Posted: June 2025 | Category: Community Spotlight, Dog-Friendly Bars

The End of the Pup Pub Era (for now)

Tampa’s popular Pup’s Pub is closing its doors—and no, not because of financial hardship, bad reviews, or lack of support. It’s being forced to shut down by state regulators who’ve reinterpreted a decades-old health code… and it’s creating shockwaves across Florida’s entire dog-bar scene, including right here in St. Pete.

If you love grabbing a drink with your pup at places like Mutts & Martinis, The Dog Bar, or the (formerly open) Pup’s Pub Tampa, this affects you.

The Real Story: Outdated Codes Meet Modern Vibes

In 2022, the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) began quietly cracking down on venues that allowed dogs indoors—even if no food was being prepared, and even when customers fully consented to the concept of dog-friendly bars.

This change came down from Tallahassee, directed during so-called “consistency calls” that trained county inspectors to treat any indoor space with dogs and drinks as non-compliant.

Who’s Behind the Push?

Robin Eychaner
Title: Operations Administrator, Environmental Health HQ
Email: robin.eychaner@flhealth.gov
Phone: (850) 901-6490

Robin appears to be the lead force behind the stricter interpretation of the FDA Food Code. Public records and court documents point to her role leading the 2022 “consistency calls,” which retrained health departments statewide and labeled dog bars like Pup’s Pub as non-compliant—even if they had no kitchen.

Gina Vallone-Hood
Environmental Administrator, Bureau of Environmental Health
Sarah Young Hodges
Chief Appellate Counsel, DOH — successfully argued the ruling that solidified the crackdown.

The Rule Being Used to Shut It Down

Florida Statute §509.233: Allows cities to permit dogs in “outdoor areas not enclosed on more than two sides.”
If your dog bar has 3 walls—even with open-air garage doors or screens—it’s legally “indoors” under this rule.

FDA Food Code §6-501.115: Bans live animals in food or drink establishments unless they are service animals or the venue qualifies as an outdoor area.

The problem? Dog bars aren’t restaurants, and the existing rules don’t properly account for the unique model these venues represent.

Why It Matters to St. Pete (and All of Florida)

• Mutts & Martinis and The Dog Bar could be next unless exemptions are granted or the code is rewritten.
• Dog bars generate jobs, tax revenue, and bring the community together.
• Florida should be a national leader in pet-friendly innovation — not a cautionary tale of bureaucratic inflexibility.

What You Can Do Right Now

1. Call or Email the Department of Health

robin.eychaner@flhealth.gov
(850) 901-6490

Be polite, but firm. Ask for:

• A reconsideration of the dog-bar classification
• Support for modern, safe hybrid businesses
• Clarity on how venues can become compliant

2. Share This Blog Post

Use the hashtags:
#SaveDogBars #LetDogsPlay #StPeteDogLife #PupsNotPolitics

3. Support Local Dog Bars Like Mutts & Martinis

Your dollars make a difference. These venues are built for you, and your voice can help protect them.

Final Thoughts from SPSB

This is not a drill. A beloved part of our city’s dog-loving, community-driven culture is under threat. But together, we have a voice.

Let’s use it.

StPeteSportsBars.com is watching this story closely. Subscribe for updates, and share your thoughts with us anytime.

Here’s your ultimate weekly guide to local bars, breweries, and SPsB favorites. Whether you’re into trivia, live music, pups, or DIY beer art, this week’s got you covered.

Featured Events

Monday Night Trivia @ 3 Daughters Brewing

Monday, June 9 | 7:00 – 9:00 PM
Energize your week with award-winning trivia. Win gift cards and bragging rights among craft beers and seltzers. 3dbrewing.com

Bonsai & Brews @ 3 Daughters Brewing

Wednesday, June 11 | 7:00 – 9:00 PM
Create your own bonsai while sipping great beer—everything supplied. Creativity never tasted so good. 3dbrewing.com

Paint Your Pal Paw-ty @ 3 Daughters Brewing

Thursday, June 12 | 6:00 – 9:00 PM
Show off your artistic skills by painting your pup’s portrait. Supporting Compassion Kind! 3dbrewing.com

Undercover Rasta Trio @ Outcast Brewing Co.

