The Neon Lunch Box, located at 1756 Central Ave (the former home of The Hideaway Cafe), soft opened on Monday, March 18. This 80s- and 90s-inspired hangout is owned and operated by James Castetter and Chelsey Andrew, the same team behind the boisterous Half Baked Potato that previously served residents at 1626 Central Ave.

The Neon Lunchbox will be open from 11am-3pm all week during its soft opening phases. A grand opening should be announced later in March. They’re currently waiting on their alcohol license, but are more than ready to serve the best lunch in St. Pete.

Neon Lunchbox is a trip down memory lane

Be prepared, this spot will blow you away from the second you walk in. Murals featuring the Puff Marshmallow Man and Slimer from Ghostbusters, the dreamy teens and sax man from The Lost Boys, the glistening eyes of Sailor Moon, and more nostalgic icons cover the walls here. A mounted Bee Bop head, purple mohawk, glasses, and all, hangs above the bar.

Every inch of this space will be activated with black lights. Think old-school laser tag arenas and galaxy bowling nights cranked to 11. Retro lunchboxes are set on the walls, and banners featuring the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and the South Park gang are strewn over the main seating area.

The ultimate VIP room in the ‘Burg

A VIP room is completely covered in graffiti art just begging to glow. The real captivating room here though is the horror-themed bathroom. Ghost Face, and Chucky greet you when you open the door. When you look in the mirror, the “Redrum” writing spells your doom.

This is a pure passion project from the local owners. They plan to host themed nights, EDM shows, DJ sets, and indie nights, in addition to tons of live bands, with punk and hardcore music well represented.

Prepare your taste buds for your new favorite sandwich shop. The lunch menu currently includes brisket sloppy joes, a lobster with porkbelly, lettuce and tomato sandwich, muffuletta, a fried mortadella sandwich, and Italian gnocchi salad, plus tomato basil cous cous, jalapeno lime coleslaw, and black eyed peas. Vegetarian options are also available such as a sauteed oyster mushroom sandwich, and a chopped veggie sandwich.

St. Pete’s hot new lunch spot

Once the restaurant is fully open the main menu will include panko Caribbean salmon, mis cannellini beans, gnocchi pesto parmesan, and espresso flank steak.

My mouth is watering over the teased cosmic brownie cheesecake and pistachio gelato bombs.

Follow The Neon Lunchbox on Instagram to learn more about the restaurant/bar, as well as its website.

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