A running list of forthcoming food spots and drinkeries that can’t open soon enough. They’re slated to premiere across Tampa Bay now through spring.
Bambusa Bar & Grill Sometime soon, the LGBT-friendly Bambusa — with a longstanding flagship in Naples — is launching its second location at the former site of Georgie’s Alibi in historic Kenwood. Expect a casual lineup of everything from seafood and burgers to wraps and pizza, plus entertainment. 3100 Third Ave. N., St. Petersburg, bambusaonline.com.
Bento Cafe An affordable pan-Asian kitchen and sushi joint bringing the single-portion meals known as bento boxes to the ground floor of downtown St. Pete's AER apartment building. Other customizable selections from the indoor-outdoor eatery include sushi rolls, noodles and sashimi bowls. This is the 11th outpost for Orlando-based Bento Cafe. 330 Third St. S., St. Petersburg, bentocafesushi.com.
The C House Like cheesecake and charcuterie? What about Champagne? This newcomer, offering a lineup driven by beverages and bites that start with the letter C, could become your go-to hangout in Seminole Heights. Previously set to debut in mid-December, The C House is a work in progress, but plans include a bakery, two full-liquor bars, a retail store and a covered patio. 6005 N. Florida Ave., Tampa.
Chakana SoHo Under new ownership, the Peruvian restaurant has a grand opening celebration scheduled for Jan. 26. Ingredients imported straight from Peru (think spices and corn), a late-night menu, and new brunch concepts were announced in early January as part of the refreshed Chakana. 223 S. Howard Ave., Tampa, 813-252-8462, chakanasoho.com.
Datz Local restaurateurs Suzanne and Roger Perry will introduce Datz’s dreamy, over-the-top eats to downtown St. Pete in April. Adjoining the James Museum of Western and Wildlife Art, the latest outpost features an industrial, modern look (which the original South Tampa location will reflect once it undergoes a renovation), alongside 150 indoor seats and 100 on the patio where a bar is also in store. Bonus: A small Datz cafe is going inside the soon-to-open museum, too. 180 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, datztampa.com.
Ford’s Garage Started in Fort Myers, the service station-themed chain has been strategically expanding around town since the Bay area’s first location premiered in Brandon back in 2015. Its craft beer and gourmet burgers — not to mention other kinds of comfort food — hit Clearwater’s Countryside neighborhood next; the restaurant began hiring all positions last month. 26210 U.S. Highway 19 N., Clearwater, fordsgarageusa.com.
Gen X Tavern A quirky, inviting hangout — themed around the 1980s and ’90s, hence the name — on the ground floor of the Bank of America building parking garage between Tampa and Ashley streets. Items like tacos, burgers, funnel cake fries, and orange creamsicles will accompany the full bar and old-school fun (mixtapes, anyone?) once the doors open. 200 N. Tampa St. #G-130, Tampa.
Harpoon Harry’s Crab House The Tampa Convention Center sees the opening of this second location from Smuggler’s Enterprises — the group behind Punta Gorda restaurants like Captain’s Table and Muscle Car City Diner — on June 19. Construction on the 18,000-square-foot, two-story restaurant kicked off in November, and highlights are a sushi bar, roll-up doors along Franklin Street, and a 1926 Chevy truck that’s being transformed into another bar. 327 S. Franklin St., harpoonharryscrabhousetampa.com.
Maple Street Biscuit Company Shooting for a mid-March opening on the 600 Block, where The Local 662 used to be, the Jacksonville-born franchise specializes in jazzing up a cherished comfort food: the biscuit. Favorites on a flaky biscuit are The Squawking Goat (fried chicken breast, fried goat cheese medallion, house pepper jelly) and The Five and Dime (fried chicken breast, pecan wood-smoked bacon, Cheddar, sausage gravy, fried egg). 662 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, maplestreetbiscuits.com.
Oak & Stone Pour a pint from the New American tavern’s self-serve craft beer wall, choosing from more than 60 suds, then order off the food menu. Wood-fired pies and other chef-inspired twists on beloved dishes await at the indoor-outdoor joint from managing partners Joe Seidensticker and Brett Decklever, opening early on this year. 199 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, oakandstone.com.
Osteria Italian Bar and Kitchen A fan fave during his time on Bravo’s Top Chef, celeb chef Fabio Viviani is behind the refined Italian cuisine of Osteria. A joint venture between Viviani (who operates more than 15 restaurants nationwide) and Franklin Manor’s Lanfranco Pescante and David Anderson — with bar consultant and cocktail guru Ro Patel on board as well — the kitchen and bar is part of the NINE15 high-rise apartments. 915 N. Franklin St., Tampa, thenocturnalgroup.com.
Paul’s Landing The Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club’s newest food spot is a marina-front, Florida-inspired restaurant with a decidedly casual vibe. Showcasing a menu driven by locally sourced seafood, smokehouse elements and fresh citrus — plus a rum-forward bar — Paul’s anticipates an opening of early this year. 501 Fifth Ave. NE, St. Petersburg, marriott.com/tpasr.
Shula Burger Another burger destination in the small SoHo plaza that’s home to SoHo Juice Co., Noodle Kitchen & Market and D.P. Dough. While the Fort Lauderdale-based fast-casual franchise is known for patties made with a blend of Black Angus beef, short rib and brisket, there are chicken and veggie burgers on hand, alongside beer and wine, salads and shakes. 500 S. Howard Ave., Tampa, shulaburger.com.
Sweet Charlie’s Thai-style rolled ice cream and frozen yogurt — there’s even a nondairy vegan option — served up in flavor combos like Off Duty (coffee and doughnuts) and Namaste (strawberry cheesecake). Fruit, chocolate chips and honey are a few of the customizable toppings. Springtime is also the projected launch date for the young chain’s Tampa and Odessa stores. 1010 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, sweetcharlies.com.
Taco Bus The original St. Pete restaurant for Taco Bus permanently closed on Central Avenue in September, but a fresh location where residents can continue to get their Mexican street food fix is coming. 101 34th St. S., St. Petersburg, 727-321-1025, taco-bus.com.
Voodoo Doughnut OK, it's a little bit of a drive, but this iconic purveyor of eccentric, indulgent doughnuts with a cult-like following is headed for Universal Orlando Resort's CityWalk. Next to NBC Sports Grill & Brew, the shop, joining locations in Portland, Denver and Austin, to name a few, plans to feature Voodoo Doughnut's signature pink theme and creations — among them Grape Ape and Bacon Maple Bar. 6000 Universal Blvd., Orlando, voodoodoughnut.com.
Wakamolé Truly Mexican A modern, simple fast-casual taqueria that's been testing out its customizable bill of fare at area markets and events. Made-to-order offerings include tacos, bowls and tostadas. 435 S. Myrtle Ave., Clearwater, wakamoletacos.com.
CL’s fall roundup of restaurant openings included Burgerim, Rocco’s Tacos & Tequila Bar and The Heights Public Market at Armature Works in Tampa — as well as St. Pete’s Dr. BBQ — which regionites are still anxiously awaiting. But here are s’more places that we’re keeping an eye on: Baytenders; Callaloo at the Manhattan Casino; Ciccio Restaurant Group’s latest Ciccio Cali and Fresh Kitchen; The Getaway at Maximo Marina; The Left Bank Bistro; Yard House; and Zydeco Brew Werks.
This article appears in Jan 18-25, 2018.