Opening this month
7th + Grove The coming Southern cuisine restaurant’s menu is made up of dishes like Collard Green Cigarillos, Pimento Cheese Fritters, Shrimp and Grits, and the Afro-Cuban sandwich. 1930 E. 7th Ave., Ybor.
Baba on Central The bakery portion of the space is already up and running, so no need to wait to get your first glimpse of the evil eye aesthetic. The restaurant portion should be opening within the next few weeks. 2701 Central Ave., St. Petersburg.
Bay Cannon Beer West Tampa will debut its first brewery since 1936 in the coming weeks. Prepare to get buzzy with their signature selection of craft beers, including a Hazy Brut IPA and a Brut Belgian, in the renovated former theater. 2106 W. Main St., Tampa.
Big Storm Brewing The brewery’s Pasco Taproom is welcoming a new kitchen in mid-July and is ready to serve up dishes with locally sourced ingredients to go with their signature brews. The new menu offers up salads and bar classics like nachos drenched in house-made beer cheese. 2330 Success Dr., Odessa.
Catrinas Tacos and Tequila Bar The open-kitchen concept will serve fresh Mexican cuisine, and host a speakeasy in a renovated bank vault that is only accessible by reservation and with a password. 1611 N. Howard Ave., Tampa.
Lolis Mexican Cravings The third location of the popular concept is slated to open this month. A quick drive over the bridge can get ‘Burg residents access to the 11 types of mouthwatering tacos. 3324 W. Gandy Blvd., Tampa.
Park & Rec The ‘Burg staple is debuting its sister location this month in downtown Tampa and is ready to host giant beer pong games, DJs, and retro arcade games and Sunday brunch. Menu offerings will include over-the-top bar bite essentials and signature cocktails like the Party Pouch aka an adult CapriSun. 290 S. Meridian Ave., Tampa.
Poke Burri The Atlanta hotspot will give Tampa a taste of its signature bowls like Tangy Crab & Shrimp or Spicy Tuna Kimchee, burrito rolls, and finger foods. Build-your-own bowls, salads, dumplings, and jalapeño poppers are also up for grabs. 4038 W Kennedy Blvd., Tampa.
Red Star Rock Bar This month, the bar will open up its second location on the streets of Ybor. If the bar plans on bringing the same heat to the second location, we can expect live music from local bands, happy hours that offer up $4 drafts, $3 wine and wells, and Wednesday-night karaoke. 1710 7th Ave., Ybor.
Stone’s Throw The oyster bar is expected to open right outside of Armature Works next door to soon-to-be stand-up paddle board company Urban Kai’s second location. 1910 N. Ola Ave., Tampa.
Closings
Creative Soul The coffee house doubled as an art gallery and hub for local artists to connect and creative under one roof. Sadly, the concept closed its doors for good in late June.
Peggy O’s Kitchen & Taps After 14 years of service in Palm Harbor, Peggy O’s Kitchen & Taps has lost its lease and shut its doors for good. The bar is hosting an auction on Wednesday, July 24, so that former customers can take home memorabilia to let the pub live on in their homes.
Events
Adult Night at The Florida Aquarium The Sips Under the Sea event on Friday, July 26, can be your next date night or a night out with friends to be a kid again with access to exhibits featuring over 14,000 animals, while also getting a little tipsy. The after-hours event runs from 7-10 p.m., and the dress is “sophisticated summer attire.” There will also be a Swedish Fish Buffet. Grab your tickets at flaquarium.org.
Margarita Wars On Friday, July 26, attendees will gather at TPepin's Hospitality Centre for unlimited samples of unique margs created by more than 15 local mixologists and restaurants. The crowd will also have the power to vote for the best margarita of the event. For tickets, head to margaritawarstampabay.com.
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This article appears in Jul 4-11, 2019.