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Cafe Bohemia

By Jessica Brady, tbt* Staff Writer
Published November 9, 2007

Essentials: 937 Central Ave, St. Petersburg. (727) 895-4495. Sunday through Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Thursday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to midnight. Credit cards accepted.

Scene: Eclectic best describes Cafe Bohemia. You can enter through the main shop or the large patio with terra cotta tiles surrounded by a wrought-iron gate. Inside, the feel is cozy, with round parlor tables, brown leather couches and a bookshelf for those who want to chill and read. The artwork on the wall is created by local artists and changes monthly. Then you walk onto the patio and almost forget you're in St. Pete - or even Florida, for that matter. The huge patio is full of greenery, benches and tables. Colored lights illuminate the patio, and nothing is more serene than looking up and seeing the stars in the night sky. On a large cement wall silent films are shown to compliment the music.

Prime location: A few blocks west of the State Theater on Central Avenue in St. Pete. You can't miss the giant coffee cup on the sign.

Crowd: It's an interesting, friendly mix of people. Definitely a place where no one judges other patrons and people just accept you for who you are. People draw, chill, mingle and read. Then there are the break dancers. The huge patio allows plenty of room for a battle. We saw two guys going at it, showing their skills - and yes, they had mad skills. As far as attire goes, it's just as chill as the people hanging out.

Tunes: Thursday through Saturday a DJ spins a fusion of disco, punk and hip-hop. For the next two months, DJ Glamazon will spin her set. Other nights live bands perform.

Wednesday night films: Every Wednesday at 8 p.m., Cafe Bohemia participates in St. Pete for Peace by showing free documentaries. This past week the Cafe featured Total Denial, a film about the struggles in Burma.

Juice: There may not be any liquor, but the unique mix of domestic and import beers and wine compensate. Here you'll find beers like Young's Double Chocolate Stout and Samuel Smith's Organic Lager. I, personally, enjoyed the Abita Purple Haze.

Grub: The food is basic, yet good with pretty much any type of salad or sandwich to tickle your fancy. There's also fresh fruit and baked goods. Prices range from $2.45 to $7.25.

[Last modified November 7, 2007, 16:02:13]