The Burg’s reputation as a culinary hotspot continues to blossom. The EDGE District is renowned for its eclectic mix of international fare and southern comfort food. The 200 Block is replete Golden Spoon Award-winning concepts and craft cocktail genius. Beach Drive remains a hold-steady for first time visitors looking to enjoy waterfront views and an upscale dining experience.

While we savor the restaurants that have helped usher St. Pete into the national spotlight as a premier travel destination, it is the unsung culinary heroes that continue to ensnare our senses. Past hidden gems include Café Vienna, J.J.’s Market and Deli, Baseline Bistro and Dead Bob’s.

     Reba H. – Yelp

Maryland-style crab cakes on Central Avenue

Our latest installment features a restaurant that is fairly new to the area. It may not be located in the heart of downtown, but the owner’s passion for crab cakes and serving the Burg certainly makes this small spot feel like it is at the epicenter of business in the Sunshine City.

Blake’s Crab Cake’s, located at 7224 Central Avenue, brings Maryland flair to the Sunshine City. The small space packs in a lot flavor thanks in large part to the passion owner Blake Rogers has for the food he serves.

  Blake’s Crab Cakes – Facebook

What you need to try on your visit

Dishes of note include blue crab fingers, shrimp creole, Mom’s shrimp salad, and Blake’s Cakes — Maryland-style jumbo blue crab meat with a hint of old bay. Sides include fresh cut fries, macaroni with baby shrimp, Grandma’s slaw and crab balls.

Blake’s attention to detail is part of the reason his restaurant currently has a perfect 5 star rating on Yelp. The recipes customers have come to enjoy date back to the early 1900s from Rogers’ father and his friend’s family.

  Blake’s Crab Cakes – Facebook

Famous beef becomes fan favorite

This restaurant isn’t just for crab cake fans, Blake’s famous beef has garnered quite the reputation as a must try — we recommend ordering it on a roll. The dish features tender beef marinated in a special blend of spices sliced thin and served medium rare.

Another dish for those less inclined toward seafood is the garlic and herb grilled chicken. The chicken is cooked in imported olive oil with garlic and herbs sautéed in a cast iron skillet. Rogers frequently adds a daily special to the menu. Keep up with his culinary innovation by following Blake’s Crab Cakes on Facebook and on the restaurant’s website.

*Header photo via Andrew R. on Yelp