It’s hard to say goodbye, especially when you bid farewell to a beloved restaurant. 2023 found some of Tampa Bay’s favorite concepts close for good.
This isn’t a comprehensive list of local eateries that’ve shut their doors, but here are some of the more notable Tampa Bay bar and restaurant closures from this year.
Oyster Bar’s St. Pete flagship location
249 Central Ave, St. Petersburg
A 200-block favorite will soon move elsewhere in St. Pete, although we’re not yet sure exactly where. The bar and restaurant’s last day at its flagship location is Sunday, Aug. 20. The Oyster bar has been located at its flagship location in downtown St. Pete for almost 25 years. The bustling seafood restaurant and bar is known for its $1 oyster happy hour special, bottomless brunches, and wide variety of craft cocktails. The Oyster Bar’s opening date in its new space in The ‘Burg is still unknown.
Photo via OysterBarStPete/Facebook Credit: OysterBarStPete / Facebook
5023 Bayshore Blvd, Tampa After 40 years, South Tampa’s Chubby’s Super Subs & Pizza closed last summer. “It is with a heavy heart that I announce the closing of Chubby’s Super Subs & Pizza. A staple of Ballast point for over 40 years, it will be sad to see it go. We invite you to stop by anytime in the next 8 days to share any stories you might have about Chubby’s— we would love to hear them,” Chubby’s wrote. “We will miss all of our customers, best part of the job. Come say goodbye to Chubby’s and get your final Bomb on!”
Photo via Google Maps Credit: via Google MapsSocial House
(813) 321-2329. socialhousetampa.com
The Seminole Heights sports bar and restaurant is selling $10 6-o., and $35 22-oz. bottles of its draft cocktails. The bar’s eight options include the Social House lemonde (rye whisky, peach tea, lemon) and passion fruit margarita (tequila, mezcal, passion fruit, lime). Social House is also offering beer, bottles of wine and non-alcoholic drinks for to-go orders. Order a Tom Brady/Bucco Bruce shirt to support staff, too. 6310 N. Florida Ave., Tampa.
Photo via Google MapsDatz and Dough in South Tampa
2616 S MacDill Ave, Tampa
Folks driving down S Macdill Avenue will soon miss the tongue-in-cheek phrases on Datz’s sign, because the South Tampa restaurant sold to new owners last July. Datz owners Roger and Suzanne Perry recently sold their South Tampa parcel for $6.1 million dollars and that the building’s new owners will revamp the former Datz space into another restaurant and replace the former bakery with a new retail concept.
Photo via Datz/Facebook Credit: Photo via Datz/FacebookSea Hags Bar & Grill
9555 Blind Pass Rd., St. Pete Beach
Sea Hags was known for its menu of freshly-caught seafood, live music and “Old Florida Charm.” Sea Hags’ manager Evan Carpenter told WVTV that its former building will be redeveloped into a new concept, but neither he or the owners are sure what will replace the beloved St. Pete Beach outpost. In 2021, St. Pete Catalyst reported that Ping Pong Partners, founders of the Cordova Inn and Station House, purchased Sea Hags and its property for $5.2 million dollars with plans for a “condo resort development.”
Photo via Google Maps Credit: via Google Maps
5252 S Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa After 45 years in business, South Tampa’s Thailand Restaurant closed last June. Last spring, owners Amnuay and Moo Thambundit announced on Facebook that they would be retiring soon, and switched to solely take-out orders in May of 2023. “As many of you know, we will be retiring soon. We have served you all for over 44 years and are greatly appreciative of your long-time patronage to us,” the Thambundits wrote on Facebook in April. The Thambundits were once fixtures at Creative Loafing Tampa Bay’s Best of the Bay, where their daughter, C Thambundit, used to help run the sampling. “The best memories I have are from trading food with other restaurants at the end of the night!,” she told CL.
Photo via thailandtampa/Facebook Credit: thailandtampa / FacebookThe Pub
2223 N Westshore Blvd.
Tampa English restaurant The Pub closed last summer after 12 years at International Plaza. Besides citing the end of its lease, the folks behind The Pub didn’t provide any additional details about its somewhat-surprising closure. The English pub was known for its wide variety of spirits and hearty British eats like bangers and mash and Shepherd’s pie, in addition to its sports-watching parties, trivia and other events. But its “pour your own beer wall” was certainly the center of attention.
The Pub Tampa/Facebook Credit: The Pub Tampa / FacebookZoie’s
2245 Central Ave., St. Petersburg
Last summer pwner and operator Jeff Baker disclosed that a recent cancer diagnosis lead him to close the restaurant he spent endless months building out.”This unexpected turn of events has lead me to reassess what’s most important in life, and prompted me to make the difficult decision to close our beloved Zoie’s for the sake of my health and well being,” Baker wrote on Facebook. “It’s been an honor and pleasure to provide you with a place to gather, enjoy good food and create lasting memories. Our loyal guests, you have turned this restaurant from a dream into a reality.”
