In Between Days – St Pete

Published on 10/12/22: Anyone know this place near downtown St. Pete? Couple hints: Inspired by the owner’s love of vinyl records and sake culture, offers audiophile level music, delicious food, excellent drinks, and incredible service. Has nearly all 5 star reviews on Google and 1/2 mile from Tropicana Field. I kept it a surprise for Amy, and with zero signage, she was definitely surprised. “Do we knock?”

Listening Bar Opened by Pinellas Native

This is a Tokyo-style listening bar named “In Between Days” and is certainly a hidden gem. Opened by Pinellas native Zach Ashton and his business partner Elio Marini, think Asian inspired small plates for sharing, expansive sake list, sophisticated ambiance (more to unpack than initially meets the eye), yet a laid-back vibe. While Amy isn’t typically a sake drinker, she loved the fusion cocktails the bartender poured up. In Between Days falls into my #LovingStPeteDateNights series of suggestions. If you have a significant other or friend you want to surprise with something different, make this your next stop.

What is a Listening Bar

I saw a number of karaoke places while in Tokyo, though in hindsight, sure wish I had run into a listening bar! New to me, but according to a Tampa Bay Times article, “In Japan, record bars and jazz cafes with high-end audio equipment have existed since the 1950s. They feature intimate spaces designed for listening, rather than socializing.”

I read the above before visiting, though still wasn’t sure what to expect. Was it more like a “silent disco”, where no one talks? And what kind of music is played?

Soft Talking Is Just Fine

Turns out, people were casually talking with their dinner guest(s), though using their best Morgan Freeman voice, if that makes sense. I’m told most all genres of music play at some point, just depends. Don’t appreciate this song as much, you’ll probably dig the next.

Zach (co-owner) was coincidentally onsite when we visited, the case at many of these 4.5+ rated places we visit. Turns out, he traveled the world these last 15 years and then decided to bring one of his favorite concepts back to St Pete! Opened in 2021, Zach & Elio have a product that’s unique from anything I’ve seen thus far. Can’t wait to return!

Google Reviews: 5/5 out of 65 reviews

Address: 2340 1st Ave S., St Pete

Hours: Wed thru Sat from “5pm’ish – 10pm‘ ish”.

As a local St Pete Realtor, with over 25K people following my LovingStPete Guide on Social Media. I know our area well and would LOVE to help you buy or sell a property! You’ll receive up to $10K at closing when you use my LovingStPete Team to buy or sell a property. I love our industry so much that I developed a vacation rental advertising business and ran it for a decade (before selling to HomeAway/VRBO). I’m a Florida native and St. Pete resident who is ready to earn your real estate business! Simply contact me.