Acropolis Greek Taverna to Reopen Downtown
The Greek restaurant returns to St. Petersburg, Florida with a planned mid-December grand opening.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Openings & Closings
Acropolis Greek Taverna is returning to downtown St. Petersburg, Florida, with a grand opening planned for mid-December. The restaurant left its original 515 Central Avenue location three years ago following a dispute with its landlord.
Why it matters
The reopening restores a downtown dining fixture that operated at its original address for 12 years after being co-founded in 2001. The new space is one block from the original location, keeping the restaurant in the same part of the city.
The new restaurant occupies 6,000 square feet on the ground floor, one block from the 515 Central Avenue site it left three years ago after operating there for 12 years. The basement lounge will operate under a separate name, and its opening timeline was not specified.
The players
Acropolis Greek Taverna
A Greek restaurant co-founded in 2001 that is returning to downtown St. Petersburg after a three-year absence.
Sam Waez
A co-founder of Acropolis Greek Taverna who established the restaurant in 2001.
The details
The restaurant will serve gyros, souvlaki, falafel, kabobs, and flaming saganaki, and bring back belly dancing, plate breaking, napkin tossing, and weekend DJs. Live music and Las Vegas-inspired performances will also return, and an upscale lounge will occupy the basement under a separate name.
Timeline
2001: Acropolis Greek Taverna is co-founded by Sam Waez.
Three years before the reopening announcement: The restaurant leaves 515 Central Avenue after a dispute with its landlord.
Mid-December 2026: Planned grand opening in downtown St. Petersburg.
Market Landscape
Restaurants that relocate after landlord disputes often return to the same neighborhood, as Acropolis is doing one block from its original site. Keeping a long-standing brand in its home district helps preserve local customer loyalty while the operator adapts to a new space.
Diners in downtown St. Petersburg will have a familiar Greek restaurant option again, with a menu of gyros, souvlaki, falafel, kabobs, and flaming saganaki. The restored space also brings back the restaurant's live music, weekend DJs, and entertainment, which may affect where locals choose to spend a night out.
The takeaway
Downtown St. Petersburg gains back a long-running Greek restaurant that kept its roots close to its original block. Residents who miss its entertainment and menu can plan visits once the mid-December opening date is confirmed.
What happens next
A grand opening is planned for mid-December, with the exact date still to be announced.
Further reading
Explore more Openings & Closings news from across St. Petersburg.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The National Herald.
