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SS Cafe Wine Bar Opens in Historic Downtown Fort Pierce

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/12/08 .. -bar-opens-in-historic-downtown-fort-pierce.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Monday, December 8th 2025 at 10:37 GMT by Treasure Coast Newspapers

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SS Cafe Wine Bar – A Fresh Downtown Fort Pierce Dining Destination

The recent article from The Palm (published December 8 , 2025) provides a comprehensive first‑hand look at SS Cafe Wine Bar, a new restaurant‑wine‑bar hybrid that has begun making waves in downtown Fort Pierce. The piece, written by long‑time food critic‑columnist Amanda Martinez, takes readers on a virtual walk‑through of the establishment’s layout, menu, and overall vibe, while also weaving in a few insider anecdotes from the owners and a peek at the broader culinary scene that surrounds the venue. For anyone who loves to “search for a restaurant near me” and wants a snapshot of a trendy spot that is just opening its doors, this article is a useful guide.

1. Setting the Scene: Where SS Cafe Wine Bar Lives

SS Cafe Wine Bar is housed in a beautifully restored 1920s brick building on the corner of Main Street and Ocean Avenue, right in the heart of downtown Fort Pierce. The article emphasizes the restaurant’s strategic location – just a few steps from the historic pier and the waterfront park – making it a natural gathering spot for both locals and tourists looking to unwind after a day on the water. The building’s original façade was preserved, with a mix of large windows and a wrought‑iron balcony that provides a picturesque view of the harbor. Inside, the décor is a playful blend of rustic industrial elements (reclaimed wood and exposed brick) and contemporary touches (soft lighting and sleek bar stools).

2. The Concept: A Café‑Style Eatery Meets a Curated Wine Bar

Martinez explains that SS Cafe’s founders—Samantha “Sam” Silva and Chef Marco “Marc” Hernandez—wanted to create a place that could serve the community in a variety of ways: a relaxed brunch spot on Saturdays, a sophisticated dinner venue on weeknights, and a lively wine‑and‑cheese evening on weekends. The article quotes Sam, who says, “We’re all about approachable sophistication. We want people to feel comfortable taking a coffee by day or a glass of wine by night without any pretense.” The menu reflects this duality, featuring light, fresh dishes in the morning, and more robust, wood‑grilled fare in the evening.

The “Wine Bar” component is highlighted as a key differentiator. SS Cafe has partnered with local vineyards from Florida’s Central and Upper Keys, offering a rotating selection of 35–40 wines by the glass, as well as a tasting flight menu. The article notes that the staff can recommend pairings that complement both the food and the guests’ preferences.

3. Food Highlights: From Breakfast to Dinner

Breakfast & Brunch – The article starts by sampling the café’s signature “Sunrise Omelet” topped with fresh herbs and smoked salmon, served with a side of house‑made avocado toast. The brunch menu also includes pancakes, avocado‑egg cups, and a “Sage & Fig” bagel. Sam mentions that the brunch line is often packed, suggesting that reservations are a good idea on weekends.

Lunch – For midday dining, the review highlights a “Caesar Wrap” with a twist—citrus‑infused romaine—and the “Shrimp & Grits” that is “comfort food elevated.” The chef’s note about using local, sustainable seafood adds an extra layer of appeal.

Dinner – The highlight of the evening menu is a steak selection that can be chosen between USDA‑grade Ribeye, New York Strip, or Porterhouse, each served with a side of truffle fries or a baked potato. A standout dish mentioned is the “Herb‑Crusted Lamb Chops” served with a rosemary‑wine reduction. The restaurant also offers a seafood option—“Grilled Mahi‑Mahi with a citrus beurre blanc.” Desserts such as chocolate lava cake and seasonal fruit tarts are described as “rich yet balanced.”

All meals are paired with a thoughtfully curated wine list, and the article recommends the house‑made “Sparkling Rosé” for an aperitif. The menu page on SS Cafe’s website (linked in the article) provides full details, including calorie counts and allergy information.

4. Ambiance & Service

Martinez spends a fair amount of time describing the atmosphere. The bar area is a mix of exposed brick, reclaimed wood, and industrial piping, creating an intimate feel. The lighting is warm, with dimmed pendant lights over the bar and brighter windowside tables. A small stage on the far side of the room is reserved for live acoustic performances on Friday evenings, which the article notes adds a lively touch.

Service is praised for being “attentive without being intrusive.” The staff—who often wear personalized aprons—remember regulars’ preferences and are quick to recommend new wine pairings. The restaurant’s open kitchen allows diners to see the chef in action, adding a communal feel.

5. Pricing & Value

The review estimates a typical dinner plate will cost between $20–$35, while brunch items range from $8–$12. The wine list is described as “mid‑range,” with bottles starting at $30, but a wine flight is available for $35. Sam notes that the pricing reflects the use of high‑quality, locally sourced ingredients and a small‑batch approach to their desserts.

6. Reservations, Hours & Contact

SS Cafe Wine Bar is open Tuesday–Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. The article stresses that reservations are recommended for brunch and dinner, especially on weekends. Sam provides a contact number and links the article to the restaurant’s reservation page and a dedicated “Events” section that lists upcoming wine tastings and live‑music nights. The link to the restaurant’s Instagram feed is also included, offering a visual tour of dishes and décor that complements the written review.

7. Broader Context: SS Cafe’s Role in Downtown Fort Pierce

Finally, Martinez places SS Cafe within the larger revitalization efforts of downtown Fort Pierce. The piece links to an earlier Palm article about the city’s waterfront redevelopment and a city council page that outlines economic initiatives. This contextualizes SS Cafe as part of a broader movement to create a thriving culinary and cultural hub in the area.

8. Takeaway

In sum, the The Palm article positions SS Cafe Wine Bar as a versatile, modern, and approachable dining destination that balances café comfort with wine‑bar sophistication. With a thoughtfully curated menu, lively atmosphere, and a strategic downtown location, the restaurant appears poised to become a staple for both locals and visitors. Whether you’re in the mood for brunch, a leisurely lunch, or an evening of wine and small plates, SS Cafe Wine Bar seems to have it all, and the article’s in‑depth look, coupled with links to the restaurant’s own resources, makes it an invaluable primer for anyone looking to “search for a restaurant near me” in Fort Pierce.