In just the last couple weeks, Tampa Bay was hit with the news that multiple beloved restaurants were calling it quits. Long standing icons like Ella’s and Goody Goody are serving up their last plates, and they aren’t the only ones. Over the last couple years, Tampa Bay has seen a wave of local favorites close their doors. Here are a few we’ll miss.
Credit: Photo by Jeni ArmstrongLuv Child
516 S Howard Ave., Tampa
Nearly five years after its debut, South Tampa modern Cuban concept Luv Child said goodbye last summer. Luv Child took to social media to announce the closure, and to thank diners for their support. “After careful consideration, we have decided to permanently close our doors at Luv Child, with our last day of service being Sunday, July 28th,” read a statement from the restaurant. “We have cherished every moment spent serving you and are incredibly grateful for your unwavering LUV and support. Thank you so much for being a part of our journey!” Luv Child was known for a posh (and very pink) atmosphere, offering up elevated Cuban and Latin fare like loaded quesadillas, chicharrones, and tostones, as well as a well-appointed cocktail menu. No exact reason was given for the closure, though the post stated that a second location of Italian fast-casual concept Jay & Luigi will open in the same space. Luv Child was owned by the Ciccio Restaurant Group (CRG), which also operates other local restaurants including Green Lemon, Daily Eats, Fresh Kitchen, Water & Flour, Taco Dirty, Cali and others.
Photo via Luv Child/Facebook Credit: Photo via Luv Child/FacebookKing State
520 E Floribraska Ave., Tampa
Despite its popularity and a place in the top 10 of Food & Wine’s “Best Coffee Shops in America,” King State will have to close its Tampa Heights location in October. A closing date has not been announced, but owners wrote that their move out would happen towards the end of October. “We are working on getting a new operator in here that will treat this space well and will allow King State to still be a part of Tampa,” ta social media post added. King State, which celebrated its five-year anniversary over the summer, was borne from a DIY coffee roasting warehouse operation and opened in June of 2019. It quickly became a popular destination thanks to its surefire breakfast, laid-back light-filled dining room, and killer drinks. Like many other businesses, King State battled through the pandemic, with the last few years bringing a lot of change for co-founders Tim McTague and Nate Young.
Photo via King State/Instagram Credit: Photo via @k1ngst8/InstagramGoody Goody which closes in Tampa, Florida on Sept. 29, 2024. Credit: Photo via goodyburgers/FacebookBastet Brewing
951 E Adamo Dr. Suite B, Tampa
Best of the Bay-winning Bastet Brewing served its last pint of fermented goodness last August. “The short explanation is that adverse socio-economic conditions that began in 2020, the year we opened, have led us to make a pragmatic decision that is the best for moving forward,” Bastet Brewing’s owners wrote on its website. “For nearly 4 years we’ve fought against the persistent unfavorable challenges within the beer industry to keep the doors open, but with limited options available to us, the financial burden has proven to be too great.” n fall of 2021, both Ross and Lett graced the cover of Creative Loafing Tampa Bay for a story that delved into the world of Tampa Bay’s Black brewers and the challenges they faced. Lett talked about his experiences with racism as one of the few Black brewers and brewery owners in Florida. On the National Black Brewers Association’s directory, there are only three Black-owned breweries in the state of Florida, including Bastet Brewing and St. Petersburg’s Green Bench Brewing. In 2023, the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation reported that the Sunshine State is home to almost 500 craft breweries.
Photo by Aaron Hosé Credit: Aaron HoséEden
912 N Franklin St., Tampa
A staple in Tampa’s nightlife scene abruptly closed its doors in July and it’s still unsure why. Eden was known for its stacked entertainment lineups, stiff drinks and late-night hours. The nightclub abruptly closed on Thursday, June 13, according to social media posts from its employees—like former General Manager Niko Alvertos, who posted that “we all had the feeling something was going to happen, we just didn’t know when.” Eden’s Facebook and Instagram pages were also deleted, showing no trace of the once-popular nightclub and event space. It is also listed as “permanently closed” on Google. There was no official closing announcement issued by ownership, so it’s still unclear why the once-popular nightlife hotspot abruptly closed its doors. The two-story club was garden-themed, hence its name, and featured specialty cocktails inspired by the seven deadly sins, a ton of VIP booths, a late-night menu, themed parties and a steady rotation of DJs and other entertainers. The downtown Tampa bar and club made its debut in 2021, after $4.5 million dollar renovations rendered the former Franklin Manor space unrecognizable.
