Fresh seafood will soon be available in a casual, family friendly atmosphere in south St. Pete with the opening of Mullet’s Fish Camp and Market at 3901 6th Street South. The space was formerly home to Fortunato’s Taps and Tavern. The unique restaurant concept embodies the heart and soul of the mullet hairstyle – business in the front and party in the back.

The front of Mullet’s Fish Camp, which is housed in a 101-year-old building, will have a market-style layout that will include glass door coolers filled with fresh seafood from local distributors for those that want to cook a delicious meal at home. Chilled beer and wine from local breweries and vendors will also be available.

If you want to dine-in, lunch at Mullet’s Fish Camp will offer quick grab-and-go options with seating for twenty in the front and additional seating at the backyard bar. The menu will focus on offering the freshest seafood available complimented by tasty house-made sauces and butters. Lunch is served Tuesday through Sunday from 11am to 3pm.

The seafood menu offers several methods of preparation, from classic fried and Cajun fried to grilled and blackened. Dishes can also be prepared with unique seasoning blends such as a citrus herb butter concoction called “The Florida Man” or Mullet’s specialty sauce called the “Joe Dirte’.”

Sides include coconut citrus rice, seasoned veggies, fries, and most importantly, coleslaw. Nick Brown, co-owner of Mullet’s is not shy about his distaste for coleslaw. “I’ve never really been a fan of coleslaw, but knowing it is a staple with seafood dishes, we had to put our own spin on it,” explains Brown. “Our Asian-inspired slaw with a Florida twist includes Granny Smith apples and is made fresh, in-house. It’s the only coleslaw I will eat.”

The highlight of Mullet’s appetizer menu will be the smoked fish spread. The fish will be smoked out back and hand mixed into their signature recipe. “Most places don’t make their own fish spread these days. Ours is a classic, homemade version that people rave about at Mid Peninsula,” Brown says.

Other appetizers include hush puppies and grouper or mahi nuggets.

Once 3pm hits, the party begins in the back. (Seeing a mullet theme here yet?) The restaurant’s expansive backyard has a full bar, picnic benches, a tiki hut, high-top table seating, and a small stage for live music. The backyard will also have games to entertain kids and adults alike. The Vitale Brothers, a team of local muralists, have been commissioned to paint three murals out back.

Co-owner Brian Rose is no stranger to seafood business or the restaurant industry. He has been the owner of St. Pete’s Mid Peninsula Seafood Market and Restaurant located at 400 49th Street South for many years.

The idea for Mullet’s was conceived when he noticed a lack of dining choices on the Southside for him and his family. “I grew up in St. Pete and currently live on the Southside. There is a need for more food options offering fresh seafood in both a sit down and grab-and-go environment,” explains Rose. “I wanted to take what has worked for the Mid Peninsula Market for the last 40 years and bring it to the Southside with a different style.”

Since both owners are married with children, they wanted Mullet’s to appeal to families, in addition to being a great choice for a date night or friend’s night out.

With construction underway and final details being ironed out, Brown speaks with excitement about what is to come. “We are bringing new life to one of the oldest buildings in St. Pete,” he says, “There is over 100 years of history here, and we are doing our best to preserve the heart of it while bringing it the life it needs.”

Mullet’s Fish Camp and Market is expected to open at 3901 6th Street South in early May. Start making plans to gather your family, text your friends, or secure a date with your significant other for lunch or dinner at Mullet’s.

For more information on Mullet’s Fish Camp, visit their website and follow them on Facebook.