After a stroll along the waterfront, a glance at the Vinoy's cotton candy towers, and a hop, skip, and jump through North Straub Park's tree-laden walkways, we arrived.

The former 400 Beach restaurant was near-unrecognizable after a glossy makeover. Juno & the Peacock's red- and white-striped umbrellas offered a classical introduction. Smiles awaited inside. Timeless decor greeted us with red booths, rich wooden features, and splashes of gold across a bright modern room.

"This is the best seat in the house," said our server Gary, whose helpfulness + expertise knew no bounds. We were sat by the front window, with the Vinoy visible past wispy curtains, as was the calming bustle of a Beach Drive Tuesday night, and the calm of the water.

Gary first talked us through the cocktail list — a simple yet creative homage to one drink per decade from the start of the 20th century to today. Possibly the best espresso martini in St. Pete quickly followed, representing the 2020s.

What we ate

Difficult food decisions lay ahead, given the range of new American coastal cuisine, steaks, and other culinary delights. After ordering, owners Jeanna and Shawn Damkoehler welcomed us personally, describing their vision to provide a high-end dining experience to the area alongside Allelo, a spot they also operate. They described Juno & the Peacock as "a passion project," admitting to perfectionism delaying its opening.

To start, we shared the Maryland crab cake and Wagyu beef carpaccio. Both were exquisite, but the former was the star of the show — we captured its flakiness in our Instagram reel. A perfectly cooked 16-oz ribeye followed, complete with chimichurri, charred veg, and a side of creamy garlicky mash.

Pro tip: Save room for dessert. We couldn't decide between the tres leches or key lime pie, so we got both. An excellent decision. This was when we struck up a conversation with a friendly gentleman named Eric sat at the next table over. It was his third visit in the restaurant's first five days of operation. "I'll get the ribeye next time," he said.

The verdict? Juno & the Peacock provides a perfectly rounded dining experience. Considering the location, interior, atmosphere, friendliness, and quality of food + drink, the restaurant backs up the hype, and could be an integral part of our food scene for years to come.

Don't skip on Pluma. | Photo by TBAYtoday

A nightcap

After dinner, we walked through the restaurant to Pluma, its adjoining cocktail lounge. Moody green interiors provided elegant elements, contrasting the brighter feeling of Juno. Comfy sofas, cushioned bar stools, and outdoor seating were all up for grabs.

Our bartender Jose talked us through the cocktail list's three sections; each was full of unique creations dedicated to a different country from the Americas — Mexico, Brazil, and Peru. We tried out the Rhythm is a Dancer, a drink combining gin with, passion fruit, guanabana — also known as soursoup — and lime. Kind of like a fruity, tart, non-carbonated gin and tonic.

The chatter of conversation filled the room, as patrons reveled in the paradoxical novelty of newfound tradition. If none of them returned, it would be a surprise.