Ford's Garage St. Pete

200 1st Avenue S St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Hours

Open Sunday - Thursday 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Friday & Saturday 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.

About

Ford's Garage St. Pete offers a nostalgic setting with the comfort of a neighborhood burger-and-beer joint. Its unique decor resembles a 1920s service station, complete with vintage Ford vehicles, gas pumps, and automotive memorabilia.

This restaurant chain began in Fort Myers, a short distance from Henry Ford's winter estate. Such proximity grounded the brand's identity, and it was an immediate success.

Recognizing the growth potential, the founders entered into a licensing agreement with the Ford Motor Company in 2014. This deal allowed the restaurant to use the iconic blue oval logo and other historical Ford imagery. The agreement solidified the brand's authenticity and paved the way for expansion across Florida and beyond.

While ambiance may attract crowds, what must be paramount is serving stellar cuisine. In this area, Ford's Garage St. Pete delivers. From its acclaimed Angus burgers to meatloaf and tasty salads, there's something for everyone on the menu.

Another factor that makes this eatery popular is its proximity to area attractions. For those who like planning a jam-packed itinerary, you can visit The Dali Museum and St. Pete Pier before heading to Ford's Garage. Not too far away are other landmarks, such as Clearwater Beach and the Indian Rocks Beach Nature Preserve. With so much to see and do, your biggest challenge will be where to start!

So, for a unique blend of automotive history and American comfort food, visit Ford's Garage St. Pete.

Vibe

The building's brick facade and large garage-style bay doors set the stage for the theme within.

Step inside and enter a world of automotive wonder coupled with contemporary design elements. The decor is a tribute to the Ford Motor Company, featuring a full-size Model T car suspended over the central bar. Historic photographs, Ford memorabilia, and vintage car parts adorn the walls. Even door handles made from fuel nozzles reinforce the service garage concept.

Dining areas offer several options, including standard table seating, comfortable booths, and spots at the large, central bar. When the weather suits, the garage doors roll up for an open-air experience.

This unique and entertaining ambiance offers a fun, casual dining stop perfect for any Sunshine State vacation.

Ford's Garage St. Pete: Menu & Drinks

"Start Your Engines" with an appetizer like the Motor City Kettle Chips. This mound of deliciousness features homemade chips topped with crispy bacon, Ford's beer cheese, shredded cheddar, diced tomatoes, and green onions. The drizzle of chipotle ranch unites flavors and textures, offering a subtle heat with every bite.

The Berries and Gorgonzola with shrimp is a popular salad featuring fresh prawns, mixed greens, dried cranberries, fresh blueberries, and strawberries. Add the candied walnuts and Gorgonzola, and you have a healthy yet satisfying meal.

The restaurant prides itself on its "Burgers of Fame," each a half-pound of Black Angus beef, grilled to order and served on a brioche or pretzel bun branded with the Ford logo.

The Model "A" burger is a signature creation featuring aged sharp cheddar, a fried egg, applewood-smoked bacon, lettuce, tomato, and red onion. The Green and Clean will appeal to vegetarians with its veggie burger.

As mentioned, American comfort food abounds, with the Buffalo Mac & Cheese being a standout. This hearty dish combines tender pulled chicken tossed in buffalo hot sauce with a creamy, rich cheese sauce and cavatappi pasta. The toasted breadcrumbs add a pleasant crunch to this twist on an American staple.

The drink menu is equally impressive, especially the bar's extensive offering of local and national craft beers. For cocktail enthusiasts, the Rattle & Roll will light up the night! This elevated spicy margarita showcases Hornitos Plata Silver, Ancho Reyes Verde Chile Liqueur, lime juice, and guava puree. The flavorful Tajin on the rim perfectly connects the heat and the sweet.

A visit to Ford's Garage St. Pete offers an entertaining and delicious experience that captures American culture. The combination of high-quality food, creative drinks, and an immersive, family-friendly theme makes it a standout Tampa dining destination.

Local Tips

  • Get the app for the MotorClub Member and earn points and a free Birthday Appetizer!
  • The kids' menu makes it family-friendly.
  • Happy Hour is Monday through Friday from 2-6 PM.
  • Order takeout and enjoy dining in your Casago rental.

Location

200 1st Avenue S St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Frequently Asked Questions

March through May brings warm, dry days and comfortable water temperatures. October and November are great choices too, with smaller crowds and lower rates. Summer is hot and humid, with afternoon storms. Keep in mind that hurricane season runs June through November.

Most visitors fly into Tampa International Airport (TPA), which is about 30 to 40 minutes from the beaches. St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport (PIE) is another option and serves several budget airlines. Renting a car makes it easy to explore the coast.

Tampa Bay beaches hugging the sparkling Gulf Coast are often voted among the top beaches in the country.

For example, known for its lively atmosphere and white sand, Clearwater Beach is a great family-friendly destination. From Clearwater, head south along the coast to Indian Rocks Beach or St. Pete Beach for a convenient day trip from Tampa.

Additionally, Fort de Soto Park on the northern side of the mouth of Tampa Bay is known as a top family-friendly beach destination. Beaches within Tampa itself include Ben T Davis Beach, Cypress Point Park, Davis Islands Seaplane Basin, and Picnic Island Park. City beaches are open daily from sunrise to sunset.

March brings spring training baseball and the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, an IndyCar race through downtown streets. The Clearwater Jazz Holiday fills October with live music. Tampa's Gasparilla Pirate Festival kicks off each year in January.

Tampa has a humid, subtropical climate. There are two distinct seasons, which translate into higher heat and humidity from May – October and a milder, dry season from late Fall through Spring (about November – April).

Bottlenose dolphins often swim close to shore, and boat tours run daily from Clearwater and St. Pete Beach. Manatees visit the warm bay waters in winter. Caladesi Island and Honeymoon Island state parks are home to shorebirds, ospreys, and gopher tortoises.

More questions

More questions?

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