Posts Tagged ‘tierra verde’

When you’re on vacation and meet a couple in the hot tub who have clearly lived their best lives, you take their advice seriously. That’s how we ended up at Billy’s Stone Crab in Tierra Verde—a tucked-away spot near St. Pete that feels like a true Florida classic.

Billy’s is an old-school waterfront gem, known for its prime rib, fresh local grouper, and unbeatable sunset views. It’s not fancy, but it’s the kind of place that makes you want to linger—cold drink in hand, sea breeze in your hair.

Naturally, I ordered a Bloody Mary. It came garnished simply with a lime and olive. No chaser offered, and the price wasn’t listed. The drink itself? Just okay. Nothing particularly memorable, but like I always say—Bloody Marys and seafood are a match made in heaven, and this one worked well alongside our lunch.

While the Bloody wasn’t the highlight, the overall experience—hot tub recommendations and all—made it one to remember.


The Bloody Mary

Spices/Flavor: Basic and unremarkable
Fixin’s: Lime, olive
Chaser: None offered
Presentation: No frills
Price: Unknown

If you’re exploring the St. Pete area and looking for an authentic Florida waterfront meal, Billy’s is a solid stop. Just don’t expect a showstopping Bloody—unless you count the one that led you there in the first place.

Last week, we were down in the Tampa Bay/St. Petersburg area sampling Bloody Marys.

We wanted some really great seafood (particularly oysters), so we headed to the Island Grille and Raw Bar in Tierra Verde.

Here, in addition to the oysters, shrimp and smoked fish, we also had a Bloody Mary Oyster Shooter and one of their Bloody Marys:

Island Grill and Raw Bar Shooter

Island Grill and Raw Bar

Mix: Homemade

Chaser: No

Fixin’s: Lime

Price: $?

Here, I wouldn’t waste your time or money on the Bloody Mary.

The oysters are fantastic, so make sure you order enough of those to go around. If you have that Bloody Mary craving, order a Bloody Mary Shooter or two, then move on to a Rum Runner.  Cheers!