The District Bistro — Restaurant in Clearwater

Newest spot on Cleveland Street in Clearwater, and probably the closest to the music venue.

A wonderful speakeasy, dark wood, bourbon and steak feel to the place. In fact the rear entrance is pure speakeasy as you enter through a closet. The District Bistro is the third offering by the restaurateurs behind Graeme’s Cafe and Olive & Thyme.

The cocktails are masterfully mixed by David and Christopher. They offer a variety of Old-Fashioneds, Negronis, Martinis, Boulevardiers and other classics, all extremely well-balanced and delicious. I have been really enjoying the rum Old-Fashioned, which starts with a base of Zacapas 23, a fantastic rum.

I’ve had the KC Strip and the Delmonico ribeye, both were excellent, as was the wedge, ahi tuna and calamari apps.

The calamari brings me to a really important point about this restaurant - it’s “certified seed oil free!” You won’t be eating anything drenched in palm kernel oil here. They make their own mayo with avocado oil and the fryers are either beef tallow or rice-bran oil. The calamari is done in the latter, which is the basis of tempura cooking. Light, crispy, delicious.

If you’re lucky, you’ll be waited on by James, who has quite the theatrical, Tennessee flair. And they have best hostess on the strip! Check the place out. You’ll be...

So cute inside! Chris was an amazing bartender! We had a little bit of everything- it was all so great! Ate and drank a little of it all. We had a “Bees Knees” made with a 0% proof gin- so tasty! You can taste the botanicals and juniper of gin, but zero alcohol! The espresso martini is made with vodka they infuse with whole vanilla beans- so smooth, so delish! Real espresso! Got the beef tallow fried Truffle French Fries… so savory, lightly truffled, fresh Parmesan… SO GOOD. The wedge salad was so hearty- definitely thick with toppings… we did substitute for their house made ranch for personal preference, but it still complimented it so well! The Ahi Tuna was seared perfectly, light toppings gave a freshness, the sauce was savory and perfectly spiced. Large portion for just an appetizer. Too full for a full entree so we took a banana chocolate cake Togo. Tasted like banana bread and brownies had a baby- so yummy!

Can’t wait to try their burgers if they’re half as good as everything we had! We’ll be back— especially before a show...

Went in with a couple coworkers for lunch on their soft opening day. Thinking the experience may be a little rusty as many restaurants are when first opening, I was pleasantly surprised by the food, staff, design and the vibe of District Bistro. After first walking and appreciating the style which feels like a mix of speakeasy, jazz club with a hint mid century modern with great Jazz music playing in the background my intial impressions were great. I had the Steak Bowl (cant recall the exact name) it was fantastic, the steak was prepared perfectly and flavor combinations were spot on. Server was very attentive/friendly and my coworkers raved about the Jalepeno Smash Burger, Chicken Melt Sandwich and French Fries cooked in beef tallow. Although we didn't drink alcohol on this trip, the cocktail menu had some unique options and variety. My only (very small) ding i would give, was that our food took a bit longer than expected but I'm sure cook times will improve with repetition. I already plan on coming back with my wife this...