It takes a true herculean effort to open a new restaurant, bar or brewery right now. Despite Florida becoming the epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic, many Tampa Bay restaurants have managed to debut in the midst of changing regulations and local mandates. We thought it would be a good idea to bring you up to speed with all these new spots, many of which offer spacious patios perfect for social distancing. But before you plan a trip to one of these new places, be sure to check its website for updates on hours and safety procedures.

Two Shepherds Taproom 4813 N. Grady Ave., Tampa, (813) 769-9983 Tampa’s very first indoor, outdoor 21-and-up dog bar has opened with a play area for dogs and full air conditioning and 20 rotating taps and a wide wine selection for their owners. Photo via Two Shepherds Taproom/Facebook
Koya 807 W. Platt St., Tampa, 813-284-7423 If you’re into surprises, visit Koya, Tampa’s first omakase-only restaurant, brought about by owners of Noble Rice. Omakase, translating to “Leave it to you, chef,” means guests are served whatever the chef chooses off the menu. Photo via KoyaTampa.com
Pickford’s Counter 2606 W. Hillsborough Ave, Tampa, (813) 308-9668 The Pickford Sundries storefront is given new life with the new restaurant concept Pickford’s Counter. The soda shop spot pays homage to the history of the shop itself, while bringing in some modern spins on classic comfort food dishes. The menu offers breakfast and lunch, starring items like the “Damn Good Grilled Cheese” and the unexpected “Cereal Quesito.” Photo via Pickford’s Counter/Facebook
Rome & Fig Bistro 317 N. Rome Ave., Tampa, (813) 253-3353 The new North Hyde Park restaurant offers a full bar and cocktail program highlighting a full range of brews and wines. Key menu items include the seafood risotto, lamb chops, tuna tartare, Asian-style wings and bison meatballs. Plus, it has plenty of outdoor seating. Photo via Rome & Fig Bistro/Facebook
Side Piece 587 Main St., Dunedin, (813) 683-8454 This new, casual order-at-the-counter spot opened in Dunedin a week before its initial opening date, giving the area a head start on trying a panini-focused menu. Try the confit duck french drip “quack attack” panini, the vegetarian “mary mo,” the meat-filled “hey mario,” or any of the innovative sides like the Thai popcorn and charcuterie plate. Photo via Side Piece/Instagram
Club 201 201 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, (813) 501-5661 This St. Pete speakeasy highlights a drink menu which includes cocktails, craft beers and CBD-infused drinks as well as a small plate menu and other CBD products like vegan candies. Photo via Club 201/Facebook
Tiki Docks Skyway Bar and Grill 3769 50th Ave. S., St. Petersburg, (813) 683-8454 Opened in St. Pete’s Maximo Marina, at the former location of Getaway, Tiki Docks serves a variety of specialty sandwiches, like the Perfect 10 Dockwich and a raw bar, as well as vibrant cocktails served in colorful tiki glasses. Photo via Tiki Docks Skyway Bar and Grill/Facebook
Crislip Cafe 645 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, (727) 954-0117 A new coffee shop and bakery fit for the caffeine-addicted and conscious shopper, Crislip Cafe puts an emphasis on locally-brewed coffee and locally-owned businesses. Guests can try the café’s lavender latte, ‘Purple Rain,” its activated charcoal latte, “Voodoo Child,” and more, as well as a wine and local craft beer bar set to debut this fall. Photo via Crislip Cafe/Instagram
Yummy Europe 1320 34th St. N, St. Petersburg, (727) 686-1223 This European grocery store and deli is set to come to St. Pete this August, bringing a range of international products along. Featured items include wine, beer, coffee, smoked meats, specialty sausages, cheeses, farm fresh eggs and spices from countries including Italy, Greece, Romania, Hungary, Russia, Germany and more. Photo via Yummy Europe/Facebook
