If you haven’t been to The James Museum lately, here’s your excuse to change that: The Canyon—the museum’s newly rebranded café—officially reopened June 6, and it’s bringing big flavor, cozy style and some serious downtown St. Pete energy.
Operated in partnership with Catering By The Family (yes, that Catering By The Family—legends), the revamped café now offers an elevated yet totally approachable menu that fits perfectly with the museum’s Western-meets-modern aesthetic. Think: bold Southwestern flavors, locally inspired ingredients, and dishes that are as thoughtful as they are tasty.
Behind it all is Tampa native and “Chopped” champion Chef Zakari Davila, whose vibe is as welcoming as the space itself. He’s fun, down-to-earth and clearly put a lot of heart into creating something special for the St. Pete food scene. His menu is layered with nods to Indigenous culinary traditions, bold flavors of the American West, and the kind of creativity that makes you want to try one of everything.
Let’s talk standouts: the bacon, egg and cheese biscuit is everything you hope it will be—savory, satisfying and just indulgent enough. The Southwest empanada (with shredded chicken, black beans, corn and Monterey Jack cheese) is perfectly crispy and flavorful, and the deviled crab croquettes with hot sauce and garlic aioli are a love letter to Tampa’s roots. And yes, there’s a bison burger, and yes, it comes with spicy peach aioli. You’re welcome.
But it’s not just about the food—it’s the whole vibe. The space has been completely refreshed with a mix of cozy lounge seating, bar stools overlooking Central Avenue, and new high-top tables with built-in charger ports. It’s the kind of place where you could meet a friend for a coffee, host a low-key meeting, or set up shop for a few hours with your laptop and a latte.
The mocktails are bright, refreshing and just fun—perfect for when you want something a little special without the alcohol. The café also serves Lavazza coffee and features rotating work from local artists like Chad Mize and John Costin, giving it that unmistakably St. Pete blend of culture, creativity and caffeine.
Best of all? The Canyon is open to the public—no museum ticket required. Just pop in from Central Avenue and settle in. Whether you’re here for a quick lunch, a creative recharge or just a really good biscuit and a better mood, you’ll find it here.
The Details
The James Museum – 150 Central Ave., Downtown St. Petersburg
The Canyon Hours:
Tuesday: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Wednesday to Saturday: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Closed Sundays and Mondays
For more information, visit thejamesmuseum.org or follow @jamesmuseum on Instagram and Facebook.