Hope you’re hungry because new Tampa Bay area bars and restaurants have been announced and are opening before the year is out. Hope you’re ready to say your last goodbyes to Anise Global Gastrobar this weekend, too. Here’s what’s happening in local foodie news.
OPENINGS
Aubi & Ramsa Miami-based 21-and-up ice cream shop Aubi & Ramsa lays down roots in Tampa Bay with another location opening this fall inside Tampa’s Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. One of the handcrafted flavors by Aubi & Ramsa is The Highland Truffle made with 12-year aged Macallan Scotch Whisky, and it comes in at 5% alcohol content. For now you can visit at Aubi & Ramsa’s Kennedy Boulevard location. Prices on boozy scoops range from $7-$20; hours for the shop are Monday through Saturday 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. and Sunday 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m. 442 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa.
Bar Chinchilla The beer and wine bar quietly opened two weeks ago and has quickly grown a neighborhood following. Slide by to try one (or all) of the eight brews the tap list which is IPA heavy (a blonde, stout, pilsner and sour are up for grabs for those who can't handle the hops). Happy hour for the new bar is 3 p.m.-7 p.m. seven days a week. 439 1st Avenue N., St. Petersburg.
Jerk Hut Island Grilled and Beach Club Jerk Hut’s Fowler Avenue Rhum Bar location moved across the street and became the Jerk Hut Island Grille and Beach Club. All the same menu favorites with better lighting. 1241 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa.
COMING SOON
Bar Hwrd The new cocktail joint will serve bites from the attached SoHo Fuego kitchen run by Chef Rene Valenzuela (founder of Taco Bus). Looks like you’ll need to add another location to your Sunday Funday bar crawl map. 302 S. Howard Ave., Tampa.
Bula Kavananda The he kava and coffee joint should open any day now. If you've never had kava before, the first one is on the house. 5803 N. Florida Ave., Tampa.
Pokē Fish Last-casual Hawaiian concept Pokē Fish is opening a second location in the former Noodle Kitchen & Market. More details on opening date as construction continues. 500 S. Howard Ave., Tampa.
CLOSING
Anise Global Gastrobar This Saturday, September 14 is Anise’s last day in business. We’ll also have to bid farewell to the short-lived Hidden Star Tiki Bar, but monthly music event Wine & Rhyme is on the hunt for a new location. 777 N. Ashley Dr., Tampa.
Rae Rae’s Cafe After five years of business, Rae Rae's Cafe has bowed out of the restaurant biz. The cafe served up homemade breakfast and lunch dishes under $10. Head to other diner-like joints like Trip's or Skyway Jack's to get your breakfast and lunch bites on a budget.
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