Small in size but big in flavor, these tiny Tampa Bay restaurants know how to pack a punch in limited space. From Gulfport to Ybor, here are some of the tiniest restaurants around, offering up some of the best bites.
Big Ray’s Fish Camp
6116 Interbay Blvd., Tampa, 813-605-3615
Fresh seafood dishes including a Grouper Reuben, Shrimp Po’ Boy and U-Peel ‘em Shrimp. Bring your crew and order as many plates off the menu to try it all.
Photo via Big Ray’s Fish Camp/ FacebookTaco Baby
235 Main Street, Dunedin
Slinging from scratch al pastor tacos out of a renovated ATM machine, it’s safe to say Taco Baby takes the cake when it comes to tiny restaurants. Snag a $3 street taco and make your way down Main Street.
Photo via Taco Baby/ InstagramBodega St. Pete
1120 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg, 727-623-0942
The line will build down Central Avenue, and if you’re lucky you’ll be able to snag one of the few tables on the sidewalk or the couple in the back of the restaurant. No shame in standing and eating their Cuban sandwiches.
Photo via Bodega/ InstagramEngine No. 9
56 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. N., St. Petersburg, 727-623-0938
If you get there during a rish, pop your name and party size up on the chalkboard and get cozy. The Sriracha hot wings are worth the wait. Thankfully their extensive brew list will keep you occupied while you wait for your turn at the bar.
Photo via Engine No. 9/ FacebookJerk Hut
4495 W Gandy Blvd, Tampa, 813-835-5375
This drive through actual hut comes in clutch when you’re on the go and in the mood for some island food. How can such great flavor come out of something so small?
Photo via Jerk Hut/ FacebookLoli’s Mexican Cravings
8005 Benjamin Road, Tampa, 813-886-7467
Although the house that Loli’s runs out of is big, the seating is muy pequeño. Just a few tables inside which gets crowded with customers lining up to order. Grab your shrimp and steak tacos to-go if you’re claustrophobic.
Photo via Loli’s Mexican Cravings/ FacebookMermaid Tavern
6719 N Nebraska Ave., Tampa, 813-238-5618
Dim lighting for their few tables inside, but plenty of seating outside on picnic tables and on the patio. Order at the counter, and the server will find you when your food is ready.
Photo via Mermaid Tavern/ FacebookMiller’s Jamaican Spice
3114 5th Ave. S., St. Petersburg, 727-322-2301
Small on seating, big on flavor. Grab the jerk chicken that is laced with ghost peppers for a kick – or grab the oxtails if you want to play it safe when it comes to heat.
Photo via Google MapsPinky’s
3203 W Bay to Bay Blvd, Tampa, 813-831-9339
Keep in mind this spot has limited hours, 7 a.m. – 2 p.m. Monday – Saturday and 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Sunday. Don’t hesitate, just order the pancakes.
Photo via Pinky’s/ FacebookPalm Avenue Sandwich Shop
2002 N Nebraska Ave, Tampa, 813-223-5157
Get some cuban toast and a cafe con leche – no questions asked. While you’re at it, grab a palomilla steak sandwich.
Photo via Palm Ave Sandwich Shop/ Facebook3 Dot Dash
6203 N Florida Ave, Tampa, 813-675-4522
Located within the Jug & Bottle Dept., this grab and go spot offers decadent vegan bites like the Not•Cho Fries – topped with our not•cho cashew queso, taco seasoned soy protein, lettuce, tomato, onion topped with fresh jalapeño and cilantro.
Photo viaJamaica Jamaica Island Cuisine
8206 West Waters Ave., Tampa, 813 243-1569
Are you eating island food if you aren’t washing it down with a Red Stripe? The answer is no. Grab the JJ Shrimp Meal, you can get it buttered, curry or jerk.
Photo via Jamaica Jamaica/FacebookIkigai Sushi St. Pete
4195 54th Avenue N., St. Petersburg
This spot offers weekly specials including $3 hand rolls on Tuesdays. A selection of craft brews are available – as well as games for those who want to drink and hang.
Photo via Ikigai Sushi St. Pete/ FacebookFiesta Mexican
1202 S 22nd St., Tampa, 813-241-2477
This grocery store also serves up traditional Mexican fare. Super lowkey with minimal seating. Grab a Corona from the fridge to wash down your tacos.
Photo via Google MapsEbisu Sushi Shack
5116 N Nebraska Ave., Tampa, 813-252-6393
Limited amounts of booth and table seating in this house-turned-restaurant. There’s even a small tv playing in the corner. Grab a Kirin and get comfy while you feast on fresh rolls.
Photo via Ebisu/ FacebookStella’s
3119 Beach Blvd S, Gulfport, 727-498-8950
Gulfport hotspot, Stella’s is weeks away from moving to a large location. Brunch is a must! Indulge in items marked on the menu as “Stella’s favorites” like house-made corn beef hash, the southern shrimp and grits, and the fried green tomato omelette.
Photo via Stella’s/FacebookTerra Sur Cafe
5358 W Village Dr, Tampa, 813-269-2694
On the smaller side, this joint serves up homestyle Peruvian fare and boasts a vast wine selection. Spring for the ceviche sampler.
Photo via Terra Sur Cafe/ FacebookAntojitos Latinos
6729 N Armenia Ave., Tampa, 813-935-9262
Serving up authentic Latin-American cuisine, this spot is open Wednesday – Sunday. Grab a fat plate of carne asada con tajadas.
Photo via Antojitos Latinos Restaurant/ FacebookLa Creperia Cafe
1729 E. 7th Ave., Tampa, 813-248-9700
It’d be a crime to go and not order a crepe. Lucky for you, they offer an array of them – sweet, savory and breakfast. La Creperia also offers other french inspired dishes including la parisienne sandwiches, paninis and homemade soups.
Photo via La Creperia Cafe FacebookThuy Cafe
5944 34th St N., St. Petersburg, 727-521-6406
This place comes through with the Vietnamese sandwich offerings – 20 different ones to choose from. Thuy Cafe also has specialty entrees and 60 different flavors of boba tea. Limited seating, big offerings!
Photo via Google MapsSmokin’ J’s
5145 Gulfport Blvd S., Gulfport,727-329-8624
Known for its Texas-style bbq and signature line of pickles, Smokin’ J’s is a Gulfport hotspot. Get the sampler platter with brisket, pulled pork, sausage and baby back ribs. Don’t leave without grabbing a jar of the Sweet n’ Sassy pickles.
Photo via Smokin’ J’s/ FacebookOld Northeast Pizza
718 2nd St N, St. Petersburg, 727-209-2550
It’s worth the drunken walk after a night of partying in DTSP – some of the best pizza in the burg. Get a huge pie to-go, or sit nearby on a curb. This place fills up, so once your order is ready – bounce quickly, and enjoy immediately.
Photo via Google MapsBrooklyn South
1437 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, 727-941-4967
Small space with a crazy artisanal cheese selection. Fat sandwiches that are made-to-order, don’t leave without some jalapeno cornbread. Limited seating inside, with some small tables available outside as well.
Photo via Brooklyn South/ Facebook
