Perhaps one of the most classic staples in Florida cuisine is the grouper sandwich. Whether you prefer fried, blackened or grilled, it is simply a must-have while spending your time in the state.

Hole-in-the-wall seafood joints and upscale restaurants alike offer the renowned meal across St. Petersburg, and we have narrowed down the list to the best in the area!

Harvey's 4th Street Grill

Merge into the St. Pete locals at Harvey’s 4th Street Grill for one of the most beloved grouper sandwiches across the area. This joint is widely known by residents as one of the best stops in town for the dish, so whether you’re visiting Florida or just trying to finally live the proper Florida life, this is definitely a place to start.

The Tavern at Bayboro

A classic dive just off the USF St. Pete campus, Tavern at Bayboro conveniently offers one of the best grouper sandwiches in town. In fact, their grouper sandwich is their crowning jewel, topping their menu to grab your eyes the second you start reading. The amazingly fresh fillet is served between their staple rosemary bun that adds the perfect compliment to the grouper.

400 Beach Seafood & Tap House

For a more upscale, central restaurant, stop at 400 Beach Seafood and Tap House for both their good food and good vibes. It is located right off of the Bay near Vinoy Park, so it’s an easy stop while meandering through downtown. Just make sure to go during lunch hours (11 am to 5 pm) to catch the grouper sandwich because it disappears off the menu to make way for their still-delicious-yet-not-the-same dinner options.

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Athenian Gardens

If you are looking for a twist on a long time favorite, check out the Greek-inspired sandwich offered at the Athenian Gardens Restaurant. They get inventive with their stack, adding avocado and tzatziki to the mix, and it’s a great way to kick up your taste buds with a new Mediterranean - yet still Floridian - dish.

Hurricane Seafood Restaurant

On the southern side of St. Pete Beach, you can find yet another great sandwich while escaping the sun’s powerful rays. Hurricane Seafood Restaurant features a wide range of seafood but their grouper sandwich definitely stands out. It not only serves up great food but also has some of the best views of the bay on their rooftop bar.   

PJ's Oyster Bar IRB

Offering classic Florida beach vibes, PJ’s Oyster Bar is a vibrant, cheery place with, of course, some delicious seafood to offer. The original location is in Indian Rocks Beach, but it’s just so good they had to also move it to the people of St. Pete Beach! The grouper sandwich, of course, is a staple on their menu among their other many options of fish dishes.

No matter where you find yourself munching on a grouper sandwich, St. Petersburg cannot and will not disappoint with its plethora of options to satisfy your craving for best grouper sandwich! 

If you are looking for more great restaurants in St. Petersburg, register on 727area for your free guide to everything local in the Bay area!

Image courtesy of Flickr