On a street otherwise largely lined with chains and car washes lies a historic, haunted and hidden gem. Sesh Brewing, located at 2201 4th Street North, is one of St. Pete’s best breweries, and it’s also one of our favorites for themed food and decor during any holiday season.

Of note currently, Sesh is going all out for Oktoberfest season. Anyone who has ever traveled to Germany – or simply loves smooth German beer and the hearty food it pairs so perfectly with – will be transported straight to Bavaria thanks to the team at Sesh. Their Oktoberfest celebration includes specialty food, beer and decor, and it runs now until October 6.

Chef Tyson Williams, who has long been a sensation on the beaches for his creative cuisine at Mad Beach Craft Brewing, has done it again with this fall’s Oktoberfest food menu at Sesh. Having just spent a couple weeks in Germany this summer, I was particularly pleased with how authentic Chef Tyson’s offerings are. From currywurst and potato pancakes to a full, classic brat dinner (among plenty more), you can get your Bavarian fix without leaving St. Pete. Plus, there are a full dozen specialty Oktoberfest brews on tap.

As always, the German beers on tap make the experience that much more enjoyable, and it’s no surprise how tasty the brews are. Just this summer, Sesh was named the 2024 Best Florida Beer winner, one of several awards they’ve won for individual brews and collective excellence. While the restaurant side of the haunted college operates like a traditional pub, head brewer Alex Garcia and his team have turned the second half of the property into one of the best breweries in the area. Garcia’s trophy shelf was already full before Sesh started raking in the accolades, and at this point he may need to add a second shelf just to keep up.

Sesh is St. Pete’s spooky season destination

Of course, while it’s the food and drink that keep us coming weekly, it’s Sesh’s dedication to embracing all the fun things in life that make them such a destination year-round, particularly as Halloween approaches. Owner Matthew Powers has leaned into the property’s history, which includes incredible Florida lore, as well as nearly a century of paranormal reports.

We’re particularly excited that Sesh is bringing back their Halloween costume contest, which was a huge hit in its debut last fall. In addition to spooky decor covering indoors and out, guests have the chance to win up to $1,000 just for dining and drinking in costume. Simply post your picture to facebook or instagram of you dressed up at Sesh and tag them. One grand prize winner receives $1,000, while second and third place will receive gift cars to Sesh for $200 and $100, respectively. The contest is open October 1-31.

As always, Halloween at Sesh will include Halloween-inspired beers and cocktails, as well as more creepy creations from Chef Tyson. However, food and drink aren’t the only reason to visit Sesh during spooky season….

Historically, the Earl Gresh Cottage was one of the city’s original roadside attractions, built in the early 1930s. Chief among the historic touches is the massive brick chimney built into the wall of the main dining room, which Sesh uncovered and now showcases after it had been paneled over by previous ownership. The chimney itself was built in the 1930s with bricks from Fort Dade, the ruined military fort built on Egmont Key during the Spanish-American War.

In more recent years, however, there have been multiple reports of paranormal activity inside the building. Much of it centers on one item in particular: a gigantic and supposedly haunted old mirror that had been relegated to a backroom under previous ownership on account of its creepiness. Staff members of the various businesses housed in the building over the decades have sworn to mystery handprints appearing on the glass after they would walk away from the mirror. In fact, a local group of ghost hunters even made the trek to see the mirror and the cottage for themselves, claiming they found a few energies in the building, but that “they were all quite friendly.”

Today, that mirror is the first thing you see when walking into the door at Sesh. Look at your reflection long enough and you may be surprised by what you see. And if not, at least you’ll have a good meal.

Follow Sesh on instagram to see more, and see the full menu online here.