Photo via Seven Marketing + PR Credit: Seven Marketing + PRSix Ten Brewing
7052 Benjamin Rd., Tampa
After celebrating a decade in Tampa Bay, Town ‘N’ Country’s popular Six Ten Brewing emptied its kegs last June. The local brewery—largely known for its wide variety of craft beers, regular event programming, and friendly hospitality—took to social media to announce the sale of its building and imminent closure of Six Ten. “It is with mixed emotions that we announce the closing of our beloved brewery, as we have made the difficult decision to sell and allow another brewery to begin their journey,” Six Ten Brewing wrote on social media earlier this week. “From the first pint we poured to the countless celebrations, events and gatherings, every moment has been a life-changing experience for us. We are deeply grateful for the trust you placed in us, the feedback you shared, and the loyalty you showed.” Owners Leslie and Chris Johnson ditched their corporate jobs to open Six Ten Brewing in 2014, and quickly made a name for themselves in the local craft beer scene. In addition to an impressive “core beer” lineup of brews like the CBGB Berliner Weisse, TPA double IPA, Poco Loco Belgian Ale and Tent Beer Munich-style lager, Six Ten is also known for both its seasonal and specialty bottle drops.
Photo via SixTenBrewing/Facebook Credit: SixTenBrewing/FacebookStone Soup Company
1919 E 7th Ave., Ybor City
One of the more seasoned businesses along Ybor City’s bustling 7th Avenue took to social media to announce its abrupt closure in late April. “Effective immediately, The Stone Soup Company will cease operations. We would like to thank all the current and past employees, the Ybor and Tampa community, and our guests who have supported us over the last 13 years,” ownership wrote on the restaurant’s Facebook today. “We appreciated the opportunity to serve you all! Thank you!” The casual restaurant was known for its menu of Cuban sandwiches, empanadas, burgers, salads and of course, soup—which ranged from lobster bisque and chicken noodle to tomato basil and Spanish black bean. Beer, wine, and cocktails were offered, too. The Stone Soup Company’s original owner Ilya Benjamin Goldberg opened his Ybor City restaurant in 2009 and its reputation for tasty Cuban sammies and quick service grew over the years, as well as its sizable “Best of the Bay” award collection.
Photo via StoneSoupCompany/FacebookCiro’s
2109 Bayshore Blvd., Tampa
A longtime South Tampa mainstay officially closed its doors in April, although its ownership is “actively seeking other locations.” Ciro’s parent company Three Oaks Hospitality announced the permanent closure of the high-end cocktail bar, citing ongoing structural issues within the Bayshore Royal building. “Since 2009, Ciro’s has been a cherished spot for locals and visitors alike,” the bar wrote on social media. “Thank you to our loyal guests, staff and the Tampa community for your support and memories shared over the years. As they say, this isn’t a goodbye, it’s a see you later.”
Photo via Google MapsHao Wah
1713 S Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa
After nearly-half-a-century, South Tampa staple Hoa Wah closed last March. Hao Wah was one of Tampa’s institutional Chinese buffets. The restaurant—well loved by locals and a popular gathering spot for families and students of the nearby Plant High School—opened doors on April 1, 1980. It started as a humble spot, but doubled in size during an expansion in the early-2000s. For a long time Hao Wah was known for its all-you-can-eat buffet including dishes ranging from sushi to pho to Szechuan–nearly any Asian dish you could think of. Like most others, the buffet shut down during the pandemic but it’s since returned to all its glory. An employee at Hao Wah’s Pinellas Park location said that the Pinellas Park location (10454 66th St. N) will remain open and the restaurant’s famed catering service will also continue.
