Without a doubt this past summer was one of the toughest environments for Tampa Bay businesses, especially restaurants. But despite the pandemic, strict social-distancing mandates, and huge pivots to takeout and delivery, a considerable amount of new eateries emerged. From Filipino eats, viral chicken joints, and a slew of new breweries, distilleries and tiki bars, here are a few of the many new restaurants that sprouted up this summer.
The Urban Stillhouse
2232 5th Ave. S, St. St. Petersburg, (727) 440-8040
The Urban Stillhouse is a 16,000-square-foot restaurant, bar and event space boasting two full-service bars, dinner service on weekdays and brunch on the weekends. Currently, the restaurant is only serving guests with reservations. The menu features elevated classics from Maine lobster to lamb chops to ricotta gnocchi.
Photo via The Urban Stillhouse/FacebookPreez Distillery & Tasting Room
10550 72nd St. N. no. 503., Largo, (727) 455-2056
Owned by a veteran couple, this Largo distillery offers a great alternative to those missing out on bars and breweries that are under restriction. Upon entering the tasting room, guests learn the subtleties of each vodka through appearance, smell, and flavor. Tastings are complimentary, and bottles are available for purchase as well.
Photo via Preez Distillery/FacebookWater + Flour
1015 S. Howard Ave, Tampa, (813) 251-8406
With a new look, name and menu, the former home of Ciccio Water is now Water + Flour. The lunch and dinner menus include “simple sushi” (think ahi tuna, hamachi and avocado rolls), “rolls that spark joy” (yes, there’s a volcano roll), California bowls (chicken & broccolini, “Fitness,” “The Local” and more), small plates and grilled wraps while the “All Day” menu has fresh pasta (the “Lil’ Spicy,” three-cheese bolognese, more), salads and nine types of 12-inch brick oven pizza. Prices go from $4 for a small Italiano salad to $39 for a family-sized plant-based bolognese pasta.
Photo via Water + Flour/FacebookKipos Mediterranean Cuisine
201 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, (813) 501-5661
Kipos Mediterranean is located in Tampa’s Armature Works and serves fresh Mediterranean fare, with menu items such as gyros, pitas, Greek salads and scratch-made hummus and tzatziki.
Photo via Kipos Mediterranian Cuisine/FacebookBayboro Brewing Co.
2390 5th Ave. S., St. Petersburg, (727) 767-9666
Bayboro Brewing’s 2,500-square-foot space hosts 20 taps with various bottled brews and a large outdoor beer garden. Additionally, its beer selection is not constrained by limitations like geographic borders. Available beers range from Belgians to IPAs, ciders and mead. Specific blends include the Wicked G’Day, a New England IPA; Bomb A Deer, a strawberry blonde ale; Teufel Hunden, a peanut butter chocolate stout; Prestonweizen, a German hefeweizen and more.
Photo via Bayboro Brewing/FacebookBlack Radish
2923 N. 12th St., Tampa, (813) 467-6496
Technially not a restaurant, Black Radish Grocer is a small boutique and curated all-plant-based vegan grocery store, in Ybor. Some of its most popular items include Beyond and Impossible meats, fancy cheeses (Wendy’s, Jule’s), seitan filets, Oopsy Daisy “Vinkies” and Stonewall’s Jerquee snacks. Oh, and Follow Your Heart American cheese, too. Every now and then it hosts a pop-up food cart.
Photo via Black Radish/FacebookHungry Crab Juicy Seafood and Bar
8841 Park Blvd. N., Seminole, (727) 319-6661
At Hungry Crab’s second location, guests can expect the typical seafood gambit of fried shrimp, calamari, hush puppies, and oysters. Wings, gumbo, macaroni and cheese, and sausage are also in the mix. The first Hungry Crab location is in Winter Haven.
Photo via Hungry Crab Juicy Seafood and Bar/FacebookTiki Docks Skyway Bar and Grill
3769 50th Ave. S., St. Petersburg, (813) 683-8454
Opened in St. Pete’s Maximo Marina, at the former location of Getaway, Tiki Docks serves a variety of specialty sandwiches, like the Perfect 10 Dockwich and a raw bar, as well as vibrant cocktails served in colorful tiki glasses.
Photo via Tiki Docks Skyway Bar and Grill/FacebookYummy Europe
1320 34th St. N, St. Petersburg, (727) 686-1223
This European grocery store and deli is set to come to St. Pete this August, bringing a range of international products along. Featured items include wine, beer, coffee, smoked meats, specialty sausages, cheeses, farm fresh eggs and spices from countries including Italy, Greece, Romania, Hungary, Russia, Germany and more.
Photo via Yummy Europe/FacebookBrighter Days Brewing Co.
