Annual stoner Christmas 4/20 is around the corner, and there’s no better way to celebrate than by toking it up with your buds and indulging in your favorite munchie meal.
From unique combinations like jelly doughnut burgers and giant meatballs stuffed with spaghetti, to late-night eats and affordable meals—Tampa Bay is ripe with eateries that will satisfy anyone’s late-night, munchie-induced cravings.
Here over two dozen local bars, restaurants and food trucks to frequent when you’re stoned.
ABC Seafood
2705 54th Ave. N NO. 3, St. Petersburg,(727) 522-1888
This traditional Cantonese eatery is packed pretty much every night of the week, stuffed with happy customers tackling mounds of fried rice, Hong Kong-style crabs, pan-fried dumplings and honey walnut shrimp. Plus, it’s open until 11:30 p.m. almost every night.
Photo via Abc Seafood/FacebookBella’s Italian
1413 S Howard Ave, Suite 100, Tampa,(813) 254-3355
There’s nothing more satisfying than decadent pasta dishes, thick calzones and fresh pizza made for one—and this South Tampa favorite specializes in those dishes alongside a spread of other hearty Italian favorites. Bella’s offers late-night eats on Friday and Saturday nights, and the off-menu move is to order a side of meatballs, a ramekin of the restaurant’s homemade bleu cheese dressing, then stuff it all inside of a hollowed out bread roll straight from the server station steamer.
Photo via Bella’s Italian Cafe/FacebookCappy’s
Multiple Locations,(727) 321-3020
This pizzeria’s menu is short and sweet, and its cheesy, saucy goodness fulfills that nighttime craving every time. Can’t go wrong with a Chicago deep dish “Cappy,” loaded with sausage, ham, pepperoni, green onion and mushrooms. Just order ahead of closing if you’re trying to eat after a late night smoke session.
Photo via Cappy’s Pizzeria/FacebookChanko
4603 N Florida Ave, Tampa,(813) 770-7306
Seminole Heights’ homestyle Japanese restaurant has self-serve screens instead of front of house employees, so at least your stoned self doesn’t have to interact with any humans to order Chanko’s mountain of okonomiyaki, stacked curry platters or loaded rice plates. The former Chop Chop Shop offers a smaller menu than its predecessor, but still dishes out hearty Japanese food and hard-to-beat portions.
Photo via Chanko/FacebookChile Verde
2801 22nd Ave N, St. Petersburg,(727) 800-2679
The ‘Burg’s go-to spot for street tacos, Chile Verde is a gas station-turned-taqueria that offers a variety of comforting Mexican eats, from chimichangas to enchiladas. Smother whatever you order in its housemade green and red salsas, but you might feel it later.
Photo via Chile Verde/FacebookDatz
2616 S MacDill Ave, Tampa,(813) 831-7000
Giant spaghetti-stuffed meatballs, Nashville chicken doughnut sandwiches and mac and cheese-filled buns—Datz’s menu was pretty much made with munchie cravings in mind. Even its brunch offerings—with dishes like creme brulee french toast and short rib biscuit benedict—is wake and bake-friendly. The Dotchos—house-made sweet-n-salty chips, topped with chili, cheese, jalapeño, sour cream, blue cheese drizzle and scallions—are straight out of a Cheech & Chong wet dream.
Photo via Datz/FacebookDead Bobs
6717 Central Ave N, St. Petersburg,(727) 317-2627
This St. Pete Beach-adjacent watering hole is a dive bar with a hidden gem of a menu. Locals love its cheap burger specials, chicken wings and fried shrimp, which are offered until 3 a.m. daily.
Photo via Dead Bobs/FacebookDue Amici
1724 E 7th Ave, Tampa,(813)-443-0906
Everyone’s had a late night, drunken slice of ‘za from this Ybor City favorite, but Due Amici welcomes customers under all types of influences. Although its variety of fresh slices entice the eye, don’t sleep on the pizzeria’s salads, chicken parmesan sammies or pastas either.
Photo via Due Amici/FacebookEngine No.9
56 Dr M.L.K. Jr St N, St. Petersburg,(727) 623-0938
Take it from Engine No. 9’s loyal, but drunk, customer base—this restaurant’s unique burgers, sriracha-crusted wings and fried pickle spears make it one of the best nightcaps in all of ‘The Burg. Plus, there’s a solid cocktail, beer and seltzer selection if you’d like to keep your buzz going.
