By Christiana Eckard
In St. Petersburg, local coffee shops offer a unique blend of community and creativity. While tourists often visit more popular spots along Central Avenue, smaller independent cafes are also drawing attention from those looking for a different experience.
The independently owned Patrona Costal Café and Bean Wandering coffee shop aren’t just serving caffeine; they’re embracing small-scale creativity with community connections, according to their owners.
Right off the Gandy Bridge, Patrona Coastal Café sits on the edge of the water. This boutique coffee shop features tiki huts, boat views and an ambiance that’s more of a beach getaway than a typical urban café.
“Everything we make is in-house,” head barista Grace Kamaraku said. “From the beans that we grind to our own sourcing, it’s really unique. [It’s] kind of like a secret Margaritaville…There is really nothing quite like it here.”
While their social media presence has helped attract new visitors, the cafe itself remains something of a local secret.
“You would never expect everything that is behind the front sign,” Kamaraku said.
Camryn DaSilva, St. Petersburg native, said she never heard of the place until social media.
“I found this place through TikTok,” she said. “It came up on my for-you page, but it was so much more than what I could have imagined. I don’t think it gets much better between the boat watching and good coffee.”
Despite its picturesque location and growing buzz, Heidi Putnam, who’s been part of the team for six years, said there’s still room to grow.
“We could really use the recognition,” Putnam said. “It would be great for business.”
Not far from Patrona is the Bean Wandering coffee shop. What started as a modest coffee truck in early 2024 turned into two permanent locations with a small but dedicated customer base.
According to locals, Bean Wandering is known for their unique packaging. All coffee is served in cans with a soda lid, setting them apart from competitors.
The owners, Hanna and Kara Rewerts, said they set out to create a portable spill-proof coffee experience perfect for busy people.
“I started back in April 2024, right when we opened,” manager Madi Landreth said. “It’s been amazing to see how much we’ve grown, from being the coffee truck to having two locations. I’m proud to be part of it.”
Like Patrona, Bean Wandering first blew up on Tik Tok, creating a surge of people coming into the cafe.
“I love this place,” customer Alexandros Stathas said. “It’s kind of hidden, so I feel like unless you are in the building, you wouldn’t know it’s here. “It’s in the perfect spot. I wish people would expand their horizons and try something new other
than Starbucks.”
Where there is corporate growth and rising rents, small businesses like Patrona Costal Café and Bean Wandering are threads in the fabric of the city’s economy.