Acropolis Greek Taverna to Open in Downtown St. Pete

The popular Greek restaurant is opening a new 6,000-square-foot location at 475 Central Ave in mid-December.

Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Openings & Closings

A Mediterranean tavern table with a bowl of olives and wine, set against arched whitewashed walls. — Acropolis Greek Taverna will launch its new 6,000-square-foot downtown St. Petersburg location at 475 Central Ave in mid-December. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Acropolis Greek Taverna is set to debut its new St. Petersburg venue at 475 Central Ave in mid-December 2026. The site will feature a ground-floor dining room and an underground lounge.

Why it matters

The relocation follows a landlord dispute that led the restaurant to close its long-standing home at 515 Central Ave in 2023. This opening marks a fresh start for the establishment after operating in its previous space for 12 years.

The new facility spans 6,000 square feet and will offer 10 small plates within its underground lounge. The venue will open its doors for daily service beginning at 11 a.m.

The players

Sam Waez

Sam Waez is the co-founder of Acropolis Greek Taverna who helped launch the restaurant concept in 2001.

The details

The new restaurant will offer traditional entertainment including belly dancing, plate breaking, and napkin tossing. It occupies the space formerly held by Concrete Jungle, which closed in January 2026.

2001: Sam Waez co-founded the restaurant.
2023: Acropolis closed its original location at 515 Central Ave.
January 2026: Concrete Jungle closed at 475 Central Ave.
Mid-December 2026: The new restaurant and lounge are scheduled to open.

Market Landscape

This opening fills a high-profile vacancy on Central Avenue left by the closure of Concrete Jungle in January 2026. The move allows the brand to re-establish a footprint in the heart of St. Petersburg after its departure from 515 Central Ave.

Diners can expect daily service starting at 11 a.m. once the restaurant opens in mid-December. The basement lounge will provide an additional social space for visitors to the downtown corridor.

The takeaway

The move demonstrates how established businesses adapt to real estate shifts by reclaiming vacated spaces in busy districts. Residents can look forward to the return of traditional Greek dining and entertainment options in a new venue.