Submitted by Steven Goodman on 09/11/2021
Proposed to my gf hours before, and we wanted to grab just a plate of hummus to fill up before we explored St Pete.
We didn’t get to because we were there for t w o hours waiting for our check. On a Saturday, they had one waitress working upstairs and downstairs. Multiple guests came to sit and would leave, but us and another table of elderly folks who just got drinks were held there until we were able to finally pay. When the elderly group sent someone up to ask to pay, the older hostess told her to “sit down!” When I tried to pay with her, she said it wasn’t her responsibility to do and we’d have to wait (this was after about an hour and a half.)
After threatening to leave without paying, they finally brought our check. The poor elderly group was still stuck there when we walked by 30 minutes later, and they were still seating new tables!
My gf and I have never written a terrible review of a place but my god, biggest waste of time and food when you could go to the other restaurant 10 feet west and get quicker and less expensive food. Don’t eat here if you value your time, especially on busier nights.
This place is the worse, dirty, unprofessional staff from management to bartenders, the drinks are bad and very high price. Is very hot in there i will not recommend any one to go there if you want to have a good time.
Submitted by Oni Obatala on 06/26/2022
This place hasn't been cleaned or painted in a long time. If you don't care about smell and the germs in a place then go ahead and enjoy the music. However in this day with Corona virus still very much around the bar has a responsibility to at least clean the place up before the music starts. I will not be returning there even though the band was great.
Submitted by Alicia Hannin on 01/02/2022
I hate to give a bad review but wow… we waited 1.5 hours for our food. Asked the waitress how much longer it would be… she forgot to put the food in! At that point, we said forget it. They still charged us for our drinks and small app we had while waiting. And waiting. And waiting. I’ve never had such terrible service.
Submitted by Rachael Taft on 09/14/2021
Food is fabulous. Eating on the porch, watching the St Pete nightlife. If you like Mediterranean/Greek/Turkish style food this is amazing. Freshly prepared hummus- what a difference! Vs grocery store. Perfectly prepared &seasoned chicken and koftas. Highly recommend dinner and then going to the bar after-flamenco dancing.
Submitted by Donna Bauer on 08/14/2021
The food here is fantastic! Really interesting Turkish cuisine with a Greek feel. Every dish was so good we had to try dessert. The pistachio baklava was so delicious. The service was excellent and our server Emily made us feel right at home. We will definitely be going back.
Submitted by Dawn Everett on 07/22/2021
Much has been written about the music and dancing at this new establishment, but El Cante is so much more than that (although that would be enough!). We stopped for an early dinner -- prior to the music and dancing tonight (Saturday about 5 PM) -- after visiting the Western Museum nearby. We ate a leisurely meal on the upstairs balcony with great people watching and breezes from the bay. The service (our server was Cody), beverages, and food was exceptional. The menu is "Mediterranean," or more specifically a combination of Turkish, Spanish, and Greek cuisine, in portions designed to satisfy but not overwhelm. Its kebobs are fabulous with unique spices, and its desserts are appropriately sized and exceptional. Perhaps equally enjoyable as the friendly service was the atmosphere of the diners there. Privacy was respected, but not at the sacrifice of a sense of belonging and community. This new establishment is one of a kind, and it breathes new life into a post-quarantine St Petersburg. We hope to return often, and we wish this new business continued success!
Submitted by Bg Roberts on 06/05/2021
The best venue downtown St. Petersburg. Live music ???? Great atmosphere, amazing Mediterranean food. Must visit ????????????????️????
Submitted by Vesko Hristov on 05/12/2021
On one of those unpredictable st. Pete nights, we stumbled upon this bar and ended up having an incredible time. The live music was excellent. But the highlight was our time with Jeff, the bartender extraordinaire. Did he make amazing drinks? Yes. Did he do flair bartending, flipping bottles and shakers like a pro? Yes. Did he make roses out of napkins? Use his counseling skills to assist bar patrons? Supply edible flower garnishes with enthusiasm? Yes. yes. Yes!
I did not try the Greek tapas menu (?) but it was probably good. This place kind of had it all. Highly recommend. Ask Jeff to make something special for you.
Submitted by Eileen Brumitt on 04/25/2021
Wow awesome music and bar. Jeff the bar tenter puts on a great show for the ladies. We just found this place and it is super cool.
Submitted by Alan H. on 04/23/2021