Tampa Bay has come a long way since March, but this pandemic isn’t over. Yes, we have a vaccine making the rounds, but we have to do our part to keep our service industry and fellow foodies safe. Make sure to mask up, wash your hands and keep your distance from fellow diners. If you’re not feeling too hot, opt for takeout and visit these new joints when you’re feeling 100%—no rush.
Openings
BurgerFi The burger chain is expanding its reach throughout Tampa Bay with a new location in St. Pete. While the fast-casual spot offers a variety of specialty burgers, guests can also choose from a lineup of chicken sandwiches, chicken tenders, plus Beyond Meat vegetarian and vegan burgers. 855 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. burgerfi.com—Nora O’Neill
Nothing Bundt Cakes The specialty bundt cake bakery made its debut in mid-November. The menu boasts 10 different flavors with more than 60 handcrafted designs themed around holidays and celebrations throughout the year. You can grab minis (Bundtlets), bundt towers, bite-sized “Bundtinis,” as well as traditional sized bundts. 2458 4th St. N., St. Petersburg. nothingbundtcakes.com
Pirate Tikis The floating, BYOB tiki bar allows guests to sip while taking a 90-minute ride down the Hillsborough River past downtown Tampa sites from Curtis Hixon and Julian B. Lane to Armature Works. Each tiki has space for six guests and is handled by a Coast Guard-licensed captain. All guests must have ID, be 18 and up to ride and at least 21 years old to consume alcohol. $50-$340 depending on time of day. pirate-tikis.com
Showbar Ybor Ybor City is now home to a dueling piano bar hosting live music four days a week. On Friday and Saturday evenings, local pianists take the stage to finesse the keys while guests sip cocktails and chow down on bar bites. Showbar offers indoor and partially covered outdoor seating. No need to dress up, either, Showbar is a casual joint to get a little tipsy and get lost in the tunes. 1612 E. 7th Ave., Ybor City. @showbarybor on Facebook.
SoFresh The health-focused fast-casual restaurant is known for its build-your-own menu filled with customizable salads and wraps. The location celebrated its opening by donating meals to emergency room nurses at Tampa General Hospital. In the coming weeks, the franchise will launch shops in Carrollwood and Lakeland followed by up to 10 storefronts across Florida, Georgia, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts. 126 S. Westshore Blvd., Tampa. lovesofresh.com
Coming Soon
Grain and Berry The shop is launching its first location in St. Pete, an area already flourishing with smoothie and acai bowl joints. G&B is also working on getting three additional storefronts throughout the sunshine state. 2446 4th St. N., St. Petersburg. grainandberry.com
Little Leon Shouldn’t be much longer until the build-your-own bowl and salad concept makes its debut within the space previously held by Ethiopian restaurant Queen of Sheba. The fast-casual restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating for guests. If you’re not ready to dine-in, opt online ordering, pickup or delivery. 3636 Henderson Blvd., Tampa. eatlittleleon.com
OCC Road House and Museum Pinellas Park is getting a motorcycle-themed restaurant from ‘American Chopper’ star Paul Teutul Sr. Set to open in May 2021, OCC Road House includes 11,000-square-feet of indoor space, a 4,000-square-foot kitchen with a large smoker and a 25,000-square-foot pet-friendly pavilion for concerts, outdoor dining, and a billiards hall. There will also be a huge wall covered with patches Teutul collected from members of the military and first responders. Better start brushing up on your hog talk. 10525 49th St. N., Pinellas Park. occroadhouse.com
Rise Koffee & Kulture The cafe’s mission is to provide a creative hub where Black coffee, community, art, and music connect. Rise plans to focus on supplier diversity, and ensure that at least 25% of supplies and vendor companies are Black-owned. Planning to set up shop in Ybor City, at a yet to be announced location, CL hopes to share more details as plans get ironed out and an opening date is in sight. @risekoffeeandkulture on Instagram
ICYMI
COVID-19 violations Last week, amid spiking coronavirus cases, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor announced new stricter crackdowns for local businesses who fail to enforce local social distancing and mask mandates. In the first weekend of increased enforcement, eight bars were hit with fines. In other words, if you pull up to a restaurant that is looking a little packed, might be best to opt for takeout.
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This article appears in Dec 31, 2020 – Jan 6, 2021.