Vitals: 260 First Ave. N, St. Petersburg; (727) 822-2027. Major credit cards accepted. Limited wheelchair access; full bar evenings only.
The spot: An attractive establishment with a split personality, the Bishop is indeed a tavern but features a velvet rope on weekends. A restored early 20th-century tin ceiling looms above the bar, with fleur-de-lis stencils and ornate crown molding. The extra-long bar drenched in hardwood with a brass rail runs the length of a narrow shotgun room. Multicolored fluorescent paint on the wall paneling is a little unconventional amid all the elegance. Complementary scarlet and green walls decorate the front, and exposed brick adds a nice touch in the rear. Also in the back are a cozy sitting room with black cushioned benches and a carpeted staircase with wrought-iron railing. Upstairs, a DJ and band set up amid additional sitting areas and private rooms.
Atmosphere: Someone asked in a blog, "Is the Bishop Tavern the new James Joyce of St. Pete?" If we answer based on our Friday night visit, the answer would be a resounding no. The room is cramped; people bump into you as you try to make your way around. The techno by DJ Chris Lee - though fun and appealing for many people - is too loud to hold a conversation without shouting, even in the walled-off sitting areas. While this may be the fun, whoop-whoop night some are looking for, it's not the relaxing vibe you get at most Irish and British bars. We suggest that if you're after a more low-key night with friends and conversation, visit Bishop on a weekday afternoon or slow weeknight.
The crowd: Mostly preppy and well-dressed St. Pete young professionals, ranging in age from 20 to 50.
Things to do: There are free wine tastings on some Saturdays from 5 to 8 p.m. Mardi Gras Thursdays feature jazz acts, like Middle Rhythm Section.
Grub: Liquid dinners and lunch only.
Juice: A very nice selection of draft beers that include Strongbow, Rogue, Stella and other imports and microbrews. A cash-only bar in the rear features bottled beer and Jager shots. Cocktail specials feature colorful concoctions in tall glasses for only $6.
Word to the wise: Bring cash. For some reason, credit card transactions take a long time. (We waited 20 minutes.) A couple of other patrons shared similar experiences.