Brighter Days Brewing Co. 311 N. Safford Ave., Tarpon Springs, (727) 698-0309 Beer lovers can visit the new Brighter Days Brewing Co., to check out q vast selection of unique brews served in bright can designs. Some offerings include the Raspberry Beret sour ale, Bicycle Race pale ale and Endless Love hazy pale ale. Photo via Brighter Days Brewing Co./Facebook
DeVito’s Italian Specialities 200 N. Tampa St.,Tampa, (813) 609-3833 Serving classic Italian dishes with a modern spin, Tampa’s new DeVito’s offers a high-end dining experience for those looking for some authentic pasta, salads and entrees, including their rigatoni bolognese, veal osso bucco and more. Photo via
Oronzo Honest Italian 18027 Highwoods Preserve Pkwy., Tampa, 813-730-0100 The fast-casual Oronzo Honest Italian boasts a loaded menu filled with Italian soups, salads, pizzas and their ‘Italian burritos.’ Oronzo also incorporates options for dietary restrictions like gluten-free noodles and vegan dishes. Photo via Oronzo Honest Italian/Facebook
Naked Farmer 200 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, (727) 826-0338 and 615 Channelside Drive, Tampa, 813-553-7106 With two locations in Tampa’s Sparkman Wharf and St. Pete, the Naked Farmer is a locally sourced food stop offering a different menu depending on the season. Right now, you can stop in for a build-your-own bowl with different veggies, grains and proteins. Photo via Naked Farmer/Facebook
Patti’s Kitchen 6527 Park Blvd., Pinellas Park, (727) 289-4153 Those looking for Thai street food now have a new spot to visit in Pinellas Park. Patti’s Kitchen serves several Thai noodle dishes as well as appetizers like their grilled pork balls and desserts like the Thai coconut cake. Photo via Patti’s Kitchen/Instagram
Water + Flour 1015 S. Howard Ave, Tampa, (813) 251-8406 With a new look, name and menu the once-Ciccio, is now Water + Flour. The lunch and dinner menus include “simple sushi” (think ahi tuna, hamachi and avocado rolls), “rolls that spark joy” (yes, there’s a volcano roll), California bowls (chicken & broccolini, “Fitness,” “The Local” and more), small plates and grilled wraps while the “All Day” menu has fresh pasta (the “Lil’ Spicy,” three-cheese bolognese, more), salads and nine types of 12-inch brick oven pizza. Prices go from $4 for a small Italiano salad to $39 for a family-sized plant-based bolognese pasta. Photo via Water + Flour/Facebook
Hungry Crab Juicy Seafood and Bar 8841 Park Blvd. N., Seminole, (727) 319-6661 At Hungry Crab’s second location, guests can expect the typical seafood gambit of fried shrimp, calamari, hush puppies, and oysters. Wings, gumbo, macaroni and cheese, and sausage are also in the mix. The first Hungry Crab location is in Winter Haven. Photo via Hungry Crab Juicy Seafood and Bar/Facebook
Hoots 204 1st Ave N., St. Petersburg, (727) 220-4607 Hoots is a fast casual wing joint from Hooters which describes itself as “a little bit Hooters, a little bit its own thing,” which may refer to the fact there’s no servers in pantyhose, and instead the staff (including men) sport khakis and orange shirts. Like it’s mother nest, Hoots focuses on wings, tenders, shrimps and boasts 11 different sauces. The new 1,000 square-foot space also includes outdoor seating, and the full menu is available on most delivery apps, as well as for takeout. Photo via Hoots
Guava Grill 2106 W. Main St., Tampa, (813) 251-4553 Stationed within West Tampa Bay’s Cannon Beer Company, Guava Grill serves Cuban-inspired tavern food and guava creations, like their Havana Nachos, Main St. Cuban Sandwich and Guava Grilled Cheese Sliders. Photo via Google Street screen capture
Fly Bar and Restaurant 442 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, (813) 803-8550 The Fly Bar Restaurant features a large, dog-friendly patio perfect for social distancing. Cuisine includes its classic burgers and potato waffles. Along with your expected alcoholic beverages, the Fly Bar offers a number of specialty drinks like Freddie’s Dead, which is made up of Appleton Estate 12 Year, Copper and King’s brandy, hoodoo liquer, pineapple, citrus and cinnamon. Photo via Fly Bar and Restaurant/Facebook
