For a limited time, take advantage of the Dog Days of Summer at Berkeley Beach Club. From now until September 30, get 50% off suites Sunday-Wednesday, and 30% off suites Thursday-Saturday. Book here to lock in your staycation deal.
Locals love to tell others “we live where you vacation,” but sometimes it’s also nice for us to take a vacation – where we live. That’s the upside to living along the Gulf Coast, where we have easy access to tropical lodging. And the Berkeley Beach Club, located at 109 8th Avenue in beautiful Pass-a-Grille, may be our new favorite for a staycation on the beach.
We discovered the hidden gem hotel thanks to its restaurant and bar, The Dewey, which is run by the renowned team behind Mise en Place, the massively popular French-inspired fine dining restaurant we love here in Tampa. But while the coastal-inspired wine bar is what got us in the door, it’s the Berkeley Beach Club that made us want to extend our stay – maybe even for a few nights. 
The dog-friendly boutique hotel has a beautiful range of high-end suites that put you just steps from white sand beaches, local bars and restaurants, and the best sunsets in Tampa Bay. And what makes Berkeley Beach Club so perfect for a home-away-from-home staycation is the incredible experience in the suites. Instead of typical hotel rooms, these full suites make you feel like you’re right in your own living room and kitchen – or, at least, in someone else’s beach house.
With porches and fresh sea breeze wafting by, the suites range from 1-2 bedrooms each, complete with entertaining areas, kitchen spaces, in-suite laundry, breakfast, and even work spaces if you need to spend a little time on the laptop (Berkeley Beach Club also makes an excellent remote work destination). There are also a pair of studio suites available, providing intimate options for anywhere from 1-4 guests.
And of course, one of the biggest selling points for us (our team here at That’s So Tampa is heavy on dog owners), is that Berkeley Beach Club is pet-friendly, both in the suites and in the restaurant and rooftop bar. Not only does that mean we get to bring our furry loved ones on vacation with us, but we’re not left trying to find and pay for a dog sitter or overnight boarding. Plus, it’s a short enough ride that our pups don’t get restless on the way. Roll that back window down and drive straight to paradise.
Enjoy stellar drinks and dining at Berkeley Beach Club
Of course, half the fun of any vacation is the food and drink, and in that regard, Berkeley Beach Club more than delivers. The Dewey Wine Bar is a passion project by the team behind Mise en Place, and the love and devotion shines through in every plate (and glass). Showcasing a wide selection of creative small plates, classic entrees, and deep variety of flavors, meals and drop-ins here are perfect for sharing with others.
Denizens of St. Pete Beach have raved about The Dewey Wine Bar for its delectable appetizers, dinners (many of which are perfect for sharing) and brunch offerings, which are quietly gaining cult status among those in the know. Featuring re-imagined beach cuisine, a destination driven wine list, and craft cocktails that belong at the beach, The Dewey “is a creative yet quintessential interpretation of a dining and drinking establishment that belongs 99 steps from the Gulf of Mexico.” And best of all, it’s tucked away on Pass-a-grille, hidden from all the crowds and tourists – the perfect quiet spot for locals.
Open Wednesday-Sunday, the evening fare is exactly what you’d expect from Executive Chef Marty Blitz, as the deliciously-elevated, seafood-centric menu showcases the skills he’s become so loved for at Mise en Place. Starters and small plates provide an excellent array of options, from PEI oysters or chef’s preparation crudo, to beef carpaccio, deviled crab cakes, or the sumptuous calamari fritto misto.
As for the main plates, one can never go wrong with the fresh catch of the day, showcasing seafood brought in directly from the Gulf. We’re also big fans of the fried grouper cheeks grits, and the cioppino is a veritable seafood feast in one dish: calamari, shrimp, bay scallops, mussels, blue crab, and saffron aioli, served with a French baguette. YUM.
Of course, it isn’t all seafood. If you’re feeling more turf than surf, The Dewey Wine Bar has plenty to offer, such as porcini mushroom fennel-crusted chicken, steak frites, the Dewey Burger, or a hearty quinoa bowl. And save room for dessert – the bourbon peach brown butter cake is a showstopper.
Meanwhile, The Dewey has one of the best wine lists anywhere on the beaches, comprised of wines that come from similar coastal locales worldwide that look and feel like we do here. In fact, the wine list is arranged in order of sunset time at each bottle’s vineyard across the country. And The Dewey’s “Coastal Classics” cocktail menu will transport anyone straight to paradise, as the refined list provides delightful libations meant to be sipped seaside. You’ll feel like you’re sitting down the bar from Ernest Hemingway.
Take in sunset views from the rooftop bar
In addition to The Dewey Wine Bar on the ground floor, a favorite for Berkeley guests is the Brazilian-inspired Rooftop Lounge, which opens at 5 pm every Wednesday-Sunday and offers incredible panoramic views with water on three sides, transporting guests straight to a tropical paradise. Sunset chasers need to put this rooftop experience at the top of their list.
If downstairs at The Dewey sends you to Hemingway’s Cuba, then the rooftop whisks you away to vibrant and luxurious Rio. From the music and the vibes to the drinks and the snacks, Rooftop Lounge brings Brazilian nights to the beach, built on the traditional Rio greeting. Instead of saying “have a good day,” Rio locals wish for each other to “tenha uma boa praia” – have a good beach.
And we should note: the rooftop, just like the hotel, is dog-friendly. In fact, that’s a point of pride for the owners who named the hotel and restaurant after their incredibly-lovable and dearly-missed pups, Berkeley and Dewey.
Learn more about Berkeley Beach Club and book a stay in the boutique hotel at berkeleybeachclub.com. Make a reservation for brunch or dinner at The Dewey here. For a limited time, take advantage of the Dog Days of Summer at Berkeley Beach Club. From now until September 30, get 50% off suites Sunday-Wednesday, and 30% off suites Thursday-Saturday. Book here to lock in your staycation deal.
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