717 South Everything from Italian fare to seafood and steaks, with cocktails and more than 400 bottles of wine from across the globe. In CL’s Ask the Locals insiders’ guide, Tampa Bay Rays manager Joe Maddon called 717 South his favorite South Tampa hangout (a distinction it will eventually have to share with Ava, the Italian restaurant Maddon is scheduled to open in the condo complex across the street on Aug. 1, in partnership with 717 owner Michael Stewart). 717 S. Howard Ave., 813-250-1661, 717south.com.
Ashworth Artisan Chocolate Visit this choco-emporium at Hyde Park Village to satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether cravings call for dipped, nutty or caramel-filled, Ashworth’s hand-crafted selection of chocolate bars, fudge, turtles and more has you covered. 1605 W. Snow Ave., 813-251-6764, ashworthartisanchocolate.com.
Bella’s Italian Cafe A SoHo mainstay for close to three decades, Bella’s serves classic, homemade Italian crowd-pleasers. This spot is equally cozy when dining for two or with a crowd. 1413 S. Howard Ave. #100, 813-254-3355, bellasitaliancafe.com.
Bern’s Steak House A Tampa classic equally beloved for its aged steaks, encyclopedic wine list and fabled upstairs dessert room. While the interior may bear something of a resemblance to Disney’s Haunted Mansion, the service and food, despite the price tag, fuel diners to return and tourists to flock. 1208 S. Howard Ave., 813-251-2421, bernssteakhouse.com.
Boca Opened by Gordon Davis and Kevin Enderle of Ciro’s Speakeasy and Supper Club and other Bay area eateries, Boca occupies a well-traveled Hyde Park corner and espouses a passionate farm-to-table philosophy. Fresh seasonal ingredients are supplied by local growers to create an inventive menu that encourages a communal dining experience. 901 W. Platt St., 813-254-7070, bocatampa.com.
The Bungalow Restaurant and Bar Florida-style cuisine in a brick-walled landmark built in 1919. Yucca fries, Caribbean chicken, coconut tequila shrimp tacos and more. $5 food and drink specials on Tuesdays starting at 5 p.m. 2202 W. Kennedy Blvd., 813-253-3663, bungalowtampa.com.
Ceviche One of the area’s earliest proponents of tapas-style Spanish cuisine, Ceviche now has branches all over Florida. Hyde Park/SoHo is where it all started, however, and the restaurant is still known for its varied menu and signature sangria. Food and drink specials, live music and dancing occur throughout the week. 2500 W. Azeele St., 813-250-0203, ceviche.com.
Cheap A restaurant-bar that doubles as a late-night lounge on the SoHo strip. From sushi and seafood to “pigzas” (stone-seared pizzas worth pigging out on) , Cheap has a little something for everyone. 309 S. Howard Ave., 813-258-5878, cheapinsoho.com.
Ciccio’s/Water Healthy casual cuisine with Cali-Asian fusion. Choose from rice bowls, wraps, stir-fries, sushi, salads and more. The menus carry a number of dairy-free, gluten-free and vegetarian options. 1015 S. Howard Ave., 813-251-8406, cicciorestaurantgroup.com.
CineBistro Upgrade dinner-and-a-movie in this Hyde Park Village spot, where servers take your orders (Banh Mi sliders, Moroccan-spiced lamb chops) and bring them to you as you relax in a cushy recliner. Pricier than popcorn and movies at the mall, but fun. 1609 W. Swann Ave., 813-514-8300, cobbcinebistro.com.
CopperFish Another brainchild of SoHo Hospitality Management’s Davis and Enderle, CopperFish delights with fresh, simple seafood in a rustic yet intimate setting. (Read the review on p. 29.) Saturdays and Sundays offer brunch and football starting at noon. 1502 S. Howard Ave., 813-251-6789, copperfishtampa.com.
Daily Eats A hip little diner that serves up breakfast — bowls, French toast, omelets — all the time. Other offerings include burgers, mac and cheese, pulled barbecue sandwiches and salads. 901 S. Howard Ave., 813-868-3335, cicciorestaurantgroup.com.
The DrYnk This spot is part bar, part lounge, part nightclub. DJs spinning, special events, 3-D lighting effects, the works. 302 S. Howard Ave., 813-347-9141, thedrynksoho.com.
The Dubliner Irish Pub A popular Irish bar located just off Howard Avenue. Pub delicacies, such as nachos, soup and cold brews, can be found here, with live music Wednesdays through Saturdays. 2307 W. Azeele St., 813-258-2257, thedublineririshpub.com.
Ducky’s Enjoy the game on one of multiple 60-inch screens scattered around this boutique sports lounge, co-owned by Rays star Evan Longoria. And don’t miss out on the four-lane mini bowling. 1719 W. Kennedy Blvd., 813-254-6160, duckystampa.com.