Friday, June 6 | 7:00 – 10:00 PM
Reggae and ska with soul—perfect vibe to start your weekend. outcastbrewingcompany.com

Mutts & Martinis Highlights

2900 Central Ave

• Foam Pawty – Thursday, June 5 @ 5:00 PM
• Pet Safety Talk with Dr. Emma Byers – Saturday, June 7 @ 12:00 PM
  Learn how to protect your dog in Florida heat. guidedbydestiny.com+15muttsandmartinisoncentral.com+15muttsandmartinisoncentral.com+15greenbenchbrewing.com+3muttsandmartinisoncentral.com+3facebook.com+3visitstpeteclearwater.com
• Cavalier Meet-Up – Saturday, June 7 @ 4:00 – 6:00 PM
  Pup day passes available; no membership required. guidedbydestiny.com+4facebook.com+4allevents.in+4

Plus ongoing:

• Wednesdays: $5 Sangrias (5–9PM) + Bingo (7–8:30PM)
• Thursdays: $12 Burger & Beer + $4 pup meals

Other Local Favorites

Cage Brewing Free Weekend Festivities

All weekend long at 2001 1st Ave S — free craft beer events and live jams. jetsetpets.com+1allevents.in+1cagebrewing.com

Tags

St Pete Events, Whats On Tap, 3 Daughters Brewing, Mutts and Martinis, Outcast Brewing, Cage Brewing, Trivia Night, Bonsai and Brews, Paint Your Pal, Undercover Rasta, Dog Foam Party, Pet Safety Talk, Cavalier Meet-Up, Dog Friendly Bars St Pete, Drink Local

Featured Events

Karaoke Monday at Ferg’s Sports Bar & Grill

Monday, June 2 | 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Belt out your favorite tunes at one of St. Pete’s most iconic sports bars. Hosted by Jesse Allen Porter, the Party Deck lights up every Monday night with crowd favorites and solid vibes.

Monday Night Trivia at 3 Daughters Brewing

Monday, June 2 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Test your knowledge with their award-winning trivia series. Great for friend groups, date nights, or just flexing your random fact power. Win gift cards and bragging rights!

Live Music at 3 Daughters Brewing

• Friday, June 6 | 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM: The Petty Experience (Tom Petty Tribute)
• Saturday, June 7 | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Christie Lenee (Guitar Virtuoso)
• Sunday, June 8 | 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM: The Black Honkeys Duo (Soul/Rock/Party)
  Pair great music with even better beer all weekend long.

Brewers’ Showcase at Grand Central Brewhouse

Saturday, June 7 | 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Celebrate local craft brewers with specialty pours, live DJ, and giveaways. One of the best ways to discover your next favorite local beer.

Weekly Specials at Mutts & Martinis

2900 Central Ave | St. Pete’s Dog-Friendly Bar + Waterpark

• Wednesdays – Ladies Night (5:00 PM – 9:00 PM)
  $5 Sangrias
  $10 Cheese Platters
  $5 Aperol Spritz
• Wednesdays – Bingo with Prizes (7:00 PM – 8:30 PM)
  Sip, bark, and shout BINGO for a chance at fun prizes.
• Thursdays – Doggy Date Night
  $12 Burger & Beer for Humans
  $4 Hamburgers or Hot Dogs for Dogs
  The paw-fect outing for pet parents and their pups.

Sports Watch Guide

No major Lightning or Rays playoff games this week, but local bars are still streaming:

• MLB: Tampa Bay Rays Regular Season Games
  Catch them live at Ferg’s, Park & Rec, and Five Bucks Drinkery.
• NCAA Offseason:
  College football’s still warming up, but local fans gather at The Avenue for updates and talk of next season.

Tags

St Pete Bars, Events June 2025, Karaoke Night St Pete, Trivia Night, Mutts and Martinis, Dog Friendly Bars, Ladies Night Specials, Bingo Night St Pete, 3 Daughters Brewing Live Music, Tampa Bay Rays Watch Party, Grand Central Brewhouse, Dog Date Night, St Pete Breweries, Whats On Tap, Bar Events Florida

Featured Events

Karaoke Mondays at Ferg’s Sports Bar & Grill

Monday, May 26 | 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Unleash your inner rockstar at Ferg’s Sports Bar & Grill with Lightning Karaoke Mondays on The Party Deck. Hosted by Jesse Allen Porter, enjoy a professional sound system and a vibrant atmosphere.

