The region’s restaurant and drinkery realm has experienced openings on openings for months on months. Because even this editor finds it difficult to recall what’s recently launched from time to time, here’s a handy guide to joints that have opened, reopened or rebranded since the beginning of the year. Try ‘em out.
4th Street Tap & Tavern Alongside daily food and drink specials, this spot crafts a stepped-up selection of classic bar eats and continental favorites. 8123 Fourth St. N., St. Petersburg, 727-767-0537, 4tapandtavern.com.
Alvin'S A sophisticated drinking destination that features live music and entertainment, including piano tunes, karaoke and Latin dance nights, in a loungey atmosphere. 119 First Ave. N., St. Petersburg, 727-421-1557.
Another Broken Egg Cafe This Louisiana-born, Destin-based chain serves up Cajun-accented breakfast and lunch (beignets, benedicts, burgers). 2554 N. McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater, 727-240-0655, anotherbrokenegg.com.
Bacco and Venere Fresh pasta and house-made meatballs and sausages churn out of this fine-dining spot that blends traditional Italian with American-Italian nouvelle. 8787 N. 56th St., Temple Terrace, 813-989-3230, bvitalian.com.
Besito An upscale Mexican chain that found its first Florida home in Tampa. Expect soul-warming fare like iron skillet tacos, tortas, ample entrees and enchiladas. 205 Westshore Plaza, Tampa, 813-287-4800, besitomexican.com.
The Blind Goat Food and Drink Co. With craft cocktails, suds and liquor, this speakeasy-style destination fashions bar pizzas and overstuffed sandwiches, the Madrid with chorizo, prosciutto and salami among them. 4106 Henderson Blvd., Tampa, 813-515-7962, blindgoattampa.com.
The Blue Goose Weekly drink specials along with free pool on Sundays at this spacious, dimly lit craft cocktail nook. 48 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. N., St. Petersburg, 727-201-9690.
The Brass Tap The popular pourhouse's seventh Tampa Bay location. There are 70 craft brews on draft and additional offerings in bottles, as well as dranking food like pretzel pizzas, warm dips and panini. 1600 E. Seventh Ave. #E-113, Tampa, 813-241-0000, brasstapbeerbar.com.
Brick & Mortar Open for nearly two months, this kitchen and wine bar showcases seasonal cuisine made with fresh and locally sourced products. 539 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-822-6540.
Bula on the Beach Madeira Beach's first kava bar and the younger sibling of Bula Kafe. Shells of kava, Kahwa coffee and more are featured. 14601 Gulf Blvd. #B, Madeira Beach, 727-873-7986, bulakafe.com.
The Burg Diner Mostly old-school Greek-inflected fare — pita breakfast sandwiches, pork souvlaki, spinach pie — with hints of American and Spanish tastes. 2950 49th St. N., St. Petersburg, 727-323-2874, theburgdiner.com.
Casita Taqueria Across the street from its original Fourth Street site, this beloved taco hub slings corn tortillas crafted in house and daily specials on items such as soups, burritos and tortas. 2701 Fourth St. N., St. Petersburg, 727-498-6473, casitatacos.com.
Craft & Curd Get your cheese, wine and beer (and mead!) all in one place. The specialty shop sources more than 60 wines marked at $15 or less. 2908 W. Gandy Blvd., Tampa, 813-443-0853.
Craft Kafé A contemporary gluten-free paradise that's part bakery, part coffeehouse and part creamery. Organic ingredient-inflected savory items, including soups, sandwiches and salads, accompany the sweets. 6653 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-914-7443, craftkafe.com.
Cotherman Distilling Co. Check out what this artisan husband- and wife-run craft distillery has goin’ on from 4 to 8 p.m. Fridays. Patrons may sample and purchase bottles of their signature 727 Vodka. 933 Huntley Ave., Dunedin, 800-555-1212, cothermandistilling.com.
DI Coffee Bar This cozy java destination offers caffeinated beverages like cold brew, café con leche and cappuccinos, as well as small bites, wines and brews. 214 E. Davis Blvd., Tampa, 813-915-5998.
Dine or Dash Fast-casual eats with Italian and Greek influences, along with a few Cuban staples, for breakfast, lunch and dinner. 19040 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, 813-632-9100, dine-or-dash.com.
FarmTable Kitchen Inside the gastronomic paradise of Locale Market, nosh on eight-course, chef-driven meals at a rustic 10-seat communal table with your fellow dining companions. 179 Second Ave. N., St. Petersburg, 727-523-6300, localegourmetmarket.com.
