Time to venture out to parts unknown. Get adventurous and let your tastebuds decide where you should travel during the weekend for some new grub. Here you’ll find a handful of our favorite small town eateries within driving distance of Tampa.

Smokin’ J’s Real Texas BBQ 5145 Gulfport Blvd S, Gulfport, 727-329-8624 Incredible barbecue being served up in a barn-like shack. You can’t leave without getting a jar of the signature Sweet ‘n’ Sassy pickles – which are worth the drive alone. Photo via Ebisu Sushi Shack/Facebook
Isabelle’s 2937 Beach Blvd S, Gulfport, 727-346-9803 Southern fare with a twist, serving plates on the patio of the historic Peninsula Inn. A Gulfport treasure you need to experience. Photo via Isabelle’s/Facebook
Taco Baby 235 Main St, Dunedin Legit the tiniest taco joint around, this place is located inside a renovated ATM. Make sure to take pics. Oh, the street tacos are good too. Photo via Taco Baby/Facebook
Siesta Key Oyster Bar 5238 Ocean Blvd, Sarasota, 941-346-5443 A destination spot, you’ll want to spend the day with the beachy atmosphere with a patio ceiling covered in dollar bills. Tropical bites and booze can be savored while enjoying live music. Photo via Google Maps
Old Salty Dog Island 1601 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota, 941-388-4311 Beer-battered hot dogs and booze right on the water. Definitely one of Sarasota’s gems that is worth the drive. Photo via Old Salty Dog Island/Facebook
Peachey’s Baking Co. Traveling food truck Stationed all around the Sarasota area, this truck bakes up the best pretzels and glazes sourdough doughnuts to perfection. Make the drive, get a dozen and try not to eat them all before making it back to Tampa. Check in on Peachey’s Facebook page to see where the trucks are stationed. Photo via Peachey’s Baking Co./Facebook
Hog Island Fish Camp 900 Broadway Ave, Dunedin, 727-736-1179 Dying for fresh dish? Hog Island has ‘em by the boatload. You’ll want to take a trip for the Hog fish slider and stay for the seven breweries that are within walking distance. Photo via Hog Island Fish Camp/Facebook
Stella’s 3119 Beach Blvd S, Gulfport, 727-498-8950 Worth the drive if you’re craving brunch with a view in a charming community. Spend the rest of the day near the water exploring local shops and grabbing brews from bars down Beach Blvd. Photo via Stella’s/Facebook
Bon Appetit Restaurant and Bar 148 Marina Plaza, Dunedin, 727-733-2151 Right on the water, this spot has decadent desserts served up parfait-style with espresso for your night-cap. Or spend the day at their outdoor bar for Sunday Funday. Photo via Bon Appetit/Facebook
Habana Cafe 5402 Gulfport Blvd S, Gulfport, 727-321-8855 Cuban cuisine downstairs with an art gallery upstairs. A Gulfport hotspot you’ll want to try out if you’re a fan of Cuban classics. Photo via Google Maps
Pia’s Trattoria 3054 Beach Blvd S, Gulfport, 727-327-2190 An “Old Italian” atmosphere, this restaurant serves up fresh seafood dishes and fat beef tenderloins. Date night road trip, but also kid friendly if you can’t book a sitter. Photo via Pia’s Trattoria/Facebook
Indigenous 239 S Links Ave, Sarasota, 941-706-4740 This spot is serving up American fare within a restored home. Worth the drive for date night. Make sure to get the kimchi pork belly, but bring a mint if it’s a first date. Photo via Indigenous/Facebook
Nancy’s Bar-B-Que 301 S Pineapple Ave, Sarasota, 941-366-2271 Hit the Ringling Museum and then stop by Nancy’s for cafeteria-style house-smoked barbecue. A little art, a little grub. Photo via Nancy’s Bar-B-Que/Facebook
The Tennessee Truffle 125 W 1st St, Sanford, 407-942-3977 This place is all about seasonality, so don’t expect the same menu twice if you’re taking a trip. Serving up breakfast, lunch and dinner – no matter what time you make it into Sanford, you need to slide in and get a table. Photo via The Tennessee Truffle/Facebook
Shantell’s Cafe 503 Sanford Ave, Sanford, 407-878-7785 Open stupid late on Fridays and Saturday – ‘til 4 a.m. – this spot has events that help you make an excuse to take the drive… as if the chicken and waffles aren’t enough. Photo via Google Maps
Owen’s Fish Camp 516 Burns Ct, Sarasota, 941-951-6936 Make a reservation, or be prepared for an hour wait, this place is always jumpin’. Clearly, they’re doing something right. Make the trip, snag all of the southern-style seafood. Photo via Google Maps
Hollerbach’s Willow Tree Cafe 205 E 1st St, Sanford, 407-321-2204 Need a German food fix? Hollerbach’s is ready to take your order. This super chill joint has all the wurst, brews and live music you need. Photo via Google Maps
Mr. Sebas Ice Cream 104 E Reynolds St. Plant City, 813-756-3463 Cute date night spot. Family-owned and operated, churning up homemade ice cream and a wide variety Mexican specialty food and drinks. Photo via Mr. Seba’s/Facebook
Norma’s Plant City Cuban Sandwich Shop 120 North Collins St. Plant City, 813-704-6015 Great roasted pork Cubans, and you’ll want to brave the weekday traffic for the monthly Pre Fixe Menu offerings. Other than that, wait for the weekend to make the drive. Photo via Norma’s/Facebook
Tani’s for Dessert 2804 James L. Redman Parkway, Suite 106 Plant City, 813-704-5947 A hidden gem in Plant City serving up desserts, charcuterie and a selection of wines. Bananas foster is a must. Photo via Tani’s/Facebook
Johnson’s Barbecue 1407 W Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd Plant City, 813-759-0009 With over 15 years in the bbq biz, you can be sure to be pleased with any fat plate of your choosing. Although Plant City isn’t a wild road trip, this little town has been slept on for too long. Photo via Johnson’s Barbecue/Facebook
Parksdale Farm Market 3702 W Baker St. Plant City, 813-754-2704 You can make a trip to Parksdale Farm Market a day trip, there is so much to see – and eat! The market is known for its strawberry shortcake, so you can’t leave without one. Also, you can snag fresh fruit, herbs and desserts all day long. Photo via Parksdale Market/Facebook
Keel & Curley Winery 5116 N. Nebraska Ave., Tampa, 813-252-6393 Check Groupon before you take this adventure – you could get a deal on a wine tasting! Gorgeous vineyard, live animals all around and heavy pours. Yes, please. Photo via Keel & Curley Winery/Facebook
Smokin’ Aces BBQ 5116 N. Nebraska Ave., Tampa, 813-252-6393 Wait, did you say smoked gator sausage? If you’re in for all things bbq, this is the spot you need to visit. Super lowbrow with crazy flavor. Photo via Smokin’ Aces BBQ/Facebook
Gator Joe’s Beach Bar & Grill 12431 SE 135 Ave., Ocklawaha, 352-288-3100 Basically in Ocala, this spot is a must for the views and live music. Low-key bar serving up seafood and American grub on Lake Weir. Photo via Ebisu Sushi Shack/Facebook