Find below quick bites of news from around the city of St. Pete and the greater Tampa Bay area. Coverage includes restaurant openings, big city news, food festivals, community events, local accolades, and more. Have a news tip? Send it to info@ilovetheburg.com.

Local social club, Engine No. 9 Reserve, debuts

Engine No.9 Bar and Grill (56 Dr. M.L.K Jr. St.) has expanded with a speakeasy-style bar hidden behind the building, although speakeasy may be the wrong word here. It is more like a classic neighborhood social club. Owner Jason Esposito, gregarious, hospitable, Italian, calls it Engine No. 9 Reserve. He explains that “Reserve” evokes dual meanings: reserve, as in high-end, and reserve, as in reserve a room.

Voodoo Brewery is expected to open this October

Set to open by October 19, Voodoo Brewery (220 4th St. N. ) operates as a full brewpub, serving a mix of Voodoo’s own beers and seltzer cocktails, along with other local and regional beers. They will also offer elevated pub fare, including smash burgers, pizzas, mussels, sandwiches, giant pretzels, and more. Owner Bob Skepnek tells me that the chef he hired comes from a fine dining background and will introduce unique food items (not listed yet) that guests wouldn’t expect at a pub.

Tampa Bay Drinkery, an upscale lounge, nears completion

Located at 2756 Central Ave., Tampa Bay Drinkery (TBD) is getting its final touches. The Signage is up, and the paint has dried. While an official opening date has yet to be announced, TBD will be worth keeping on your radar. Catering to a more mature, sophisticated crowd, the menu is expected to feature a selection of French, Spanish, and Italian Wines and expertly crafted cocktails. While TBD is an upscale establishment, they intend to keep the prices reasonable.