Any experienced eater in Tampa Bay knows Mise en Place, the massively popular French-inspired fine dining restaurant in Tampa. Far fewer, however, are familiar with the hidden passion project in Pass-a-Grille led by the team behind Mise en Place.

The Dewey is a coastal-inspired Wine Bar dining experience housed inside the beautiful Berkeley Beach Club at 109 8th Avenue in Pass-a-Grille, and its delectable appetizers, dinners (many of which are perfect for sharing) and brunch offerings are quietly gaining cult status among those in the know. Featuring re-imagined beach cuisine, a destination driven wine list, and craft cocktails that belong at the beach, The Dewey “is a creative yet quintessential interpretation of a dining and drinking establishment that belongs 99 steps from the Gulf of Mexico.” And best of all, it’s away from all the crowds and tourists – the perfect quiet spot for locals.

Open for dinner Wednesday-Sunday, the evening fare is exactly what you’d expect from Executive Chef Marty Blitz, as the elevated, seafood-centric menu showcases the skills he’s become so loved for at Mise en Place. Starters and small plates provide an excellent array of options, from PEI oysters or chef’s preparation crudo, to beef carpaccio, deviled crab cakes, or the sumptuous calamari fritto misto.

As for the main plates, one can never go wrong with the fresh catch of the day, showcasing seafood brought in directly from the Gulf. We’re also big fans of the fried grouper cheeks grits, and the cioppino is a veritable seafood feast in one dish: calamari, shrimp, bay scallops, mussels, blue crab, and saffron aioli, served with a French baguette. YUM.

Surf then turf at The Dewey

Of course, it isn’t all seafood. If you’re feeling more turf than surf, The Dewey has plenty to offer, such as porcini mushroom fennel-crusted chicken, steak frites, the Dewey Burger, or a hearty quinoa bowl. And save room for dessert – the bourbon peach brown butter cake is a showstopper.

Meanwhile, The Dewey has one of the best wine lists anywhere on the beaches, comprised of wines that come from similar coastal locales worldwide that look and feel like we do here. In fact, the wine list is arranged in order of sunset time at each bottle’s vineyard across the country.

Meanwhile, The Dewey’s tiki-driven cocktail menu will transport anyone straight to paradise. The refined list provides delightful libations meant to be sipped seaside, showcasing a variety of spirits and “that familiar je ne sais quois cool that always seems to accompany tropical beaches, palm trees, and spectacular food.”

We would also be remiss to not mention the fantastic Saturday and Sunday brunch at The Dewey. In addition to the full dinner menu, guests can select from a range of brunch classics and elevated options alike. There’s something for any palate, from steak and eggs, shrimp and grits, and biscuits and gravy, to pan-seared salmon, a steak Oscar omelette, and bourbon peach pancakes. We wouldn’t say no to starting off with buffalo calamari, either.

The culinary program at the Dewey is designed and overseen by Chef Marty Blitz and the guest care and wine program come from a team led by Maryann Ferenc. The two are Chef and Proprietor of Mise en Place, the iconic Tampa restaurant known for its culinary innovation and legendary hospitality. Mise en Place veteran Wayne Mather joins them in Pass a Grille as Chef de Cuisine and newcomer to the Mise family Peter Rusted has making a splash in wine and guest service. Make a reservation for brunch or dinner at The Dewey here.

Berkeley Beach Club is the perfect staycation for locals (and their pups)

While The Dewey is what may get you in the door, it’s the Berkeley Beach Club that will make you stay – maybe even for a few nights. The dog-friendly boutique hotel has a beautiful range of high-end suites that put you just steps from white sand beaches, local bars and restaurants, and the best sunsets in Tampa Bay.

What makes a stay at the Berkeley so special – beyond the food and sunsets, of course – is the incredible experience in the suites. Instead of typical hotel rooms, these full suites make you feel like you’re right at home – or at least in someone else’s beach house.

With porches and fresh sea breeze wafting by, the suites range from 1-2 bedrooms each, complete with entertaining areas, kitchen spaces, in-suite laundry, breakfast, and even work spaces if you need to spend a little time on the laptop. There are also a pair of studio suites available, providing intimate options for anywhere from 1-4 guests.

In addition to The Dewey on the ground floor, a favorite for Berkeley guests is the Rooftop Lounge, which opens at 5 pm every Wednesday-Sunday and offers incredible panoramic views with water on three sides and St. Pete beach stretching into the distance. If you’re a sunset chaser, this rooftop experience needs to be at the top of your list.

And we should note: the rooftop, just like the hotel, is dog-friendly. In fact, that’s a point of pride for the owners who named the hotel and restaurant after their incredibly-lovable and dearly-missed pups, Berkeley and Dewey.

Learn more about Berkeley Beach Club and book a stay in the boutique hotel at berkeleybeachclub.com. Make a reservation for brunch or dinner at The Dewey here.