The Wheelhouse — Restaurant in Saint Petersburg

We frequented this establimement since Sept 2020. Recently, we visited & I went next door to order food as I have always done when we visit. I am on a special diet that their food menu doesn't cater to; however my husband is not so he orders dinner for himself & drinks for the both of us at The Wheelhouse. Their staff has never indicated that this was a problem in the past. When I returned my husband was seated. Rachel took our drink order & returned with the drinks. She then asked about food & I told her that my husband was ordering but I'd be eating from next door. She said "okay" & walked over to a table across the way. She returned & told us "sorry but you can't bring outside food." My husband asked why & she responded "that's just what I've been told". He then told her "I guess she can eat in the car". She said "okay" & walked away. I could see he was upset so I told Rachel we were going next door to eat. She said "okay would you like me to cash you out?" I told her "yes" even though I had only taken one sip of my drink before she told us we could not eat there. When she came out with the bill my husband told her that I was on a special diet & that is why we were leaving. He said "I've ordered drinks, & I was going to order food as well. I am trying to spend my money at this business". To which Rachel responded very smugly as if to check him "well you skipped out on your bill last time so...". I've worked in hospitality in the past & there is a level professionality one must uphold & the way Rachel handled this situation was far from that. I was always taught in these situations to assume the best in customers until they've proven you wrong. Clearly there was an explanation if we returned after this incident & she had 4 interactions with us prior to mentioning this that she could have gotten an explanation. Instead, she made my husband upset & used that information as retaliation when my husband began airing his grievances about a completely opposite subject. I was both appalled by her behavior, & hurt by her accusatory tone. Not to mention humiliated in front of other patrons. I asked "why wouldn't you have told us that when we got here?" To which she responded while shrugging "I mean I didn't think it was that big a deal". If it were not "that big a deal", why would she have used it as a response to my husband that had nothing to do with what he was addressing? I added "we are here all the time are you insinuating we stole from you & returned without any regard?" She then responded "well to be honest I think you don't even remember". This statement was even worse. It seemed as if she was inferring that we were so anebriated we don't remember visiting that day. I remember details from that specific night so this wasn't the case. I left & calmed down & when I returned that evening to get the exact transaction she was referring to, I informed her that the last time visited was Dec 23rd. The bill was $77 & my sister left a 25% tip. She apologized & said she "mis-spoke" & that she meant it was the last time she saw us which was Oct 30th. That night a couple by the name of Rich & Bernadette met us & insisted on paying for 2 of our rounds. My husband told me he thought they paid for everything. I remember specifically that Rich said it was only 2 rounds but my husband misunderstood. This is the explanation for the alleged "skipping out" on our bill & if Rachel had handled this situation more professionally, we would have apologized profusely, explained that, & paid what we owed. The manager said they had a staff meeting explaining to wait staff why outside food was no longer allowed which made perfect sense & Rachel never divulged that information. Instead she said "that's just what I was told". If she had explained what the manager informed me she was informed on the meeting then my husband would have never gotten upset with her as her tone was dismissive & cold which we NOW know was because she was upset about something totally unrelated that she could have tactfully addressed beforehand. I will not...

Skate, Take a Date or GPS Navigate to The Wheelhouse! Grind down the Central Ave ramp, do an Alley-oop and drop-in! I parked my skateboard a long time ago, but I could still Ollie past that trolley!

Alone, without my Fave Fab One, getting the lunchtime low groans, I found The Wheelhouse. And I'm sure glad...

This place is 'fun' the moment you walk in. There are boxes of games stacked right under the front window. Grab one if you like and play a little while you eat. Look around, there are skateboards, decks and decals. A nice collection of cool.

I was instantly greeted by Kary. I'll call her Kosmic Kary, as she was with quick and clever mind, readily capable of grasping and assimilating new ideas. A real free spirit. She was fun!

Kary gave me some foodie suggestions and I locked in on the Cheesy Veggie Soup to get started. Amazingly delicious is how I'll sum that up. Lots of veggies, lots of cheese. Lots of flavor.

Then I decided to give their Cobb Salad a try. It's pretty hard to mess up a salad, but even harder to hit a home run with one. Without being corny, I really enjoyed my Cobb! Ha ha ha.....oh, all right!!!

As I gobbled my gnarly goodies I thoroughly enjoyed the MUSIC they were playing, too! Yeah, I may not be a 20-30-40-something but I still love good music! Eating to the beat is best for the quest....

I wouldn't be surprised to see The Wheelhouse and gang featured on one of those Foodie Channel shows. I read other reviews, saw some of the dishes they make and based on my own 'taste'sperience that'd be a show to TIVO!

Tell...

It's easy to miss The Wheelhouse, as the location inside a small strip plaza makes all the businesses blend together. Once inside, however everything changes. Small and funky with a skateboarder vibe, large bar a few booths and tall tables makes for a chill laid back atmosphere. The place hums, but it doesnt pound, which is another way of saying, you can still listen to the music and carry on conversation! Yeah, who does that these days!? They have a huge selection of board games to play, which is just another way of saying, "come on in and relax, chill, enjoy." Oh yeah, there is the food. To get you started, the bar has a large selection of craft brews and cider along with wine and Sangerias. The food is bar fair but not typical. Fried Okra anyone!? The loaded tater tots kicked it! Burgers, sammies, all done with a twist. Jambalaya served over fries instead of rice, can you say, "Yeah, baby!" I'm saving the best for last and that's the staff. They are the best, understated attentive, friendly welcoming, feel like you've know them your whole life. I ordered a burger with the Apple Slaw (just get it, stop asking questions!) but it came with fries. I mentioned it to my server and without batting an eye, she saw the error, and before I could finish the next bite of my burger she brought me the Apple Slaw (just order it!) and said, "easy fix." It sure was! This is a great little place that's easy to miss but...