Edison Food + Drink Lab Executive Chef Jeannie Pierola's experimental but always exciting spirit flavors everything from the “large format” entrees (like “caramelized sea scallops + chorizo crusted bone marrow”) to the cocktails (like Fire from Lima, a Pisco concoction recently featured in CL’s Drinking Issue). 912 W. Kennedy Blvd., 813-254-7111, edison-tampa.com.
Élevage CL restaurant critic Jon Palmer Claridge was blown away by Èlevage, part of the Epicurean hotel opened in late 2013 by the Bern’s/SideBern’s team, declaring, “Chad Johnson and Élevage have clearly thrown down the gauntlet.” 1207 S. Howard Ave., 813-999-8726, epicureanhotel.com.
Evos Burgers, wraps, salads, shakes and “airfries,” baked sans deep fryer. Fast food without the high calories. 609 S. Howard Ave., 813-258-3867, evos.com.
Fitlife Foods Healthy (and very tasty) pre-packaged meals from a locally based franchise that launched in 2011. 504 S. Howard Ave., 813-512-8915, eatfitlifefoods.com.
Four Green Fields Another popular Irish pub, this one known for its signature thatched roof and its popularity among journalists and politicos. Irish favorites such as potato leek soup, corned beef and shepherd’s pie are available alongside draft beers and live entertainment. 205 W. Platt St., 813-254-4444, fourgreenfields.com.
Gourmet Pizza Company When CL had its offices just north of Kennedy, we ordered from Gourmet Pizza all the time, and we still have fond memories. South Tampa denizens get to enjoy it all the time. Gluten-free options are available. 610 S. Armenia Ave., 813-258-1999, gourmetpizza-company.com.
Green Lemon Part of the CRG mini-empire, Green Lemon (formerly Lime) serves modern Mexican cuisine, street tacos and all. Fiesta Hour every day from 2 to 7 p.m. 915 S. Howard Ave., 813-868-5463, cicciorestaurantgroup.com.
Hugo’s You’ll find inexpensive comfort food at this family-owned Latin restaurant. Some believe Hugo’s has the best Cuban sandwich in Tampa Bay. Judge for yourself. 931 S. Howard Ave., 813-251-2842.
Indigo Coffee The Hyde Park Village branch offers free Wi-Fi and a coffee blend that uses hand-picked Arabica beans. 716 S. Village Circle, 813-250-0345, drinkingindigo.com.
Irish 31 The pub neighbor of CineBistro (in the former home of the Wine Exchange), Irish 31 is known for its five renditions of boxty, an Irish potato pancake, plus flatbreads, sliders, salads and more, with brunch on Sundays. Wine, beer and signature cocktails, too. 1611 W. Swann Ave., 813-250-0031, irish31.com.
The Kennedy This nightclub hosts DJ events and live performances with VIP seating, a dance floor and drink specials. A dress code is enforced. 2408 W. Kennedy Blvd., 813-259-9669, thekennedysoho.com.
Koto Japanese Steakhouse Tableside pyrotechnics and sushi specials where Whaley's Market used to be. 533 S. Howard Ave., 813-964-6808, kotosteakhouse.com.
The Lodge A restaurant-bar and late-night hangout that puts twists on American staples, like Thai popcorn chicken and barbecue mac and cheese. 516 S. Howard Ave., 813-251-5634, cicciorestaurantgroup.com.
MacDinton’s An oft-crowded sports bar beloved by soccer fans, MacDinton’s is a popular singles spot and a reputed rite of passage for University of Tampa students upon turning 21. Patrons line up outside way before drink specials start, waiting for that coveted wristband. 405 S. Howard Ave., 813-251-8999, macdintons.com/SoHo-Tampa.
Meaner Wiener Hot dogs for every taste: Chicago, Coney, chili, they're all here. Plus sliders, Philly steaks, Italian beef, milkshakes and more. 500 S. Howard Ave., 813-251-0214, meanerwienertampa.com.
Mise en Place The restaurant that introduced Tampa to upscale contemporary cuisine, thanks to the inspired cooking of Marty Blitz and the leadership of Maryann Ferenc. And the food's just as good as ever. 42 W. Grand Central Ave., 813-254-5373,
miseonline.com.
Nature's Table Hyde Park Village’s healthy alternative to fast food offers plenty of vegetarian-friendly soups, salads, wraps, panini, smoothies and more, along with classic carnivore fare like chicken salad. 1622 W. Snow Ave., 813-254-9288, naturestable.com.
Oxford Exchange The gorgeous new complex has become the go-to spot for power lunches in the sun-filled restaurant, quiet afternoon tea or coffee from TeBella and Buddy Brew — and now, Thursday suppers. 420 W. Kennedy Blvd., 813-253-0222, oxfordexchange.com.