Monday Night Trivia at 3 Daughters Brewing

Monday, May 26 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Shake off the Monday blues with the award-winning trivia game at 3 Daughters Brewing. Enjoy a great selection of craft beers, ciders, and hard seltzers. Top 3 teams win gift cards!

Live Music at 3 Daughters Brewing

• Friday, May 30 | 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM: Nightbreakers
• Saturday, May 31 | 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Rob Hazen
• Sunday, June 1 | 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Celtic Conundrum
  Enjoy a weekend filled with live music performances at 3 Daughters Brewing.

St. Pete Food Truck Festival at 3 Daughters Brewing

Sunday, June 1 | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
3 Daughters Brewing is hosting its biggest food festival ever! Dozens of St. Pete and Tampa Bay’s best food trucks will be taking over the entire property and dishing up incredible eats all day long.

Foam Party at Mutts & Martinis

Saturday, May 31 | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Part of their 2-Year Anniversary Weekend! Expect bubbles, barkin’, and plenty of sudsy fun for pups and humans alike. Bring your towel and your party spirit.

Brittany Baldwin & The Bee Stings @ Mutts & Martinis

Sunday, June 1 | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Celebrate Mutts’ anniversary with live music and community vibes at St. Pete’s favorite splash-and-sip spot.

Weekly Specials at Mutts & Martinis

2900 Central Ave | Dog-Friendly Bar + Splash Zone

• Wednesdays – Ladies Night (5:00 PM – 9:00 PM)
  $5 Sangrias
  $10 Cheese Platters
  $5 Aperol Spritz
• Wednesdays – Bingo with Prizes (7:00 PM – 8:30 PM)
  Play, sip, and win fun prizes. A great night out with friends.
• Thursdays – Doggy Date Night
  $12 Burger & Beer for Humans
  $4 Hamburgers or Hot Dogs for Dogs
  Treat yourself and your furry friend to a special night out.

Whether you’re running wild with your squad or sipping slowly with your pup, St. Pete has your Memorial Weekend covered. Here’s the best of what’s pouring, grilling, and playing across the city:

For the Party People

3 Daughters Brewing – Full Weekend Lineup
222 22nd St S

• Friday, May 23 – Nightbreakers Live (8–11PM)
• Saturday, May 24 – Rob Hazen (1–5PM)
• Sunday, May 25 – Food Truck Festival (12–5PM)
• Celtic Conundrum live on stage (2–6PM)

Bonus: Indoor and outdoor bars, yard games, and enough craft beer to keep your crew hydrated through Monday.

Ferg’s Sports Bar – Ultimate Girls’ Night Out
1320 Central Ave

• Sunday, May 25 @ 7PM – HUNKS The Show
  Grab your squad and tickets — this one gets wild fast.

For the Pup-Loving Partiers

Mutts & Martinis
2900 Central Ave
St. Pete’s only off-leash dog splash zone with a bar built for humans too.

• Wednesday (May 21) – Ladies Night | $5 Sangrias & Cheese Platters
• Bingo Night (7–8:30PM)
• Thursday (May 22) – Doggy Date Night | $12 Burger & Beer (Humans) + $4 Dog Meals

Chill, drink, and let your dog dive in. No leash required (except on the way in).

Something Different

Outcast Brewing Co. – Yoga w/ DJ
1776 11th Ave N

• Tuesday, May 20 @ 6:30PM
  Stretch, sip, vibe. Great way to reset before the weekend chaos.

Nova’s Power Picks for Memorial Weekend:

1. Food Truck Festival @ 3D (Sunday) – Bring the whole crew
2. Doggy Date Night @ Mutts (Thursday) – Warm-up party
3. HUNKS @ Ferg’s (Sunday Night) – Max energy closer
4. Day Drinking @ Green Bench or Grand Central on Monday – Low-key finish

Bars & Breweries:

Want to be featured in holiday or event guides?
Submit your calendar or specials at StPeteSportsBars.com

Now’s the time to rally the group chat — with or without paws.
Tag us in your Memorial Weekend madness:
@StPeteSportsBars | #BurgBash #DrinkLocal #MuttsAndMargs #MemorialDayStPete

A Visionary’s Dream Realized

The brainchild behind Mutts & Martinis is local entrepreneur Natalie Conner, who also owns Love My Dog Resort as well as Love my Dog Grooming. With a passion for creating spaces where dogs and their owners can bond, Conner transformed a former auto-repair/muffler shop into a 5,000-square-foot canine paradise featuring a zero-entry splash fountain, water sprays, and a full-service bar with 25 TVs.

