Well, 2020 is coming in hot, folks. We’re only a couple months in, and Tampa Bay is already serving up some heavy hitters. From hyped Filipino fast food, to all-you-can-eat hot pot, here are a few brand-spankin’ new restaurants worth checking out this weekend.

Five Branches Brewing 531 Athens St., Tarpon Springs Tarpon Springs’ newest brewery has been serving craft beers out of its doors since its grand-opening in November 2019. It’s located in the heart of the historic Sponge Docks area, and has a clear view of the Tarpon Bayou. Photo via Five Branches/Website
Counter Culture 2909 W. Bay to Bay Blvd., Tampa At the beginning of January, five-time James Beard Award Semifinalist Jeannie Pierola opened her latest concept Counter Culture in South Tampa, serving up elevated plates in a 3,700-square-foot space. The site features a 14-foot wood-fired grill customized with a wood-fired oven and cast-iron plancha stations, a roll-up garage door for views of the Bay, and an indoor-outdoor full-liquor bar. Photo via Counter Culture/ Facebook
The Floribbean 2410 Central Ave., St. Petersburg The new Florida-Caribbean concept slings fusion bowls, tropical juices and craft brews in St. Pete’s Grand Central District. Floribbean cuisine is a mix of Caribbean and Floridian cooking techniques with an emphasis on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Photo by Jenna Rimensnyder
This Momma Cooks & Co 12081 Seminole Blvd., Largo This brick-and-mortar storefront opened in January, but owner Anastasia Thompson was slinging custom cakes, brownies, and cupcakes for months beforehand. Guests can find those baked goodies here, and also a light lunch menu during the week. Photo via This Momma Cooks & Co/Facebook
La Gloria Colombian Restaurant 4505 Park Blvd. N., Pinellas Park This family-owned joint features stacked menus chock full of traditional Latin American and Caribbean dishes—seriously, it’s the type of menu where you have to squint because there are so many options. Specials change constantly, so keep an eye on its Facebook for updates. Photo via La Gloria Colombian Restaurant/Facebook
Sea Dog Cantina 2832 Beach Blvd. S., Gulfport The Mexican restaurant and tequila bar concept offers favorites like burritos, tacos, chimichangas, and chiles rellenos. Photo via Sea Dog Cantina/Facebook
Yum Yum Hot Pot 11301 N 56th St., Tampa An all-you-can-eat spot, but make sure you read the fine print. There is a two-hour limit to eating and its employees are allowed to charge you up to $14.99 a pound for any wasted food— so eat wisely. Photo via Yum Yum Hot Pot AYCE/Google Maps
The Tiki Tavern 201 Main St., Suite 101, Safety Harbor Enjoy Tiki Tavern’s American comfort food-driven menu and variety of craft cocktails in its welcoming, beachy atmosphere and outdoor patio seating. Don’t let its tropical decor fool you—The Tiki Tavern is still a diehard sports bar at heart, with several HD TV screens for viewing any game you desire. Photo via The Tiki Tavern/Website
Jinju Korean Grill & Sushi 2700 34th St. N., St. Petersburg Jinju is impressing St. Pete foodies with its stacked menu of both Japanese and Korean favorites, including bibimbap, seafood pancakes, miso soup, pork kimchi dumplings, and grill-your-own KBBQ-style dinners. Photo via Jinju Korean Gill & Sushi/Facebook
Hibachi Express 2104 East Bay Dr., Largo Despite its name, Hibachi Express has a lot more to offer besides made-to-order stir fry and grilled meats—it provides many traditional Japanese entrees and appetizers, as well. From fresh sushi rolls, fried rice, and pan-fried noodles. Photo via Hibachi Express Largo/Facebook
Jollibee 4057 Park Blvd. N., Largo Pinellas Park now has drive-thru access to the chain’s signature fat dishes Chickenjoy, Jolly Spaghetti, and sandwiches constructed of Spam and corned beef. Guests might even run into the guy who waited in line for 16-plus hours and won a year’s supply of Chickenjoy. Photo via Jollibee/Facebook
La Bahía 214 E. Bearss Ave., Tampa The Puerto Rican bakery operates as a nonprofit organization, La Bahía’s website states that 100% of the profits go toward local and international missions. Photo via La Bahía/Facebook
