No matter the time of day, these restaurants attract mad crowds, and you’ll want to be one of the people waiting for a seat. From beach bites to elevated cuisine, these Tampa Bay restaurants are worth the wait.
Ella’s Americana Folk Art Cafe
5119 N. Nebraska Ave., Tampa, 813-234-1000
Sundays are a no-go if you can’t handle a wait – but they’re Soul food Sunday menu will make you change your ways.
Photo via Ella’s Americana Folk Art Cafe/ Facebookh3>Piccola Italia Bistro
2140 W Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Tampa, 813-348-4912
A small, rustic Italian bistro that is super low-key and serving up pasta dishes that are worth the carb-overload. Sneak in early for a seat, or do some jumping jacks to make room in your stomach while you wait.
Photo via Piccola’s/ FacebookBern’s Steakhouse
1208 S. Howard Ave., Tampa, 813-251-242421
Definitely a fine dining establishment, you need to make a reservation at this spot, no questions asked – and not the day before. If you need your steak fix, grab a seat at the bar and order a steak sandwich.
Photo credit Bern’s Steakhouse/ InstagramEngine No. 9
56 Dr. MLK. Jr. St. N., St. Pete, 727-623-0938
Dinner is always jumpin’, so keep an eye on the chalkboard that your name is on to make sure when something opens up, you can slide in. Sriracha wings and bomb burgers are the way to go.
Photo via Engine No. 9/ FacebookCooper’s Hawk Winery
4110 W. Boy Scout Blvd., Tampa, 813-873-9463
The end of the month, this place fills up with those trying to use their Wine Club Rewards – so be wary of the date when you’re trying to meet your Wine Down Wednesday needs.
Photo via Cooper’s Hawk/ FacebookDatz
2616 MacDill Ave., Tampa, 813-831-7000
This brunch crowd is wild. Definitely a dining-must if you need to liven up your Instagram feed with some picturesque dishes. Burgers made with glazed donuts for buns? Duh.
Photo via Datz/ FacebookJackson’s Bistro Bar & Sushi
2601 S. Harbour Island Blvd., Tampa, 813-277-0112
Right on the water on Harbour Island, definitely grab a dragon roll and snag up their sushi specials.
Jackson’s Bistro Bar & Sushi/ FacebookRocco’s Tacos and Tequila Bar
2223 N. West Shore Blvd., Tampa, 813-800-8226
With table side guac, you’ll want to wait for a table to get a bite. Grab that, and some margaritas and you’ll have the one of the best mall dining experiences.
Photo via Rocco’s Tacos and Tequila Bar/ FacebookTrip’s Diner
2339 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. N., St. Petersburg, 727-498-8980
If you’re a local, it never fails to catch a crowd waiting for a table at Trip’s. Some of the best breakfast in the burg that’s available all day long.
Photo via Trip’s Diner / Facebook
