More than 500,000 votes were cast in the 2022 Best of the Bay reader’s poll, and the results are finally in. These are the best Tampa Bay restaurants, bars, chefs, bartenders, and more of 2022, according to you and your neighbors. See all the winners from Best of the Bay 2022.
Best Acai Bowl
Winner: SoHo Juice Co.
Runners-up: Sweet Soul, Raw Smoothie Co.
Photo via SoHo Juice Co./Facebook Credit: Photo via SOHO Juice Co.Best All-Around Restaurant
Winner: Bern’s Steak House
Runners-up: Rooster & the Till, The Black Pearl Dunedin
Photo via Bern’s Steak House/FacebookBest Asian Restaurant
Winner: Yummy House
Runners-up: Runners-up: Asian Street Food, Ichicoro Ramen
Photo via Yummy House/FacebookBest Bagels
Winner: St. Pete Bagel Co.
Runners-up: Clearwater Bagels, Dunedin Bagels & Deli
Photo via stpetebagelco.com/ Credit: Photo via St. Pete Bagel Co.Best Bakery (Bread)
Winner: Mazzaro’s Italian Market
Runners-up: La Segunda Bakery, Gulf Coast Sourdough
Photo via Mazzaro’s Italian Market/Facebook
Best Bakery (Pastries)
Mazzaro’s Italian Market
Finalists: Alessi Bakery, Frida’s BakeryCredit: Photo via Mazzaro's Italian Market
Best Vietnamese Restaurant
La V – Vietnamese Fusion
Finalists: Pho Quyen, Ha Long BayCredit: Photo via La V – Vietnamese FusionBest Bar
Winner: The Saint
Runners-up: Ciro’s Speakeasy, COCKtail St. Pete
Photo via The Saint/FacebookBest Bar Crawl
Winner: Jolley Trolley
Runners-up: Pet Pal Pup Crawl, Bad Santa Bar Crawl
Photo via Jolley Trolley/FacebookBest Barbecue Restaurant
Winner: Dr. BBQ
Runners-up: Wicked Oak Barbeque, The Dunedin Smokehouse
Photo via Dr. BBQ The Restaurant/Facebook
Best Bargain Restaurant
Trip’s Diner
Finalists: Dead Bob’s, La TeresitaCredit: Photo via Trip's DinerBest Barista
Winner: Eileen Ramos – Bandit
Runners-up: Noelle Petraroia – NEAT Coffee Bar, Jenna – Tukro Coffee
Photo via Eileen Ramos/FacebookBest Bartender
Winner: Madeline Cunnings – Blur Nightclub
Runners-up: Kamran Mir – The Hub, Isabelle Vogeler – Jack Pallino’s Napoletano Pizza and Pub
Photo via Madeline Cunnings/FacebookBest Beach Bar
Winner: Caddy’s
Runners-up: Frenchy’s, The Toasted Monkey
Photo via Caddy’s Bradenton/FacebookBest Beach Restaurant
Winner: Caddy’s Waterfront Restaurant
Runners-up: Frenchy’s, The Toasted Monkey
Photo via Caddy’s Bradenton/FacebookBest Beer Selection
Winner: The Independent Bar and Cafe
Runners-up: Mr. Dunderbak’s, Brū Florida Growler Bar
Photo via The Independent Bar and Cafe/FacebookBest Brandon Restaurant
Winner: Tibby’s New Orleans Kitchen
Runners-up: Stein & Vine, Acropolis Greek Taverna
Photo via Tibby’s New Orleans Kitchen/FacebookBest Breakfast
Winner: Foodys Restaurant
Runners-up: Metro Diner, Lenny’s Restaurant
Photo via Foody’s Restaurant/FacebookBest Brewer
Winner: Doug Clark – Tampa Bay Brewing Company Ybor
Runners-up: Eric Richardson – Cage Brewing, Dennis Decker – Pinellas Ale Works
Photo via Tampa Bay Brewing Company/FacebookBest Brewery, Hillsborough
Winner: Tampa Bay Brewing Company
Runners-up: Cigar City Brewing, Coppertail Brewing Co.
