Though Punky's places much emphasis on its food, there's plenty to work with at the bar. The vibe at Punky's is laid-back, friendly and appropriately colorful, with the interior painted in bright swirls, along with a large wall logo depicting the restaurant's cartoon mascot, Punky - a nickname and likeness belonging to the late, fun-loving mother of a good friend of co-owner Brian Longstreth. Inside, a long bar has been installed that wraps around into a larger dining area that also doubles as a karaoke venue on Tuesdays and a bingo room on Wednesdays (proceeds from the latter benefitting a variety of local organizations, such as Friends of Strays, the Gasparilla Softball League and Metro Community & Wellness Centers). If you want some entertainment with your brunch, Punky's is worth a look. It's roomy enough to seat fairly large crowds, as well as host live music, DJs and drag shows on the weekends. The awning-shaded, fenced-in outdoor patio is one of Punky's biggest upgrades. It's a mere three blocks from where Georgie's Alibi once stood, and its large outdoor patio quickly became premium real estate for parade watching during last weekend's Pride festivities.

With its position at the border of the Grand Central District - a neighborhood known for its wealth of businesses owned and frequented by members of the LGBT community - Punky's is a natural fit.