4th Street's culinary profile has elevated over the last couple of years. Noble Crust, Pie Topia, JusThai, the announced Pericos (first U.S. location), Baseline Bistro (just off 4th Street on 47th Avenue Northeast) have all helped reshape 4th Street's identity. Trader Joe's recent opening was enough to require traffic and parking patrol for several days.

Recent announcements have further fueled the foodie excitement in the area.

An old familiar, Casita Taqueria, will experience a homecoming of sorts Monday, May 4, when they officially open their second location at 2701 4th Street. Casita's narrative is wrought with pathos. The restaurant left their original location on 4th Street almost two years ago because of Trader Joe's move to the Burg.

*Photo via Casita Taqueria

Casita isn't bitter about the past. The move has allowed them to expand their reach in St. Pete and appeal to a whole new audience of foodies. Their channeling this new energy into the second location and are overjoyed to feed the staff at Trader Joe's on their lunch break. 

After continued success in the Grand Central District, the restaurant that makes arguably the best fish taco in the Burg,  Casita is ready to expand their business. The announcement comes just before their even bigger Dos De Mayo party this weekend in the Grand Central District. The 4th Street location will feature the same hours and menu as thier Grand Central location, with a rotating specials menu. 

Their pre-Cinco De Mayo celebration will take place on Saturday, May 2. Beginning at 3pm you can enjoy live music, giveaways and beer and food specials. The party will go until 10pm. Pressure Dem and The New Rulers will perform. This event will take place at their Grand Central District location (2663 Central Avenue).

The 4th Street buzz doesn't stop there. Ciccio Group's two new projects in St. Pete, The Fresh Kitchen and Daily Eats, are getting closer and closer to their respective grand openings.

*Renderings via Ciccio Restaurant Group

Renderings have been floating around which has only added to the anticipation. For those unfamiliar with the Tampa based restaurants, Daily Eats features some of the finest chocolate chip pancakes this side of the Mississippi, along with milk shakes that will give you a brain freeze that hurts so good and honey glazed sweet potato fries that smell like Thanksgiving and taste like Christmas.

The Fresh Kitchen is a health food concept that serves lunch and dinner and offers their own cleanse program. Meals consist of bases, veggies, proteins and sauce that you can mix and match. If you're in the mood for sweet potato noodles or kale slaw with some coconut cauliflower and grilled citrus chicken you'll find yourself infatuated with the Fresh Kitchen. Their cleanse program is a six juice diet designed to fuel your body with the proteins, nutrients and electrolytes your body craves. 

*Photo via Ciccio Restaurant Group

Located at 4th Street and 45th Avenue North, expect both restaurants to be open before the end of the Summer.