Photo via Tampa Bay Brewing Company/FacebookBest Brewery, Pasco
Winner: Florida Avenue Brewing
Runners-up: Escape Brewing Company, The Liquid Garage Co.
Photo via floridaavebrewco/FacebookBest Brewery, Pinellas
Winner: 3 Daughters Brewing
Runners-up: Pinellas Dunedin Brewery. Pinellas Green Bench Brewing Co.
Photo via 3 Daughters Brewing/FacebookBest Brunch
Winner: Oxford Exchange
Runners-up: Noble Crust, Datz
Photo via Oxford Exchange/Facebook
Best Brunch for Boozing
The Living Room on Main
Finalists: Melting Pot Social, The Wet Spot at COCKtail
Credit: Photo via The Living Room on MainBest Burgers
Winner: Riveters Tampa
Runners-up: Runners-up: Datz, Engine No. 9
Photo via Riveters Tampa/FacebookBest Caterer
Winner: The Stuffed Mushroom
Runners-up: Mazzaros, Puff N Stuff Catering and Events
Photo via thestuffedmushroom.comBest Charcuterie
Winner: Lolita’s Wine Market
Runners-up: The C House, Haven Tampa
Photo via Lolita’s Wine Market/FacebookBest Chef
Winner: Chef Ferrell Alvarez – Rooster & the Till
Runners-up: Chef Chris Ponte – Olivia, Chef Traci Bryant – Caracara
Photo via Skyler June
Best Chicken Sandwich
PDQ
Finalists: Gigglewaters, King of the CoopCredit: Photo via PDQBest Chinese Restaurant
Winner: Yummy House
Runners-up: Zom Hee Chinese Restaurant, China 1
Photo via yummyhouseflorida.comBest Clearwater Restaurant
Winner: Clear Sky On Cleveland
Runners-up: Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill, Columbia Restaurant Sand Key
Photo via Clear Sky On Cleveland/FacebookBest Cocktails
Winner: Sonder Social Club
Runners-up: The Saint Speakeasy, Ciro’s Speakeasy
Photo via Sonder Social Club/FacebookBest Coffee Roaster
Winner: Kahwa Coffee
Runners-up: Buddy Brew Coffee, Café Vino Tinto
Photo via kahwacoffee.comBest Coffee Shop
Winner: Kahwa Coffee
Runners-up: Black Crow Coffee Co., King State
Photo via kahwacoffee.comBest College Hangout
Winner: MacDinton’s
Runners-up: Park & Rec, Armature Works
Photo via MacDinton’s/Facebook
Best Cookies
Bake’n Babes
Finalists: Mazzaro’s Italian Market, Ellie Mae’s BakeryCredit: Photo via Bake’n BabesBest Craft Beer Event
Winner: Bad Ass Beer Fest TBBC
Runners-up: Beer, Bourbon & BBQ, Octobeerfest – Dunedin Brewery
Photo via Tampa Bay Brewing Company/FacebookLa Segunda
Runners-up: Columbia Restaurant, La Teresita
Best Cuban Coffee
Winner: La Segunda
Runners-up: Columbia Restaurant, La Teresita
Photo via La Segunda/FacebookBest Cuban Restaurant
Winner: Columbia Restaurant
Runners-up: La Teresita, Bodega
Photo via columbiarestaurant.comBest Cuban Sandwich
Winner: Bodega
Runners-up: Columbia Restaurant, La Segunda
Photo via City of St. Pete Flickr
Best Cakes
The Cake Girl
Finalists: Wright’s Gourmet House, Mazzaro’s Italian Market
Credit: Photo via Cake Girl/websiteBest Date Restaurant
Winner: The Black Pearl Dunedin
Runners-up: Olivia, Bella’s Italian Cafe
Photo via The Black Pearl Dunedin/Facebook
Best Cheesecake
Bassano Cheesecake
Finalists: Fortu, Mazzaro’s Italian MarketCredit: Photo via Bassano Cheesecake/Facebook
Best Devil Crab
Brocato’s Sandwich Shop
Finalists: The Columbia Ybor City, Carmine’sCredit: Photo via Brocato's Sandwich ShopBest Diner
Winner: Mamas Kitchen
Runners-up: Lenny’s Restaurant, Trip’s Diner
Photo via mamastampa.comBest Distillery
Winner: St. Petersburg Distillery
Runners-up: Big Storm Distillery, Tarpon Springs Distillery
Photo via St. Petersburg Distillery/Facebook
719 N Franklin St., Tampa
This downtown staple with an attached package store has been voted Best Dive Bar in the Bay on and off for several years. The Hub is about as iconic of a dive that you’ll find in the area, with a loyal following that up until recently included the late and dearly beloved regular of over 30 years, Texas Tim. Locals know that you never order a double here because the pour is probably the strongest in town, so don’t take it personally if you get cut off after your second Long Island.
