The 11th location for 4 Rivers recently launched at the corner in South Tampa. Credit: Chip Weiner

The 11th location for 4 Rivers recently launched at the corner in South Tampa. Credit: Chip Weiner


After months of construction at the corner of Swann and MacDill avenues in South Tampa, 4 Rivers Smokehouse opened last Friday.

The new building at 623 S. MacDill Ave. took over a corner that was formerly an old gas station housing the Tampa Bay Farmers' Market. Like its older sibling in North Tampa, 4 Rivers is a fast-casual, cafeteria-style concept, where patrons may order food fresh from the smoker, including sandwiches and signature stackers, dinner plates and homestyle Southern sides.

With dishes like the Brontosaurus Beef Rib and the Six Shooter (cheese grits topped with pulled pork, slaw, pickles, jalapeños and 4 Rivers sauce), the menu ought to appeal to more adventurous palates. The offerings in the dessert case — specialty cupcakes among them — are more upscale than what one might typically find in a smokehouse, too.

Though parking was a challenge at the busy newbie when CL stopped by Monday night, there's a walk-up window on the MacDill side of the restaurant for takeout, plus a large patio with outdoor dining along Swann.

According to manager Sean Aubry, the South Tampa 4 Rivers, the restaurant brand's 11th location, is planning a grand opening for Tuesday.

An outdoor walk-up window saves patrons time when getting takeout. Credit: Chip Weiner
Inside, customers place orders in the restaurant’s cafeteria-style line. Credit: Chip Weiner
The dessert case features custom cupcakes, layer cakes and other goodies. Credit: Chip Weiner

This article appears in Dec 10-16, 2015.