- Attraction: Ted Peters Famous Smoked Fish
- Location: 1350 Pasadena Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33707
- Industry: Restaurant
- Website: https://www.tedpetersfish.com/
What started as a plumber’s side hustle with a salvaged wooden smoker box has evolved into one of Florida’s most beloved culinary institutions, serving over 3 million pounds of perfectly smoked fish annually while maintaining the same time-honored traditions that made it famous.
Ted Peters represents something increasingly rare in modern Florida—an authentic Old Florida experience that hasn’t changed with the times. The rustic brown wooden building sits on the same land Ted Peters hand-built in 1950, complete with a seawall made from palm trees, railroad ties, and tar paper to keep Boca Ciega Bay at bay.
Five generations of the Peters and Lathrop families have kept the fires burning and the red oak smoke billowing, creating a dining destination that feels more like a beloved family tradition than a restaurant.
Signature Smoked Fish & Famous Specialties
The Legendary Fish Spread: You haven’t truly experienced Ted Peters until you’ve tried their famous smoked fish spread. This creamy, smoky delicacy combines finely ground mahi and mullet with mayonnaise and sweet pickle relish, creating a texture similar to premium tuna salad but with an unmistakable wood-fired flavor. Served with saltine crackers, it’s the perfect introduction to Ted Peters’ smoking mastery and makes an excellent takeaway option for beach picnics.
Red Oak Smoked Mullet: The restaurant’s original specialty remains a standout, featuring local mullet smoked for 4-6 hours over native Florida red oak. The fish emerges with a perfect balance of moisture and smokiness, though you’ll want to take your time with this bony but flavorful catch. The natural oils in mullet make it ideal for smoking, resulting in meat that’s both rich and distinctly Floridian.
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Keep Exploring →Smoked Salmon & Mahi-Mahi: For those seeking milder options, the smoked salmon delivers exceptional flavor with less intensity than the traditional mullet. The mahi-mahi offers a sweet, less fishy taste that pairs beautifully with the red oak smoking process. Both come in generous portions that can easily be shared between two people.
Warm German Potato Salad: Perhaps the most universally praised item on the menu, this family recipe dates back to “Mom” Tilla Lathrop in the 1950s. Made with apple cider vinegar instead of mayonnaise, it’s served warm and features the perfect blend of tangy, slightly sweet flavors with smoky bacon crumbles and onions. The soft and crunchy textures create a comforting side that complements the intense fish flavors perfectly.
Surprisingly Excellent Cheeseburgers: Don’t overlook the burgers at this fish-focused establishment. Many visitors rave about Ted Peters’ cheeseburgers, which are consistently described as above-average and some of the best in the area. They’re perfect for non-fish eaters in your group or anyone seeking a familiar comfort food option.
Atmosphere & Rustic Old Florida Charm
Open-Air Dining Experience: The dining area captures the essence of Old Florida with its casual, no-frills approach. You’ll find yourself seated at picnic tables under a covered outdoor area, with motorized hurricane shutters that can be deployed during hot days or inclement weather. The rustic wooden building hasn’t changed much since the 1950s, maintaining an authentic atmosphere that feels like a time capsule.
Visible Smoking Process: One of the most captivating aspects of dining here is watching the smoking process in action. The smokehouse sits adjacent to the restaurant, allowing you to see the fish arranged on racks above the smoldering red oak fires. The billowing smoke and incredible aromas create an immersive sensory experience that adds to the meal’s anticipation.
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Discover MoreCasual, No-Pretense Vibe: Ted Peters embodies the laid-back Florida lifestyle with stools and picnic tables creating an unpretentious environment. The atmosphere encourages you to get your hands a little dirty, enjoy a cold beer from a frozen mug, and embrace the communal dining experience that has made this place a local gathering spot for decades.
Historic Location: The restaurant sits near the bridge connecting St. Petersburg to St. Petersburg Beach, making it a perfect stop for beachgoers. The location on Pasadena Avenue, once just two narrow lanes surrounded by fruit stands and wilderness, now serves as a reminder of the area’s humble beginnings.
Other Considerations
Cash-Only Policy: Ted Peters operates as a cash-only establishment, so come prepared with bills or use their on-site ATM. This old-school approach adds to the authentic experience but can catch first-time visitors off guard.
Fair Pricing for Quality: Despite its legendary status, prices remain reasonable for the quality and portion sizes. Smoked fish dinners typically run around $25-30, while the famous fish spread costs about $12 per pint—a substantial portion that’s perfect for sharing or taking home.
No Reservations & Busy Periods: The restaurant operates on a first-come, first-served basis, and it can get quite crowded, especially during peak dining hours and weekends. Arriving early or during off-peak times will give you the best chance of snagging a table without a wait.
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Keep Exploring →Limited Hours & Days: Ted Peters is closed Mondays and Tuesdays, operating Wednesday through Sunday from 11:30 AM to 7:30 PM. They occasionally run out of specific fish varieties during busy periods, so calling ahead can help ensure your preferred selection is available.
Family-Friendly with Caveats: While the casual atmosphere welcomes families, note that the restaurant doesn’t allow dogs despite the outdoor seating arrangement. The establishment serves beer and maintains a relaxed vibe that appeals to both locals seeking a quick lunch and tourists experiencing Old Florida for the first time.
Perfect for Fish Spread Takeaway: If you fall in love with the smoked fish spread, you can purchase it by the half-pint, pint, or quart to take home. It’s become a popular souvenir for visitors wanting to recreate the Ted Peters experience elsewhere.
Ted Peters Famous Smoked Fish
📍 1350 Pasadena Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33707