Ferg's Live A second-level stage, more than 60 flat-screen televisions and two projector screens keep patrons entertained while they sip and eat at this indoor-outdoor hangout. 490 Channelside Drive, Tampa, 813-443-8403, fergslive.com.
Fusion Bowl Vietnamese breakfast and lunch grub cooked up daily in a charming setting. Pair your meal with iced Thai tea or Vietnamese coffee while you're at it. 504 E. Kennedy Blvd., 813-222-0102.
Hablo Taco This taco and tequila lounge's lineup highlights specialties like The Southern taco with fried chicken, cabbage slaw and more, four kinds of guacamole and a wide tequila and mezcal selection. 615 Channelside Drive #127, Tampa, 813-405-8226, hablotaco.com.
Hampton Station Tasty laid-back chow like pizza and wings that complement the roomy bar's pours of craft beer. 5921 N. Nebraska Ave., Tampa, 813-238-1114.
Happy's Bayou Bites Order low-country Cajun and Florida Cracker food, including po' boys, gumbo and pie on a stick, from this outdoor shack-style eatery's walk-up window. 431 Skinner Blvd., Dunedin, 727-240-1102, happysbayoubites.com.
Haven Formerly SideBern's, this casual-comfortable wine bar has an ambitious cheese program, charcuterie and small plate items, as well as more than 300 whisk(e)ys and wines by the glass ranging from pricey to affordable. 2208 West Morrison Ave., Tampa, 813-258-2233, haventampa.com.
Hilda's Italian Ice & Custard Sharing space with a wine and beer shop, Hilda's slings tasty frozen custard, Italian ice and gelati, including mango, orange and root beer float flavors. 8275 Fourth St. N., St. Petersburg, 727-201-9643.
The Hyde Out Dirty mingles with sophisticated inside this Jekyll-and-Hyde-themed restaurant and lounge. A sushi bar, crafted cocktails, after-hours dance parties and more are highlighted. 1809 W. Platt St., Tampa, 813-498-2334, thehydeout.com.
Iron Mike's Pub A fine place to watch the game in Davis Islands with a burger or local beer in hand. There are other bar food offerings such as muffuletta, six types of wings, a veggie Cuban and deviled crab. 236 E. Davis Blvd., Tampa, 813-254-0200, ironmikespub.com.
Jerk Hut Jamaican Tropicale The homegrown brand's new downtown location carries beer on tap, island-style cocktails, its authentic Jamaican cuisine and plenty of seats. 513 N. Franklin St., Tampa, 813-223-5375, jerkhut.com.
Justthai Tampa Bay's second restaurant from this fast-casual Thai concept. Spring rolls and chicken dumplings are featured alongside entrees like panang curry and basil stir-fry. 3201 Fourth St. N., St. Petersburg, 727-201-8999, gojusthai.com.
Noble Crust This seasonal Italian eatery incorporates Southern inspiration in everything from its starters and salads to the pastas and mains. Draft beer, house cocktails and a weekend brunch are some other highlights. 8300 Fourth St. N., St. Petersburg, 727-329-6041, noble-crust.com.
Patanegra Get breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner from this snazzy tapas bar and restaurant. The menu boasts veggie tapas, along with hot and cool varieties with meat, an array of mains, nine desserts and a nice spread of adult beverage. 200 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-201-9664, patanegraflorida.com.
Pie Topia Farm-to-table ingredients top these artisan European pies that you can order in regular or meter size. A mozzarella bar, salads, appetizer platters and entrees are available as well. 5226 Fourth St. N., St. Petersburg, 727-201-9840, pietopiapizza.com.
Pom Pom's Teahouse & Sandwicheria Quirky and delicious, Pom Pom's caters to adventurous palates through inventive sides and sandwiches that include the Danny G (ginger-cranberry chutney, almonds, red onions, brie, apples) and Viet Pom (turkey, carrot, daikon, cilantro, cucumber, Sriracha mayo). 2950 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-873-6992, pompomsstpete.com.
POW A superhero-centric craft pizza pub with creations like a veg-friendly pie that features artichoke, truffled ricotta, grilled squash and more, as well as wings smothered in house-made sauces like the pineapple chili Ka-Pow. 344 First Ave. S., St. Petersburg, 727-282-1888.
Proof Cocktail Club This speakeasy bar and lounge, nestled within 260 First's former VIP room, accompanies its small-batch spirits with beer and wine, but you need the evening's password for entry. Classics with a spin, the craft cocktails integrate local products as much as possible. 260 First Ave. N., St. Petersburg, 727-565-0544.