311 N. Safford Ave., Tarpon Springs, (727) 698-0309
Beer lovers can visit the new Brighter Days Brewing Co., to check out q vast selection of unique brews served in bright can designs. Some offerings include the Raspberry Beret sour ale, Bicycle Race pale ale and Endless Love hazy pale ale.
Photo via Brighter Days Brewing Co./FacebookGuava Grill
2106 W. Main St., Tampa, (813) 251-4553
Stationed within West Tampa Bay’s Cannon Beer Company, Guava Grill serves Cuban-inspired tavern food and guava creations, like Havana Nachos, Main St. Cuban Sandwich and Guava Grilled Cheese Sliders.
Photo via Google Street screen captureDeVito’s Italian Specialities
200 N. Tampa St.,Tampa, (813) 609-3833
Serving classic Italian dishes with a modern spin, Tampa’s new DeVito’s offers a high-end dining experience for those looking for some authentic pasta, salads and entrees, including their rigatoni bolognese, veal osso bucco and more.
Photo viaNaked Farmer
200 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, (727) 826-0338 and 615 Channelside Dr., Tampa, 813-553-7106
With two locations in Tampa’s Sparkman Wharf and St. Pete, the Naked Farmer is a locally sourced food stop offering a different menu depending on the season. Right now, you can stop in for a build-your-own bowl with different veggies, grains and proteins.
Photo via Naked Farmer/FacebookOronzo Honest Italian
18027 Highwoods Preserve Pkwy., Tampa, 813-730-0100
The fast-casual Oronzo Honest Italian boasts a loaded menu filled with Italian soups, salads, pizzas and its “Italian burritos.” Oronzo also incorporates options for dietary restrictions like gluten-free noodles and vegan dishes.
Photo via Oronzo Honest Italian/FacebookPatti’s Kitchen
6527 Park Blvd., Pinellas Park, (727) 289-4153
Those looking for Thai street food now have a new spot to visit in Pinellas Park. Patti’s Kitchen serves several Thai noodle dishes as well as appetizers like its grilled pork balls and desserts like the Thai coconut cake.
Photo via Patti’s Kitchen/InstagramSide Piece
587 Main St., Dunedin, (813) 683-8454
This new, casual order-at-the-counter spot opened in Dunedin a week before its initial opening date, giving the area a head start on trying a panini-focused menu. Try the confit duck french drip “quack attack” panini, the vegetarian “mary mo,” the meat-filled “hey mario,” or any of the innovative sides like the Thai popcorn and charcuterie plate.
Photo via Side Piece/InstagramDatz
6264 Winthrop Town Centre Ave., Riverview, (813) 535-7952
Datz describes itself as “craft beer oasis, a bourbon lover’s paradise and a foodie wonderland filled with bacon, cheese and house-made breads.” Additionally, Datz offers a large cocktail menu with artisanal liquors and a seasonal menu change. The Riverview Datz opened in the parcel last occupied by Eats! American Grill in the Winthrop Town Centre.
Photo via Datz/FacebookRevolution Ice Cream Co.
4032 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, (813) 573-7744
The Revolution Ice Cream Co. is known for crafting small-batch artisan ice cream and creating not only odd flavors, but for putting local twists on classics. Vegans are even invited to the party with the shop’s coconut milk ice cream, though flavors vary. This is Rev’s newest location (there’s another at 6701 N. Florida Ave. in Seminole Heights and its first was in Brandon).
Photo via The Revolution Ice Cream Co./FacebookRed Mesa Quatro
128 3rd St. S., St. Petersburg, (727) 896-8226
Red Mesa Quatro is the currently all-online fourth concept from St. Pete icon Red Mesa Cantina. Quatro’s menu covers a wide swath of culinary territory, featuring everything from classic Cubans, ranch fries, BBQ chicken sandwiches, bacon-wrapped hot dogs, poke bowls and pad thai. Patrons also pick up their orders at Red Mesa Cantina. Once coronavirus cases begin to slow down to a manageable level, Quatro plans to head into an in-person, fast-casual format.
Photo via Google Street screen grabPickford’s Counter
2606 W. Hillsborough Ave, Tampa, (813) 308-9668
The Pickford Sundries storefront is given new life with the new restaurant concept Pickford’s Counter. The soda shop spot pays homage to the history of the shop itself, while bringing in some modern spins on classic comfort food dishes. The menu offers breakfast and lunch, starring items like the “Damn Good Grilled Cheese” and the unexpected “Cereal Quesito.”
Photo via Pickford’s Counter/FacebookRome & Fig Bistro
317 N. Rome Ave., Tampa, (813) 253-3353
The new North Hyde Park restaurant offers a full bar and cocktail program highlighting a full range of brews and wines. Key menu items include the seafood risotto, lamb chops, tuna tartare, Asian-style wings and bison meatballs. Plus, it has plenty of outdoor seating.
