Cheeky’s, a new neighborhood seafood restaurant and raw bar, is officially open at 2823 Central Ave. in St. Petersburg’s Grand Central District.
One of Tampa’s top restaurant minds has made the jump across the bridge — and he’s bringing fresh oysters, Maine lobster rolls, and frozen espresso martinis with him.
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Cheeky’s, a new seafood spot from Tampa native Nate Siegel, is now open on Central Avenue in St. Pete. You may already know Nate’s work from Willa’s and Willa’s Provisions, two of Tampa’s most popular dining destinations. Now, he’s ready to make waves in the Burg with Cheeky’s.
Cheeky’s brings fresh seafood to Central Avenue
Fresh seafood will be the star of the show at Cheeky’s. The menu includes East Coast and Florida oysters, Maine lobster rolls, New Orleans-style po’boys, smoked fish dip, hearty bowls of chowder, standout burgers, crisp salads, and daily specials that keep things exciting.
The restaurant will open first with dinner service only, but weekday lunch, weekend brunch, happy hour, and live music are already planned for later this year.
A world-class oyster program
One thing that’s already catching attention is Cheeky’s oyster program. Guests can expect oysters served raw, grilled, and fried. The oysters will come from legendary spots like Long Island’s Blue Point, Massachusetts’ Katama Bay, and two Florida farms — Indian River Oyster Company in New Smyrna Beach and Lost Coast Oysters in Tampa Bay.
In short, if you love oysters, Cheeky’s might become your new favorite hangout.
Meet the chef behind Cheeky’s
Executive Chef Philip Cleary will lead the kitchen at Cheeky’s. Originally from Nebraska, Philip has been cooking professionally for more than twenty years.
He sharpened his skills at top restaurants in Omaha, including Plank Seafood Provisions, Market House, Butterfish, and Stirnella. After moving to Tampa in 2022, he spent time in the kitchens at Willa’s and On Swann.
At Cheeky’s, Philip’s focus is on celebrating simple, high-quality ingredients, while adding touches of fine-dining technique to elevate classic seafood dishes.
A drink menu packed with personality
Of course, no good seafood shack is complete without a great bar. At Cheeky’s, the drink program is designed by bar consultant Jacob Ceciro, and it’s shaping up to be just as exciting as the food.
The cocktail list will feature ice-cold martinis, mojitos, margaritas, palomas, and even strawberry negronis — many served straight from the draft for maximum freshness.
There’s also a fun lineup of frozen cocktails, including banana daiquiris and espresso martinis made with coffee from local roaster Look Alive.
Guests can sip on local beers, Guinness on tap, a tight selection of natural wines by the glass and bottle, and even a few nonalcoholic options for those taking it easy.
A casual, come-as-you-are vibe
Taking inspiration from New England oyster bars and cozy Southern fish shacks, Cheeky’s is designed to feel easygoing and welcoming.
The interior will offer a big horseshoe-shaped bar with 20 barstools, breezy banquettes throughout the dining room, and umbrellaed tables on a spacious outdoor patio that fronts busy Central Avenue.
Whether you’re dropping by for a quick dozen oysters, settling in for a long lobster roll lunch, or meeting friends for a few frozen cocktails after work, Cheeky’s is built to fit the mood.
A homecoming for the founder
For Nate Siegel, opening Cheeky’s in St. Pete is a dream come true.
Nate’s career includes time spent with the Keith McNally Restaurant Group (Balthazar, Minetta Tavern) and Chelsea Hotels in New York, as well as serving as vice president at Mise En Place in Tampa. In 2021, he co-founded Willa’s and Willa’s Provisions, which quickly became local favorites and were even named among Southern Living’s Best New Restaurants of 2023.
Now, Nate’s ready to bring that same love for hospitality to Central Avenue.
“Coming to St. Pete is a dream come true, and opening a new little place like Cheeky’s along Central Avenue is so exciting,” Nate said. “This is already such a special community, and I am honored to become a small part of it alongside my friends and neighbors at Bandit, Baba, Wild Child and more.”
Follow the restaurant on Instagram for updates.
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