FORT PIERCE, Florida — Downtown Fort Pierce just got a new reason to head to the waterfront.
Paradise Waterfront Cafe opened its doors on August 13 inside the Renaissance Building on Melody Lane, offering diners a front-row seat to the Indian River Lagoon — along with a menu that runs from morning coffee all the way through dinner.
A space that feels completely different now
The restaurant sits in a space that locals may remember as 121 Tapas — a dark, 30-seat bar that once occupied the same address.
New owners Trina Angelone and Kenneth Gibson gutted it entirely.
What replaced it is bright and airy — blue decor, white marble floors, silver tables, and 120 seats including an outdoor section under the portico. It feels nothing like what was there before.
The menu covers everything — including drinks all day
The food leans toward Chesapeake Bay-inspired dishes, alongside sandwiches, charcuterie boards, dirty energy drinks, sodas, and specialty coffees.
Beer, wine, mimosas, and cocktails are available all day — not just at dinner.
There is also a free coffee club customers can join, high-speed Wi-Fi, charging stations, and space for both public and private events.
A family with deep roots in hospitality
This is not a first venture for the Angelone-Gibson family.
The couple previously owned Downtown Cellars in the same building. Trina later became Pierce Public Market’s first manager, while Kenneth ran its first restaurant. Now their nephew Tyler Angelone handles the bar.
Behind them is five generations of hospitality experience — 125 years combined between Ireland and Florida.
That kind of background tends to show in the details, from how a space is designed to how guests are made to feel when they walk in.
Worth checking out if you are local
For Fort Pierce residents looking for a daytime spot with a waterfront view, good coffee, and the option to pair it with a mimosa — this one is worth a visit.
Have you been to Paradise Waterfront Cafe yet, or are you planning to check it out? Drop your thoughts in the comments — locals want to know what you think.