Forget “peak hours,” most of these Tampa Bay hot spots always have a wait, and it’s understandable,  they’re all really great. From high-end formal dining, to comfort food and beach bites, here are a few our favorite local haunts where you’ll almost never eat alone.  Remember, it doesn’t hurt to call ahead! 

American Social 601 S Harbour Island Blvd. No. 107, Tampa, 813-605-3333 Make no mistake, this waterfront hangout has a great nightlife crowd, and the views of the Hillsborough River, downtown Tampa, and the convention center might have something to do with it. Photo via American Social/Instagram
Rocco’s Tacos and Tequila Bar 2223 N Westshore Blvd. #203, Tampa, 813-800-8226 It’s going to be hard to find a better gourmet taco spot in Tampa than Rocco’s. While sipping a margarita, experience tableside guacamole, then enjoy a variety of authentic Mexican dishes that appear on the menu, including famous house tacos, handmade tortilla enchiladas and stuffed wet burritos. Oh, and they serve more tequilas than you knew existed. Photo via Rocco’s Tacos and Tequila Bar/Instagram
Ulele 1810 N Highland Ave., Tampa, 813-999-4952 Located on Tampa’s Riverwalk and in prime sunset-watching territory, Ulele is a Native American-inspired eatery that celebrates the vibrant fusion of Florida flavors. Offering both lunch and dinner options, Ulele serves unique favorites like okra fries, native chili, alligator hush puppies, jalapeño corn beer muffins and pan-seared pompano, as well as Tim Shackton’s Tampa-famous lagers and IPAs. Photo via Ulele/Instagram
Cooper’s Hawk Winery 4110 W Boy Scout Blvd., Tampa, 813-873-9463 Inspired by Napa Valley, Cooper’s Hawk is a fancy wine-lover’s treat, and a long wait on the weekends. And it makes sense, the tasting room’s with curated food pairings are worth the RSVP. Photo via Google Maps
The Avenue 330 1st Ave. S, St. Petersburg, 727-851-9531 The Avenue Eat + Drink is the ultimate local hangout. Enjoy a diverse menu and fresh cocktails at this popular downtown sports bar. Photo via The Avenue/Facebook
Brick & Mortar 539 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-822-6540 This cooking duo customizes small plates and entrees, like wild goose oysters and butternut squash carbonara to its vast clientele. The fresh and local ingredients keep customers coming back for more. Photo via Brick and Mortar/Instagram
Datz 2616 S MacDill Ave, Tampa, 813-831-7000 Known for their unique presentations of homestyle dinners and common desserts, making it into the Datz doors on the weekend for a Nashville chicken doughnut sandwich is definitely worth the struggle. Photo via Datz
Trip’s Diner 6416 N Florida Ave., Tampa, 813-533-1900 Get ready to stand around outside, because this Best of the Bay award winner specializes in classic diner eats that attract all walks of life, from local politicians to hungover college bros. Photo via Google Maps
On Swann 1501 W Swann Ave., Tampa, 813-251-0110 A menu filled with locally-sourced ingredients and a fine dining layout to bring it home, this date night spot may require a week’s notice to secure a weekend table. Photo via On Swann/Instagram
BellaBrava 1015 Gramercy Ln., Tampa, 813-524-5226 Billing itself as having “something for everyone,” this casual Italian truly sticks to its word, with options such as snapper milanese and stuffed gnocchi alla vodka. Photo via BellaBrava/Instagram
Bern’s Steakhouse 1208 S Howard Ave., Tampa, 813-251-2421 A staple of the Bay Area’s elevated dining scene, this steakhouse makes a name for itself with high-quality meats, and one of the hardest RSVPs in town. Of course, any date night isn’t complete without a stop at the Dessert Room. Just make sure you plan a month or two in advance. Photo via Bern’s Steakhouse/Instagram
Ella’s Americana Folk Art Cafe 5119 N Nebraska Ave., Tampa, 813-234-1000 Southern comfort marks the ambience of this Seminole Heights eatery. If you make it inside make sure to try the “Chicken and Waffle Sammy” or “Kiss My Grits” plate or the catch of the day or shrimp atop cheesy grits. Photo via Google Maps
