Ted Peters Famous Smoked Fish

We have been coming to Ted Peters for about 5 years now and have loved the smoked fish dinners and draft beers. I wanted to leave this overdue review now because the community needs the support. This is not a fancy restaurant, it is a 70 year old smoked fish house with a small bar and an indoor area for gatherings. If you love fish you have to come check them out. A smoked fish dinner can be shared by two and there's plenty of food for both. Recommended! PS. Please Bring back the Draft Beer and Pickapeppa sauces whenever you can!

Wow what a treat! They were still recovering from the storm but the fish was delish!!! And make sure you get a cheeseburger 🍔 as an appetizer 🤤 Cash 💴 only Outside seating only (covered seating) Chilled mugs usually but they were waiting on coolers so cold canned beer only Fish is outstanding! Make sure you fit this in your time visiting st Pete 🍻🐟 Mullet Mahi Salmon Mackerel

Delicious! We usually go to Ted Peters when we come over from Tampa and it never disappoints! The mahi mahi is delicious and I’ve heard the salmon is delicious as well. The fish dip is really tasty!! Be ware that sometimes they are sold out!!

This is an unassuming place on the side of a busy road. The smell of smoke wafting in to the parking lot tells you all you need to know. Freshly smoked fish is on tap! Started off with the smoked fish dip, delicious choice. We ordered the smoked mahi mahi dinner and shared it amongst two. It was plenty for two for lunch. If you have a heartier appetite then you may need your own. Potato salad is warm and melts in your mouth, the Coleslaw has a touch of sweetness, maybe pineapple juice? It was delicious. Cold beer on draft. CASH ONLY so make sure you bring some real money!

After seeing this place on the Food Network, I wanted to give it a try. Come as early as possible as some items sell out quickly. Tried the smoked salmon, mahi mahi and the smoked fish spread with saltines. All were very good...like nothing I have had in a restaurant before. Smokey but not overpowering. Pick the German potato salad, you won't be disappointed.

Small, local, cash only place. They have a very small menu but totally worth trying some smoked fish! We tried the salmon and our entire condo smelled like smoked fish from one piece. It was heavenly. We also tried the fish dip and that was pretty good but more sweet than your typical fish dip. You could tell it was super fresh though.

We had tried the fish spread several times and finally stopped in for lunch. They offer a variety of smoked fish and hamburgers. We chose the mullet and mahi. We also ordered the fish spread and Manhattan clam chowder. Everything came out in a timely manner and tasted very good. The prices are reasonable, but it is cash only. They also have a take-out stand for their famous fish spread. The place fills up quickly, so I recommend arriving early.

Plenty of good options for food here, and both dishes we tried were good. Quick and easy seating, attentive service. Smoke and fish, with sides, great place to try.

This is the kinda place you stop at if you can...depending what time of day it can be challenging. And if your lucky enough to get a parking spot you won't regret it. I was out and about one Saturday afternoon and found my self looking in the parking lot and seeing a couple spots, have to stop. And I was starting to feel hungry as well. Lucky. Before you can get out of your car you are hit with the aroma from the smoke house. I usually come here for a burger and their German potato salad, the best. That is what I got, the burger had LTO and cheese. Potato salad always comes out warm. The burger is your basic burger and done right. (see photo) And before I left I got an order of smoked fish spread to take home, on saltines it's addictive. This time I got the half pint, next time the pint. The wife and I had the half almost finished in one sitting. Give it a try. Peace.

Love the Spot - Food not our thing 2 of us visited for a late lunch, early dinner. We both really didn't care for the food it's all a taste thing! It is a smoked fish place so of course...everything is Smokey. We ordered the smoked Mahi Mahi and to me it was too much smoke flavor. In will say delicious warm southern influenced German potato salad. The place is not fancy, most people sit outside along the main road so there is a lot of traffic driving by. They are also a cash only place so if you are like us, who never carry cash, you are going to need to stop at an ATM. They do not have a full bar. Beer and a couple of wines so if you are looking for cocktails you won't find them here. This place does not promote bar crowds but is more of a quick stop place to eat. So if you are looking for a big happy hour crowd, this is not your place. Head to the beach for that! The hours are short here...only open from 11:30-7:30 and is closed on Tuesday's. Thanks

Born and raised in St Pete and coming her for over 50 years. No idea what's happened to staff and mgt, but just experienced my last visit at this establishment. Watched a family get thrown out without any grounds or mgt even asking for one. The staff is entitled and too confident/ridig in their old ways. Heard them talking about customers in such a negative light - it was shocking. Management is nothing like the orig owners or their kids... just asked him to leave and said they didn't need their business without getting the customers side of the story. Food was good, but can't understand the attitude at all. Sadly I won't return.... Hope they start to understand that being an establishment comes from a customer base.

