Look, CL knows you’re passionate about art. But we also know you’re equally excited about the bars and restaurants that fall will bring to Tampa Bay. Check out this round-up of openings scheduled for as early as this month.
Amigos Tortilla Bar A taste of Key West on the 600 Block, where ultra-fresh Mexican cuisine will consume the funky taqueria’s indoor and outdoor digs in October. Downtown St. Pete is the first location for Amigos — which developed a machine to cut tortilla dough into squares on-site, resulting in its famous square taco — outside of the Conch Republic. 681 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. amigostortillabar.com.
The Artisan Two kitchens service Pinellas County’s first food hall, made up of a sushi and raw bar, a bakery and a colorful shiplap bar on the back patio. Looking to launch by mid-September, this “art and food collective” from The Lure partners Tom Golden and Michael Stewart promises a bookstore and a high-end art gallery, too. 2832 Beach Blvd., Gulfport.
Chop Chop Shop The speedy Asian-inspired restaurant is set to leave its original location on Florida Avenue, relocating to the Seminole Heights building that played host to the historic run of neighborhood diner Nicko’s. The move means more than 50 seats, beer and a revamped menu, to name a few, for Chop Chop Shop, which will start cooking at its updated headquarters in October. The restaurant has a to-be-announced concept in store for the OG outpost. 4603 N. Florida Ave., Tampa. 813-770-7306. chopchopshoptampa.com.
Counter Culture On top of her contributions to Sparkman Wharf (see below), the chef-owner of Tampa’s Edison: Food+Drink Lab, Jeannie Pierola, aims to open a new concept in October — where community fixture Pach’s Place operated for 26 years. A wood-fired grill, full bar and patio seating are among the anticipated features of the all-day Counter Culture, which will pride itself on breakfast service. 2909 W. Bay to Bay Blvd., Tampa.
The Crafty Squirrel The high-energy pub hones in on specialty cocktails served in teapots, artisan pizzas and more than 60 beers from around the globe, including locally brewed offerings. A communal vibe with several booths and long tables is sure to add to The Crafty Squirrel’s appeal. 259 Central Ave., St. Petersburg.
Deviled Pig A sandwich champion, Jennifer Daskevich, and a pitmaster who bested Bobby Flay, Lee Ann Whippen, are at the helm of this barbecue joint. Deviled Pig’s smoked goodness — or “meat with an attitude” — is planned for everything from inventive sandwiches inspired by Tampa food traditions to supper packs that include sides and sweets. 3307 S. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa. 813-766-1188. deviledpig.com.
Fenway Hotel HEW Parlor & Chophouse and Hi-Fi Rooftop Bar lead the emphasis on food and drink at the reborn Fenway, shooting for a launch in late October. The rooftop bar serves cocktails and a menu of small plates separate from HEW, while the contemporary chef-driven restaurant — coming to life with help from two-time James Beard Award semifinalist Chad Johnson of Tampa’s Epicurean Hotel — is accompanied by a mixology-forward lobby bar. 453 Edgewater Drive, Dunedin. 844-569-9879. fenwayhotel.com.
Green House Modern Vegan Kitchen An intimate plant-based restaurant showcasing a seasonal bill of fare to highlight local fruits and vegetables. Cooking in an open kitchen for close to 40 seats, chef-owner Brett Wright, who hopes to debut in late August, will put an elevated twist on the food he ate while growing up and traveling the world. 6402 N. Florida Ave., Tampa.
Harpoon Harry’s Crab House This second laid-back location from Smuggler’s Enterprises — the group behind Punta Gorda restaurants like Captain’s Table and Muscle Car City Diner — has targeted a November opening at the Tampa Convention Center. Construction on the 18,000-square-foot, two-story restaurant kicked off last year, and highlights are a sushi bar, roll-up doors along Franklin Street, and a 1926 Chevy truck that’s being transformed into another bar. 327 S. Franklin St., Tampa. harpoonharryscrabhousetampa.com.
MOD Pizza Individually sized in a fast-casual environment, artisan-style pies and salads from the Seattle-born pizza franchise arrive in no time. Guests choose from 30-plus toppings to achieve the cheesy, crispy rounds of their dreams. 2227 Sun Vista Drive, Wesley Chapel. modpizza.com.
Nékter Juice Bar Well, the region’s influx of establishments slinging freshly made juice isn’t going anywhere. SoCal-based Nékter plans to bestow South Tampa with nutrient-rich juices, superfood smoothies and acai bowls (and even vegan ice cream) in late August — followed by Valrico next month. South Tampa: 4001 W. Kennedy Blvd. Valrico: 3482 Lithia Pinecrest Road. nekterjuicebar.com.
The Nest This reimagined breakfast and lunch joint is also slated to premiere in late August. Focused on technology-driven convenience and speedy service (especially when patrons are trying to score that first meal of the day), the 55-seat Nest spotlights menu items like sandwiches and bowls, alongside a signature lineup of house-made sauces. 2217 S. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa.
The Peabody In September, the minds behind Tampa’s Oxford Exchange expect to launch their latest project within the research and education building of Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. The library-inspired restaurant — billed as a community gathering place and open to the public — specializes in inspired bites from executive chef Rachel Bennett during breakfast, lunch and dinner. 600 Fifth St. S., St. Petersburg. peabodyrestaurant.com.
Sparkman Wharf There’s plenty to look forward to from the outdoor waterfront hangout, debuting in October at the former site of Channelside Bay Plazam, but an open-air biergarten and intimate al fresco dining garden are getting a lot of attention. The latter will unite street food-style concepts from nine celebrated chefs and restaurateurs — think Restaurant BT’s BT Nguyen and Mise en Place’s Maryann Ferenc and Marty Blitz — inside upcycled shipping containers. 615 Channelside Drive, Tampa. sparkmanwharf.com.
Xtreme Tacos While this popular purveyor of Mexican-American fusion had a permanent home on Waters Avenue at one point, the restaurant’s been mobile for some time now. Xtreme won’t need to serve up the goods from a food truck when it formally reopens inside a new brick-and-mortar location no later than November. Additions to the menu include three varieties of Mexican beer on draft, tamales and more vegan and vegetarian options. 5609 N. Nebraska Ave., Tampa. 813-570-6407. xtremetacos.com.
Still hungry? Keep reading for still-forthcoming eateries and drinkeries from our rundown of summer openings, plus some other newbies in the works. Pinellas: America Neat Grill & Whiskey House, Bento Cafe, Casita Taqueria, Dr. BBQ, The Left Bank Bistro, Pacific Counter, The Rusty Lyon and Whiskey Cartel. Hillsborough: 3 Dot Dash Vegan Kitchen, The Asian Kitchen by SoHo Sushi, The Bowery, Burgerim, Catrinas Tacos and Tequila, Ciccio Cali, Clean Juice, Forbici, Osteria, Philly Pretzel Factory, Remedy, Simply Fruit and Sweet Charlie’s. Be on the lookout for the concepts replacing South Tampa’s O Cocina and St. Pete’s Kings Street Food Counter (pssst… it’s Florida-inspired hangout No Vacancy) as well.
This article appears in Aug 23-30, 2018.