Panera Beach A spacious, familiar SoHo hangout, perfect for study groups and those who don’t have to report to the office. 709 S. Howard Ave., 813-253-5888, panerabread.com.
Piquant French-inspired everything in the space formerly occupied by Restaurant BT. Dishes include petit cassoulet and seared smoked scallops, and the bakery is a prime source for that addictive item known in other spheres as the Cronut and here just called a croissant donut — in other words, the best of both worlds. 1633 W. Snow Ave., 813-251-1777, piquanthydepark.com.
Ribit’s Bar-B-Que Stop by this gas station-turned-barbecue joint after a bar crawl or two along the SoHo strip. Alabama-style pork ribs, pulled pork that pays homage to North Carolina, brisket, smoked sausage and chicken. Oh, and a Cajun-esque crawfish boil on Fridays and Saturdays. Open for lunch Tues-Fri. and from 5 p.m.-3 a.m. Wed.-Sat. 401 S. Howard Ave., 813-817-4909, ribitsbbq.com.
Royal Palace Thai The Damrongs opened Royal Palace more than 20 years ago, bringing authentic Thai recipes and flavors to the Bay area. Medleys of sour, sweet, salty and bitter dance throughout the dishes. 811 S. Howard Ave., 813-258-5893, royalpalacethai.com.
Sally O’Neal’s Pizza Hotline One of the progenitors of the gourmet pizza movement, Sally’s has been providing Hyde Park with white and custom pizza options (as well as pasta dishes) since 1985. They’ve got a gluten-free dough option, too. 1319 S. Howard Ave., 813-251-0220, sallyonealspizza.com.
Schakolad Chocolate Factory The venerable "custom retail chocolate boutique" prides itself on making all its chocolates on the premises. 408 S. Howard Ave., 813-259-1099, schakolad.com/store10.
SideBern’s The younger sister of iconic steakhouse Bern’s is CL critic Jon Palmer Claridge's choice for “the number one restaurant in all of Tampa Bay.” 2208 W. Morrison Ave., 813-258-2233, sideberns.com.
SoHo Tavern A neighborhood restaurant-bar with ties to Italy, Ireland and America that are reflected through its menu. 2221 W. Platt St., 813-253-5900, sohotavern.com.
Starbucks The spot for SoHo people-watching. 715 S. Howard Ave., 813-250-9223, starbucks.com.
Swann Avenue Market & Deli Locally owned with a grand craft beer and wine selection, the deli makes classic sandwiches like Cubans and Reubens, as well as custom orders. 1021 W. Swann Ave., 813-251-5000, swannave.com.
TC Choy’s Asian Bistro From the popular dim sum menu heavy on traditional delicacies to sushi and updated Asian classics, TC Choy’s substantial menu has something for every fan of Eastern tastes. 301 S. Howard Ave., 813-251-1191, tcchoysbistro.com.
Timpano Italian Chophouse This surf-and-turf destination features a raw bar with carpaccio and tartar, aged beef, seafood, flatbreads, pasta and more. Live entertainment Tuesdays through Saturdays. 1610 W. Swann Ave., 813-254-5870, timpanochophouse.net/tampa.
Tiny Tap Tavern The epitome of a dive bar. Four beers at most on draft, with a couple bottles of wine stored underneath the bar. Regulars haunt Tiny Tap, but newbies aren’t treated like strangers. 2105 W. Morrison Ave., 813-258-5212.
Urban Cantina Fajitas, tacos, enchiladas, churros and more in hearty portions. Try the torta (Mexican sandwich) with breaded steak. 223 S. Howard Ave., 813-251-8226, urbancantina.com.
Wine Exchange This bistro and wine bar in Hyde Park Village presents diners with more than 40 types of wine from around the world. Food options include Cajun-stuffed meatloaf, chicken marsala and wasabi pea-crusted tuna. The patio is a lovely spot for an al fresco lunch. 1609 W. Snow Ave., 813-254-9463, wineexchangetampa.com.
World of Beer South Tampa Part taphouse, part sports bar and part all-around hangout destination, the SoHo location of this rising brand boasts a selection of up to 500 beers. 402 S. Howard Ave., 813-251-6800, http://wobusa.com/locations/south-tampa.
Yard of Ale More than 20 beers on tap. Along with local and domestic brews, edible fare includes nachos, oven-baked subs, pizza and calzones. 406 S. Howard Ave., 813-251-4433, yardofale.com.
Zudar's Awesome sandwiches at a beloved Tampa deli on the outskirts of Hyde Park. 201 W. Platt St., 813-250-6272, zudarsdeli.com.
