Mahjong + Matcha at Perry's Porch in Downtown St. Pete

Thursday morning mahjong on the porch in downtown St. Pete

This summer, Perry's Porch asked me to bring mahjong to their restaurant in downtown St. Pete. They already had a matcha bar people line up for, so the name came easily.

On select Thursday mornings from 9 to 10:30, the porch splits in two. One side is a beginner class, and the other side is free open play for women who already know the game.

If you've never played: Taste of Mahjong

Taste of Mahjong is a 90-minute introduction for complete beginners. It's $28, and your class comes with a matcha or coffee from the bar.

It's shorter than my Mahjong 101 on purpose. You meet the tiles and get a feel for how a game moves, so you can find out whether you like mahjong before you give it a whole afternoon.

I keep this class small, with three tables to start. That way everyone gets real time with me at their side.

If you already play: open play on the porch

The open play side is free. Bring your 2026 card and your tile set if you have one, sit down, and play with whoever is there that morning.

You don't need a group to come. Plenty of players show up on their own, and the bar is open if you'd like a matcha with your Charleston.

Why mornings work

You're finished by 10:30, before the lunch crowd arrives at 11. That leaves the rest of your day for work, errands, or a second matcha.

After your Taste

If you leave wanting more, Mahjong 101 is the full 2.5-hour class for complete beginners, and you play a real game before you go home. Here's what a first class looks like if you're curious.

And once you know the game, I run free open plays around St. Pete most weeks. My post on where to play American Mahjong in St. Pete has every table.

Book your seat

Taste of Mahjong dates are on my calendar. If you have a friend who keeps saying she'd love to learn someday, book two seats and pick a Thursday.