If you’ve lived in St. Pete for more than five minutes, you know the vibe at The Getaway. It’s that Florida-kitsch-meets-tiki-bar energy that makes you feel like you’re on vacation even if you just finished a grueling shift in a windowless office downtown. But let’s be honest. When you’re looking at The Getaway St Petersburg menu, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer volume of "island-inspired" options.
Is the food actually good, or are you just paying for the view of the Gandy Bridge and the salty breeze?
I’ve spent a lot of time sitting at those wooden tables, watching the paddleboarders go by. Honestly, the menu is a bit of a rollercoaster. Some things are absolute home runs that I’d eat every day if my cholesterol allowed it. Other things? Well, they’re basically just overpriced bar snacks. If you want to get the most out of your visit, you have to know how to navigate the kitchen’s hits and misses.
The Raw Bar and the "Florida Staples"
You can’t talk about a waterfront spot in Tampa Bay without mentioning the seafood. It’s basically a law. The Getaway leans heavily into the Florida-Caribbean fusion, which means a lot of citrus, a lot of blackened seasoning, and plenty of mahi-mahi.
The Smoked Fish Spread is usually the litmus test for any Florida beach bar. Theirs is solid. It’s not "life-changing," but it has that nice, chunky texture that proves it wasn’t just whipped in a blender with too much mayo. They serve it with jalapeños and saltines, which is the only correct way to eat fish spread. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
If you’re feeling fancy, the Coconut Shrimp is a crowd favorite. It’s crunchy. It’s sweet. It’s exactly what you expect. However, if you want something that feels a bit more "St. Pete," look toward the Grouper Sandwich.
Now, listen. Local tip: Always ask if it’s "fresh-caught" or "market price." Florida has a bit of a history with grouper fraud—where restaurants swap in cheaper fish like Basa. The Getaway is generally reputable, but it never hurts to verify what's coming off the boat that morning. When it’s on point, that blackened grouper with a side of slaw is the peak of the The Getaway St Petersburg menu.
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Why the Tacos Are the Real MVP
Forget the heavy entrees for a second. If you’re at The Getaway, you’re likely there for a "long lunch" that turns into an accidental three-hour happy hour. You need "drinking food."
The taco section is where the kitchen really finds its groove. They aren't trying to be an authentic Mexican street stall; they’re doing "Coastal Tacos."
- Blackened Mahi Tacos: These are the reliable choice. The cabbage slaw adds the crunch you need, and the remoulade ties it together.
- Ahi Tuna Tacos: A bit riskier if it’s 95 degrees out, but they’re light and refreshing.
- Pork Carnitas: Surprisingly good for a seafood-heavy place.
The portion sizes are decent. You get two or three depending on the day's special, and they don't skimp on the lime. Honestly, the best way to tackle the menu if you're with a group is just to order one of every taco and play a game of "taco roulette." It’s much more fun than everyone staring at their own individual burger.
Let’s Talk About the Drinks (Because Obviously)
You aren't just going to The Getaway for the salad. You’re there for something with a tiny umbrella in it. The drink menu is arguably more famous than the food menu.
They have these "Bucket Drinks" that are essentially a gallon of sugar and rum. They’re great for the "Gram," but they will give you a headache before the sun even sets. If you want to actually enjoy your drink, go for the Mango Mojito or a classic Painkiller.
The Painkiller is a staple of British Virgin Islands culture, and they do a respectable version here. Pineapple, orange, cream of coconut, and a heavy grating of nutmeg on top. It’s smooth. It’s dangerous. It makes the fact that you’re sitting next to a busy road (the Gandy) completely disappear.
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The "Hidden" Side of the Menu
People often overlook the bowls. The Islander Bowls are actually the best value on the The Getaway St Petersburg menu. You get a base of rice and beans, some tropical salsa, and your choice of protein. It’s filling without making you feel like you need a nap in the sand immediately afterward.
If you’re trying to be "healthy-ish" while your friends inhale deep-fried appetizers, the Salmon Bowl is the way to go. The salmon is usually seared well—crispy skin, flaky center. It’s a nice change of pace from the typical "everything-is-fried" beach bar aesthetic.
Navigating the Crowds and the Prices
Look, we have to be real. The Getaway isn't cheap. You’re paying a "view tax." A burger here is going to cost you more than it would at a dive bar in Kenwood. Is it worth it?
Most of the time, yes. The atmosphere is half the meal.
But if you want to save a few bucks, hit them up during Happy Hour. The specials change, but you can usually find deals on draft beers and well drinks that make the bill a lot easier to swallow. Also, keep an eye on their social media. They occasionally do "locals nights" or live music events where the energy shifts from touristy to a more authentic St. Pete vibe.
The service can be... relaxed. That’s a polite way of saying it might take a minute to get your second round of drinks when the place is packed on a Saturday afternoon. Don't go there if you're in a rush. This is "island time" in the middle of a Florida suburb. Lean into it.
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What to Avoid
I’ll be blunt: skip the basic garden salads. You’re at a tiki bar. Ordering a Caesar salad at The Getaway is like going to a steakhouse and ordering a bowl of cereal. It’s not what they do best, and you’ll leave feeling unsatisfied.
Also, the "Side of Fries" is fine, but if you have the option, swap them for the Sweet Potato Fries or the Cilantro Lime Rice. The rice actually tastes like someone put effort into it, whereas the fries are just... fries.
The Verdict on The Getaway St Petersburg Menu
It’s a solid 8/10 for what it is. It’s not fine dining. It’s not trying to win a Michelin star. It’s designed to be eaten while wearing flip-flops and sunglasses.
The key is to stick to the seafood and the tacos. Avoid the generic American bar food that you can get anywhere else. If you stick to the blackened fish, the smoked spreads, and the rum-heavy cocktails, you’re going to have a great time.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
- Check the Weather: It’s almost entirely outdoor seating. If a Florida afternoon thunderstorm is rolling in, the "vibe" gets very wet, very fast.
- Arrive Early: Especially on weekends. The parking lot is a nightmare, and the best tables near the water go fast.
- Start with the Spread: Order the Smoked Fish Spread the second the server hits the table. It buys you time to look at the rest of the menu without getting "hangry."
- Uber or Lyft: Those rum punches are stronger than they look. If you’re diving into the "Bucket" drinks, do the responsible thing.
- Boat In: If you have a boat, you can actually pull up to their dock. It’s arguably the coolest way to experience the menu.
When you finally sit down and look at The Getaway St Petersburg menu, don't overthink it. Order the Grouper, grab a cold drink, and enjoy the fact that you're sitting on the water in one of the best cities in Florida. That’s the real "Getaway."
To make the most of your trip, aim for a late afternoon arrival on a Tuesday or Wednesday. The kitchen is less slammed, meaning your food comes out hotter and the bartenders have more time to actually balance your cocktails instead of rushing through a crowd of fifty people. Stick to the daily catch specials—they represent the freshest items the kitchen has to offer and usually highlight local ingredients that aren't on the standard printed menu year-round. Over-ordering appetizers is the move here; the small plates often outshine the large entrees in both flavor and "shareability" for a group.