Old Northeast Tavern is coming back — here's what's changing
After nearly two years of closure and permitting delays, Old Northeast Tavern at 201 7th Ave N is set to reopen in 2026 — with a full liquor bar and new menu items.
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The exact spot — handy for figuring out which neighborhood you're really in.
If you've walked past 201 7th Avenue North lately and peeked through the windows hoping to see the lights back on at Old Northeast Tavern, you're not alone. One of the most genuinely missed neighborhood bars in all of St. Pete is finally coming back — and it's bringing a few surprises with it.
Nearly two years in the dark
When the tavern closed for renovations and expansion in late 2024, the plan was to reopen by summer 2025. Permitting issues pushed that timeline way out.
For regulars of one of the Burg's most low-key beloved spots, that wait has felt long.
Prior to closing, the tavern served as a neighborhood gathering spot known for its rustic charm, laid-back atmosphere, craft beer selection, and elevated American pub fare.
Co-owners Bob Wareham and Mark Brindle have owned the pub and the neighboring pizzeria, Old Northeast Pizza, since 2008. The tavern itself originally opened in 2006, tucked inside a historic building that also houses Black Crow Coffee.
That building dates to 1925 — back when the neighborhood was still called North Shore.
What's actually changing
The renovation isn't just cosmetic.
Both the pizzeria and tavern will retain their familiar character while benefiting from updated kitchen equipment and a larger dining room that connects the two businesses.
The biggest upgrade? The bar program.
The tavern has now obtained a full liquor license and plans to offer cocktails when it reopens
— a first in its nearly two-decade run as a beer-and-wine-only spot.
New menu items including burgers and fries are also expected to debut after reopening — another first for the restaurant.
What's staying the same (thankfully)
Don't panic about the menu getting unrecognizable.
Apart from the new additions, the favorites are expected to return.
The tavern's menu has traditionally centered on elevated pub fare — sandwiches, quesadillas, and salads. Fan favorites like the Reuben sandwich and Chicken and Plantain Quesadilla have been regulars on the menu for years.
Old Northeast Pizza isn't going anywhere either.
The shop is known for its thin-crust New Jersey-style pies, including specialty offerings like the Del Mar — topped with crab, shrimp, and smoked Gouda — and the Wild Mushroom with shiitake and crimini mushrooms, prosciutto, and pesto.
The pizza side actually gained square footage during the renovation.
The new space utilized the old game room of the tavern as an expansive dining area, complete with flat-screen TVs, welcoming guests from both businesses to relax and hang out.
A block with serious history
It's worth remembering what this corner has meant to the neighborhood over the decades.
Long before it was the Old Northeast Tavern, the corner space served generations of neighbors as a pharmacy, market, diner, and restaurant — with tenants including Fender's Pharmacy, Elsie's Market, North Shore Sundries, Nan & Lou's Fountainette, and Ambrosia, a Mediterranean fusion restaurant that held the space just before the tavern opened in 2006.
That kind of continuity is increasingly rare. The fact that Wareham and Brindle are choosing to reopen — not sell or redevelop — says something about how much they believe in this block and this neighborhood.
When does it reopen?
Wareham has said both businesses are expected to reopen later this year.
No specific date has been confirmed publicly as of mid-July, so your best bet is to follow Old Northeast Tavern's Facebook page or check back at oldnetavern.com for the official announcement.
For anyone buying or thinking about buying in the Old Northeast neighborhood, this kind of news matters beyond just dinner plans. Walkable neighborhood anchors — especially ones with 20 years of community goodwill behind them — are exactly what keeps demand strong on blocks like 7th Avenue North. If you want to understand why Old Northeast consistently holds its value, this neighborhood breakdown is a solid place to start. And if you're curious what homes in the 33704 ZIP are actually trading for right now, you can get an instant read here.