Tampa Bay’s vibrant restaurant scene has been making a name for itself for awhile now. But any examination of our restaurant scene isn’t complete without recognizing our rich history and tradition of Black-owned bars and restaurants in the region. Since February is Black History month, here are some incredible spots you should check out.

Pop Goes The Waffle Sara Gerald Fludd Location varies Sara Gerald Fludd has been crafting different waffle concoctions since receiving a Belgian waffle iron for Mother’s day. Founded in 2017, Pop Goes the Waffle is a food truck, so you’ll need to check their schedule if you want to try sweet or savory waffles. Photo via Pop Goes The Waffle website
Cephas Hot Shop 1613 E 7th Ave., Tampa Last fall, Cephas closed his Fourth Street location following nearly four decades on the block, and now inspectors have finally approved Cephas’ juice and aloe bar inside Tequila’s Mexican restaurant, and the bar made its debut in February 2020. Owner Cephas Gilbert, who has a bit of a reputation for pushing people to eat healthier, will be serving aloe, tumeric and powerhouse tea. PHOTO BY KIMBERLY DEFALCO
7th and Grove & Roast Vondalyn Crawford and Khalilaa McDuffie 7th and Grove1930 E 7th Ave, Tampa, 813-649-8422 Roast 1930 E 7th Ave C, Tampa, 813- 939-8463 This “adult-friendly” space brings a southern menu, warm ambiance and craft cocktails to Ybor City where Crawford and McDuffie are two-thirds of an ownership group that’s changed the corner of 7th and 21st. New grab-and-go deli Roast is all about quick breakfast and lunch bites, but at night the space transforms into a speakeasy named Madame Fortune’s Speakeasy, featuring West Indian cuisine. Photo via 7th and Grove/Facebook
COPA 1047 Central Ave., St. Petersburg Making its debut in October 2019, COPA offers an international selection of dishes, from fried ravioli to pork tostones, alongside a variety of wine and beer. The joint also doubles as a hookah lounge for you smokers. Owners, and brothers, Maxim and Sebastien Thuriere are St. Pete natives and wanted their wine bar to be vibrant, rather than dark and somber. ALEXANDRIA JONES
Al’s Finger Licking Good Bar-B-Que 1609 Angel Oliva Senior St., Tampa Al’s got its start in a concession stand in 2003, before evolving into a sit-in restaurant in Ybor in 2009. The restaurant makes Tennessee-style barbeque. Slide by for a taste of Al’s ribs, which are smoked for at least two hours. Photo via Al’s Finger Licking Good Bar-B-Que/Facebook
Jerk Hut Island Grille and Beach Club 1241 E. Fowler Ave.,Temple Terrace In 2019, Jerk Hut pulled a fast one on locals by relocating one of their locations directly across the street, but that didn’t stop its cult following from that buffet. The restaurant has four locations and the menu includes beef patties, ox tail stew, and, of course, jerk chicken. JENNA RIMENSNYDER
Island Crew Restaurant and Sports Bar 2210 E. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa Island Crew serves a variety of Carribean food, like jerk chicken, curried goat and oxtail. The owner, who calls himself Chef Pappy, travels to Haiti once a year to donate clothes and school supplies. Photo via Island Crew Restaurant and Sports Bar/Facebook
Flavaz Jamaican Grille 6467 US-301, Riverview Flavaz was opened in 2017, after its owners were unable to find authentic Jamaican food in the Brandon/Riverview area. The restaurant offers oxtail, a variety of curry and jerk chicken wings. Vegetarian options are also available. Photo via Flavaz Jamaican Grille website
Mama’s Southern Soul Food Restaurant 3701 E. Dr. M.L.K. Jr. Blvd., Tampa Mama’s has been serving proper soul food, like oxtail and fried catfish, in Tampa for over 15 years. The restaurant’s website says customers shouldn’t be too surprised if Chef Reaves, the owner, visits their table. Photo via Mama’s Southern Soul Food Restaurant/Facebook
Mr. B’s Southern Cuisine 3401 N. Nebraska Ave., Tampa Mr. B’s offers Southern-based breakfast and lunch, with dishes like fried catfish and fat plates of honey chicken and waffles. Restaurateur Calvin Jefferson developed the menu to reflect the meals he grew up with. Photo via Mr. B’s Restaurant/Facebook
The Rib Shack BBQ 426 W. Bay Dr., Largo Voted best BBQ ribs by Reader’s Choice Pinellas in 2017, The Rib Shack BBQ also serves chicken, chopped pork or beef, sausage and wings. All of the lunch specials cost less than $10 and are served until 3 p.m. The Rib Shack BBQ website
Ya Boy’s BBQ 1901 N. Howard Ave., Tampa Ya Boy’s serves southern favorites like deviled crabs, ribs and smoked chicken wings. The restaurant’s lunch special comes with your choice of meat and two sides. Photo via Ya Boy’s BBQ/Facebook
Grant’s Crabs and Seafood 13030 Starkey Rd., Largo Grant’s offers plenty of seafood options like crab, shrimp, muscles and fish. If you aren’t in the mood for seafood, the restaurant also offers chicken wings. Owner Will Grant has had more than 32 years of Floridian restaurant experience and has cooked for celebrities like Angela Bassett, Dick Vitale, Michael Alstott and Randy “Macho Man” Savage. Photo via Google Maps
The Hall on Franklin 1701 N. Franklin St., Tampa The Hall on Franklin houses seven different food concepts including Kôf?, which serves coffee, and Bake’n Babes known for signature Freak Shakes that Lizzo herself slide by for a photo op. Jamal Wilson, who owns the food hall, has a real estate background and has owned property on Franklin Street since 2006. Wilson also has two more food halls in the works. Alexandria Jones
Heavy’s Food Truck Location varies Owners Rob Lancaster and Kendrick Scott are used to serving comfort food out of their red, white and blue food truck. Whether you’re in the mood for beef, pork, poultry or seafood, the two entrepreneurs have plenty of choices. Check their Facebook or give them a ring to see where they’re parked. Photo via heavysfoodtruck.com