1st Ave Clubhouse Bourbon Bar — Restaurant in Saint Petersburg

Hands down, best Bourbon bar East of the Mississippi. The selection is top-notch. They've got allocated in cabinets that rotate, everyone is allowed up to 2 oz per day at extremely reasonable prices which is more than fair so that people can get to try hard-to-find bottles. There's also a monthly raffle system based on purchases, fantastic bottle shares every other week (Whiskey Wednesdays) as well as guest distilleries doing tastings multiple times a month and cocktail classes. Owner Marcia is really doing things right, and Bartenders Becca, Mike, Nuni and Reneé are the best around. Becca and Mike have won best bartender awards and also have seasonal signature cocktails. My husband and I have become personal friends with them all. They're like family!

Lastly, 1st Avenue offers lockers where members can keep a few bottles on hand. Ask your bartender how this all works. We've got one and I can honestly say, have made SO many good friends thanks to this little gem of a bar. A MUST visit whether you live here or...

I can't write an awesome review because I don't want to share this place with anyone else, so instead I'll leave a "hate" review. I hate that the minute you walk in the door of the liquor store, you are greeted with a smile and an 'old-school' good evening. I hate that when you walk in the clubhouse, you feel at home ( if home was the best place on earth). I hate that Nuni, Mike AKA chops, and Becka all greet you with a warm welcome. I hate that they are BY FAR the greatest cocktail artists' you can come across. I hate how reasonable the prices are, oh and I hate that I get to own a piece of this place and have my favorite bourbon waiting in my locker. Oh, I almost forgot, I hate that the owner (Marcia) takes extreme pride in her collection and if sitting at the bar, she will chop it up with you and converse with you as if you are family. AGAIN, do NOT come to this place. I hate it. ...

The First Avenue Bourbon Club is hands down one of the most wonderful spots in St. Petersburg. Becca and Mike are the best bartenders in town — they know how to make a cocktail better than anyone else in St. Pete. And Marsha is an absolute gem. She truly believes in community, and you can feel that in the way she’s built a place where people come together over a shared love of great whiskey.

If you’re not a local, fair warning — this isn’t a tourist bar. This is where real people gather to enjoy life, connect, and sip some of the best bourbons you’ll find anywhere, all at the best prices. There are plenty of other bars in town if you’re looking for something flashy, but none as down-to-earth and true to the spirit of great whiskey drinking...