delivers a casual yet elevated dining experience worth anchoring into.

Cheeky’s Seafood and Raw Bar opens May 7 in St. Pete

On a recent visit with
my girlfriend, Kiana
, we docked ourselves at a blue table in the back and dug into what felt like a mini seafood festival, no boat required.

Talking with the owner Nate, it became clear that Cheeky’s is all about Florida. From the oysters to the fish and even the cocktail ingredients, there’s an intentional focus on sourcing from within the state whenever possible. The IROC oysters, for example, are Florida-raised and served at their peak freshness. Seafood is sourced from trusted regional suppliers.

Best Oysters on Deck

We kicked things off with a half dozen of the “Best” oysters on the menu: the IROCs from Florida. Served over a mountain of crushed ice with cocktail sauce, lemon, and cucumber apple mignonette. The Mignonette was honesty one of the best things we had all night. We could have drank the stuff. The oysters were small and silky smooth, a noticeable upgrade from the more common Blue Points listed under the “Good” tier. At $24 for six, they’re a splurge, but a justifiable one if you’re an oyster lover.

Cornbread Hush Puppies and Bang-Bang Grouper

Next came the hush puppies, which arrived hot and crisp, with a deep golden crust and soft interior. They came with a guava sauce and a tangy honey butter sauce, sweet, salty, and addictive.

The Bang-Bang Grouper Cheeks were a sleeper hit. Lightly fried and served over slaw with a creamy sauce and a hit of citrus, the dish was a clever play on the viral “Bang Bang” flavor. These bites were tender, flaky, and full of Florida flavor, easily a top recommendation for first-timers.

Lobster Roll and Fish & Chips

For mains, we split two Cheeky classics. The lobster roll, served warm and buttered, was generously packed with knuckle and claw meat. A New England-style bun, crispy fries, and a side of coleslaw made it a satisfying meal for $26.

The fish and chips basket featured two large, golden fillets with a crackling crust that gave way to moist, flaky white fish. Fries were crisp and well-seasoned, and the accompanying tartar sauce added the right amount of zing.

Frozen Margarita, Please and Thank You

No beachy meal is complete without a drink in hand. Kiana went with a frozen margarita. Tart, refreshing, and served in a classic cactus glass.. I tried the Appletini, bright and slightly sweet, followed by the Florida Jack Tea, a citrusy spin on a whiskey classic with just enough kick. We also shared the night’s special: a frozen white sangria slush. Light, fruity, and not overly sweet.

Key Lime Pie

Multiple people told us not to leave without trying the key lime pie, and they were right. I’m not even a fan of key lime pie, but this one changed my mind. Creamier than the usual gelatinous versions and with a hint of something almost Fruity Pebbles-like, it was bright, smooth, and delicious. Even Kiana, who was skeptical at first, took one bite and was all in. It’s hands-down the best I’ve had, and an absolute must-order.

Verdict

Cheeky’s manages to blend a laid-back, fun-loving vibe with food that feels surprisingly curated. From fresh oysters to playful apps and satisfying classics, it’s a place that rewards both adventurous eaters and comfort-food seekers.

With happy hour and plenty of seating inside, Cheeky’s seems poised to become a Central Ave staple.