Red Mesa Cantina 128 3rd St. S, St. Petersburg, 727-896-8226 One of St. Pete’s busiest restaurants, modern Mexican eats and cocktails await those willing to stick out the weekend crowds. Make sure to request a table in the quaint outdoor patio. Photo via Google Maps
Piccola Italia Bistro 2140 W Dr Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Tampa, 813-348-4912 Bringing the specialties of Rome and Naples to the residents of Tampa Bay, Chef William de Ingeniis, the impressive one-man show, makes sure his wide array of pasta dishes such as carbonara and aglio e olio are worth the wait. Photo via Google Maps
Steelbach 1902 N Ola Ave., Tampa, 813-693-5478 Steelbach is the “crown jewel” of Armature Works, according to CL food critic Jon Palmer Claridg, if you and your honey can get into this gem, get your hands on their imaginative tartines or trendy charcuterie board. Photo via Google Maps
HEW Parlor & Chophouse 453 Edgewater Dr., Dunedin, 727-683-5990 Extensive private dining and an open kitchen bar await you upon entering Fenway Hotel. Luxurious menu items represent the hotel’s historic origins, including steak tartare and lobster agnolotti with truffle foam. Photo via HEW Parlor and Chophouse/Instagram
Noble Rice 615 Channelside Dr., Suite 112, Tampa Michelin ranking: Recommended “There is an omakase on offer at a separate counter, but the real draw here is their à la carte sushi-focused menu with some izakaya and small plate options (think shrimp toast and karaage; skewers and ramen).” Photo via Noble Rice/Instagram
Rooster & The Till 6500 N Florida Ave., Tampa, 813-374-8940 Holding the title for Tampa Bay Times’ “No. 1 Tampa Bay Restaurant” two years in a row, Executive Chef Brian Lampe leads a team that perfectly executes knock-you-off-your-chair dishes like that katsu sandwich and “not pork” – code for ginger tofu– dumplings. Photo via Google Maps
Wild Child 2710 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-954-7425 Crassly named cocktails like the Porn Star Martini and the Tasteful Nudes can help those who enter get in touch with their inner rebel (and help the wait time pass painlessly). Photo via Wild Child/Instagram
Agave Lounge 6400 Gulf Blvd., St Pete Beach, 727-367-3448 Are long walks on the beach your date of choice? Stop by this beachside restaurant for authentic Mexican eats and a view of a trademark Florida sunset while you wait. Photo via Google Maps
Forbici Modern Italian 1633 W Snow Ave., Tampa, 813-251-8001 On any given night, this Hyde Park gem – helmed by executive chef Jason Saluditti – attracts the crowds with innovative tapas, pastas and Roman-style pies. Photo via Google Maps
Engine No. 9 56 Dr M.L.K. Jr St N, St. Petersburg, 727-623-0938 An always packed Edge District staple, owner Jason Esposito carries a legacy of champions into his burger-making ventures, but don’t forget to try the gumbo and the fried pickles. Photo via Google Maps
Clear Sky on Cleveland 418 Cleveland St., Clearwater, 727-754-7244 A fusion menu serving a mix of American, Mediterranean, Mexican, and more makes this sought-after joint a place that serves nearly every niche. Photo via Clear Sky on Cleveland/Instagram
Ebisu Sushi Shack 5116 N Nebraska Ave., Tampa, 813-252-6393 This neighborhood sushi joint often has an unexpected wait, partially due to the limited seating, but it’s nothing an Orange Sunrise roll and large sake can’t fix. Photo via Ebisu Sushi Shack
Meat Market Steakhouse 1606 W Snow Ave., Tampa, 813-280-1113 While making it into the highly sought after lounge setting is more difficult than dine-in seating, the cocktail menu makes for a fun night out for those that can get a reservation. Photo via Meat Market/Facebook

Magazine journalism student with an affinity for music writing. Brandalynn has previously written for Glitter Magazine and was the editor-in-chief/contributor of USF's Her Campus chapter.