Downtown Fort Pierce is experiencing an exciting culinary evolution, and a beloved local staple is at the center of the transformation. Located right in the heart of the Treasure Coast, Pickled Restaurant & Bourbon Bar on North Second Street is under new ownership and preparing for a flavorful revamp. Sicilian native Bill Sands, who brings decades of restaurant experience from New York and South Florida, purchased the establishment about four months ago. Now operating the venue alongside his daughter, Julianna, Sands is infusing the restaurant’s signature Southern-style roots with an authentic Italian twist.
Sands is no stranger to the Florida dining scene, having previously opened Wahoo on the Wharf in Boynton Beach and Jay’s Bistro in West Palm Beach. His vision for the downtown Fort Pierce establishment is clear: elevate the menu with fresh, locally sourced ingredients while introducing a wider array of pasta dishes to complement the Southern fare.
The updated menu will focus heavily on fresh, regional ingredients, featuring daily catches from local businesses like Florida Fresh Fish and premium meats from Adams Ranch, successfully blending Southern comfort with Italian cuisine.
Diners can expect a robust menu that seamlessly marries traditional American and Southern favorites with rich Italian classics. Current and upcoming menu highlights include:
- Southern staples like fried green tomatoes, bourbon chicken topped with bourbon bacon jam, and traditional shrimp and grits.
- Italian-inspired additions such as shrimp gnocchi, giant meatballs, Chicken Francese, and classic Fettucine Alfredo.
- Upscale comfort food including truffle mac and cheese, lamb lollipops, and cast-iron queso flambe.
- Premium proteins featuring New York strip steaks, fresh catches of the day, and hearty pork chop dinners.
Beyond the kitchen, the overall atmosphere and operations at the eatery are slated for a major refresh. According to bar manager Tyler Dowden, the new owners are planning a complete remodel and a gradual name change to reflect the restaurant’s new direction. Taking full advantage of a liquor license that allows service until 2 a.m., management intends to introduce extended operating hours and vibrant late-night entertainment. Locals can look forward to themed events like emo night, alongside enticing weekend food specials such as Saturday night prime rib.
The transition marks an exciting new chapter for the downtown Fort Pierce location. The restaurant originally opened its doors in 2021 under the ownership of Jason Alfonso, brother of current bar manager Tyler Dowden. Alfonso, who was also known on the Treasure Coast for opening 121 Tapas on Melody Lane, has since relocated to Colorado. With Sands now at the helm, the restaurant—conveniently situated near local hotspots like Sailfish Brewing Co. and Bottom’s Up Public House—is poised to remain a cornerstone of the downtown dining and nightlife scene.
Currently, the restaurant operates from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday, with extended hours on the horizon. Whether you are a Treasure Coast local or visiting the beautiful historic downtown of Fort Pierce, this unique blend of Southern hospitality and Italian tradition is one culinary destination worth watching.