Photo via Ray RoaBest Dog-Friendly Bar
Winner: Two Shepherds Taproom
Runners-up: The Dog Bar St. Pete, Pups Pub Tampa
Photo via Two Shepherds Taproom/Instagram Credit:Photo via Two Shepherds Taproom/InstagramBest Doughnuts
Winner: Dough
Runners-up: Cosmic Donuts, Fray’s Donut House
Photo via Dough/FacebookBest Dunedin Restaurant
Winner: Caracara
Runners-up: Parlor House Bistro, The Living Room on Main
Photo via Caracara/Facebook
Best Pasco Restaurant
Noble Crust Finalists:The Living Room, Craft Street KitchenCredit: Photo via noblecrust.comBest Farm
Winner: Old McMicky’s Farm
Runners-up: Brick Street Farms, Keel Farms
Photo via Old McMicky’s Farm/FacebookBest Fish & Chips
Winner: Flanagan’s Irish Pub
Runners-up: Yeoman’s Cask & Lion, Jacks London Grill
Photo via Flanagan’s Irish Pub/FacebookBest Food Festival
Winner: John’s Pass Seafood Festival
Runners-up: Taste of Dunedin, Taste of Pinellas
Photo via John’s Pass Seafood FestivalBest Food Truck
Winner: Taco Bus
Runners-up: Shiso Crispy, Corvo Bianco Pizza
Photo via Taco Bus/FacebookBest Foodie Instagram Account
Winner: @thisbabeeats
Runners-up: @eatlocalflorida, @tampafoodmom
Photo via @thisbabeeats
Best Fried Chicken
King of the Coop
Finalists: Southern Fresh, Noble CrustCredit: Photo via King of the Coop/Facebook
Best Charcuterie
Mazzaro’s Italian Market
Finalists: SoCuterie FL, MUST Wine LoftCredit: Photo via Mazzaro's Italian MarketBest Greek Restaurant
Winner: Acropolis Greek Taverna
Runners-up: Hellas Restaurant & Bakery, Mykonos Tarpon Springs
Photo via acropolistaverna.com
Best Safety Harbor Restaurant
Gigglewaters Finalists: The Tides Seafood Market & Provisions,The BrinehouseCredit: Photo via Gigglewaters/FacebookBest Grouper Sandwich
Winner: Frenchy’s
Runners-up: Dockside Dave’s, Big Ray’s Fish Camp
Photo via Frenchy’s/FacebookBest Guacamole
Winner: Red Mesa Restaurant
Runners-up: Casa Tina ‘Fresh Healthy Authentic Mexican,’ Besito Mexican
Photo via Red Mesa Restaurant/Facebook
Best Happy Hour
COCKtail St. Pete Finalists:Walk-Ons Sports Bistreaux, Birchwood CanopyCredit: Photo via COCKtail St. Pete/Facebook
Mel’s Hot Dogs Finalists:Gigglewaters, Coney Island Hot DogsCredit: Photo via Mel's Hot Dogs/FacebookBest Hot Sauce
Winner: The Dunedin Smokehouse
Runners-up: VIP Mexican, Tampa Bay Hot Sauce Company
Photo via The Dunedin Smokehouse/FacebookBest Hotel Bar
Winner: Hi-Fi Rooftop Bar – Fenway Hotel
Runners-up: The Canopy – Birchwood, Edge Rooftop Bar – Epicurean Hotel
Photo via fenwayhotel.comBest Hotel Restaurant
Winner: Council Oak Steaks & Seafood – Hard Rock Tampa
Runners-up: HEW Parlor & Chophouse – Fenway Hotel, Èlevage – Epicurean Hotel
Photo via seminolehardrocktampa.comBest Ice Cream/Gelato/Frozen Yogurt
Winner: Revolution Ice Cream
Runners-up: Chill Bros. Scoop Shop, Strachan’s Ice Cream & Desserts
Photo via revicecream.comBest Indian Restaurant
Winner: Flames Indian Cuisine
Runners-up: Curry Leaves Indian Cuisine, Gateway to India
Photo via flamestampa.comBest Italian Restaurant
Winner: Bella’s Italian Café
Runners-up: Pia’s Trattoria, Olivia
Photo via Bella’s Italian Cafe
Best Juice
Soho Juice Co.
