25 Black-owned restaurants in Tampa Bay you should support

Tampa Bay restaurants get plenty of local and national accolades. But any thorough examination of our dining scene isn't complete without recognizing our rich history and tradition of black-owned restaurants in the region. In honor of Black History month, here are some incredible spots you should check out.

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Pop Goes The Waffle

5004 Tangerine Ave. S, Gulfport
Owner Sara Fludd is changing the way you eat this breakfast staple with her inventive flavor concoctions. With items such as the Hot Cheeto Waffle Dog and Shrimp & Grits topped waffle, it's no surprise this success story is getting ready to open a Gulfport storefront this spring.
Photo via Pop Goes The Waffle/Instagram

Thee Burger Spot

3917 N Tampa St, Tampa, 813-993-3926
Voted Best In The Bay for three consecutive years, get your burger fix in the form of a fair-style donut burger or the out-of-the-box pizza burger on a texas toast bun.
Photo via Thee Burger Spot/Facebook

Loaded

1901 Drew St, Clearwater, 727-271-2200
Home of the No. 1 rated baked potato of Tampa Bay, this niche eatery caters to lovers of this comfort side dish. This spot offers potatoes doused in toppings ranging from salmon and shrimp or cheeseburger fixings.
Photo via Google Maps

Chief’s Creole Cafe

901 22nd St S, St. Petersburg, 727-498-8979
Carolyn Brayboy is putting in the work to keep her late mother-in-law’s recipes alive. Jambo – a Jambalaya and Gumbo hybrid – and beignets are cooked up with the knowledge that they’re making Mary Brayboy (or Chief to those who knew her best) proud.
Photo via Chief’s Creole Cafe/Facebook

7th and Grove

1930 E 7th Ave, Tampa, 813-649-8422
Bringing comfort food that could nourish the coldest soul, 7th & Grove offers an elevated dining experience for those in search of southern charm in new ways. Their themed menus offer wings and loaded fries on Rockstar Monday or fried catfish tacos on Taco Tuesday.
Photo via 7th and Grove/Instagram