Photo via Rome & Fig Bistro/FacebookBrioche
407 S. Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa, (813) 443-4409
Brioche is a Tampa Bay European Mediterranean-inspired cafe and bakery featuring artisanal breads, soups, salads and sandwiches. The cafe offers breakfast, lunch and early dinner Monday through Friday, as well as a weekend brunch. The bakery menu boasts creations like a streusel-topped madeleine cake and a bacon cheddar scone.
Photo via Brioche/FacebookBlue Lizard Beer Lounge
5025 E. Fowler Ave no. 21, Tampa, (813) 936-6970
Opening in June, the Blue Lizard Beer Lounge has a “classic house party” feel, created by offering popular games like Jenga, Foosball and beer pong to guests. The casual couch-lined lounge also offers hookahs in fruity flavors as well as your usual beer and wine.
Photo via Blue Lizard Beer Lounge/FacebookChef & the Baker
1701 N. Franklin St, Tampa, (813) 444-3708
Located inside The Hall on Franklin in Tampa Heights, Chef and the Baker offers a fancier flair to patisserie items, including favorites like the croissant doughnut. Savory items are also on the menu for those looking for brunch like a ham, egg and cheese croissant.
Photo via Chef & the Baker/FacebookFly Bar and Restaurant
442 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, (813) 803-8550
The Fly Bar Restaurant features a large, dog-friendly patio perfect for social distancing. Cuisine includes its classic burgers and potato waffles. Along with your expected alcoholic beverages, the Fly Bar offers a number of specialty drinks like Freddie’s Dead, which is made up of Appleton Estate 12 Year, Copper and King’s brandy, hoodoo liqueur, pineapple, citrus and cinnamon.
Photo via Fly Bar and Restaurant/FacebookSunshine Kitty Catfe
1669 1st Ave S., St. Petersburg
The cat cafe allows guests to enjoy locally sourced drinks and eats in the company of adoptable cats acquired from Friends of Strays Animal Shelter. As of now, the catfe is operating at a limited capacity and is only offering reservations. Guests are also required to wear masks.
Photo via Sunshine Kitty Catfe/FacebookPour Judgement
269 Central Ave., St.Petersburg
A nod to the bar’s address, Pour Judgement is a new place serving 269 different shots. Including Twix flavored and mini old fashions, the shots vary from insanely creative to bar classics. Opening for on-site consumption, Pour Judgement will also be serving gourmet pressed sandwiches.
Photo via Photo via Pour Judgement/InstagramMazzaro’s Italian Market
14700 Terminal Blvd no. 221, Clearwater, (727) 321-2400
St. Petersburg favorite Mazzaro’s has opened a second location inside the St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport stationed by gates 7-11. The market offers flatbreads, sandwiches, cocktails and more.
Photo via Visit St.Pete/Clearwater/FacebookJake’s Coastal Cantina
500 1st St., Indian Rocks Beach, (727) 595-6777
This fast-casual Mexican restaurant on Indian Rocks Beach is known for its speciality margaritas with over 20 tequilas to choose from. Open for dine-in and takeout, Jake’s also serves tacos, Mexican pizza, empanadas and other Mexican staples.
Photo via Jake’s Coastal Cantina/FacebookChicky Chicky Bang Bang
4110 Henderson Blvd., Tampa, (813) 443-1822
Big fan of Flock ‘n’ Stock? Check out the latest concept by Tampa Pizza Co. co-founder Dave Burton. Located inside Tampa Pizza Co., Chicky Chicky Bang Bang is a fast-casual spot serving fried chicken,macaroni and cheese and more.
Photo via Chicky Chicky Bang Bang/FacebookBamboozle Channelside
109 N. 12 St., Tampa, (813) 227-7500
After closing to remodel, Bamboozle Channelside has finally reopened. The Vietnamese restaurant serves fresh rolls, pho soup, bahn mi and of course, boba tea.
Photo via Bamboozle Channelside/FacebookBodega
1180 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, (727) 623-0942
Latin street food spot Bodega has finally opened its new location in St. Petersburg. The restaurant is still serving its fan favorites like their Cuban, lechon and pollo sandwiches, as well as their more modern and vegetarian options like the vegetarian and tempeh sandwiches.
Photo via Bodega/FacebookHidden Springs Ale Works
1631 N. Franklin St., Tampa, (813) 226-2739
After obtaining a new food licence, Hidden Springs has reopened its tasting room for on-site consumption. The brewery offers beer on tap and in cans to be enjoyed on the premises while following mandated mask rules and social distancing.
Photo via Hidden Springs Ale Works/FacebookWoven Water Brewing Co.
