El Cap and Iconic St Pete Burger Joint

Published on 09/27/21: Several followers suggested Colt and I visit one of St Pete’s oldest burger joints, El Cap Restaurant! Located just north of downtown on 4th, El Cap burgers is one of the most iconic restaurants in the #TampaBay area, per the Tampa Bay Times. Before a brief history and summary of El Cap, for those interested in the Sky Zone winners, they’re down below. Congratulations!

El Cap has been serving up juicy burgers in St. Pete for 40+ years. The Bonfili family purchased the original bar in 1963, with Frank and Mary Jean Bonfili running with it the majority of the time. However, I’m told that Frank passed away in the early 2000’s and Mrs Bonfili passed in 2019. RIP.

Some articles I read indicate that the goal moving forward is to change very little, honoring the Bonfili’s. I mean, part of the popularity and appeal is that El Cap has resisted adapting to the modernization around St. Pete in the last 40+ years. I mean even the prices have resisted some change, with single burgers priced at $5.25 and doubles for $7.50. Was great for my wallet, as it’s not too uncommon to pay $12+ for a burger these days.

Upon walking in, my initial thoughts were “Where’s Sam Malone, Norm and Carla?”  El Cap certainly seems like a place where ‘everyone knows your name’. #Cheers. Come to find out, I’m not alone.

From I Love the Burg St. Pete about El Cap:

“…more than just homey, it feels like home. Banter from the regulars substitutes for blaring music and the servers greet you as if you’re an old friend. The evolution of the Burg’s foodie scene illuminates and makes beautiful the uncomplicated nature of El Cap’s menu. They have chicken finger baskets for kids steaming hot broccoli cheddar bites and mozzarella sticks for the family to share, and burgers that are covered in grilled onions, giant pickles and mayo.”

My other thought upon entering was “Are we in a time capsule?” El Cap has an incredible amount of great local nostalgia on the walls – photos, newspaper clippings, you name it. The restaurant has stood the test of time and is full of Tampa Bay history. Rather remarkable.

If you haven’t visited El Cap, do yourself a favor and check it out!  Address:
I’ll be visiting again soon to watch #ChampaBay games with friends! I quickly took note of the many tv’s and a sizeable outdoor area (pet friendly).

3 📸 taken directly from @ El Cap
Congratulations to the lucky followers below, each winning 2 Sky Zone passes:

Instagram: @abeautyinbeastmode & @Inkedsnowwhite
Facebook: Lori Russell and Monica Sharkey

Google Reviews: 2444 reviews with a 4.4/5 average

Address: 3500 4th St N, St Pete, FL

Phone: 727-521-1314

I’m a St Petersburg Realtor, with over 25K people following my LovingStPete Guide on Social Media! You’ll receive up to $10K at closing when you use my LovingStPete Team to buy or sell a property! My past includes developing a vacation rental advertising business that I ran for more than a decade, then sold to HomeAway/VRBO. I’d love to help you buy or sell a property, simply contact me.