The Ale and The Witch (111 2nd Ave NE) is one of my favorite third places in the Sunshine City. I’m a bit of an introvert, and when I was first exploring this city from 2009-2011 I mostly hung out in book clubs and writer’s groups.
Note: Third place is a term coined by sociologist Ray Oldenburg and refers to places where people spend time between home (‘first’ place) and work (‘second’ place). They are locations where we exchange ideas, have a good time, and build relationships. The Witch is all that and then some to me.
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13 years of music and brews in downtown St. Pete
The courtyard at The Witch served as a kind of vestige for those who wanted to be out in public, but treat the world like their own podcast. I’ve loved this bar since the first time I ordered a Zombie Killer from eponymous bartender Vickie Moran.
Personally, there’s no better Saturday night view than from a table on the second floor of The Witch’s courtyard. Hear the music, watch some locals dance their hearts out, sip on one of the best beers you’ve ever had, and enjoy a bit of that quintessential ‘Burg flavor.
On my first night at The Witch, I was shocked to see a strikingly tall individual stacking cups in either arm to a height that would make Gandalf’s staff blush. The person busting tables, talking to customers, rearranging chairs, catering to the artists, and taking a few moments in between conversations to bask in bluegrass music happened to be the owner, Brett Andress. 
More than 20,000 kegs over a decade of serving visitors
Andress is the epitome of everything I love about St. Pete – and I feel grateful that he’s chosen to call St. Pete home, and to keep this institution alive and thriving for well over a decade.
We are in the midst of a craft beer boom in Florida, but before I became privy to the culture surrounding the nectar, it was the chalkboard wall behind the bar at The Ale and The Witch that shone a light on the sheer volume of brewers in Florida.
“We have worked with 17 different beer distributors over the years bringing in well over 20,000 kegs to share here from all over our area, our State, the Country, and even abroad now,” writes Andress.
Because of this local gem, I know of Selwyn Birchwood, TC Carr, Applebutter Express, and Betty Fox. You can visit for a drink, maybe spend $6-$10, and enjoy fantastic, curated local music. Just make sure to tip your bartenders well. 
A hotspot for local musicians in Tampa Bay
On January 26, The Witch becomes a teenager. 13 years on, Brett Andress and his dedicated team of bartenders continue to cultivate a community here in the Sunshine City. The celebration means visitors will enjoy $5 taps all day, food from Judd’s, and live music from 7:30pm-10pm. Artist Rich Whitely and The Primitive will take the stage.
The Witch is where I’d learn what the Movies in the Park lineup would, it’s where I met some fantastic raptors from Boyd Hill, it’s where I was first introduced to Tampa Bay Water Keeper, and where I’d sit on a casual Thursday evening with my pup after a walk around Straub Park.
Visitors to The Witch also have easy access to all the restaurants on Beach Drive, and the AMC Theatre at Sundial, plus you’re far from The Looper Trolley stops in case they want to go a bit more westward after a drink.
- January 27: Sgmatto Music School Student Showcase
- January 28: Boxcar Hollow Full Concert
- Feb 2: Row Jomah at The Witch
Follow The Ale and The Witch on Facebook for updates on beer releases, concerts, and more events. Since its debut, others have joined The Witch in this plaza. those spots include:
What to read next:
- A Taste of Love, a Hall Mark film, shoots scenes in Pinellas County
- The Innovation Ecosystem Map of St. Pete
- Do it: Annual St. Pete Seafood & Music Festival
- Webb’s City Cellar a James Beard Semifinalist
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