Photo zoiesfl/Facebook Credit: zoiesfl / Facebook7venth Sun’s Seminole Heights taproom
56809 N Nebraska Ave., Tampa
Seminole Heights lost one of its craft beer mainstays last summer. 7venth Sun Brewery’s Tampa location closed in June—but don’t fret, because its beloved beers aren’t going anywhere. “With heavy hearts, we’ll be closing the doors of our Tampa facility on Friday, June 30th. But fear not, because we’re about to embark on an exciting new adventure,” 7venth Sun wrote on Facebook. “This means we’ll be able to explore new and innovative beers while ensuring you have even better access to crowd favorites…We’re always ready to welcome you in Dunedin, where our signature saisons and funky fun beers will continue flowing.” The announcement ends with 7venth Sun again teasing “the next phase” of its business.
Photo via 7thSunFacebook Credit: 7venthSunTampa/FacebookClearwater Brewing Company
1700 N Fort Harrison Ave., Clearwater
Clearwater Brewing Company, located in the Old Clearwater Bay neighborhood, closed last August. “It is with great sadness that we announce that we are closing Clearwater Brewing Company effective immediately,” the brewery wrote on social media. “We thank all of our customers, staff, and the City of Clearwater for your patronage and support over the last few years.”
Photo via Clearbrewing/Facebook Credit: clearbrewing / FacebookCaddy’s Gulfport and St. Pete Beach locations
Multiple locations
Last July, popular Tampa Bay hospitality brand Caddy’s closed two of its waterfront bars. Caddy’s opened its Gulfport bar and restaurant in 2019 and its location on St. Pete Beach in early 2020. With the closure of Caddy’s Gulfport and St. Pete Beach, its only remaining locations reside in: Treasure Island, Madeira Beach, Indian Shores, John’s Pass and Bradenton.
Photo via caddysgulfport/Facebook Credit: caddysgulfport / Facebook
823 E 7th Ave, Tampa Beloved Ybor dive bar Boneyard announced its imminent closure on social media in the summer of 2023. “It’s with a heavy heart we announce that this will be our last weekend…After nearly three decades in Ybor we will be closing our doors for good this Sunday night.” Boneyard wrote on Instagram. Its farewell post didn’tname any of the reasons why Boneyard is shuttering doors for good.
Photo via Google Maps Credit: Photo via Google MapsFreya’s Diner
2462 Central Ave, St. Petersburg
Freya’s Diner, a local favorite vegan lunch and dinner spot, announced its closure last July. “We want to take this time to thank everyone for their support this last year and for weathering so many changes that came our way. Unfortunately, St. Pete is seeing its slowest season to date and has left us with no other option but to close our doors,” its Instagram reads. “We’ve spoken to so many others that are feeling the effects of today’s economy. We aren’t the first to close this season, and we definitely won’t be the last.”
Photo freyasdinerstp/Instagram Credit: freyasdinerstp / InstagramBay Cannon Beer Co.
2106 W Main St., Tampa
While Bay Cannon Beer Co. unofficially closed its doors back in December 2022, the official announcement was made last May. The closure follows a shooting outside the business that left a woman dead. While the business originally closed to repair, owner Matthew Juaire claimed that it is too dangerous for the business to remain open, but encouraged fans to keep up with their social media as this is not the end of Bay Cannon Beer Co..
Photo via Beer Cannon Beer Co./Facebook
241 E Davis Blvd., Davis Island Known for its unique fusion fare and delectable selection of natty wines, Bayou Bodega was named by Creative Loafing to 2021’s Tampa Bay’s 50 Best Restaurants. The business closed its Davis Island location, in February of 2023, but also mentioned plans to reopen sometime in the future.
Photo via Bayou Bodega/FacebookBlack Radish St. Pete
246 Dr. M.L.K. Jr St. N, St. Petersburg
After only 16 months, Black Radish’s St. Pete’s location closed its doors. While not much is known about the reason for the closure, the vegan grocery stores flagship location in V.M. Ybor remains open and just celebrated its third birthday.
Photo via Black Radish/FacebookCask Social
208 S Howard Ave., Tampa
Cask Social closed at the beginning of March, a shock to customers and patrons alike. Owner Stephen Bishop announced the closure in a letter which told its former employees that the business had been sold to St. Pete karaoke bar La La, with plans to make La La Tampa. Former employees were left to quickly find new employment following the immediate closure.