La Dolce Vita Restaurant 3310 S. Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa South Tampa welcomed its newest Italian eatery when La Dolce Vita opened in the space formerly occupied by Le Boudoir restaurant. Its lunch menu includes light pasta dishes, pizza and pressed paninis while the dinner menu offers comforting pasta dishes like lasagna, lobster ravioli, penne pomodoro, carbonara and Bolognese. Photo via La Dolce Vita/Facebook
The Crepe Factory 500 Main St. Suite C, Safety Harbor The Crepe Factory only has one thing on the menu: crepes. Some are signature dishes and the modifiable versions can be modified an infinite number of ways. Prices start at $5.99. Photo via
Top 10 1701 N. Franklin St., Tampa The new concept is under the purvey of former 7th + Grove executive chef, Rudy Clark. Jamal Wilson, who owns Hall on Franklin, told CL that Clark’s menu is comprised of what Clark considers to be the top 10 dishes of his culinary career. Photo via The Hall on Franklin/Facebook
Water Oak 201 Main St., Suite 100, Safety Harbor Its steak and seafood-focused menu provides a variety of options from a raw bar with oysters and ceviche to comfort dishes like its Fish Camp shrimp, scallops, and grits— as well as more casual bites like salads and burgers. Photo via Water Oak/Facebook
Cigar City Brewing 375 Channelside Drive, Tampa Cigar City Brewing, the official beer of the Tampa Bay Lightning, opened a new taproom across Amalie Arena on Jan. 7. Now Lightning fans can sip signature brews like Jai Alai, Guayabera and Florida Cracker in the arena, or at the taproom which is located under the Pam Iorio Parking Garage. The taproom also serves specialty and seasonal beers. Photo via Cigar City Brewing/Website Credit: Cigar City Brewing
Havana Creamery & Subs 859 Lithia Pinecrest Rd., Brandon Combining cafe, restaurant, and ice cream parlor, Havana Creamery & Subs is East Tampa’s newest one-stop eatery for both savory and sweet bites. Its menu focuses on Cuban sandwiches (the Medianoche, ham croquettes, traditional steak sandwich.) and features a list of ice cream long enough to make you squint. Photo via Havana Creamery & Subs/Facebook
Elevation Coffee Roasters 4952 Northdale Blvd., Tampa Elevation has multiple locations around Tampa, but its Carrollwood location just opened in January. Its menu features brewed coffee like drip, cold brew and nitro, various espresso drinks, as well as hot or iced green, black and herbal blended teas. Photo via Elevation Coffee Roasters/Facebook
Karima’s Cuisine 2709 University Square Dr., Tampa Karima’s Cuisine offers soups, salads, and appetizers like falafel, pita and hummus and grilled eggplant. The restaurant also serves an extensive panini selection containing many American-style sandwiches like a typical steak and cheese, but with a Morrocan twist. Photo via Adobe Images
Sam’s Sushi 7210 U..S Hwy. 19 N., Pinellas Park Nuzzled in between Regal Cinemas and Coldstone Creamery in Pinellas Park, this Japanese-fusion restaurant serves made-to-order sushi rolls, fresh seaweed salads, bento boxes, and vegan options. Sam’s Sushi will soon offer beef, chicken, and seafood pho, as well Photo via Sam’s Sushi/Facebook
Mahana Fresh 17512 Dona Michelle Dr., Tampa Mahana Fresh’s menu is completely gluten-free, and thrives off the build-your-own-bowl model that allows diners to choose their base, protein, toppings, and sauces. The concept even offers desserts like zucchini brownies, chocolate chip cookies, and snickerdoodles (yes, gluten-free) and craft beer (not gluten-free). Photo via Mahana Fresh/Facebook
K Club & Bistro 2675 Ulmerton Rd., Clearwater This bar & bistro concept provides chic poolside views while dishing out New American cuisine, with flavors inspired by Florida’s coast. It serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner every day. Photo via Cappy’s Pizza/Facebook
The Blend 490 1st Avenue S., St. Petersburg Mother-daughter duo, Stacha Madsen and Nichole McVicar are coming in hot to the coffee community pouring up espresso drinks, as well as a selection of wine, brews, kombucha, and bites. The coffee shop also hosts live music out on the patio. Photo via Cappy’s Pizza/Facebook
The Joinery 640 E. Main St., Lakeland Lakeland’s first food hall features seven food and drink vendors, along with a flower bar. Find familiar favorites like Ava (Neapolitan-style pizza) or Gallito (taqueria), or new joints like Ato (another sushi and poke place) and Mayday (ice cream). Don’t forget the flowers at Bloom Shakalaka. Photo via The Joinery/Facebook