Hot damn! The scoop shop with a cult following, Jeni’s Ice Creams, is opening two locations. South Tampa’s Deck Pizza also returned this week, and Beans & Barlour’s new Tropicana Field location means we’re going to Rays games this season. Meanwhile, rising rent prices took Largo’s Bella Italia and Tour de Pizza’s flagship down this week. Here’s what’s new, what’s happening and what we bid farewell to in the Tampa Bay food scene.
Openings
Bootleggers Brewing Co. The Brandon brewery moved to Tampa where it’s pouring Bootleggers’ brews, like the New England Style IPA, Lushable Crush IPA and Ice Cream Sammich Milk Stout in our backyard. 10256 Causeway Blvd., Tampa. bootleggersbrewingco.com
Deck Pizza Deck Pizza has made a comeback after closing in 2016. Expect the same award-winning thin-crust ‘za, pasta, salads, and Grinder sandwiches. You can even grab Deck eats at its neighbor, Bar Hwrd (stylized “HWRD.”) 2202 W. Platt St., Tampa. @DeckPizza on Instagram
Graze The second location of Armature Works favorite, Graze 1910, is now open in South Tampa with a much larger menu featuring American fare and brunch service. 2217 S. Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa. graze1910.com
El Toro Loco Although El Toro Loco boasts of “authentic” Mexican eats, there are a few menu items like its roasted corn appetizer dressed in Flamin’ Hot Cheetos and Doritos that might suggest otherwise. More traditional offerings include tacos with various protein options, chimichangas, burritos and enchiladas. 2301 N. Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa. eltorolocotampa.com
Matjoa Korean BBQ Buckle up and take on the all-you-can-eat at Pinellas’ latest Korean barbecue joint. Beware, there’s a two-hour limit and a fee if you don’t clean your plate. 3580 Ulmerton Rd., Clearwater. (727) 220-0100
The Kitchen St. Pete chef Ken Tufo has opened a pop-up restaurant at Watergarden Inn on the Bay. A three-course prix fixe menu is $65 per person with tax and tip included. Oh, and it’s BYOB with no corkage fee if you want to sip on a little something that won’t break the bank. 126 4th Ave. NE, St. Petersburg. (646) 732-1758
The North End Taphouse Nestled into Gulfport’s neighborhood scene, the Taphouse has 20 taps and several cans to go with its sandwich selection. 2908 ½ Beach Blvd. S., Gulfport. The North End Tap House on Facebook
Coming soon
Beans & Barlour The boozy dessert joint’s new Tropicana Field location has a brand spankin’ new menu only available at the stadium. Might have to slide to the season opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates on March 26 just to get a taste of the boozy peanuts and Cracker Jack milkshake. Tropicana Field, 1 Tropicana Dr., St. Petersburg. beansandbarlour.squarespace.com
Book + Bottle There’s no official grand opening date for the wine bar and literary hub, but Book + Bottle is hosting its first event on March 18. 17 6th St. N., St. Petersburg. bookandbottlestpete.com
Dat Dog Tampa Bay could become home to the first Florida location of the New Orleans-based fast casual hot dog and sausage joint. The concept makes its own hot dogs and vegan, vegetarian, fish and crawfish sausage from scratch with over 30 toppings to choose from. datdog.com
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams The scoop shop with the cult following is opening two locations—one within The Pearl (across from Armature Works) in Tampa Heights and another at Sparkman Wharf. jenis.com
JoToro A new Mexican restaurant is set to take over the former Hooters space at Sparkman Wharf this spring. Expect Mexican provisions with global inspirations alongside sips like tequila flights, specialty cocktails and margaritas. 615 Channelside Dr., Tampa. sparkmanwharf.com
Nojaks The menu at Downtown Tampa’s forthcoming upscale fast food restaurant will be about 95% vegan. Plant-based eats are flooding the Tampa Bay food scene. 305 E. Polk St., Tampa. nojakstastyfoods.com
Rome + Fig NoHo’s newest globally-inspired bistro was initially slated to open in January, but it looks like Rome + Fig is now looking at an April opening. 301 N. Rome Ave., Tampa. romeandfigbistro.com
The Kilted Axe The new axe-slinging spot celebrates a ribbon cutting on March 7, with local beer samples and 10 professional bagpipers providing Celtic tunes. 6027 Wesley Grove Blvd., Suite 208, Wesley Chapel. thekiltedaxe.com
Closings
Bella Italia After 40 years of business, the Largo Italian restaurant closed its doors for good, citing the rising costs of food, rent and the decline of the shopping center.
Tour de Pizza The flagship location of the pizza joint in St. Petersburg’s Northeast Shopping Center has closed due to rising rent costs. Thankfully, Tour de Pizza Deux is still going strong at 8824 4th St. N. just three-and-a-half miles away.
This article appears in Feb 27 – Mar 5, 2020.