Went on a Wednesday at 5pm and had seats inside and out. Got crowded as the night went on. They ran out of the clam chowder around 630 for the night. They didn't have any smoked mackerel (not in season) or draft beer (out bc of hurricane). Enjoyed the Manhattan clam chowder, fish spread (with hot sauce), and the smoked salmon and German potato salad.

I haven't been here for over 20 years. I'm glad to see they're still standing, I was disappointed though as I can't remember if I just liked their smoked fish or loved it so I asked for a sample and she said no and I was like what the fuck I just want a sample.. so I bought a small container because if I hate it, I don't wanna waste my money as I recall. It was just OK but then again my taste buds changed over the years.. I know they're known for food, but that doesn't mean I'm gonna like it. Service sucks. She was a real bitch. It is not air conditioned or heated so depending on the year you're going to freeze your ass off or be super hot better just to take it to go if you want to try this place I was tempted to give it one star just because the lady was so nasty when I walked in.

I'd give Ted Peter's Smoked Fish 6 stars if I could. Delicious smoked fish and fish spread. They know what they're doing...and they do it so well. It's not a fancy place, but it's delicious and great quality. This place is such a gem. They smoke Salmon, Mullett and Mahi Mahi. Make sure you take cash! They do have an atm in the takeaway smokehouse.

Can't believe I have lived here for 30 years and never been here. So many good things said about this place. Looking forward to trying the food! As seen on diners, drive in's and dives too! Seat yourself but they do wait on you. Small menu which I like cause they do what they do and do it well. Very friendly folks. Feels like cooking out at home with family. We went for surf and turf. The jumbo cheese burger and mahi mahi smoked fish dinner. Burger was just ok to me. Kinda generic. The velveeta cheese was a nice touch though. The smoked fish was pretty good. Loved the smoked flavor. Nice old Florida feel to the place. Sitting outside watch traffic.

**Ted Peters Smoked Fish: A Homage to Simplicity** Ted Peters Smoked Fish in St. Petersburg, FL, is a haven of tradition, offering a **smoked mullet** that's second to none. The atmosphere is as **welcoming** as the food is **uncomplicated**. While the menu is straightforward, it's this very simplicity that showcases their mastery of smoked fish. The service is **personal and warm**, ensuring a memorable experience. Though the Manhattan chowder may be plain, it's a nod to the no-frills approach that has made Ted Peters a beloved spot. It's not just about the food; it's about the **simple pleasures** of dining--done exceptionally well. FYI, it's a cash only establishment.

After reading so many reviews and people talking about this ''must have' smoked fish spread, I finally stopped in with cash in hand to get a pint To Go. I really wanted to like it and have previously enjoyed fish spread at other local restaurants...but this was just way too smoky for my taste -- coming from a girl who likes smoked salmon, smoky old fashioneds and mezcal cocktails. I also got a pint of their famous German potato salad, which was good...I appreciated that it wasn't overloaded with mayo, but it was a bit dry.

Historic and fabulous! CASH ONLY! Can't go wrong. Simple menu with amazing food!

I honestly don't get the hype. The burger was basic - like something at a little league ball field concession stand, you could make better at home. The fish spread did remind me of tuna salad like others have said. Potato salad was decent but overall none of this was anything to write home about.

I moved to Florida 4-1/2 years ago from the Seattle area. We had a family favorite salmon dip we would have for the holidays. When we moved here I was pleasantly surprised to find fish dip. When we moved to South Pasadena I discovered Ted Peter's. Forget the holidays, their delish fish spread became a regular item 2-3 times per week. It had been awhile since I had some. We picked some up before Christmas. And to my delight, its smoky fish flavor was fantastic. What stands out about Ted Peters is it's a perfect balance of mayo. I've tried several other fish spreads around this area and Ted Peters outshines the competitors. Ted's has been around for over 70 years. It's an experience to eat there, nothing fancy, wooden picnic tables. The German potato salad is also very good. The burgers are loved by others, but we find them very meh. I wish their clam chowder was New England. Come and experience Ted Peters.

