Ruby’s Elixir – An Evening of Songs and Spirits
Looking for a spot to listen to diverse music and have a craft cocktail in downtown St. Pete? Look no further than Ruby’s Elixir (www.rubyselixir.com) Tucked right on the corner of Central Ave and 3rd St. North (15 3rd Street North Downtown St. Pete, aka DTSP), Ruby’s Elixir is one of downtown St. Pete’s premier lounges for live music of many genres. Ruby’s is a total throwback of hip jazz clubs of the likes you would find in Chicago or the West Village in New York City. The aged brick wall and pinspot for stage performers is the perfect backdrop to showcase some of the area’s finest musical talents.
For more info call 727-898-7829. Hours Daily, 8:00 PM – 3:00 AM
Owner Greg Haddad opened Ruby’s (as it’s known to locals) in 2010. Greg originally started the business in 1997 at a neighboring location as a cigar retail store, called Central Cigars. It has now developed into a cigar bar and lounge. In 2010 he transitioned the cigar lounge into Ruby’s Elixir the music venue, locals know and love well. The two businesses connect through a dimly lit hallway behind Ruby’s bar. Walking around the corner from the bar to get into the cigar lounge, which also has a bar, is almost like walking behind the curtain of the great and powerful Oz. It’s a St. Pete secret…. sorta.
Ruby’s has booked some great acts in its many years in business. Bands such as the soulful Shawn Brown, unique reggae/SKA act UNR3, or the very popular blues musician, Josh Lamkin can be seen playing seven nights a week. The commitment Greg has to bring the community excellent live entertainment has kept locals coming back night after night. Musicians love it too for the support us “Burg-ers” bring.
Let’s not forget about the cocktail menu. Bartenders at Ruby’s Elixir are currently serving fan favorites like the Old Fashioned with Angel’s Envy, the extremely popular Kentucky bourbon finished in port wine barrels. Another fine classic drink, the Manhattan, served up with Blanton’s whiskey, one of the world’s best bourbons, transports you on a journey back in time to the speakeasy lounges of yesteryear. If a handcrafted cocktail does not suit your fancy, be sure and check out the long list of premium bourbons, whiskey, and scotch Ruby’s carries. But don’t worry, all liquor palates are satiated here. Beer and wine drinkers will be satisfied as well.
One more thing to keep in mind about Ruby’s Elixir ….. It is smoker friendly. If you are in the mood for a Montecristo cigar with your Oban 18 scotch, pop next door to Central Cigars and pick one up. The knowledgeable and friendly staff will happily guide you to the one that’s perfect to puff on while taking in Thursday night’s Evening of Jazz. Currently on Thursday Nights is the smoking hot Gloria West and The Gents, from 7pm to 9:30pm-ish.
Greg truly hit the mark engaging a very specific audience of lovers of all things sensory and sensual. Greg has been a St. Pete resident for many, many years. He has a strong commitment to bring the residents of our waterfront town cigars and a relaxing lounge-type atmosphere at Ruby’s, by offering relevant and current products to his customer base as well as free live music 7 nights a week. Thank you Ruby’s Elixir for keeping us entertained all these years.
15 3rd Street North, Saint Petersburg, FL 33701, USA
Hours Daily, 8:00 PM – 3:00 AM
(727) 898 7829
Check back and check back often to downtownstpete.com for updates on the best new places and personalities from our quaint little town. Click around the site and leave comments, post a photo, and join the conversation. We’d love to hear from you!