Photo via Google MapsMott & Hester Deli
1155 S Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa
Mott & Hester Deli, a sandwich hotspot with a popular catering service has closed its doors in late-February after almost 42 years at its original location. While the deli didn’t explain why it chose to close its doors for good, comments under the announcement allude to the well-deserved retirement of owners Ted and Gina Kelly, who opened the deli in December of 1982. The popular, no frills deli with under a dozen seats offered a menu of loaded turkey, meatball, Italian and ham sandwiches, New Orleans-style fare like po’boys and muffulettas, hearty pasta dishes, salads, soups and entrees like spinach artichoke casseroles and Sicilian-style roasted chicken. Its Wild Turkey sammy with sautéed mushrooms, melted pepper jack cheese, and mayo on toasted white bread was a particularly popular menu item—and even made Creative Loafing Tampa Bay’s 50 Best Sandwiches list in 2017.
Photo via mottandhesterdeli/FacebookLingr
400 6th St S., St. Petersburg
After three years of dishing out exciting fusion cuisine and picture-perfect cocktails, a mainstay in St. Pete’s dining scene closed in ate April.
“After almost 3 years of Lingr serving the St. Petersburg community and its visitors, I have made the difficult decision to close. During illness and family emergencies, I have always counseled my employees that their health and family are more important than Lingr,” Chef and owner Jeffrey Jew writes on Lingr’s Instagram. “Now, I am in the position that I must take my own advice and spend time with my Mother as we navigate her Lewy body dementia.” Chef Jew encourages his customers to donate to the Alzheimer’s Association as an act of support for him and his family during this difficult time. Lingr made its highly-anticipated debut in the spring of 2021 showcasing a contemporary blend of Jew’s Nordic and Asian heritage with unique dishes like pumpkin and mushroom dumplings, smoked lions mane and trumpet mushrooms with Brunost cheese, and fried fish with fermented black beans and chili oil.
Photo via LingrRestaurant/Facebook Credit: LingrRestaurant/FacebookYum Yum Hot Pot
11301 N 56th St. Suite 6, Temple Terrace
Temple Terrace all-you-can-eat hot pot restaurant Yum Yum Hot Pot quietly opened on Christmas day in 2019. The popular spot featured a unique conveyer belt system that ushered ingredients to hungry patrons in their booths. However, earlier this summer Yum Yum closed without warning. A sign on the front door said the establishment was closed for renovations. However, the phone is currently disconnected, the website is deactivated and the Instagram page says it’s “closed.” Let’s hope it does re-open in the future.
Photo via Google MapsTaco Baby
235 Main St., Dunedin
Taco Baby, a charming 51 square-foot taqueria inside a former ATM, closed its doors—or singular pick-up window, last March. “After much consideration, we’ve made the decision to close Taco Baby permanently. While we’re sad to say goodbye, we cherish the memories we’ve created together and the joy that Taco Baby has brought to our community,” the restaurant wrote on social media last month. “Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for being a part of our Taco Baby family.” Chef Traci Bryant and Shane Bittaker of Nina Hospitality Group opened Taco Baby out of a former ATM stand in the spring of 2019. Its understandably small menu consisted of street tacos with proteins like chicken tinga, al pastor, jackfruit, and pork carnitas, chips and queso, loaded nachos and a variety of bottled sodas.
Photo via tacobabydunedin/Facebook Credit: tacobabydunedin/FacebookHamburger Mary’s Clearwater
28910 U.S.-19 N, Clearwater
Tampa Bay was once home to multiple Hamburger Mary’s locations, but its last one closed for good in March of 2023—and not before throwing one big drag queen party. Mary’s was known for charity events, drag bingo and its sandwiches, salads, signature desserts, and of course, burgers. There are still three locations in Florida, including one in Orlando that’s suing the State of Florida over SB1438, aka Ron DeSantis’ anti-drag, “protecting children” legislation.
Photo via Hamburger Mary’s Clearwater/InstagramFly Bar
442 W Kennedy Blvd., Tampa
Fly Bar’s 2020 relocation found them located closer to the University of Tampa, following the original location’s closure in 2018. Now, the longtime cocktail staple has closed its doors for good, with seemingly no explanation. Cocktail enthusiasts in search of a taste of what was Fly can look towards nearby Hotel Bar, also owned by Fly owner Leslie Shirah Culbreath.
