Nestled in the vibrant city of St. Petersburg, Florida, Three Birds Tavern stands as a beloved culinary gem, offering a delightful blend of comfort food classics and innovative dishes. More than just a restaurant, it’s a neighborhood hub where locals and visitors alike gather to enjoy exceptional food, a relaxed atmosphere, and genuine hospitality. Let’s dive into what makes Three Birds Tavern in St. Pete a must-visit destination.
The Story Behind the Birds: From Ohio to St. Pete
The story of Three Birds Tavern is as inviting as the restaurant itself. Owners Robin and Jack King, originally from Ohio, embarked on a new chapter in St. Petersburg after Jack’s retirement from a successful law career. Drawn by the allure of sunshine and a more laid-back lifestyle, they traded law books for cookbooks and ventured into the restaurant business. After extensive research across potential locations from California to Belize, they chose St. Petersburg, a city they felt resonated with their vision.
Robin’s passion for food, ignited during a transformative study abroad experience in Jakarta, Indonesia in 1982, and further nurtured in the culinary rich city of New Orleans in the late 80s, was ready to take center stage. She honed her skills at Loretta Paganini’s cooking school in Ohio, preparing her for this exciting career shift in Florida.
In June 2009, their dream materialized when they acquired Limey’s, a restaurant space located at 1492 4th Street North. They rebranded it as Three Birds Tavern, a name imbued with personal meaning and a desired ambiance. This location, steeped in local history as one of the original home sites in Southern Pinellas County and a restaurant for nearly three decades, found its longest-running success story in Three Birds Tavern.
“Don’t Worry ‘Bout a Thing”: The Vibe and the Name
The name “Three Birds Tavern” is a heartfelt tribute to Robin’s mother and an embodiment of the restaurant’s welcoming spirit. Inspired by the Bob Marley song “Three Little Birds,” Robin explains the name reflects their goal: “Don’t worry about a thing, ‘Cause every little thing gonna be alright.” This philosophy translates into the tavern’s mission to be a place that enhances joyful moments and offers comfort during tough times. It’s about creating a space where you can relax, enjoy good company, and savor delicious food without any fuss.
Scratch-Made Comfort Food with a Modern Flair
Three Birds Tavern prides itself on its scratch kitchen, where classic comfort food is elevated with fresh ingredients and contemporary twists. Their menu is a testament to this philosophy, featuring crowd-pleasers like grilled-to-order burgers, hand-cut fries, and beer-battered cod, alongside more refined options such as Airline chicken breasts and 10-ounce bone-in pork chops. Comfort food also embraces health-conscious choices here, with additions like hummus, vibrant entree-sized salads, sushi-grade salmon, and protein burgers.
Notably, the Kenz Salad, a creation of the King’s daughter Mackenzie, earned the TBBJ Best Dish in the Biz award in 2015, highlighting their commitment to quality and flavor innovation.
The influence of Chef Jason Cline of Poké Rose, formerly of Birch & Vine, is evident in some original menu items. A prime example is the Bird Dog, a culinary standout: a grilled Wagyu all-beef hot dog loaded with crispy pork belly, roasted shishito peppers, house-made pickles, and tobacco onions.
Appetizer Delights: Scotch Eggs and Shishito Peppers Steal the Show
A visit to Three Birds Tavern isn’t complete without exploring their enticing appetizers. The Scotch Egg is a must-try. This British pub classic, traditionally deep-fried and encased in bland sausage, receives a gourmet makeover here. Three Birds Tavern bakes their Scotch eggs and seasons the sausage with Italian herbs, resulting in a savory and flavorful experience. Paired with H.P. sauce & celery cream, it’s a delightful starter.
The Roasted Shishito Peppers are another appetizer that shines. These peppers, larger than usual and perfectly charred, are simply roasted and tossed with sea salt, then served with a bright citrus pesto. The slight heat and smoky flavor make them irresistibly delicious.
Even the Garlic & Parmesan Wings, despite their unassuming appearance, are exceptional. Customers can request them extra crispy, double-fried, and choose from a variety of sauces, including Asian BBQ, Carrot Ginger, and classic hot sauces. And the House Cut French Fries? Perfectly crisp and scratch-made, they are the ideal accompaniment to any meal.
Dinner at Three Birds: Pork Chops, Fish & Fries, and Salmon Sensations
The dinner menu at Three Birds Tavern is equally impressive. The 10-ounce bone-in herb-marinated pork chop is a standout. Cooked to juicy perfection and served with seasonal vegetables and a choice of potatoes, it’s a hearty and flavorful entree that’s sure to satisfy.
For seafood lovers, the Fish & Fries is a top choice. Featuring wild-caught North Atlantic cod in a light beer batter, deep-fried to a golden crisp, it’s served with malted tartar sauce, creamy mustard slaw, and those irresistible house-cut fries. The slaw, notably fresh and crunchy, is a delightful complement.
The North Atlantic Salmon entree showcases Three Birds Tavern’s commitment to quality ingredients. They use sushi-grade, kosher Norwegian Atlantic salmon, pan-seared and served with creamy mashed potatoes, sautéed spinach, and a delicate lemon butter white wine beuree blanc sauce. Even those who typically avoid salmon will find this dish exceptionally mild and flavorful.
Beyond the Tavern: Out of the Weeds Dressings
Three Birds Tavern’s dedication to scratch-made goodness extends beyond the restaurant. Recognizing the demand for their signature flavors, they established a commercial kitchen and now produce a line of salad dressings called “Out of the Weeds.” Currently offering Carrot Ginger, Roasted Beet, and Roasted Tomato dressings, inspired by Robin’s Indonesian culinary beginnings, these products are available in over 1,700 grocery stores across seven southeastern states. Seven more FDA-approved products are planned for retail release, expanding their reach beyond the St. Pete tavern.
Why You Should Visit Three Birds Tavern
Three Birds Tavern in St. Pete offers more than just a meal; it’s a complete dining experience. From the heartwarming story behind its inception to the commitment to scratch-made, high-quality food, and the welcoming, laid-back ambiance, it’s a place that captures the essence of St. Petersburg’s local charm. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor, make sure to add Three Birds Tavern to your must-try list. You’ll discover why it’s a beloved neighborhood favorite and a true St. Pete culinary highlight.
Explore the Full Menu
Three Birds Tavern
- Phone: 727-895-2049
- Cuisine: American, Seafood, Gastropub
- Hours:
- Mon – Fri: 11:30am – 1:00am
- Sat – Sun: 10:00am – 1:00am
- Address: 1492 4th St N, St Petersburg, FL 33704, USA
- Visit Website
Gastropub fare in a charming converted farmhouse with a wide selection of local craft beers.
