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Intermezzo Coffee & Cocktails set to move into former Independent Bar space

The exterior of the now-closed Independent Bar

One of St. Pete’s most beloved cafes is getting a new home. Intermezzo Coffee & Cocktails is moving just down the block and taking over the old Independent Bar location at 1059 Central Avenue.

Intermezzo owner Jarrett Sabatini told I Love the Burg that the move will not only give the café and cocktail bar more space to work with, but will provide the perfect opportunity to tweak and enhance the things that have made Mezzo so popular over the years. Intermezzo 2.0, as it were, will bring a Florida-meets-Mediterranean vibe to the building and courtyard. The courtyard will be fenced in, and soon after opening, ownership plans to build a permanent outdoor bar in the green space alongside the building.

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Owner Jarrett Sabatini stands in front of the counter in the early days of Intermezzo
Owner Jarrett Sabatini stands in front of the counter in the early days of Intermezzo circa September 2016 – Photo by Ysanne Taylor/I Love the Burg

Intermezzo will remain open at its current location at 1111 Central Avenue, and we’re told the new spot will be open later this year. The news comes on the backdrop of nearly the entire 1100 Block of Central (including the current Intermezzo building) being transformed into a multi-use development that includes a hotel and multiple retail spaces. While not only giving Intermezzo more space, the move helps secure their future.

Interior of Intermezzo decorated in Christmas fixings for Miracle at Mezzo bar popup
Miracle at Mezzo, the Christmas pop-up at Intermezzo • Photo by Ysanne Taylor/I Love the Burg

The story behind Intermezzo is a true St. Pete success story. Originally, it was only supposed to be a three-month pop-up in what was then a more fledgling EDGE District. Quickly, it became a favorite of locals and blossomed alongside the neighborhood’s growth, as well.

“This was only ever supposed to be temporary,” Sabatini said, “so the fact that it lasted 6 1/2 years is outstanding.”

Stay tuned to I Love the Burg for updates as Intermezzo continues its journey.

A small printed menu from the early days of Intermezzo Coffee + Cocktails
The original menu at Intermezzo in the pop-up days • Photo by Ysanne Taylor/I Love the Burg

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