The suburbs of Hillsborough County hold a lot more than fast-food chains and never-ending real estate construction. Whether you’re searching for a new brunch spot or a way to add a stamp to your suburban cultural eats passport, this list has plenty of restaurants to try ASAP. 

Egg’s Up Grill 3920 U.S.-Hwy 301, Riverview, 813-800-3447 The Black-owned breakfast place has become a franchise built on the fundamentals of family time over a plate of sweet blueberry pancakes. Photo via Egg’s Up Grill/Facebook
Jimmy Jo’s 11218 Casa Loma Dr., Riverview, 813-405-8565 This small BBQ shack holds big flavors inside of its kitchen. Located right on the Alafia River, those cruising by on land or water can grab a bite of gator nuggets or St. Louis style pork ribs. Photo via Jimmy Jo’s/Google
Mandola’s Italian Kitchen 12926 U.S.-301 S, Riverview, 813-755-3587 A casual ambiance with Italian pasta plates made for fine dining is what customers will find when taking a seat at the green and red-colored eatery. Fresh complimentary focaccia sets your trip up for success, but taking a bite of traditional sweets or having a scoop of gelato to feel transported to the European coast truly rounds out any night at Mandola’s. Photo via Mandola’s/Facebook
Tiki Docks 10708 Palmetto St., Riverview, 813-683-8454 Overlooking the Alafia River in the fast-growing suburb of Riverview is this tropical-themed restaurant that truly contrasts the country riverside surroundings. A raw bar with ahi-tuna poke and fresh oysters or the unique varieties of “Alafia Tacos” await patrons that enter the waterfront eatery. Photo via Tiki Docks Website
Crazy Cafe 3883 U.S.-301, Riverview, 813-898-2839 Packed on any weekend, and my Christmas Day go-to, the casual hibachi joint has affordable sushi and perfectly crisped tofu (and for those that haven’t cooked with tofu, that’s a fairly difficult feat). It all keeps you coming back for more. Photo via Google Maps
Datz 6264 Winthrop Town Centre Ave., Riverview, 813-535-7952 Trendy foods and next-level flavor combos are what you can expect at the local food spot that has surely taken up all of our Instagram feeds at some point. Grab a bite of As-Seen-On-TV entrees like the bacon-jalapeño mac stuffed meatloaf, or the “Cheesy Todd” –a burger with fried mac and cheese squares for buns. Photo via Datz Website
Red Star Live 9847 E Adamo Dr., Tampa, 813-898-8506 After closing its original Seminole Heights location in the summer of 2021, music lovers of the suburbs are thankful to still have their newish local treasure. Fittingly placed next to Brandon’s Harley Davidson, the rock music bar has classic pub eats like burgers and wings best enjoyed on its live music-filled weekends. Photo via Red Star Live Website
Babe’s Pizza 107 N Kings Ave., Brandon, 813-689-2282 This Brandon pizzeria is home to the double-decker pizza and a non-stop locomotive that makes its way around the restaurant. You can enjoy the unique pie with plenty of toppings, or take the simple route of a classic NY-style slice. Photo via Google Maps
Beer Shed 11222 Casa Loma Dr., Riverview, 813-671-1885 A riverfront bar on the Alafia that has all things beer and small bar bites. Dock your boat to jam to the live music and karaoke on the weekends. Photo via Beer Shed/Facebook
Bolay 1544 W Brandon Blvd. Unit 102, Brandon, 813-412-5085 These Asian-fusion bowls are crafted to your taste with bases like sweet potato noodles plus proteins such as miso-glazed tofu and Thai shrimp. But if you’re indecisive, there are plenty of pre-made combos to choose from. Photo via Bolay/Instagram
Canopy Road Cafe 10254 Causeway Blvd., Riverview, 813-644-7079 Homestyle diner feel with hearty helpings to match, the spot is a haven of flavorful brunch dishes. For the sweet tooth, its pancakes are a must with the flavors that walk the line between breakfast guilty pleasure and dessert. Photo via Canopy Road Cafe/Facebook
Donovan’s Meatery 11206 Sullivan St., Riverview, 813-295-8445 An upscale extension to the creative minds behind Datz, the steakhouse serves signature steaks with extravagant sides such as au gratin potatoes and grilled butternut squash with a maple bourbon glaze. Photo via Donovan’s Meatery/Facebook