Photo via Engine No.9/FacebookFo’Cheezy Twisted Meltz
111 3rd St. N, St. Petersburg,(727) 256-8888
Dishing out ridiculously-loaded grilled cheeses—stuffed with anything from Korean-style short rib and crispy pork belly to fried chicken and tater tots—Fo’Cheezy’s menu is a munchie paradise. It gets extra stoner points for its “Half Baked” cookies and cream milkshake.
Photo via Engine No.9/FacebookGangchu
6618 N Nebraska Ave, Tampa,(813) 723-4264
This Seminole Heights hotspot offers late night Korean eats on Friday and Saturday, specializing in twice-fried chicken wings and shareable platters. There’s also a variety of beer and cocktails for your cottonmouth, but don’t get too crossfaded and embarrass yourself in the karaoke room.
Photo via Ganchu/FacebookJubao
5223 Orient Rd, Tampa,(866) 388-4263
You’re stoned, slurping piping hot noodles, and watching Jubao’s staff slice pork belly and stir fry rice in picturesque synchronization. There’s nowhere else in Tampa you can gamble and then enjoy high quality Asian cuisine at 3 a.m. on any given day of the week—and yes, it’s always worth the 30-minute wait.
Photo via Jubabo/FacebookKing of the Coop
5910 N Florida Ave, Tampa,(813) 232-2667
This is the go-to spot to satisfy cravings for intense spice, crispy chicken and that type of run-down-your-arms sauciness. Order the “The King Mac” for mac and cheese-topped chicken tenders smothered between two potato buns and slaw.
Photo via King of the Coop/FacebookLa Teresita
3248 W Columbus Dr., Tampa,(813) 879-9704
This Tampa institution was a true munchie paradise when it was open round the clock on the weekends, but its Anthony Bourdain-approved, cafeteria-style Cuban platters, sandwiches and pastries still hit the spot even if it’s not 2 a.m.
Photo via La Teresita/FacebookMadison Avenue Pizza
2660 Bayshore Blvd, Dunedin,(727) 754-6144
From comically-sized slices that not even Cheech & Chong could conquer to unique specialty pies like its crab rangoon or Chick-fil-A pizzas, this Dunedin favorite has an ultra-loyal fan base for a reason. We’re just hoping the pickle pizza makes its way to Madison Avenue’s menu once again.
Photo via Madison Avenue Pizza/FacebookNico’s Arepas Grill
8303 N Armenia Ave suite# 2, Tampa,(727) 339-2862
This North Tampa Venezuelan spot dishes out fat arepas loaded with meat and cheese, empanadas, South American-style burgers and traditional dinner platters. Bonus munchie points for Nico’s late-night eats that are more than a few steps above fast food.
Photo via Nicos Arepas Grill/FacebookNine Spices Hot Pot & Korean BBQ
6851 66th St N, Pinellas Park,(727) 350-3772
This hot pot and Korean BBQ restaurant is all-you-can-eat and open until 1 a.m. daily—you’re just responsible for making your food taste good. Take ingredients for your soup from its rotating conveyor belt, or order as many servings of beef bulgogi or spare ribs as you’d like. Just make sure you eat it all or Nine Spices will charge you an additional fee.
Photo via Nine Spices Hot Pot and BBQl/FacebookRene’s Mexican Kitchen
4414 N Nebraska Ave, Tampa,(813) 500-2510
This tiny food truck dishes out mighty Mexican eats of fat burritos, tacos and “house speciality” platters. The Seminole Heights spot recently started slinging $2 breakfast tacos for all you frugal wake-and-bakers out there.
Photo via Rene’s Mexican Kitchen/FacebookSantoro’s Pizzeria
1329 W Cass St, Tampa,(813) 687-7100
This casual North Hyde Park eatery dishes out real deal Jersey-style pizza that will impress any of Tampa’s many Northeastern transplants. From single slices and cheesesteaks loaded with cheese whiz, to breakfast sandwiches with Jersey’s beloved pork roll—Santoro’s and its quick service will have those munchie cravings fulfilled in no time. Bonus points if you can resist and save room for the zeppoles.
Photo via Santoro’s Pizzeria/FacebookSesh
2221 4th St N, St. Petersburg,(727) 933-0266
The folks over at Mad Beach Brewing Co. just debuted their new St. Pete brewpub, and its menu is stacked with hearty dishes like grouper sandwiches, burgers and bowls. Its beloved jelly doughnut burger—two smash burgers, berry jam, bacon and cheese smothered between two doughnut buns—certainly gets the stoner stamp of approval.
