Whether you’re into casual fare or high-end grub, these live music destinations also happen to spotlight vibrant lineups of food.
8th Avenue Pub Musical stylings from various artists, including Simply Abigail and thE dEad frEts, harmonize with 8th Avenue’s delectable wood-fired pies, baked meatballs and the like. 103 Eighth Ave. N., Safety Harbor, 727-799-1105.
The Bricks Catch one of this food- and cocktail-slinging paradise’s occasional punk shows or DJ nights. The next bill of live entertainment will take place during The Bricks’ five-year anniversary bash Saturday, July 25. 1327 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa, 813-247-1785, thebricksybor.com.
Cafe Charlie Salads, sandwiches, coffee and more are offered at this modern European-feeling venue that highlights blues musicians such as Alex Lopez, Vince “Stickman” Warren and Bodie Valdez. 2241 Nursery Road, Clearwater, 727-524-8000.
Cafe Hey This coffee-fueled gathering place features warm pressed sandwiches, vegan-friendly desserts and other must-try eats, as well as a Thursday open mic night and a singer-songwriter showcase on Fridays. 1540 N. Franklin St., Tampa, 813-221-5150, cafehey.com.
Ceviche Tapas Bar & Restaurant As you groove to Jose Maria Moreno’s flamenco guitar or Latin pop jams from Colores, chow on Spanish delights ranging from papas fritas to paella. 10 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg, 727-209-2299, ceviche.com.
Crowbar A neighborhood music and special events haunt where producer and emcee Flavor Deluxx serves up tasty BOTB-winning taco creations to hungry patrons some nights. 1812 N. 17th St., Tampa, 813-241-8600, crowbarlive.com.
Del Mar Carolina barbecue specials and melted burritos are among the food options at Del Mar, which attracts local music makers like Freelow, Boxcar Hollow and Geri X. 243 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-498-8610.
Dunedin Brewery Tons of live tunes, and dreamy smells from items like fried jalapeño cheese curds and loaded nachos, fill the air at the state’s oldest craft brewery. 937 Douglas Ave., Dunedin, 727-736-0606, dunedinbrewery.com.
Ella’s Americana Folk Art Cafe Local musicians — La Lucha, The Sara Rose Band, Acme Jazz Garage and others — flock to Ella’s to play for diners eating their way through items such as ahi tuna tacos and veggie Panang curry. 5119 N. Nebraska Ave., Tampa, 813-234-1000, ellasfolkartcafe.com.
The Fox Cool Jazz Club Alongside this revived upscale jazz joint’s two music rooms, lunch and dinner delicacies like beef Wellington and lobster tail are showcased. 5401 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, 813-639-0400, foxjazztampa.com.
The Hangar Restaurant & Flight Lounge Live music Wednesday to Saturday, including swingin' jazz on weekends, plus a tasty varied menu (chicken and waffles!) and a view of all the airborne doings at Albert Whitted Airport. 540 First St. SE, St. Petersburg, 727-823-7767, thehangarstpete.com.
The Hideaway Cafe This intimate recording studio and café offers savory flatbreads, sandwiches and salads. Read our food critic's review. 1756 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-644-7895, hideawaycafe.biz.
The Hyde Out Don’t miss the American fusion cuisine from this restaurant-bar-lounge, or the DJs — Blenda, Casper and Fader among them — who spin the after-hours tunes. 1809 W. Platt St., Tampa, 813-498-2334, thehydeout.com.
The Independent Bar and Cafe Devour jazz, blues and other locally loved genres as you down stepped-up bar eats and craft beer. 5016 N. Florida Ave., Tampa, 813-341-4883, independentbartampa.com.
Ka’Tiki “Locals know” about Ka’Tiki’s bill of music (funk, country, blues and more) as well as the chow. Snacks like smoked fish spread and fried pickles accompany six kinds of sandwiches. 8803 W. Gulf Blvd., Treasure Island, 727-360-2272, katikisunsetbeach.com.
The Market on 7th While up-and-coming area bands frequently lead the entertainment schedule, if you don’t know about this spot’s pizza game, pay a visit ASAP. 1816 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa, 813-248-2356.
Moscato’s Bella Cucina This restaurant’s underground lounge features swanky, jazzy stylings from acts such as Lounge Cat and No Soul To Sell, along with an array of Italian bites. 475 Central Ave. N., St. Petersburg, 727-322-4313, moscatosstpete.com.
New World Brewery Indulge in ridiculously good stone-seared pizzas, other laid-back pub snacks and a regular helping of musicians at this cool and cozy indoor-outdoor hangout. 1313 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa, 813-248-4969, newworldbrewery.net.
Ringside Cafe This iconic venue draws live rock and blues artists every day of the week, pairing their sounds with lunch and dinner specialties. 16 Second St. N., St. Petersburg, 727-894-8465, ringsidecafe.net.
Ruth Eckerd Hall Small bites, gourmet desserts and more are highlighted in Ruth Eckerd’s Margarete Heye Great Room, and the East Side Café serves a light grub lineup. Guests may purchase pre-show buffet tickets for select events, too. 1111 N. McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater, 727-791-7400, rutheckerdhall.com.
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Whether you’re into steaks or sushi, the Hard Rock offers seven on-site restaurants to keep your taste buds happy before the evening’s performances. 5223 N. Orient Road, Tampa, 813-627-7625, seminolehardrocktampa.com.
Skipper’s Smokehouse This Tampa legend cooks up delectable Florida cuisine like oysters on the half shell, gator tail, a blackened grouper Reuben and homemade key lime pie, while an array of bands provides the sounds in its open-air Old Florida setting. 910 Skipper Road, Tampa, 813-971-0666, skipperssmokehouse.com.
Straz Center for the Performing Arts Four eateries carry diversified fare for the entertainment venue’s guests. You can score light items such as panini and desserts, or enjoy a buffet- or full-service-style dining experience. 1010 N. MacInnes Place, Tampa, 813-229-7827, strazcenter.org.
Whistle Stop Grill & Bar Live bands and solo acts, including the Tampa Bay Ukulele Society, work this spot’s stage, and patrons may down burgers and sandwiches, small plates, salads and way more. 915 Main St., Safety Harbor, 727-726-1956, whistlestopgrill.com.
Yeoman’s Cask & Lion The new Yeoman’s highlights British-influenced offerings like shrimp ‘n’ chips and shepherd’s pie alongside open mics and acoustic jams. 202 N. Morgan St., Tampa, 813-224-9367, yeomanscaskandlion.com.
This article appears in Jul 9-15, 2015.