Chef & the Baker 1701 N. Franklin St, Tampa, (813) 444-3708 Located inside The Hall on Franklin in Tampa Heights, Chef and the Baker offers a fancier flair to patisserie items, including favorites like the croissant doughnut. Savory items are also on the menu for those looking for brunch like a ham, egg and cheese croissant. Photo via Chef & the Baker/Facebook
CellarMasters Wine Bar and Bottle Shop 1005 1st Ave N., St. Petersburg, (727) 289-9889 CellarMasters, a new Edge District spot, offers a robust selection of rotating vinos by the bottle and glass, with a focus on natural wines and beers. The food menu includes locally-sourced cheeses, charcuterie and small plates. Photo via CellarMasters/Facebook
Brioche 407 S. Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa, (813) 443-4409 Brioche is a Tampa Bay European Mediterranean-inspired cafe and bakery featuring artisanal breads, soups, salads and sandwiches. The cafe offers breakfast, lunch and early dinner Monday through Friday, as well as a weekend brunch. The bakery menu boasts creations like a streusel-topped madeleine cake and a bacon cheddar scone. Photo via Brioche/Facebook
Blue Lizard Beer Lounge 5025 E. Fowler Ave No. 21, Tampa, (813) 936-6970 Opening in June, the Blue Lizard Beer Lounge has a “classic house party” feel, created by offering popular games like Jenga, Foosball and beer pong to guests. The casual couch-lined lounge also offers hookahs in fruity flavors as well as your usual beer and wine. Photo via Blue Lizard Beer Lounge/Facebook
Black Radish 2923 N. 12th St., Tampa, (813) 467-6496 Black Radish Grocer, a small boutique and curated all-plant-based vegan grocery store, in Ybor. Some of its most popular items include Beyond and Impossible meats, fancy cheeses (Wendy’s, Jule’s), seitan filets, Oopsy Daisy “Vinkies” and Stonewall’s Jerquee snacks. Oh, and Follow Your Heart American cheese, too. Photo via Black Radish/Facebook
Sunshine Kitty Catfe 1669 1st Ave S., St. Petersburg The cat cafe allows guests to enjoy locally sourced drinks and eats in the company of adoptable cats acquired from Friends of Strays Animal Shelter. As of now, the catfe is operating at a limited capacity and is only offering reservations. Guests are also required to wear masks. Photo via Sunshine Kitty Catfe/Facebook
Red Mesa Quatro 128 3rd St. S., St. Petersburg, (727) 896-8226 Red Mesa Quatro is the currently all-online fourth concept from St. Pete icon Red Mesa Cantina. Quatro’s menu covers a wide swath of culinary territory, featuring everything from classic Cubans, ranch fries, BBQ chicken sandwiches, bacon-wrapped hot dogs, poke bowls and pad thai. Patrons also pick up their orders at Red Mesa Cantina. Once coronavirus cases begin to slow down to a manageable level, Quatro plans to head into an in-person, fast-casual format. Photo via Google Street screen grab
Revolution Ice Cream Co. 4032 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, (813) 573-7744 The Revolution Ice Cream Co. is known for crafting small-batch artisan ice cream and creating not only odd flavors, but for putting local twists on classics. Vegans are even invited to the party with the shop’s coconut milk ice cream, though flavors vary. This is Rev’s newest location (there’s another at 6701 N. Florida Ave. in Seminole Heights and its first was in Brandon). Photo via The Revolution Ice Cream Co./Facebook
Datz 6264 Winthrop Town Centre Ave., Riverview, (813) 535-7952 Datz describes itself as “craft beer oasis, a bourbon lover’s paradise and a foodie wonderland filled with bacon, cheese and house-made breads.” Additionally, Datz offers a large cocktail menu with artisanal liquors and a seasonal menu change. The Riverview Datz opened in the parcel last occupied by Eats! American Grill in the Winthrop Town Centre. Photo via Datz/Facebook