Anniversary Weekend Festivities

To commemorate this milestone, Mutts & Martinis is hosting a weekend-long celebration:

• Saturday, May 31 & Sunday, June 1
  Join us for a weekend packed with fun, festivities, and a few surprises along the way!
• Sunday, June 1 | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
  Enjoy live music by Brittany Baldwin & The Bee Stings as we toast to two years of doggone good times.

Visit Mutts & Martinis

Located at 2900 Central Avenue in St. Petersburg’s Grand Central District, Mutts & Martinis continues to be a hub for dog lovers and social butterflies alike. Whether you’re a regular or a first-time visitor, come celebrate this special occasion with us!

For more information and event updates, visit muttsandmartinisoncentral.com.

Whether you’re running wild with your squad or sipping slowly with your pup, St. Pete has your Memorial Weekend covered. Here’s the best of what’s pouring, grilling, and playing across the city:

For the Party People

3 Daughters Brewing – Full Weekend Lineup
222 22nd St S

• Friday, May 23 – Nightbreakers Live (8–11PM)
• Saturday, May 24 – Rob Hazen (1–5PM)
• Sunday, May 25 – Food Truck Festival (12–5PM)
• Celtic Conundrum live on stage (2–6PM)

Bonus: Indoor and outdoor bars, yard games, and enough craft beer to keep your crew hydrated through Monday.

Ferg’s Sports Bar – Ultimate Girls’ Night Out
1320 Central Ave

• Sunday, May 25 @ 7PM – HUNKS The Show
  Grab your squad and tickets — this one gets wild fast.

For the Pup-Loving Partiers

Mutts & Martinis
2900 Central Ave
St. Pete’s only off-leash dog splash zone with a bar built for humans too.

• Wednesday (May 21) – Ladies Night | $5 Sangrias & Cheese Platters
• Bingo Night (7–8:30PM)
• Thursday (May 22) – Doggy Date Night | $12 Burger & Beer (Humans) + $4 Dog Meals

Chill, drink, and let your dog dive in. No leash required (except on the way in).

Something Different

Outcast Brewing Co. – Yoga w/ DJ
1776 11th Ave N

• Tuesday, May 20 @ 6:30PM
  Stretch, sip, vibe. Great way to reset before the weekend chaos.

SPSB’s Power Picks for Memorial Weekend:

1. Food Truck Festival @ 3D (Sunday) – Bring the whole crew
2. Doggy Date Night @ Mutts (Thursday) – Warm-up party
3. HUNKS @ Ferg’s (Sunday Night) – Max energy closer
4. Day Drinking @ Green Bench or Grand Central on Monday – Low-key finish

Bars & Breweries:

Want to be featured in holiday or event guides?
Submit your calendar or specials at StPeteSportsBars.com

Now’s the time to rally the group chat — with or without paws.
Tag us in your Memorial Weekend madness:
@StPeteSportsBars | #BurgBash #DrinkLocal #MuttsAndMargs #MemorialDayStPete

Featured Events

Karaoke Mondays at Ferg’s Sports Bar & Grill

Monday, May 19 | 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Unleash your inner rockstar at Ferg’s Sports Bar & Grill with Lightning Karaoke Mondays on The Party Deck. Hosted by Jesse Allen Porter, enjoy a professional sound system and a vibrant atmosphere.

Monday Night Trivia at 3 Daughters Brewing

Monday, May 19 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Shake off the Monday blues with the award-winning trivia game at 3 Daughters Brewing. Enjoy a great selection of craft beers, ciders, and hard seltzers. Top 3 teams win gift cards!

St. Pete Girls Who Walk Yoga with DJ at Outcast Brewing Co.

Tuesday, May 20 | 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Join St. Pete Girls Who Walk for a Tuesday evening yoga experience like no other—live DJ beats, good vibes, and a post-flow social hour at your favorite neighborhood brewery!

Turntable Tuesdays at Outcast Brewing Co.

Tuesday, May 20 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Turntable Tuesdays are dropping the needle at Outcast Brewing Co. starting Tuesday, April 22 at 7PM — and you’re invited to join us!

Ladies Night at Mutts & Martinis

Wednesday, May 21 | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Enjoy $5 Sangrias, $10 Cheese Platters, and $5 Aperol Spritz at Mutts & Martinis. Bring your friends and unwind in a dog-friendly atmosphere.