Finalists: Nature’s Food Patch, Gone Juicing Cafe
Credit: Photo via Soho Juice Co.Best Kava Bar
Winner: Bula Kavananda Kava Bar & Coffee House
Runners-up: Mad Hatters Kava Bar, Speakeasy Kava Bar
Photo via Bula Kavananda Kava Bar & Coffee House/FacebookBest Key Lime Pie
Winner: JJ Gandy’s
Runners-up: Mike’s Pies, The Pie Factory
Photo via jjgandys.comBest Kombucha
Winner: Bula Kavananda
Runners-up: Mother Kombucha, St. Pete Ferments
Photo via Bula Kavananda Kava Bar & Coffee House/Facebook Credit: cBest Late-Night Restaurant
Winner: Taco Bus
Runners-up: Bella’s Italian Café, Ichicoro Ramen
Photo via Taco Bus/FacebookBest LGBTQ Bar
Winner: COCKTail St. Pete
Runners-up: Blur Nightclub,
Tie for third: Bradley’s on 7th, Enigma
Photo via COCKtail St. Pete/Facebook
Best Liquor Store
Luekens Wine and Spirits Finalists:Total Wine, ABC LiquorCredit: Photo via Luekensliquors/FacebookBest Locally-Made Beer
Winner: Green Bench Brewing Co.
Runners-up: 3 Daughters Brewing, Tampa Bay Brewing Co.
Photo via flickr.com Credit:Photo via cityofstpete/Flickr
Best Lobster Roll
Got Lobstah? Finalists: The Helm Provisions and Coastal Fare, Mason’s Famous Lobster RollsCredit: Photo via gotlobstah/Facebook
Best Locally-Made Liquor
St. Petersburg Distillery’s Spiced Rum Finalists:Cotherman Distilling Company, Big Storm DistillingCredit: Photo via StPetersburgDistillery/FacebookBest Locally-Made Seltzer
Winner: 3 Daughters Brewing
Runners-up: Big Storm Brewery, Sea Dog Brewing
Photo via 3 Daughters Brewing/FacebookBest Mac ‘n’ Cheese
Winner: Datz
Runners-up: The Dunedin Smokehouse, Gigglewaters
Photo via Datz/Facebook
Best Tequila Bar
Red Mesa Cantina Finalists:Tequila Daisy, Casa Tina’s Authentic MexicanCredit: Photo via Red Mesa CantinaBest Mexican Restaurant
Winner: Casa Tina ‘Fresh Healthy Authentic Mexican’
Runners-up: Red Mesa Cantina, Carmelitas Mexican Restaurant
Photo via Casa Tina/FacebookBest Middle Eastern Restaurant
Winner: Baba on Central
Runners-up: Byblos Tampa, Zaytoon Grill
Photo via eatatbaba.com
Best Mexican Restaurant
Casa Tina ‘Fresh Healthy Authentic Mexican Finalists: Taco Bus, Happy CactusCredit: Photo via casatinadunedin/FacebookBest Neighborhood Bar, Hillsborough
Winner: New World Brewery
Runners-up: The Independent Bar & Cafe, Shuffle Tampa
Photo via New World Brewery/FacebookBest Neighborhood Bar, Pasco
Winner: The Brass Tap
Runners-up: The Liquid Garage Co., Pasco Bourbon on Main
Photo via The Brass Tap/FacebookBest Neighborhood Bar, Pinellas
Winner: Gigglewaters
Runners-up: The Bends, Rosie’s Tavern of Dunedin
Photo via Gigglewaters/FacebookBest New Restaurant
Winner: Prohibition Kitchen
Runners-up: The Brinehouse, Florish Plant-Based Pizza & Bowls
Photo via prohibitiondunedin.comBest Non-Alcoholic Cocktails