Photo via Sesh St.Pete/FacebookThe Burg Bar and Grill
1752 Central Ave., St. Petersburg,(727) 894-2874
This Central Avenue underdog is known for its cheap drinks and daily specials, but its munchie-friendly menu deserves some praise, too. The bar’s chicken and waffle sandwich and house-made potato chips loaded with cheese sauce and jalapenos stand out.
Photo via The Burg Bar and Grill/FacebookThe Galley
27 4th St N, St. Petersburg,(727) 575-7071
This downtown gem is small, unassuming bar that dishes out a menu full of comforting Florida favorites. Its late night fare includes Cuban sandwiches, fried shrimp and smoked fish spread, which are all offered until 3 a.m. daily
Photo via The Galley/FacebookThe Half-Baked Potato
1626 Central Ave, St. Petersburg,(727) 289-7087
When a restaurant’s motto is literally “420 vibes all day long,” it probably deserves to be on this list. Build-your-own loaded potatoes are joined by giant hot dogs, loaded mac and cheese bowls and ramen. Its Elvis-themed hot dog comes topped with peanut butter, marshmallows and bacon bits, if you’re into that sort of thing.
Photo via The Half Baked Poato/FacebookThe Lure
661 Central Ave N, St. Petersburg,(727) 914-8000
This is the type of restaurant you take your indecisive friend to, because the menu covers pretty much every type of cuisine. From loaded mac and cheese bowls and sushi to tapas-style small plates and tacos, The Lure’s eclectic offerings can satisfy any type of craving.
Photo via The Lure/FacebookThe Wheelhouse
7220 Central Ave, St. Petersburg,(727) 623-0589
Far from the bustle of downtown, this west St. Pete gem offers a no nonsense menu of well-executed bar food and a variety of local and domestic beer to match. No one at this fast-paced bar will judge you for your red eyes, or for ordering a spread of nachos, tacos, chicken wings and patty melts.
There are also lots of vegan and vegetarian options too, like fried mushrooms and zucchini, veggie tacos and loaded tater tots.
Photo via The Wheelhouse/FacebookThree Coins Diner
7410 N Nebraska Ave, Tampa,(813) 239-1256
Any local diner that’s open 24 hours a day deserves to be on this list, and Three Coins’ round-the-clock breakfast dishes, sandwiches and burgers will satisfy any late-night munchie craving.
Photo via Three Coins Diner/FacebookXtreme Tacos
5609 N Nebraska Ave, Tampa,(813) 304-2639
This taqueria’s 18 inch-long “stoner burrito” is loaded with your choice of protein, french fries, rice, beans, pico and cheese—but there’s a slew of other Mexican favorites like tacos and quesadillas you can also indulge in. Xtreme Tacos gets a few extra points for being accommodating to vegan and vegetarian stoners, too.
Photo via Xtreme Tacos/FacebookZeko’s Mediterranean Grill
Multiple Locations
A fast-casual Tampa Bay that’s perfect for when you need a meal that’s a step or two up from Salem’s (plus, its Busch Boulevard location stays open until 4 a.m. daily.) It dishes out anything from gyros and shawarma to fried seafood and vegetarian falafel platters. You’ll have to wait in the drive-thru as the food gets made-to-order, but that just means more time to hotbox the whip.
Photo via Zeko’s/FacebookKristina’s Cafe
3590 34th St. N, St. Petersburg. 727-526-6673
We miss when this St. Pete diner was open 24 hours a day pre-2020, but its comforting American dishes still hit the spot at all times. All-day breakfast is a must, but you can’t go wrong with the sandwiches or burgers either.
Photo via Kristina’s Cafe/Facebook Credit: Kristinas Cafe/FacebookTampa Bay Brewing Co.
1600 E 8th Ave., Ybor City,(813)-247-1422
Some folks come for the craft beer, others come for the tasty brew pub fare. TBBC’s munchie-friendly eats include wings, fried pickles, pizzas, calzones, seafood baskets and thick burgers. Its Westchase location offers the same food menu, too.
Tampa Bay Brewing Co./ Facebook
Kyla Fields is the food critic and former managing editor of Creative Loafing Tampa Bay who started their journey at CL as summer 2019 intern. They are the proud owner of a charming, sausage-shaped, eight-year-old...
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