Visited again today ... it's been 7 years! The smoked fish drive up was open, and what an amazing selection! We also got some of the smoked fish spread, but not as sandwiches this time. It's a perfect appetizer or snack with saltines. Still on the sweet side, but it works perfectly as a dip! Today they had their shutters down because it was in the 50's out and a bit breezy... the result created a very cozy indoor space. Friendly and efficient, as I recall from our last visit, I hope we have a chance to visit again soon!

Cash only! I figured that's important to point out right off the bat. Inside and outside sitting and decent parking lot. I tried the fish spread sandwich, which had a lot of flavor and a good amount of fish spread on the bread. Service was super quick! Very chill/Florida type ambiance.

This place is not a pet friendly & even your service animal cant drink water. Was told by one of their service in a sarcastic way. Food seems amazing but the server was rude. Can't even believe that it has been serving for over 70 years but still will bot allowed your service animal to drink. Boo

Drove over from Apollo Beach. NOTE: Save the gas. We were seated at 3:30, waitress said they were not serving lunch. Dinner only. A customer arrived at 4:15 Heard another server tell her table they STOP SERVING LUNCH AT 4 Asked our waitress about the 4 o'clock cut off and she replied, They premeasure the fish meals and they had run out of the lunch servings. She didn't even know what I was gonna order. I'm calling Bull. SERVICE WAS AVERAGE. Smoked mullet was over cooked and dry. My girl had a good hamburger, but there are better closer to home. Again, not worth the drive... Certainly wouldn't have made a trip for a hamburger. There are a couple of restaurants close by Apollo Beach that serve smoke fish. I'll stick to the side of the bay and give them ago. Will not be making another trip to Ted Peters. Also , heads up it's "CASH ONLY.

Salmon is their best selling item. Tastes great if you enjoy the smokey flavor. It was quite strong, but the fish was still very moist and juicy. Definitely recommend it. The fish spread was good. Nothing special or extraordinary, just good. Seating is all outdoors with shade. You can also order to-go.

A St. Pete landmark. It's been around forever. Still retains it's old Florida charm. Great service. Great food. Check the menu before you go. It's very limited with a focus on smoked fish. Not something everyone in your party might like. Just a heads up for the burger lovers out there, they are GREAT.

Such a great find. Especially after just moving to the area I finally felt like a local experiencing Ted Peter's and I'm not mad about it. They offer both indoor and outdoor seating. It is cash only so come prepared or don't as they have an atm steps away. I could tell the staff has been here for quite some time as they gave off major family owned vibes. 50+ years is impressive. So it was only right as a first timer to pick their brain on must haves. We were suggested to try their famous cheeseburger, fish dip, and smoked dinner with all the side fixings and we did just that. The smoked fish dip was *chefs kiss*. Truthfully one of the best fish dips I've tried. Creamy and smoked to perfection. I can now see why so many people were ordering it by the tub. Paired with a saltine and hot sauce, a must have. The smoked mutton dinner came with German potatoes and coleslaw. I don't know what was in those potatoes but I'd take that by the tub as well. The mutton itself was good although we'd give the grouper or mahi a try on our next visit. And all washed down with a cold Miller. I can see why this is a staple and for so many reasons. It doesn't look like much on the outside but it's on the inside that always counts.

Their customer service has significantly gone down hill. I'm 3rd generation customer and I brought my kids. The attitudes from the waitresses is unbelievable. This one is the worst and she wasn't even our waitress. Thinking it's about time to end a tradition with you Ted Peters.

