Cheers! European Craft Beer Bar Opening in St. Pete

A long-vacant building on the corner of Central Avenue and 11th Street in St. Petersburg will soon be home to a European inspired bar that specializes in European craft brews, wine and homemade sangria. 

The Amsterdam, 1049 Central Ave., is set to open before the end of the year. 

Owners John Cullen and Zoie Torres have been hard at work turning the worn building into a custom built bar for almost year. 

"I don’t want it to be a cliche. I don’t want it to be corporate," Cullen said. "I stared thinking about things that make people happy."

That, Cullen said, is where the Amsterdam name came from.     

Cullen said when people think of Amsterdam — besides marijuana — they generally think of architecture, beer and a good time. 

Searching for the sweet spot in between that great dive bar and an upscale bar experience, The Amsterdam hopes to cater to the diversity of St. Petersburg. 

The goal, Cullen said, is "not being clubby but not being a dive."

The Amsterdam will also feature an outdoor paved patio and garden space. Much the interior decorations have been created by local designers T2TheS. 

"Everything that’s in there is being custom built," Cullen said. "There is no going to the store and buying tables."

Cullen said he hopes the Amsterdam will be a unique part of St. Pete's vibrant downtown. 

"There are so many cool places in downtown St. Pete and they have certain elements of maybe the craft beer thing but may not European inspired," Cullen said.  

Dogs Can Have Beers, Too? 

At the Amsterdam, your four-legged friend is more than just welcome. It can grab a pint of beer, too. 

The non-alcoholic, gravy-like beer, with chicken and beef flavors, will be served in a dog chalice, Torres said. 

"You can come to our place and get your dog beers out of a really nice chalice," Torres said. 

If you and your dog are frequent enough visitors, Torres said the company the makes the dog beer can create a custom mug that will have your pet's mug on the glass. 

For construction updates about the Amsterdam or for more information, you can visit its Facebook page.