Bingo with Prizes at Mutts & Martinis

Wednesday, May 21 | 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Join us for Bingo Night with exciting prizes. It’s a fun-filled evening for everyone!

Doggy Date Night at Mutts & Martinis

Thursday, May 22 | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Treat yourself to a $12 Burger & Beer combo, and don’t forget your furry friend—$4 Hamburger or Hotdogs for the Doggos!

Nightbreakers Live at 3 Daughters Brewing

Friday, May 23 | 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Nightbreakers will be live on the 3 Daughters stage at 8pm!

Rob Hazen Live at 3 Daughters Brewing

Saturday, May 24 | 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Rob Hazen will be live on the 3 Daughters stage at 1pm!

St. Pete Food Truck Festival at 3 Daughters Brewing

Sunday, May 25 | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
3 Daughters Brewing is hosting its biggest food festival ever! Dozens of St. Pete and Tampa Bay’s best food trucks will be taking over the entire property and dishing up incredible eats all day long.

Celtic Conundrum Live at 3 Daughters Brewing

Sunday, May 25 | 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Celtic Conundrum will be live on the 3 Daughters stage at 2pm!

HUNKS The Show at Ferg’s Sports Bar

Sunday, May 25 | 7:00 PM
Don’t miss the ultimate girls’ night out! Grab your tickets now for a night full of fun, excitement, and unforgettable memories.

Featured Events

Karaoke Mondays at Ferg’s Sports Bar & Grill

Monday, May 12 | 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Hosted by Jesse Allen Porter on the Party Deck. Sing your face off and vibe with the crowd.

Monday Night Trivia at 3 Daughters Brewing

May 12 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Test your knowledge. Win beer money. Laugh a lot.
Top 3 teams = gift cards.

Classical Revolution at Green Bench Brewing Co.

Sunday, May 11 | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Symphony meets brewery — live classical music inside Webb’s City Cellar.

Mother Pupper Portraits – Dog Bar St. Pete

Sunday, May 11
Celebrate Mother’s Day with a photo session for you and your pup.

Mutts & Martinis Weekly Lineup

2900 Central Ave | Dog-Friendly Bar + Splash Zone

• Wednesdays – Ladies Night (5PM–9PM)
  $5 Sangrias
  $10 Cheese Platters
  $5 Aperol Spritz
• Wednesdays – Bingo with Prizes (7PM–8:30PM)
  Play, sip, win fun stuff. Great date night or friend hang.
• Thursdays – Doggy Date Night
  $12 Burger & Beer for Humans
  $4 Hamburgers or Hot Dogs for Dogs
  Good boys deserve date nights too.

Featured Events

BINGO & Ladies Night Wednesday, May 07

• Mutts & Martinis
  2900 Central Ave
  Bingo from 7-830pm and of course there are prizes. Ladies Night starts at 5pm with some great drink specials for the lovely ladies, with or without their dogs…

Cinco de Mayo Celebrations – Sunday, May 05

• Cinco de Mayo Bar Crawl
  Various Locations
  Participate in a festive bar crawl across downtown St. Pete’s best bars and restaurants. Enjoy taco and margarita pairings, giveaways, and more.
• Cinco de Mayo at Cassis
  Cassis St. Petersburg
  Join us at Cassis for a festive celebration filled with bold flavors and great vibes. Special taco menu starting at 4 PM.

Brewery Specials

• 3 Daughters Brewing – Monday Night Trivia
  May 5, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
  Test your knowledge and enjoy craft beers, ciders, and hard seltzers. Top 3 teams win gift cards!
• Bayboro Brewing Co. – Books & Brews
  May 6
  Join fellow book lovers for a night of discussion and craft beers.
• Green Bench Brewing Co. – Classical Revolution
  May 11
  Experience classical music in an unexpected venue.
• Twisted Tiki Bar & Grille
• May 10
  340 Corey Ave, St. Pete Beach
  Join the party with live music from the Big Brother Band starting at 7:30 PM.

Tags

#StPeteEvents, #WhatsOnTap, #StPeteBars, #TampaBayLightning, #GoBolts, #StPeteNightlife, #FergsSportsBar, #3DaughtersBrewing, #CincoDeMayo, #BayboroBrewing, #GreenBenchBrewing