So how does a St. Petersburg/Tampa resident, who's lived in the area for over 20 years, never have gone to Ted Peters. Everybody talks about the place. Everybody says it's an absolute must. But, I've just never been until this weekend. So, first thing... It's not really a "restaurant". It's more like an outside bar and takeout spot -- I'm fine with that. I actually picked up food because my family and I were having a picnic at the beach. The beach is only about five minutes away. So, if you're expecting fine dining or an air-conditioned place to sit... Think again. But, for a bar with multiple seats under a covered canopy... It's actually a cute little spot. It's clean and relatively comfortable given the hot Florida sun. So now for the star of the show... The food. My wife ordered the mahi-mahi dinner plate. It comes with a huge piece of fish with a side of potato salad and coleslaw. I'm not really sure why it comes with a slice of tomato and a full slice of an onion... But it also comes with a lemon garnish. I can't say I was a huge fan of the fish... I've never had smoked fish before. To me... the fish tasted like a barbecue minus the barbecue restaurant. It wasn't bad... It just wasn't my style. The piece of fish was humongous. It was perfectly cooked. It was actually quite moist considering that it's smoked. Maybe I would've enjoyed the salmon more than the mahi-mahi. Since the mahi-mahi is such a bland fish all I really tasted was "smoke". Maybe next time I'll try the salmon. I also ordered a pint of the smoked fish spread. Now... This is my style. This particular dip had just enough of a fish flavor that I could enjoy it as a fish but also had a smoked flavor that I really enjoyed. I strongly recommend the fish spread. So the last point... The pricing. To be fair, it's actually not bad. The mahi-mahi dinner was about $27. That might seem a little high... But, for fish in general and for the size of the piece of fish given... Not bad. The pint of fish spread was $12. It's a big pint. Definitely worth $12. They only accept cash. I'm not really a cash person. But, I was prepared. I definitely recommend Ted Peters. It's not often the reputation of a restaurant is worthy of all the hype. But, this restaurant deserves the hype. Great job.

DO NOT GO HERE!!! terrible customer service. save your time and money. the staff is horrible and will talk negatively about paying customers in front you. they will also overcharge you so they can pocket more money.

Best smoked fish I've ever had. Believe the hype. It's worth it. I had the smoked salmon and it is soooo great. I ate it off a cracker. I made a tarragon mayo and dipped the salmon in it. The only downside, they are cash only. Service was good, the patrons were from all over. The ambiance can be improved. It's old florida, fisherman vibes and it's NOT GIVING for a sexy night or date night. Overall. I'd come back. They should have taste tests so I can try other fish options.

Had a great time here. It is an old fashioned food stand. One may enjoy a chilled mug of draft beer, a burger or their specialty. A smoked fish-spread sandwich. I liked it a lot and will return. They also sell the spread in tuns to go. I was treated to a tour of the smoke house and was quite impressed.

Came here from Sarasota, Great Smoked Fish both had the Mahi Mahi. With Potatoes Salad! Key lime pie was good and a decent size piece. Overall Highly Recommend

Always delicious! We just love this place. Totally unpretentious. We always eat there and get smoked fish spread and coleslaw to go. That w/some crackers, a bottle of Chardonnay and your set

It's almost an institution.. been here as long as I've been coming to the beach. Patio seating, carry out, cash only. And fantastic smoked fish, either as a spread or a meal.

I've heard a lot about this place being amazing from my wife's family as well as seeing it on finders drive in and dives and decided to check it out on a staycation. The mullet was decent and really had the smokey almost meaty flavor to it. My only real problem with it, which prob is on me, is just how many bones there were in it still making it take forever to eat. Coleslaw and potato salad were okay. It is hard to get in here with the limited parking, and snow birds, so if you are not getting here like 10-15 min before opening good luck. As well it's all outside and cash only which for florida sometimes isn't the most comfortable. Next trip back going to opt for the burger and fish spread to see how those are. Overall 3/5 would recommend to a friend

Try the smoked fish spread, it's delicious! Friendly service. friendly customers too. Ambiance is family. It can be a little warm in the summer.

All outdoor seating, drive-in vibe establishment. Unfortunately we weren't able to try the cuisine. One of the few establishments in St Pete that doesn't allow dogs. So be warned, we were told to leave. Weird given the clientele and area.

Awesome smoked fish! Great for low-carb! Nice casual atmosphere. I'm sitting inside in the A/C today, but when it cools down, I prefer to sit outside. They have really good burgers too. I like to sit at the outside bar and have a burger and a cold draft beer.

This place has given me a remembrance for a lifetime. Gina I wish it was closer but the distance does not matter, I will travel it.