Winner: Willa’s Tampa
Runners-up: Ciro’s Speakeasy, The Saint
Photo via Willa’s Tampa/InstagramBest Outdoor Dining
Winner: Ulele
Runners-up: Ozona Blue Grill, Fresco’s Waterfront Bistro
Photo via Ulele/FacebookBest Pad Thai
Winner: Nitally’s Thai Mex
Runners-up: Si-am Thai Restaurant, 9 Bangkok Restaurant
Photo via Nitally’s Thai Mex/FacebookBest Palm Harbor Restaurant
Winner: The Lucky Dill Deli
Runners-up: Mystic Fish, Ozona Blue Grill
Photo via The Lucky Dill Deli/FacebookBest Pasco Restaurant
Winner: Noble Crust
Runners-up: The Social, Hungry Harry’s Family BBQ
Photo via noble-crust.comBest Pizza
Winner: Madison Avenue Pizza
Runners-up: Gourmet Pizza, The Nona Slice House
Photo via Madison Avenue Pizza/FacebookBest Poke Restaurant
Winner: Pacific Counter
Runners-up: Zukku Sushi, Best Poke Restaurant, Island Fin Poke
Photo via pacificcounter.comBest Poolside Bar
Winner: WTR Pool & Grill
Runners-up: Postcard Inn, Pool Bar & Grill – Hard Rock Tampa
Photo via WTR Tampa/InstagramBest Ribs
Winner: The Dunedin Smokehouse
Runners-up: Dr. BBQ, Wicked Oak Barbeque
Photo via The Dunedin Smokehouse/InstagramBest Safety Harbor Restaurant
Winner: Gigglewaters
Runners-up: Whistle Stop Grill & Bar, The Nona Slice House
Photo via Gigglewaters/FacebookBest Salad Bar
Winner: Nature’s Food Patch
Runners-up: Jason’s Deli, Secret Garden
Photo via Nature’s Food Patch/FacebookBest Sandwich That’s Not Chicken, Cuban or Grouper
Winner: Mazzaro’s Italian Market
Runners-up: The Lucky Dill Deli, Wrights Gourmet House
Photo via Mazzaro’s Italian Market/FacebookBest Sangria
Winner: Red Mesa Restaurant
Runners-up: Columbia Restaurant, Caracara
Photo via Red Mesa Restaurant/FacebookBest Seafood Restaurant
Winner: Frenchys
Runners-up: Salt Rock Grill, Rusty Bellies Waterfront Grill
Photo via Frenchy’s/FacebookBest Seminole Heights Restaurant
Winner: Rooster & the Till
Runners-up: Ella’s Americana Folk Art Cafe, The C House
Photo via roosterandthetill.com
Best Smoothies
Rollin’ Oats Market & Cafe
Finalists: Nature’s Food Patch, SOHO Juice Co.Credit: Photo via Rollin' Oats Market & CafeBest Sommelier
Winner: Brad Dixon – Bern’s Steak House
Runners-up: Kyle Burton – On Swann, Jennifer Bingham – Cru Cellars
Photo via bernssteakhouse.comBest Soup
Winner: The Stone Soup Company
Runners-up: Buya Ramen, Parlor House Bistro
Photo via Stone Soup Company/FacebookBest South Tampa Restaurant
Winner: Datz
Runners-up: Bern’s Steak House, On Swann
Photo via Datz/FacebookBest Southern Cooking
Winner: Dr. BBQ
Runners-up: Noble Crust, Ella’s Americana Folk Art Cafe
Photo via Dr. BBQ The Restaurant/FacebookBest Splurge Restaurant
Winner: The Black Pearl Dunedin
Runners-up: Bern’s Steak House, Council Oak Steaks & Seafood
