Chunky soups and hot sandwiches make for timeless cold-weather favorites. But lip-smackin’ barbecue, spicy noodles and fresh-baked desserts are also cozy go-to staples used to curb the season’s chillier streaks. With joints that cater to those seeking sit-down service or take-away eats, here’s where to dig into hearty fare once the region gets another taste of lower temperatures.
220 East Baked brie, French onion soup, chicken entrees, stir-fry and burgers (get the bleu cheese) join 220 East’s medley of delectables. The restaurant will cook your catch, too. 220 E. Davis Island, Tampa, 813-259-1220, 220east.com.
Capo De Monte An Italian market showcasing hot subs and pressed paninis alongside six cheesesteaks all-the-way dressed (cheese, onions, mushrooms, roasted peppers). 8400 Seminole Blvd., Seminole, 727-394-7800.
The Dunedin Smokehouse No-frills barbecue coated with sauces made in house. Phil and Tammy Renaud’s smokehouse features an outdoor patio fit for cold-weather merriment, live music and way more. 471 Main St., Dunedin, 727-736-2227, thedunedinsmokehouse.com.
Eddie & Sam’s Pizza This pizzeria creates its pies with imported water from NYC. More than 20 toppings can dress your slice of choice, and something tells us the other grub is just as killer. 203 E. Twiggs St., Tampa, 813-229-8500, eddieandsamspizza.com.
El Puerto Restaurant & Grill An array of Latin food that spans land and sea. Pastas, stews, grilled sandwiches and more. 1623 E. Fifth Ave., Tampa, 813-248-8222, elpuertoybor.com.
Encanto Mexicano Modernly twisted Mexican classics. Choose from a range of soul-warming fare, including shredded beef burritos, chicken tortas, enchiladas and potato flautas. 1991 Drew St., Clearwater, 727-449-2445, encantomex.com.
Fireside Pizza Cafe Wings, garlic knots and wood-fired pies outfit this pizzeria’s lineup. Gluten-free pizzas (and beer) and whole-wheat options are also available. Don’t miss the sandwiches that swap sub rolls for pizza bread. 1104 Nebraska Ave., Palm Harbor, 727-216-3474.
Green Springs Bistro A quaint, funky spot that offers Gulf Coast-inspired cuisine. Chef Paul Kapsalis cooks up fare like Louisiana gumbo, blue crab cakes, pecan-crusted chicken breast and spinach enchilada. Snag a seat outside. 156 Fourth Ave. N., Safety Harbor, 727-669-6762, greenspringsbistro.com.
Grille One Sixteen This restaurant serves sliders, pretzel loafs and house-made doughnuts in a chic, stay-awhile atmosphere. 612 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, 813-350-0216, grilleonesixteen.com.
Gulf Coast Po’ Boys Eleven po’ boys, backed by additional Crescent City foods, but the restaurant keeps it simple with two sides: Cajun-spiced fries and red beans ‘n’ rice. 312 W. Bay Drive, Largo, 727-584-3800, gulfcoastpoboys.com.
The Jerk Center Chef Clifton McLeod presides over this Jamaican eatery, incorporating homemade sauces and spice blends into his cooking. Though his specialty is jerk chicken, oxtails and curry goat are among the other entrees. 305 S. Pinellas Ave., Tarpon Springs, 727-940-5343, thejamaicanjerkcenter.com.
Lonni’s Sandwiches Pressed sammies like Reubens, chipotle chickens, BLTs and Cubans complement Lonnie’s soups, which include wild rice and gazpacho. 425 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-894-1944, lonnisdowntown.com.
Mikey’s Cafe & Bakery Stop in for warm roast beef on rye, a patty melt with sourdough or a homestyle slice o’ pie. Mikey’s has soup specials daily. 6114 N. Central Ave., Tampa, 813-234-3755, cafe-bakery.com.
Nitally’s Thai-Mex Cuisine A Mexican-inflected Thai restaurant that’s a year-round hot spot. Generous helpings and flavorful dishes keep eaters coming back. 2462 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-321-8424, nitallys.com.
Olde Bay Café Housed right along the water, Olde Bay lets you chow on fresh-off-the-boat items while taking in the view. Perfect for when the weather cools off. 51 Main St, Dunedin, 727-733-2542, oldebaycafe.com.
Paul’s Chicago Pizza Stuff this pizza shop’s Chicagoan pies, or stick to its signature thin-crust offerings. If you’re not feelin’ either, go for the Italian beef sandwich or Chicago dog with all the fixin’s. 1500 N. McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater, 727-723-9777, paulschicagopizza.com.
Petra Restaurant Owned by Ayman Saed, this third Petra eatery boasts delights that diners have come to crave, including chicken shawarma, hummus and lamb kebabs. 1118 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, 813-513-3000.
Phở Quyen Vietnamese Restaurant What’s cozier than a cool breeze and a bowl of phở? This noshery has 15 renditions. Try one, or multiple. 4505 Park Blvd. N. #10, Pinellas Park, 727-545-5678, phoqueen.com.
Plaka Restaurant This Tarpon Springs mainstay crafts its own gyro meat, and trying it is a must. There’s also everything from spanakopita (spinach pie) to lamb shanks. 769 Dodecanese Blvd., Tarpon Springs, 727-934-4752, plakatarponsprings.com.
Smokin’ J’s BBQ Texas-style ‘cue such as beef brisket, pulled pork, smoked chicken wings — sweet or spicy — and many other eats. The combo plates make for a tasty spread. 5145 Gulfport Blvd. S., Gulfport, 727-329-8624, smknjsbbq.com.
St. Pete Bakery A new bakery that launched last month. The shop highlights fresh breads, hot sticky buns, loaded breakfast sammies and seasonal items like pumpkin cheesecake. It’s got gluten-free and vegan sweets, too. 1961 Fourth St. N., St. Petersburg, 727-954-8837.
Stone Soup Company A soup ‘n’ sandwich shop that’s suited for carryout or dining in. There’s a wide bone-warming selection, but get the French onion soup, veggie (or classic) Cuban or Jewish Reuben with grilled pastrami. 1517 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa, 813-247-7687, xsoup4u.com.
Willy’s Burgers & Booze This beachy dive has a deep-fried mac-and-cheese sandwich (it’s incredible) and big-sized burgers. Need we say more? 645 Corey Ave., St. Pete Beach, 727-329-8667.
This article appears in Oct 9-15, 2014.