I asked here on Yelp if dogs are allowed and someone said yes they are. Today when I arrived with my dog and asked about her I was told they were not allowed. I assume that everything else is the same about the food, but we didn't stay since we had our dog with us.

Ted Peter's legendary smoked mullet has been a local favorite for decades - and deservedly so. Native Floridians along the central gulf coast have long had an strong affinity for the local delicacy that is smoked mullet. Ted Peters introduced this local favorite to northern travelers 70 years ago, and the rest, as it is often said, is history. While I wholeheartedly recommend smoked mullet over the salmon and mahi-mahi, the truth is that nearly all oily fish lend themselves to the smoking process. If you'd rather prefer a more commonly recognized fish - the salmon and mahi offerings make for a good introduction to Ted Peter's signature smoked mullet. Each fish dinner comes with a side of Ted Peters southern take on German potato salad. This delicious warmed side dish is a bestseller, only superseded in flavor by the freshly smoked fish. Cash is king at Ted Peters, for all the right reasons. The popular local fish house hasn't at all changed much since Ted first decided to move his one man street side fish sales operation indoors. It's a simple and rustic operation that delivers fresh mullet from the gulf to the onsite hardwood smokehouse to the table. Wear whatever you're wearing and head on down for an extraordinary treat - you won't be disappointed!

Amazing smoked fish to go. Salmon is on point. Caught daily and run through an old school smokehouse, ready to eat. i go here every week. would give 5 stars but they are cash only!

Run, don't walk to Ted Peter's. This cash only, simple menu establishment will be my top recommendation from now on. The smoked fish dinner with cole slaw and German potato salad was wonderful. If it was proper I would have licked my plate clean. The gentleman sitting next to us ordered two smoked fish dinners and could not stop raving about the salmon. The gentleman on the other side of us was a former employee who moved out of town and always made this his first stop whenever he returned to the area. Those are reviews I can agree with. We took some smoked fish dip to go to eat for lunch the next day and the only regret I have is that I did not get the larger size. We washed our meal down with a Miller High Life on draft in a frosted mug which washed it down to perfection on the warm Sunday afternoon. Service was super friendly and they were working their tails off!

I have come to Ted Peters since I was a child. The establishment is a very casual picnic style table kind of place. They have been making smoked fish for well over 50 years! They have lunch and dinner portions. A few non fish items including hamburger etc. nothing for vegans that I recall. They are busy and their waitresses are constantly turning tables. It's delicious and I drive from Sarasota for the fish. You can get it to go as well. They have several types of fish. If you look up the benefits of smoked fish you will realize it's extremely healthy, high in vitamins and protein snd tastes delicious!! If you are looking for a more luxurious dining experience or a place where kids get crayons etc this is not the place. This is a well known Florida establishment famous for smoked fish. Worth the drive for me!! Enjoy

I haven't been here in years, so when a friend suggested lunch, I was excited to give it another try. Things to know up front: 1) CASH only 2) No separate checks and 3) Head to the little smoke shack next to the restaurant to buy a piece of smoked fish to go - currently they offer mullet, salmon and mahi mahi. We met right at 11:30 am when they opened, so it was easy to get one of their outside picnic benches. They filled up very quickly after that. Our server Ella was excellent, friendly and efficient, and in no time we had our order placed. I went with the smoked salmon dinner, which came with German potato salad and coleslaw. Food came out quickly and the slab of salmon was moist, flavorful and delicious. I also loved the potato salad, although I'm not a huge fan of their mushy slaw. All in all it was a filling, delightful meal. I also loved that when it started to rain, they rolled down the side shutters, which kept everyone dry. I couldn't leave there without a side of fish dip, and a piece of smoked mahi mahi from the smoke shack - and I suggest you don't either. These people have been smoking fish for over 70 years, and it is outstanding. One final note: they currently don't have a mackerel supplier, so they only serve the other three previously mentioned.

This amazing business must be over 70 years old and for good reason. It's the best smoked fish this fella has ever had. Wish I had tried it sooner. It's got an old timey country vibe with indoor and outdoor picnic table seating. A limited menu with 4 types of fish these days. Mullet, mackerel, salmon and mahi mahi. Red oak, a Florida native tree gives it it's flavor and is cooked 4-6 hours depending on thickness. Burgers, hot dogs, chicken sandwich and fish spread round out the mains. German Potato Salad and a crisp fresh slaw are the most popular sides. This place is insanely good, a top recommendation and must try. Service is sharp and friendly as long as you behave. CASH ONLY, so put those cards away.

