THE CHATTAWAY

358 22nd Avenue South
St. Petersburg, Florida 33705
Tel:  727-823-1594

By  Mike Miller Updated August 10, 2023

The Chattaway is an Old Florida restaurant in St. Petersburg, south of downtown and in a neighborhood not at all trendy. 

Chattaway, St. Petersburg, Florida

It has been operating as a business in one form or another since 1951 at this same location on the southeast corner of 4th Street South and 22nd Avenue South.

In fact you may drive by it for years and never think of going inside. That would be your loss. A great visual and dining experience is yours once you park your car and walk into this place.

The parking lot is behind the restaurant building, on the east side, and is entered from 22nd Avenue.  This restaurant is off the beaten tourist track, and is highly favored by knowledgeable locals.

Entrance to Chattaway, St. Petersburg

The main entrance is in the back of the building on the parking lot. You will walk into an outside dining area that looks like a tropical nursery, and in many ways it is.

Picnic tables are spread around under various awnings and shade sails and bordered by large trees. On a sunny day the light patterns are uplifting. It just feels like a happy place, and it is.

Like Antique Bathtubs?  You Will Love Chattaway

Chattaway Bathtub Planters

Somebody years ago must have gotten a deal on used antique clawfoot bathtubs. They are thoughtfully placed all throughout the exterior boundaries of the property and used as planters for an amazing variety of flowers and tropical plants.

The minute you feast your eyes on this outside dining area, you will feel like you are in an authentic version of Old Florida.

Chattaway Outside Dining Area

The atmosphere and menu are casual, and you can choose from a variety of soups, sandwiches, salads or larger entrees. The most famous dish here is the Chattaburger, a 7 ounce hamburger adorned with just about anything you could want on a burger.

They also have a lot of seafood offerings. Beer and wine is also served.

On my visit, I had a great bowl of chili and a grilled cheese sandwich topped with bacon. I tried hard not to visualize my cardiologist lecturing me on this, because I don't eat this way all the time.

This was great, my New Years Day treat, and would make up for the Gator's disastrous performance the following day against Louisville in the Sugar Bowl.

The last time I visited, I discovered it was a cash only establishment. They do have an ATM if you don't have any cash. Who knows, by now they might even accept credit cards.

The Chattaway is open 7 days a week from 11:00 AM to 9:30 PM.