Photo via Cask Social/Twitter
901 22nd St. S. St. Petersburg Owners Elihu and Carolyn Brayboy announced the closure of Chief’s Creole Cafe back in April of 2023. The Creole, southern style restaurant was first opened in 2013 in honor of Elihu’s late mother Mary, and has been housed in its pink building on 22nd Street ever since. Known for their active work in the St. Pete Black communities, Mr. and Mrs. B announced their new work on a “uniquely affordable housing project.”
Photo via Chief’s Creole Cafe/Facebook
645 Central Ave., St. Petersburg Citing staffing shortages and rising prices, St. Pete’s Crislip Cafe announced its closing in March of 2023. Owners Kevin and Jennifer Schultz said they will continue to use the space to expand their retail gift shop located next store called The Merchant.
Photo via Crislip Cafe/Facebook
442 W Kennedy Blvd., Tampa Fly Bar’s 2020 relocation found them located closer to the University of Tampa, following the original location’s closure in 2018. Now, the longtime cocktail staple has closed its doors for good, with seemingly no explanation. Cocktail enthusiasts in search of a taste of what was Fly can look towards nearby Hotel Bar, also owned by Fly owner Leslie Shirah Culbreath.
Photo via Hotel Bar/FacebookCredit: Fly Bar/Instagram
28910 U.S.-19 N, Clearwater Tampa Bay was once home to multiple Hamburger Mary’s locations, but its last one closed for good in March of 2023—and not before throwing one big drag queen party. Mary’s was known for charity events, drag bingo and its sandwiches, salads, signature desserts, and of course, burgers. There are still three locations in Florida, including one in Orlando that’s suing the State of Florida over SB1438, aka Ron DeSantis’ anti-drag, “protecting children” legislation.
Photo via Hamburger Mary’s Clearwater/InstagramMain Course
205 S MacDill Ave., Tampa
As seen on Netflix’s “Selling Tampa,” Main Course was known for its stacked soul food plates and signature mimosas. Owned by Chef Ashley “Ai” Suttle, the business announced its closure early in 2023, citing recent market conditions, this is the third time the restaurant has closed. The chef, who has served NFL stars and rappers alike, teased a future for the business, with a rumor of a food truck to open in Riverview.
Photo via Main Course/InstagramMermaid Tavern
6719 N Nebraska Ave., Seminole Heights
Tampa lost another divey bar this year following the closing of Mermaid Tavern in Seminole Heights. The tavern’s co-owner Lux Devoid took to social media to share that the owner of the building was not only refusing to help fix issues with the ceilings, but was also increasing rent.
Photo via Mermaid Tavern/FacebookMunch’s Restaurant & Sundries
3920 6th St. S., St. Petersburg
Munch’s Restaurant & Sundries closed at the end of 2022 after over 50 years in business. The business was sold to a new owner, with naming rights and all operations included, so there’s hope for the iconic St. Pete diner.
Photo via Munch’s Restaurant & Sundries/FacebookPark and Rec
290 S. Meridian St., Tampa
Following an ongoing conflict between the business and residents of the condominium upstairs, Park and Rec officially closed at the end of April. Known for its staples of giant beer pong and video game classic “Ms. Pac-man,” Park and Rec was owned by Hunger Thirst Group, which owns other Tampa Bay area ventures like The Avenue and Lost and Found.
Photo via Park and Rec/Facebook
400 2nd St. N., Safety Harbor Owner of the one-man-show Pizzeria Gregario, Greg Seymour has sold his bright yellow waterside pizza storefront in April of 2023, bringing an end to 10 years of artisan. Seymour has become a Florida snowbird of sorts, but still serves occasional pizzas at local farmers markets and pop-ups.
Photo via Pizzeria Gregario/FacebookPop Goes The Waffle
5004 S Tangerine Ave., Gulfport
Pop Goes the Waffle opened its storefront location in Gulfport this March after serving out of a food truck since 2017. The 2021 Best of the Bay winner for Best Black-owned Business, hosts a wide assortment of flavors from cinnamon toast to lemon poppyseed, as well as fillings and toppings, this spot is a waffle-lover’s dream come true.
Photo via Pop Goes the Waffle/Facebook Credit: Pop Goes the Waffle/FacebookSea Hags Bar and Grill
9555 Blind Pass Rd, Saint Petersburg
After 15 years of live music and locally-sourced seafood, Sea Hags Bar and Grill has officially closed. The pet-friendly, waterfront restaurant was sold in 2021 to Ping Pong Partners who founded the Cordova Inn and Station House with plans to turn the property into a condo resort development. Regulars can rest assured knowing Sea Hags beloved resident cat, Socks, will be going to a forever home with one of its employees.
