The Yard Milkshake Bar The Yard Milkshake Bar made its Tampa Bay debut with a Carrollwood storefront last year, but it’s finally The Burg’s turn to get a taste of the massive confections. St. Pete’s newest dessert spot—known for its larger-than-life shakes and Instagrammable sweet treats—celebrates its grand opening on Friday, Oct. 21 at 111 2nd Ave. NE Suite 103. October’s offerings involve expected fall flavors like pumpkin as well as spooky decorations, but The Yard will offer rotating specials in addition to its permanent menu of cookies and cream, Key lime pie and salted caramel cheesecake shakes. One of this month’s speciality creations is the “Put a Spell on You” milkshake—complete with hazelnut ice cream, purple marshmallow drizzle, a Nutella-dipped jar rolled in pretzel “broomsticks” and topped with a brownie and pumpkin cookie dough scoop.The Yard’s speciality milkshakes—served in a souvenir pint glass—typically range from $17-$19, with its other smaller desserts costing less. 111 2nd Ave. NE Suite 103.,St. Petersburg. theyardmilkshakebar.com
Coming soon
Potbelly
Potbelly is planning a large expansion in the Tampa Bay area. The fast-casual sandwich chain recently signed an agreement to bring a total of 14 new locations to the Tampa Bay area through the STA Management group within the next five years, according to a press release. The chain, known for toasted sandwiches, shakes and salads already has two locations in Tampa, one on Dale Mabry Highway and another on Falkenburg Road. The company did not specify exact locations for their new Tampa Bay outposts. The Chicago-based restaurant group has been quickly expanding, with its second Tampa location having opened in June of 2021. Potbelly says it plans to open 2,000 locations within the next 10 years, and at least 85% of which will be franchised. For the unfamiliar, Potbelly’s menu runs spans a meat-centric landscape of hot and cold sammies, including its avocado turkey sandwich featuring turkey, avocado, Swiss cheese and cucumbers, and their “meaty fan favorite” A Wreck, including turkey breast, hickory smoked ham, Angus roast beef, salami and Swiss cheese. potbelly.com
SeaGlass Tavern Bringing fresh seafood to Citrus Park, SeaGlass Tavern’s unique dishes will likely keep you on your toes. Located in the former Maikel’s Kitchen space, a soft opening happens on Oct. 24 before Sea Glass Tavern officially opens on Nov. 7. From charcuterie to octopus, SeaGlass Tavern’s menu features a variety of shareable small bites like its Seafood Tower with “citrus poach lobster tail, shrimp cocktail, Garlic white wine mussels and clams, homemade fish dip, seared ahi Tuna and seasonal oysters” and heartier dishes like a Tuna Peri Peri “featuring “Black beluga lentils, Yuzu truffle vinaigrette,” and “Garlic green beans.” The restaurant will present a private event space for parties to enjoy, as well as their main dining area. With blue glowing counters, textured walls and low hanging lanterns, this seafood spot boasts not only their dishes, but its ambiance, sharing renovation updates on their Facebook page. Reservations are already open for the holidays, as the tavern gears up for their grand opening. 11935 Sheldon Rd., Tampa. seaglasstavern.com
ICYMI
One of Florida’s oldest beer brands La Tropical returns to Tampa After six decades away, the family of the once-popular beer Ybor City brand La Tropical brings its classic brews into the 21st century—and back to Tampa Bay. After La Tropical’s private re-launch party this week, craft beer-lovers can expect to see La Tropical’s “La Original ”amber lager, “Nativo Key” Suave IPA and “Tropiflaca” lite lager distributed in cans and on draft at local restaurants, bars and supermarkets throughout Tampa Bay. “The rebirth of Cerveza La Tropical represents a dream come true, fulfilling a lifelong passion to resurrect the brand throughout Florida,” Manny Portuondo—CEO of Cerveceria La Tropical and great-great-grandson of Federico Kohly, who founded the original brewery in Cuba in the late 1800s—wrote in a press release. “More than a century after La Tropical was founded in both Cuba and Florida, I am proud and excited to be creating a new La Tropical that pays tribute to the storied heritage of both.” cervecerialatropical.com
This article appears in Oct 20-26, 2022.