Dan Schmidt
Bar: The Independent
Astrological sign: Taurus
Previous life: Taught music for eight years, seven at St. Pete High.
Latest obsession: Fixing up his South St. Pete home.
Occupational hazard: Of the beers at Independent, he says, "I have a nip here and there. In the beginning I used to lose track! I'm much better about it now."
SIGNATURE DRINK
The 515 @Bella Brava
The unique mixture of fresh raspberries, cucumber-infused Belvedere vodka, Cointreau and soda water is ideal for light summer refreshment.
Stroll to these downtown spots
A Taste for Wine, 241 Central Ave.; (727) 895-1623
Best friends Erin Shim and Rochelle Smith translated their vino affection into a sweet retreat. Sip and nibble on the balcony.
Mastry's, 233 Central Ave.; (727) 822-3070
St. Pete's oldest bar, a downtown institution.
Fortunato's After Dark, 263 Central Ave.; (727) 641-3822
Swank and cozy retreat with live bands and a great beer selection.
Ferg's Sports Bar & Grill, 1320 Central Ave.; (727) 822-4562
One of Tampa Bay's best sports bars; packed during Devil Rays games.
Dan Marino's Fine Foods and Spirits, 121 Second St. N; (727) 822-4472
Sophisticated martini bar with quite the midweek crowd, plus sports pub action.
Cha Cha Coconuts, 800 Second Ave. NE; (727) 822-6655
Best place to take out-of-towners, with great views of an evolving St. Pete skyline.
Uptown Bar, 658 Central Ave.; (727) 463-0567
Twin Peaks-like dive with friendly Eastern-European owners and great live music.
Bella Brava, 515 Central Ave., St. Petersburg; (727) 895-5515
Upscale, indoor-outdoor Italian, with great martinis and specialty drinks.
Tamiami Bar, 242 First Ave. N, St. Petersburg; (727) 550-0419
Friendly dive behind Jannus Landing, musician hangout and live music spot.