Fred’s Market 6501 U.S. Hwy-301, Riverview, 813-741-9101 It doesn’t get more country than Fred’s Market, a southern buffet with Plant City roots. The market table is filled with golden-fried chicken and all kinds of daily specials that may be difficult to tackle in just one trip. Photo via Fred’s Market/Facebook
Riverview Fresh Market 9613 U.S. Hwy-301, Riverview, 813-374-2353 Go down the hot bar line to create a platter with Latin specialties like bacalao guisado and arroz con gandules after filling up your cart with lots of Latin goods from the shelves. Trucks of freshly cut coconuts to sip on and mini churro carts on your way out makes a trip to this market more exciting than your local Publix. Photo via Google Maps
Pho Loc Tho 11262 Boyette Rd., Riverview, 813-570-6163 The Vietnamese restaurant carries pho steaming hot enough to warm the soul and specialty fresh spring rolls to cool you down. Photo via Pho Loc Tho/Facebook
Smokin’ Pig BBQ 3834 U.S. Hwy-301, Riverview, 813-512-2500 Barbecue buffs and banana pudding lovers should flock to the spot where “low and slow” is the kitchen’s motto. Stop in for sensationally spiced hickory-smoked meats with plenty of traditional sides to choose from (the five-cheese mac and sweet cornbread my personal favorites). Photo via Google Maps
TBD Cafe @ 301 3840 U.S.-Hwy 301 S, Riverview, 813-420-0013 Quick bites of Pinoy favorites and bubble tea in fun flavors like lychee dragon pearls and Sunshine Colada makes this spot a hidden gem bursting with flavor. Photo via Google Maps
Tibby’s New Orleans Kitchen 1721 W Brandon Blvd., Brandon, 813-315-8443 It’s Mardi Gras year-round for those that step foot in the New Orleans-style restaurant. Its fried catfish po’boys and shrimp and andouille gumbo are not complete without a good few splashes of the housemade Louisiana hot sauce. And of course, don’t forget to take home a bag of pillowy (and messy) beignets. Photo via Tibby’s/Instagram
Truly Greek 887 E Bloomingdale Ave., Brandon, 813-324-7933 Run by a local family with deep Grecian roots, Truly Greek’s menu has all the Mediterranean staples, including the no-brainer hummus alongside the chicken shawarma platter. The tangy Greek potato salad is what makes it different from the rest. Photo via Google Maps
Tuk Tuk Thai 10471 Gibsonton Dr., Riverview, 813-442-6557 Family-owned to ensure every dish is served with lots of care, this Thai spot is the place to call and satisfy all your take-out cravings. Indulge in every flavor of rich curry and some Thai doughnuts with pandan custard to close out your meal. Photo via Google Maps
La Casa del Chimi 7441 U.S. Hwy-301 #105,106, Riverview, 813-671-1999 What started as a food truck and is now a nightlife hotspot for local Latines, the Dominican restaurant has a menu filled with the Caribbean island’s best dishes. The pressed chimi sandwich (pork, beef, chicken) mixed with cabbage and a citrusy mayochup is its specialty, but sides like crispy tostones or the more traditional shrimp mofongo will have your taste buds dancing to the Reggaeton blasting through the speakers. Photo via Google Maps
MOCA Asian Cuisine 11244 Boyette Rd., Riverview, 813-512-2126 The Asian eatery has all your favorite Thai and Japanese specials from chicken yaki udon to pad thai noodles. Photo via MOCA Website
Lorita’s 10278 Causeway Blvd., Tampa, 813-644-5652 Authentic made-to-order Mexican food makes Lorita’s a necessary stop on your foodie tour of Riverview. Keep it trendy with birria tacos (or to take it a step further, the gargantuan birria quesadilla) or simple but still flavorful with a carne asada burrito. Photo via Lorita’s/Facebook
Hunter’s Brunch Shack 8001 U.S. Hwy-301, Riverview, 813-898-0459 Start your day off with southern breakfast staples like biscuits and gravy and corn beef hash platters. Despite taking over the old Riverview Sandwich Shop, the brunch place will sell favorites of the long-standing diner. Photo via Google Maps

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.