As we bid farewell to a couple of concepts around town, we welcome new cafes and restaurants popping up across Tampa Bay. From tiki bars to delis, we’re getting some serious eats. No need to go grocery shopping — spend your summer eating your way around Tampa Bay.
Now Open
Blush Tea + Coffee St. Pete The cafe offers nearly 100 various teas from The Jasmine Pearl Company and TeBella Tea Company. Freshly brewed coffee and espresso are available for those who need something to hit a little stronger. Pastries and baked goods are stocked by Mana Bakery. Hours for Blush Tea are 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday, and 8 a.m.-2 p.m. on Sunday. 2382 Dr. MLK Jr. St. N., St. Petersburg. blushteaandcoffee.com.
Cass St. Deli The New York-style Jewish deli debuted in North Hyde Park this week. Goods on hand include bread and pastries from Jamison B. Breadhouse, hot dogs from Tambuzzo Sausage Co., bagels from Bella’s Bakes, baked goods from Blind Tiger Coffee, and desserts from WeVegan Eats. Guests can also slide by to grab sliced meat, loaves of fresh bread, craft condiments, soups, desserts and even boxes of Matzo meal. Hours for the deli are Wednesday through Friday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m.-3 p.m. 1331 W. Cass St., Tampa. cassstreetdeli.com.
Hidden Star Tiki Bar This weekend the hidden bar will debut to the public inside Anise Global Gastrobar. There will be a designated area within the restaurant for Hidden Star, and will serve up craft tiki cocktails and select bites on Friday and Saturday nights from 7 p.m.-2 a.m. Beware, seating is extremely limited. 777 N. Ashley Dr., Tampa. aniseglobal.com.
King State This week the long-awaited opening of the cafe officially launched. The fast-casual joint offers up craft brews, specialty coffee and bites like sandwiches and salads. Hours for the rest of the week are Wednesday and Thursday 8 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday and Saturday 8 a.m.-11 p.m., and Sunday 8 a.m.-4 p.m. 520 E. Floribraska Ave., Tampa. king-state.com.
Salt Shack on the Bay This week Salt Shack is in soft opening mode, with a grand opening scheduled for July 1. The restaurant is the latest boat-up/drive-up concept on Gandy Bridge. The eatery is serving up craft cocktails and seasonal seafood plates like oysters, crab and fresh-caught fish. Hours for the shack are Monday through Thursday 4-11 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.-2 a.m. and Saturday 11 a.m-11 p.m 5415 W. Tyson Ave., Tampa. salt-shack.com.
Opening Soon
Baba on Central Next week, Baba's restaurant will debut in the ‘Burg. Owners Debbie and George Sayegh were excited to bring both a full-service restaurant and a fast-casual bakery to the space, which is now open and running from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. The restaurant's menu will feature a mix of entrees and starters, plus a full-liquor bar with cocktails featuring hints of Lebanese and Greek inspiration. The bakery will be stocked with house-made pita bread, kebabs, sandwiches, Greek coffee and the occasional selection of pastries. 2701 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. babaoncentral.com.
Closings
Inside the Box The final day of service for the Armature Works’ resident was this past Sunday. Inside the Box is a social enterprise of Metropolitan Ministries, with all proceeds from purchases going directly toward the ministry’s programs to feed the hungry in the area. In the last year, 1,169,826 million meals have been served. Have no fear — the program will still be going strong through catering and upcoming outposts at the Tampa International Airport and Orlando International Airport.
Zentu Café The vegan mobile kitchen took to social media to announce the permanent closure. The concept posted, “It is with infinite sadness that we must announce the closing of Zentu Café. It’s been a good run, educational and we loved being part of this amazing community here in Tampa.” Zentu’s 100% plant-based cuisine was crafted by executive chef Tim Fedorko within Blue Torch Cigars and Winery and had only been up and running since mid-February. Tampa Bay’s fix for indulgent vegan bites can be filled by other concepts and purveyors around town like bites from Dixie Dharma, Good Mood Food Co., 3 Dot Dash, and Golden Dinosaurs.
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