Bin6South, one of St. Pete’s most intimate food-and-wine spots, closed after service on September 13.Owners Bren Ankrum and Dr. Donna Hargrove announced they will use the coming weeks to refresh the space, complete maintenance, and fine-tune their concept before reopening in mid-November, just in time for the restaurant’s three-year anniversary.
With only 12 seats and a focus on intimate, tasting-room style dining, Bin6South quickly became a favorite for its curated wine list and personal atmosphere.
In their statement, Ankrum and Hargrove said the goal is to return as “Bin6South version 2.0”, with an elevated level of wine service and culinary innovation:
“We will now take the necessary time to make the changes to our model to further reinforce the positive aspects while striving to eliminate areas of concern and, fundamentally, ‘up our game.’”
Bin6South is targeting mid-November for its relaunch, aligning with its original opening date (November 22) and three-year milestone.
Looking for half-off bottle nights in St. Pete? This is a growing list of restaurants, bars, and lounges with wine-forward programs offering 50% off wine bottles throughout the week.
TL;DR: A natural wine bar and indie bookshop where certified pros pour thoughtful, global picks—perfect for curious sippers who like their glass with a side of literature.
Shelves lined with stories—some corked, some bound.
Vibe
Bookish and intimate with a natural wine lean—ideal for solo visits or low-key get-togethers. It shifts from bright and airy by day to cozy and quiet by night, with cushioned outdoor seating if you want to bring your pet.
Extras
~150 bottles from 12+ countries, a rotating “Somm Select” chalkboard pick, and a curated by-the-glass list (most under $15). Espresso bar, light snacks, and shelves filled with books that favor diverse voices.
💡 Tip: Skip the grocery store aisle and grab a bottle here that’ll actually start a conversation.
TL;DR: A micro-sized bar with a mighty bottle list, Bar Chinchilla pours 50+ bottles by the glass—many offbeat, global, and hard to find.
A peek inside Bar Chinchilla before opening.
Vibe
St. Pete’s smallest bar packs charm into a compact space—casual, softly lit, and ideal for solo sipping or date-night drop-ins. Indoor and sidewalk seating make it feel tucked away, even downtown.
Extras
50+ wines by the glass, with styles ranging from Italian classics to lesser-known bottles from Slovenia and Morocco. Beer drinkers will find a bold, Belgian-leaning list.
💡 Tip: Ask about the off-menu picks—or let the team surprise you.
TL;DR: A refined French bistro with a deep, Old World–leaning wine list and a menu built for pairing—ideal for long lunches, date nights, or an elevated happy hour downtown.
Bacchus, the god of wine, watches over it all.
Vibe
Rustic French bistro energy tucked just off Beach Drive—dim, elegant, and lined with bottles. High-top seating only, both indoors and out, with a spacious patio for people-watching.
Extras
Nearly 100 bottles with a French core—Bordeaux, Burgundy, Rhône—plus Italian and California standouts. ~30 by-the-glass options ($10–$20), and a bottle wall worth browsing. Light bites, cheese, dessert, and espresso round things out.
💡 Tip: During happy hour, $20 gets you two glasses and a charcuterie board—rare for downtown.
Mon–Fri, 2–6pm (10–15% off for members, free to join)
Hours
Mon–Thurs: 12–9pm Fri–Sat: 12–10pm Sun: 12–9pm
💻Wi-Fi
🔌 Outlets Scattered
🐕 Dogs Allowed
TL;DR: A relaxed beer-and-wine shop with loungey energy, family vibes, and a global shelf you can drink from for just five bucks more.
Hawthorne’s bottle wall spans the globe, and the staff picks are a great way to try something new.
Vibe
A cozy Central Ave hangout with wine, craft beer, and casual charm. By day: laptops and locals. By night: friends under bistro lights, the occasional live set, and wood-fired pizza from the onsite pizza truck on weekends.
Extras
~75 global wines and 100+ beers; all bottles can be opened on-site ($5 corkage). Flights available ($25). Sandwiches and snacks served daily; Cipolla Rossa pizza Thurs–Sun.
💡 Tip: Sample a few pours before you commit—staff are happy to help you land on the right glass.
Curious for more? We’ll be revisiting each of these spots in upcoming posts—talking to owners, tasting through flights, and going deeper into the bottle.