456 W. Columbus Dr., Tampa, (813) 443-9463
Just a short walk from Armature Works, the brewery is currently selling beer for off-site consumption. Customers can choose from three different 16-oz. cans in singles or four-packs online and pick-up their order Wed.-Fri. from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. or Sat.-Sun. from 2 p.m to 5 p.m.
Photo via Woven Water/FacebookEsposito’s Italian Restaurant
14306 N. Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa, 813-769-9098
Esposito’s Italian offers a plethora of traditional Italian dishes in a way that feels like home, priding itself on being ““Old World Italian with a New World Swagger.” Try out their wine menu or maybe choose to start off with an appetizer like octopus di puglia.
Photo via Esposit’s Italian Restaurant/FacebookSus Hi Eatstation
2309 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa, (813) 462-9100
A new addition to University Mall, this ninja-themed sushi spot is a phenomenal fast food experience, offering dishes like the The Fry Me a River burrito, which is packed with white rice, salmon, tuna, spicy krab, cream cheese, avocado, edamame beans, purple cabbage and cucumbers. Operations are cash-less for now, but guests can still dine in, pick up, or have their food delivered.
Photo via Sus Hi Eatstation/FacebookSucré Table
4048 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, (813) 374-5643
Sucré Table has a wide assortment of high-end desserts and cakes, ranging from strawberry Japanese cheesecake to spinach gruyere quiche. The bakery is run by chef Brenda Villacorta, who is a regular competitor on several Food Network shows. Photo via Sucré Table/FacebookThe Hatchery
201 N. Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa, (813) 492-5342
Only just opened at the end of August, this hormone-free chicken restaurant pairs classic chicken dishes with unique specialty items like the Sunrise burger breakfast sandwich, made with two eggs, cheddar cheese, and hickory-smoked bacon. You can turn up the heat with hot honey, poblano and peri peri dipping sauces, or opt for something tamer if you have any “little chicks” that are 12 and under.
Photo via The Hatchery/FacebookBento Asian Kitchen + Sushi
5103 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa, (813) 769-9983
The newest Florida Bento location has a diverse selection of meals, carrying wok-seared dishes, sushi, build-your-own poke bowls, rice and noodle bowls, and bento boxes. The restaurant’s interior consists of inviting wood tones and brass accents reminiscent of cafes and lounges in Japan and Taiwan; however, if you opt to not dine in, there is plenty of outdoor seating as well as options for both delivery and pickup.
Photo via Bento/WebsiteTampa Beer Works
333 N. Falkenburg Rd no. 407., Tampa, 813-685-1909
After being forced to close due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Tampa Beer Works is back, bringing 15 beer taps together with live music and an inviting taproom. If you don’t have time to make it inside, online ordering is available as well.Photo via Tampa Beer Works/WebsiteFo’Cheezy Twisted Meltz
6305 Gulf Blvd., St. Petersburg, 727-498?-3205
The brick-and-mortar extension of celebrity chef Robert Hesse’s St. Pete food truck, Fo’Cheezy is chock-full of delectable comfort food, with over a dozen different cheesy melts to choose from. There’s also a handful of delicious shakes to choose from, including the Go Shorty.
Photo via Fo’ Cheezy/FacebookChick‘n Cone
425 Central Ave., Tampa, (727) 350-4347
This extremely viral downtown St. Pete restaurant combines all manner of chicken flavors with a classic, handheld waffle cone. With a dog-friendly patio, this restaurant—which has drawn criticism from Keep St. Petersburg Local—keeps things simple.
Photo via Chick’nCone/FacebookDoormét Gourmet Café
681 Central Ave., Tampa, (727) 769-9983
In this socially distanced era, Tampa-based Doormét was ahead of the curve, specializing in home deliveries for 11 years. Its newly opened St. Petersburg location hopes to expand on this, offering hand-tossed pizzas, truffle mac and cheese, and deli and bistro sandwiches.
Photo via Doormét/Facebook
Esposito’s Italian RestaurantPinoy
1113 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, (727) 281-0072
This recently opened Filipino restaurant in St. Petersburg offers traditional Filipino dishes as well as drinks like buko juice, which is coconut milk made with young coconut meat. For vegan patrons, Pinoy offers dishes like vegetable lumpia, curry and pancit made up of stir-fried rice noodles, carrot, celery, green beans, onion and cabbage.
Photo via Pinoy/FacebookTwo Shepherds Taproom
4813 N. Grady Ave., Tampa, (813) 769-9983
Tampa’s very first indoor, outdoor 21-and-up dog bar has opened with a play area for dogs and full air conditioning and 20 rotating taps and a wide wine selection for their owners.
Photo via Two Shepherds Taproom/Facebook