Photo via Sea Hags Bar and Grill/FacebookThe Mill
200 Central Ave. No. 100, St. Petersburg
After almost a decade, The Mill announced plans to close their St. Pete location, in hopes of finding a new location in the area. The decision comes after intrusive construction from its neighbors that left them feeling unsafe serving its customers. The Tampa Bay Business Journal, however, reported that the restaurant owed over $100,000 due to unresolved tax liabilities, in addition to being behind on its rent.
Photo via The Mill/FacebookElmer’s Sports Cafe
Multiple Locations
With two locations (one on 7th Avenue in Ybor City and the other in South Tampa on MacDill Avenue), this bar and grill offers up the usual pub grub, plus a rather decent pour and fair prices. The crowd is a diverse mix that makes for good people watching. If you can’t take the smoke, the MacDill location offers some outdoor seating. The Ybor location has an attached package store.
Photo via Elmer’s Sports Cafe/GoogleDr. BBQ
1101 1st Ave S., St. Pete 727-502-2820
Wait, did you say fried Mac and cheese patties as burger buns? Yep, that’s Datz’s signature style. This is a must if you’re in the city and need a Willy Wonka moment.
Photo via Dr. BBQ/ Facebook2nd & Second
201 2nd Ave. N, St. Petersburg
2nd & Second quietly closed its doors this year, endings the late night restaurant’s five-year affair with St. Petian lovers of greasy spoon faves. Not to worry though, because 2nd & Second’s operators are working on opening a new concept—the Dirty Shirley bar and restaurant, featuring comforting American classics like pork chops, mac and cheese bites and chicken wings alongside an expected spread of beer, wine and craft cocktails—soon.
Photo via 2ndNSecond / Facebook Credit: 2ndNSecond / Facebook
5229 N Florida Ave., Tampa One of three restaurants to earn Tampa’s first Michelin Bib Gourmands, Ichicoro Ramen spent eight years changing the Seminole Heights dining scene. But in the springof 2023, the concept told employees that it was closing. Champion Pizza now lives in the former ramen hub.
Photo via Ichicoro/InstagramBorn Free Pub & Grill in Tampa, Florida on Sept. 23, 2022. Credit: Photo by Dave DeckerFlocale
5910 N Florida Ave, Tampa
A year-and-a-half after opening, Seminole Heights’ Flocale food hall has closed. Travis Masters, former CEO of Westshore Pizza and partner at the multi-concept dining hall and pub, told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay that Flocale (Stylized as “FLocalé”) fell victim to a slow summer and that business dropped off a cliff in July. The food hall—located at 5910 N Florida Ave.—was home to King of the Coop, Westshore Pizza, Slide hot dogs and burgers, and even an axe throwing concept. The space is currently for sale, with an asking price of $3 million.
Photo via Loopnet Credit: Photo via LoopnetBeans & Barlour
407 Central Ave, St. Petersburg
The cafe and dessert hotspot’s last day open was Friday, Nov. 11. Owner Story Stuart said that 2023 has been her cafe’s busiest year yet, but added that the concept evolved from a passion project to a business that no longer aligns with her creative goals. “Whether caused by the construction that surrounds our storefront, changes in the economic climate or some combination of the two— the shift in demand from our customers towards breakfast has been profound,” the business writes on Instagram. “As the demand has started to shift away from our unique desserts, so too has the passion we once had for creating them.” Although Beans & Barlour is closing its storefront, Stuart said that the business’ Instagram account will be used for tutorials and other content surrounding its popular desserts and baked goods.
Photo via beansandbarlour/Instagram Credit: beansandbarlour / InstagramFazoli’s
4011 E Busch Blvd, Tampa
Less than two years after opening, fast-casual Italian chain Fazoli’s has closed its first and only Tampa restaurant. It’s unclear exactly when the Hot Bins-adjacent location closed, but the restaurant has been removed from the company’s website, and both the Google and Facebook profiles now say it’s “permanently closed.” The celebrated opening of the Tampa location was originally part of a large push from Fazoli’s to open 25-30 new franchises throughout the country in 2022. With the recent closure, there are now just 5 remaining Fazoli’s in Florida, with the closest Tampa Bay location in Plant City.
Photo via Google Street Credit: Photo via Google StreetOaks on 4th
4.5 out 5 stars, 15 reviews
4351 4th St. N, St. Petersburg
”Delicious dinner, great service. The interior is wonderful for a nice dinner but a bit loud. Happy hour is a nice deal for appetizers! The grilled oyster appetizers are amazing! The child’s hamburger was well done but we ordered it medium rare. Overall, great food!” – Deborah E.
Photo via Kyla Fields Credit: Kyla Fields
Kyla Fields is the food critic and former managing editor of Creative Loafing Tampa Bay who started their journey at CL as summer 2019 intern. They are the proud owner of a charming, sausage-shaped, eight-year-old...
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