Photo via The Black Pearl Dunedin/FacebookBest Sports Bar
Winner: Ferg’s Sports Bar
Runners-up: Hattricks Tavern, Eddie’s Bar & Grill
Photo via Ferg’s Sports Bar/Facebook
Best Guacamole
Red Mesa Restaurant Finalists:Casa Tina’s Authentic Mexican, VIP Mexican American Cuisine T.I.Credit: Photo via Red Mesa/FacebookBest Steakhouse
Winner: Bern’s Steak House
Runners-up: Council Oak Steaks & Seafood, Rococo Steak
Photo via Bern’s Steak House/Facebook
Best Server (non-bartender)
Dylon Luce – Pisces Sushi and Global Bistro Finalists:The Brinehouse – Kalby Chanthalsy, Fortu – AndreaCredit: Photo via PiscesSushiBistro/FacebookBest Tacos
Winner: Red Mesa Cantina
Runners-up:Taco Bus, Casita Taqueria
Photo via Red Mesa Restaurant/FacebookBest Tampa Heights Restaurant
Winner: Oak & Ola
Runners-up: Ulele, Rocca
Photo via Oak & Ola/Facebook
Best South Tampa Restaurant
On Swann Finalists:Bern’s Steak House, Mise en PlaceBest Tapas/Small Plates
Winner: Bulla Gastrobar
Runners-up: Caracara, Rooster & the Till
Photo via Bulla Gastrobar/FacebookBest Tea Shop
Winner: The Spice & Tea Exchange
Runners-up: TeBella Tea Company, Kaleisia Tea Lounge
Photo via The Spice & Tea Exchange/FacebookBest Tequila Bar
Winner: Red Mesa Cantina
Runners-up: Casa Tina ‘Fresh, Healthy, Authentic Mexican,’ JoToro Kitchen & Tequila Bar
Photo via Red Mesa Restaurant/FacebookBest Tequila Bar
Winner: Red Mesa Cantina
Runners-up: Casa Tina ‘Fresh, Healthy, Authentic Mexican,’ JoToro Kitchen & Tequila Bar
Photo via Red Mesa Restaurant/Facebook
Best Pad Thai
Lemon Grass Thai Kitchen Finalists: Hawkers Asian Street Food, Thai AmCredit: Photo via lemongrassbestthai.bizBest Vegan Restaurant
Winner: Golden Dinosaurs
Runners-up: Love Food Central, 3 Dot Dash Vegan Kitchen
Photo via Golden Dinosaurs/FacebookBest Vietnamese Restaurant
Winner: La V Vietnamese Fusion
Runners-up: Pho Quyen Vietnamese Cuisine, Saigon Deli
Photo via lavfusion.com/Best Waitstaff
Winner: Gigglewaters
Runners-up: Bella’s Italian Cafe, On Swann
Photo via Gigglewaters/Facebook
Best Waterfront Dining
Fresco’s Waterfront Bistro
Finalists:Bon Appetit, TeakCredit: Photo via Fresco’s Waterfront Bistro/FacebookBest Wesley Chapel Restaurant
Winner: ZukkuSan
Runners-up: Noble Crust, King of the Coop
Photo via ZukkuSan/FacebookBest Whiskey Bar
Winner: Gigglewaters
Runners-up: Whiskey Cake, Whiskey Exchange
Photo via Gigglewaters/FacebookBest Wine Bar
Winner: Cru Cellars
Runners-up: Sips Wine Bar, Lolita’s Wine Market
Photo via Cru Cellars/InstagramBest Wings
Winner: Hattricks Tavern
Runners-up: Dunedin Brewery, The Dunedin Smokehouse
Photo via Hattricks Tavern/Google MapsBest Ybor City Restaurant
Winner: Columbia Restaurant
Runners-up: The Stone Soup Company, Casa Santo Stefano
Photo via columbiarestaurant.com
