The racers can start the engines, but for us, this weekend is all about starting the party. The Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, taking place this weekend, is one of the most entertaining events on the annual calendar in the Sunshine City as the entirety of downtown (and the surrounding neighborhoods) turns into an INDYCAR-themed celebration. With help from NÜTRL Vodka Seltzers, we’re helping get the most out of the city’s biggest annual event.
What’s nice about a competition that takes place on the actual streets of downtown is that the entire area effectively becomes part of the raceway grounds, whether you actually pass through the gates or not. Not only can you hear the literal buzz everywhere, but you can also feel the metaphoric buzz in the air with tens of thousands of people creating a high-energy, upbeat atmosphere throughout the city.
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For those whose plan to join the party includes some cold adult beverages, there are plethora of options both nearby and within the Grand Prix grounds. Our recommendations are to A) pick your pre-, mid- or post-race spot based on the vibes you want, and B) keep it light, because no matter how fast those cars may be going, this is a “marathon, not a sprint” weekend. With that in mind, we’re big fans of NÜTRL, especially by the bucket if you have a crew with you. Not only is it a light 100 calories, but it’s available inside the race, too. As you walk the grounds, be sure to stop by the Nutrl Trailer to grab your favorite NÜTRL Flavor (plus premium giveaways!)
With 100+ options to choose from in St. Pete, it would be silly to list every bar in town. Instead, we’re highlighting a few good options at varying distances from the action, since everyone’s preferred experience will be a little different. Whether you’re up close on the track’s front porch, or looking for a spot with no lines in walking distance of the action, we have you covered. We’ll start from the closest bar and work our way out.
Localz Sports Bar & Grill
1 Beach Drive NE
You literally can’t get closer to the action without buying a ticket. Beach Drive’s only sports bar is mere feet away from the track, making it one of the most popular spots from open to close every day of the weekend. To make it better, they also have some of the best sports bar eats you’ll find in town. Get some wings and a bucket of drinks, kick back, and enjoy. With dozens upon dozens of TVs, you can catch every game while hearing every car go by.
Five Bucks Drinkery
247 Central Avenue
Downtown atmosphere meets race weekend excitement. Five Bucks is one of our favorites for quick stops and lengthy excursions alike, with indoor and outdoor seating, multiple bars, low prices and high energy. Don’t sleep on the food here, either. They have what may be the best BLT in town. Pair it with that NÜTRL and you have a full stomach and a happy buzz, while still staying light on your feet.
Crafty Squirrel
259 Central Avenue
Another lively bar that’s less than a five-minute walk from the race, Crafty Squirrel mixes gameday decor with downtown nightlife as the walk-up bar welcomes sidewalk strollers and the spacious indoor seating provides plenty of room to load your table up with nachos, buckets and tacos. You’ll be able to hear the races, or join fellow Grand Prix-goers once the action has finished.
Tap Room at The Hollander Hotel
421 4th Avenue N
The Tap Room at The Hollander is one of those sneaky good downtown spots that is a quick walk from the action but doesn’t get overly crowded. This is the place for those who want to be madness-adjacent, but still want to get a table and not have to yell. The food is outstanding (underrated, in our opinion), and you have your choice of lobby bar and dining room or the beautiful pool bar.
Ferg’s Sports Bar & Grill
1320 Central Avenue
The legends are legends for a reason. Ferg’s isn’t just a St. Pete institution – it was recently voted the No. 1 sports bar in America. You already know the Ferg’s experience, but there are a few key reasons to add this to your itinerary. 1. No shortage of space to get a table. 2. Easy access to Pinellas Trail or SunRunner for travel to and from the race. 3. Specials on NÜTRL buckets. What more do you need?
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