Rocking Chairs, Real Talk, and Wine Flights: Lolita’s Wine Market Comes Home

Hey St. Pete, pour yourself a glass—because one of our favorite neighborhood gems is coming back home.

After a two-year creative residency at the Morean Center for Clay, Lolita’s Wine Market is making a soulful return to its OG location at 16 Eighteenth Street South, and the whole Jules Transactions fam couldn’t be more excited to clink glasses to this full-circle moment.

The Comeback We’ve All Been Thirsting For

If you’ve ever sipped a spicy Tempranillo while cozying up in one of Lolita’s famous white rocking chairs, you know this place is more than a wine bar—it’s a vibe. It’s where first dates turned into anniversaries, and spontaneous happy hours turned into deep convos with strangers who felt like old friends.

Those rockers? They're not just decor. They're practically historic landmarks. According to co-owner Kelly Rodriguez-Luereano, “Uber drivers would say, ‘Oh, I know that space’ because of the rockers.” If that’s not St. Pete street cred, we don’t know what is.

Bigger Isn’t Always Better—Sometimes It's Just Bigger

The Morean chapter brought more seating and a broader menu, but as co-owners Kelly and Chef Alex Rodriguez realized, it didn’t quite capture that scrappy, funky, cozy-as-heck charm that made the original Lolita’s a local legend since 2017.

Now they’re bringing the party back to where it all started—with a fresh twist and all the feels. We’re talking creative small plates, adventurous wine flights, and that first-come, first-sipped culture that makes every visit feel like you just walked into your coolest friend’s living room.

New Season, Same Delicious Spirit

Here’s the lowdown:

FeatureThen (Morean)Now (Returning Home)LocationMorean Center for Clay16 Eighteenth Street SouthSeatingReservation-basedWalk-in friendly, come-as-you-areAmbianceElevated and expansiveFunky, intimate, and full of heartRocking ChairsMissing in actionBACK, babyMenu VibeFull-service diningCasual, creative small plates

And about the food? Chef Alex is still dishing out bold flavors with zero pretension. From braised short ribs to rotating palate-pleasers that’ll make your taste buds high-five, it’s all about fun, freshness, and flair.

And don’t sleep on Kelly’s wine philosophy: “Wine is fun, and to me, one of the best adult hobbies.” Facts only.

A Toast to St. Pete and the Power of Place

Lolita’s isn’t just reopening—it’s reviving a feeling. One that says: “Come on in, grab a glass, and stay a while.” It’s a win for local flavor, for neighborhood charm, and for those of us who believe that hospitality is more about heart than square footage.

Final service at The Morean Center for Clay: Saturday, June 28
Grand reopening at 16 Eighteenth Street South: Mid-July (stay tuned!)

Jules Shoutouts, Because We Love Our Locals

We see you, St. Pete. From the loyal regulars to the small biz fam that makes our city shine—this comeback’s for you. Big love to everyone supporting local, sipping local, and rocking local (literally, in those iconic chairs).

Follow @lolitaswinemarket for behind-the-scenes scoops, menu sneak peeks, and the official reopen countdown.

Here’s to good wine, good people, and good vibes—right where they belong.