Photo via Hotel Bar/Facebook Credit: Fly Bar/InstagramChubby’s Super Subs & Pizza
5023 Bayshore Blvd, Tampa
After 40 years, South Tampa’s Chubby’s Super Subs & Pizza closed last summer. “It is with a heavy heart that I announce the closing of Chubby’s Super Subs & Pizza. A staple of Ballast point for over 40 years, it will be sad to see it go. We invite you to stop by anytime in the next 8 days to share any stories you might have about Chubby’s— we would love to hear them,” Chubby’s wrote. “We will miss all of our customers, best part of the job. Come say goodbye to Chubby’s and get your final Bomb on!”
Photo via Google Maps Credit: via Google MapsPop Goes the Waffle
5004 Tangerine Ave., Gulfport
Tampa lost another go-to breakfast spot this summer with the closure of Pop Goes the Waffle. Owner Sara Fludd started the business in 2017 as a food truck with the same name, and announced her debut storefront in 2021. The closure is a result of rising market prices, Fludd said, but all hope is not lost for waffle lovers, as Blossom the food truck will remain open.
Photo via Pop Goes the Waffle/Instagram Credit: Pop Goes the Waffle/FacebookSouth Tampa’s Thailand Restaurant
5252 S Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa
After 45 years in business, South Tampa’s Thailand Restaurant closed last June. Last spring, owners Amnuay and Moo Thambundit announced on Facebook that they would be retiring soon, and switched to solely take-out orders in May of 2023. “As many of you know, we will be retiring soon. We have served you all for over 44 years and are greatly appreciative of your long-time patronage to us,” the Thambundits wrote on Facebook in April. The Thambundits were once fixtures at Creative Loafing Tampa Bay’s Best of the Bay, where their daughter, C Thambundit, used to help run the sampling. “The best memories I have are from trading food with other restaurants at the end of the night!,” she told CL.
Photo via thailandtampa/Facebook Credit: thailandtampa / FacebookBoneyard
823 E 7th Ave, Tampa
Beloved Ybor dive bar Boneyard announced its imminent closure on social media in the summer of 2023. “It’s with a heavy heart we announce that this will be our last weekend…After nearly three decades in Ybor we will be closing our doors for good this Sunday night.” Boneyard wrote on Instagram. Its farewell post didn’tname any of the reasons why Boneyard is shuttering doors for good.
Photo via Google Maps Credit: Photo via Google MapsBayou Bodega
241 E Davis Blvd., Davis Island
Known for its unique fusion fare and delectable selection of natty wines, Bayou Bodega was named by Creative Loafing to 2021’s Tampa Bay’s 50 Best Restaurants. Now, the business is closing its Davis Island location, with plans to reopen sometime in the future. The space was in the process of being sold to a family-owned Italian restaurant last time we heard.
Photo via Bayou Bodega/FacebookChief’s Creole Cafe
901 22nd St. S. St. Petersburg
Owners Elihu and Carolyn Brayboy announced the closure of Chief’s Creole Cafe back in April of 2023. The Creole, southern style restaurant was first opened in 2013 in honor of Elihu’s late mother Mary, and has been housed in its pink building on 22nd Street ever since. Known for their active work in the St. Pete Black communities, Mr. and Mrs. B announced their new work on a “uniquely affordable housing project.”
Photo via Chief’s Creole Cafe/Facebook
645 Central Ave., St. Petersburg Citing staffing shortages and rising prices, St. Pete’s Crislip Cafe announced its closing in March of 2023. Owners Kevin and Jennifer Schultz said they will continue to use the space to expand their retail gift shop located next store called The Merchant.
Photo via Crislip Cafe/Facebook
400 2nd St. N., Safety Harbor Owner of the one-man-show Pizzeria Gregario, Greg Seymour has sold his bright yellow waterside pizza storefront in April of 2023, bringing an end to 10 years of artisan. Seymour has become a Florida snowbird of sorts, but still serves occasional pizzas at local farmers markets and pop-ups.
Photo via Pizzeria Gregario/FacebookIchicoro
5229 N Florida Ave., Tampa
One of three restaurants to earn Tampa’s first Michelin Bib Gourmands, Ichicoro Ramen spent eight years changing the Seminole Heights dining scene. But in the springof 2023, the concept told employees that it was closing. Champion Pizza now lives in the former ramen hub.
Photo via Ichicoro/Instagram