Red Rock Star Bar Food trucks, happy hour and a large outdoor patio add to the dive bar-style hangout's charm. Sip craft beer, wine or liquor. 5210 N. Florida Ave., Tampa, 813-237-0012, redstarrockbar.com.
Rowdies Den Bar grub like blue cheese-stuffed tater tots and skillet mac, 14 draft beers, specialty cocktails and wines on tap. Flat-screen TVs and a huge projector screen air the Rowdies games. 200 First Ave S., St. Petersburg, 727-350-5845, rowdiesden.com.
Ruth's Chris Steak House In an elegant atmosphere, choose from a variety of entrees served on 500-degree plates, signature craft cocktails and an ample list of wines by the glass. 131 Second Ave. N., St. Petersburg, 727-821-4139, ruthschris.com.
The Salty Dawg A fun sports bar with food from land and sea as well as live music in the old home of Jolli Mon's Grill. 941 Huntley Ave., Dunedin, 727-735-0498, saltydawgdunedin.com.
Saki Endless Sushi & Hibachi Eatery The second Japanese restaurant from the Saki brand is more sophisticated than its flagship, with all-you-can-eat dinner and lunch, nigiri sushi, traditional Asian fare and a hibachi menu. 11921 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, 813-961-1711, sakisushifl.com.
Sawgrass Tiki Bar & Tea House Tons of community events, from dart tournaments to open mics, are highlighted at this island-inspired bar and teahouse. Enjoy kava, tea, beer and more. 2315 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-322-6000, sawgrasstikibar.com.
Sazón Spanish-Caribbean cuisine, including shrimp and calamari stew, mofongo and Latin meatballs, in a white-tablecloth setting. 2924 Fifth Ave. N., St. Petersburg, 727-321-7090.
Sea Salt Artisanal rare and imported salts, a wine tower that's able to hold 6,000 hand-selected bottles and more than 20 kinds of oysters are showcased at this upscale and splurgy seafood-leaning eatery. 183 Second Ave. N., 727-873-7904, seasaltstpete.com.
Silverking Brewing Company Housed in Tarpon Springs' revamped yet original jailhouse and fire station, Silverking boasts two tasting rooms, live sounds and three signature brews (a red ale, blonde ale and an IPA), with more in the works. 325 E. Lemon St., Tarpon Springs, 727-422-7598, silverkingbrewing.com.
Southside Coffee Brew Bar A charming must-visit coffee bar offering early-morning cups of straight java, specialty drinks, St. Pete-baked bagels, kombucha and much more. 3922 Sixth St. S., St. Petersburg, 727-201-9811, southsidecoffeebrewbar.com.
Spanglish Bistro This dining spot offers Latin-inflected eats such as paella, mofongo, deviled crab empanadas and guava barbecue ribs. 1903 State Road 60 E., Valrico, 813-530-4707.
Sunny Pizza Chicago, specialty and "Florida-style" pies with fresh made-in-house tomato sauce, baked cheese fries, wings, pepperoni rolls and more from this pizzeria near USF Tampa. 2770 University Square Drive, Tampa, 813-977-5500, sunnypizzatampa.com.
Sweet Peas Cafe Breakfast all day in addition to a down-home lineup of flatbreads, sandwiches like grilled house-made raisin bread with brie, salads and more, including hot and iced coffee. 434 Virginia Lane, Dunedin, 727-734-0909, thesweetpeascafe.com.
Tin Drum Asiacafé Chow down on the fast-casual eatery's streetside cuisine inspired by locales like China, Pakistan and Korea during lunch and dinner. This is Tin Drum's first café in Florida. 3687 Tampa Road, Oldsmar, 813-855-8819, tindrumcafe.com.
Volcano Japanese Cuisine Another new Japanese joint for the food scene serving sushi bar starters and mains, Asian fusion and hibachi dinners. 1550 N. McMullen Booth Rd, Clearwater, 727-725-1888, volcanojapanesecuisine.com.
The Way The kitchen at this family-style comfort food restaurant cooks up an ever-evolving collection of cuisine, fish and chips, pot roast and fried chicken among the items, with fresh seasonal ingredients. 351 W. Bay Drive, Largo, 727-240-1915, thewayrestaurant.com.
Ybor Daily Market A hub for Bay area vendors and community members interested in showcasing and discovering locally made goods. There are couches for relaxing and a cafe with food and drink. 1920 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa, 813-312-7425, ybordailymarket.com.
