Marchand's Bar & Grill

Editor's pick Award winner

501 Fifth Ave. NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

727-894-1000 Reserve now

http://www.marchandsbarandgrill.com/

Awards: Zagat rated, Wine Spectator

Categories: Bar, Restaurant

Cuisine: American upscale, Breakfast or brunch, Fine dining, Mediterranean

Features: Beach/Waterfront, Jazz/Blues, Live music, Upscale

Cost range: 20.01-100.0

Payment options: Credit cards accepted

Alcohol: Full bar

More in this neighborhood: Downtown St. Petersburg

The Vinoy has undergone a major makeover that includes retooling of Marchand's, showing off the central Vinoy Bar. A small wine cellar room provides an enviably intimate dining space for four. But perhaps the biggest change is the dining concept: One side used to be Marchand's, with a Mediterranean menu, the other the Terrace Room, seafood-heavy American. Now it's all called Marchand's. The kitchen has wisely kept the seafood focus, but dishes reflect a more stylish and still loosely Mediterranean sensibility with saucing and garniture.

The bar scene: It feels like something out of The Great Gatsby; the space is airy and clean. Kick back with a drink as the band serenades you with easy listening. There's also a jazz brunch Sundays starting at 10:30 a.m., plus a classical jazz pianist in the lobby weekday evenings. Fridays are your best bet; the band offers pure jazz until around 10 p.m., then mixes in some R&B.

You can also take it outdoors at the Vinoy -- on the spacious veranda with its wicker furniture and ceiling fans, or in the courtyard just in front of the hotel. A new addition since 2010, it's got outdoor heaters and a fire pit for chilly Florida winter nights.