It’s official: the Burg’s storied Ringside Cafe is taking over the building currently occupied by Club Detroit. The Ringside, a boxing ring in its former life, lost its historical address at 2742 4th St. North, according to the rumor mill, to make way for Trader Joe’s. As recently as last February the equally iconic Club Detroit was poised to make a triumphant comeback to the Burg’s set of elite night-time attractions.
This move will make the block on Central Ave and 2nd Street, a major live music destination. The bigger, better Ringside will be right around one corner from the soon-to-be calypsoed Garden Restaurant and around another corner from the recently revamped Jannus Live.
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"We’re very excited about this chance to take Ringside to another level," he said. "It’s just such a wonderful fit. It should be incredibly appealing to not only our local customers but also to the musicians as well,. He added, "These local musicians are going to be playing on one of the best-equipped indoor stages in Pinellas county."
"Jeff has this incredible vision. He’s working hard to make this a well-thought out entertainment district. It’s been a great working relationship… It’s tough, being in the same place for 26 years, and then going through such a major change… he’s been very empathetic."
The Ringside’s former address saw a lot of history, both before and after its 26-year stint as a major live music destination. Once a boarding house, the building was reconfigured as a boxing ring; hence the name. Since taking over, Greg said, they’ve been the longest-running indoor live music venue in Pinellas. Club Detriot, in its time, hosted such heavies as Stone Temple Pilots, Warren Zevon, Primus and the late, great River Phoenix, and his band, Aleka’s Attic.
The Ringside on 2nd Street is set to throw open its doors December 4th, with an inagural celebration featuring the Black Honkeys.
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