Found this place based on Diners, Drive-in, and Dives. To my surprise, all the rave was over the burger. Came and tried it out, and the burger lived up to the hype. The German potato salad, was probably the best I ever had. They smoke the fish right next door, which smells amazing. The burgers were great, and Miller High life on tap. The smoked fish spread is a must, and don't forget to add the hot sauce to the table. The service was good but a little slow. They use use maybe one more attendant during busy times. I would highly recommend this place and would come back.

soooooo good! the salmon was perfection! the potato salad -chef's kiss!! the slaw....nobody warned me it was gonna be pineapple flavored!! 10/10 you gotta try this place!!

Family owned and operated for over 70 years, Ted Peters is a St Pete treasure! Their signature smoked fish can be ordered as a dinner plate with two sides, as a spread, or as a sandwich, all of which are delicious! For the dinner plate you have the option to chose from four red oak smoked fish: Mackerel, Mullet, Mahi-mahi, or Salmon. Personally I recommend trying the fish spread sandwich with the accompanying German potato salad; the potato salad is unreal!! If you save room for dessert, definitely try their key lime pie, it's one of the best I've had! This St Pete staple is located off Pasadena Ave and is the perfect place to grab a bite after a day at the beach

Sweet Mother of pearl. This place is good. I encourage you to bring your appetite because the food portions are pretty generous. Not much else to say if you want good smoked fish come well come on down. *** This Place is Cash Only ***

Arrived at Tampa, went for dinner around 6ish, the only fish available for dinner was Mahi-mahi & Salmon. The rest were sold out. When you walked towards the restaurant, you can really smell the smoked fish & it was wonderful! We had the Mahi-mahi dinner, it is humongous! It was share by 2 person. The smoked fish was so good, great flavour , they used red oak wood to smoke the fish from 4-6 hours. It was served with coleslaw, I usually don't eat coleslaw but this one taste so good! Their Dutch potatoes was very tasty & it has Canadian back bacon in it. All in all, a very satisfying meal. Servers were friendly with decent amount of parking. There's outdoor seating & indoor air conditioning places for eating.

DELICIOUS! The time and effort that Is put into smoking fish, definitely comes through with these light smoked flavors Must try the smoked Salmon and I hear the Burgers are a specialty treat as well!

The smoked fish is amazing! Portions are huge! We go once a year & always take home enough to make a fish dip at home! Love the horseradish sauces, the german potato salad & even the sliced tomato & onion. Just remember to bring cash.

My sister's-in-law took me to Ted Peter's on my most recent visit to Florida ... and I'm sooo glad they did! When you pull-up and get out of your car, you can instantly feel the history. This establishment should be on the National Register of Historic Places (If it's not already). We stopped-in on a recent Wednesday afternoon. There was a nice crowd, but ample seating. I ordered the Mackerel. It was incredible. Service was super friendly and very attentive. I can't stress enough, what a gem this place is. Ted Peter's is truly a one-of-a-kind place. If I could give it more stars, I would. Thanks Lisa and Connie!

My niece introduced me to this wonderful spot in St. Pete. You might drive by and never notice...what a fabulous spot. The smoked fish spread is unbelievable and though it is known for fish, please do not ignore the cheeseburger...German potato salad is wonderful and the key lime pie is superb. Our server was wonderful - answered any stupid question I asked. Just wish I could have left with a T-shirt. I'll travel back just for another meal. Super good.

Ted Peters. You either get it or you don't. The whole experience. I love it. The salmon is the best, in my opinion. Get the fish spread. The key here is Smoked. You have to like smoked fish to like this. Visit the smokehouse next door. You can hardly find hot German potato salad anymore. It's here, with lots of bacon. It's supposed to be warm. That's the kind it is. Very good cole slaw. Quick service. It can get hot outside, but Dec-April is great. Traffic out on the road sometimes. Sit on the side toward the back. Get there early. Sometimes they run out. Bring cash. Lots. Get the big piece and share. That with fish spread and sides is a good share. There or take it to the beach.