Tonic Liquor, Wine, Smoke & More

Tonic Liquor, Wine, Smoke & More has quietly become one of the best-regarded spots of its kind in St. Petersburg, and the word around town backs that up. Part liquor store, part smoke shop, it pulls together a solid selection of tobacco alongside a wide range of liquor and wine, so you can usually find everything you came in for under one roof. The people behind the counter are what regulars mention first.

Ask anyone who shops here and you'll hear about Malik, who has a reputation for treating everyone right, taking his time, and knowing his stuff. More than one person has called his service the best they've had anywhere. The whole crew keeps that same tone: patient, welcoming, and genuinely willing to help you track down what you're after, if you're a regular or just passing through. Locals also point to the prices, which are fair and easy on the wallet across the board.

The store itself stays clean and easy to walk, and people appreciate that it feels secure. One shopper summed it up as "10/10, best in St. Pete," and that kind of loyalty shows in how many folks say they'll be back and bringing friends along. The late hours are another reason people keep this one in their rotation.

If you need to make a run after most places have closed, Tonic is the kind of shop St. Petersburg counts on to still be open and staffed by someone happy to see you.