Margarita Wars is coming – Get your tickets here!

25 hard-to-get restaurant tables in Tampa Bay that are totally worth the wait

By Brandalynn Nuñez Cepeda on Fri, Feb 11, 2022 at 3:57 pm

Forget "peak hours," most of these Tampa Bay hot spots always have a wait, and it's understandable, they're all really great. From high-end formal dining, to comfort food and beach bites, here are a few our favorite local haunts where you'll almost never eat alone. Remember, it doesn't hurt to call ahead!

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American Social

601 S Harbour Island Blvd. no. 107, Tampa, 813-605-3333
This popular waterfront spot brims with a packed nightlife crowd, especially on the weekends. But it’s also a solid pick for a quick lunch midweek.
Photo via American Social/Instagram

Rocco’s Tacos & Tequila Bar

2223 N Westshore Blvd no. 203, Tampa, 813-800-8226
If the eclectic decor adorning the restaurant’s interior doesn’t entice you, the menu sure will. Made-to-order (literally, they make it in front of you) guacamole and a wide range of margarita flavors to choose from come with the Rocco's experience.
Photo via Rocco’s Tacos and Tequila Bar/Instagram

Ulele

1810 N Highland Ave., Tampa, 813-999-4952
This Native-inspired eatery offers a vibrant fusion of ingredients to create this riverside treasure. Outdoor seating has a view of the Tampa skyline almost as good as the jalapeño corn beer muffins and grilled oysters.
Photo via Ulele/Instagram

Cooper’s Hawk Winery

4110 W Boy Scout Blvd., Tampa, 813-873-9463
Inspired by Napa Valley, Cooper’s Hawk is a fancy wine-lover’s treat, and a long wait on the weekends. And it makes sense, the tasting room’s with curated food pairings are worth the RSVP.
Photo via Google Maps

The Avenue

330 1st Ave. S, St. Petersburg, 727-851-9531
The Avenue Eat + Drink is the ultimate local hangout. Enjoy a diverse menu and fresh cocktails at this popular downtown sports bar.
Photo via The Avenue/Facebook

Brick & Mortar

539 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-822-6540
This cooking duo customizes small plates and entrees, like wild goose oysters and butternut squash carbonara to its vast clientele. The fresh and local ingredients keep customers coming back for more.
Photo via Brick and Mortar/Instagram

Datz

2616 S MacDill Ave, Tampa, 813-831-7000
Known for their unique presentations of homestyle dinners and common desserts, making it into the Datz doors on the weekend for a Nashville chicken doughnut sandwich is definitely worth the struggle.
Photo via Datz

Trip’s Diner

6416 N Florida Ave., Tampa, 813-533-1900
Get ready to stand around outside, because this Best of the Bay award winner specializes in classic diner eats that attract all walks of life, from local politicians to hungover college bros.
Photo via Google Maps

On Swann

1501 W Swann Ave., Tampa, 813-251-0110
A menu filled with locally-sourced ingredients and a fine dining layout to bring it home, this date night spot may require a week's notice to secure a weekend table.
Photo via On Swann/Instagram

BellaBrava

1015 Gramercy Ln., Tampa, 813-524-5226
Billing itself as having “something for everyone,” this casual Italian truly sticks to its word, with options such as snapper milanese and stuffed gnocchi alla vodka.
Photo via BellaBrava/Instagram

Bern’s Steakhouse

1208 S Howard Ave., Tampa, 813-251-2421
A staple of the Bay Area’s elevated dining scene, this steakhouse makes a name for itself with high-quality meats, and one of the hardest RSVPs in town. Of course, any date night isn’t complete without a stop at the Dessert Room. Just make sure you plan a month or two in advance.
Photo via Bern’s Steakhouse/Instagram

Ella’s Americana Folk Art Cafe

5119 N Nebraska Ave., Tampa, 813-234-1000
Southern comfort marks the ambience of this Seminole Heights eatery. If you make it inside make sure to try the “Chicken and Waffle Sammy” or “Kiss My Grits” plate or the catch of the day or shrimp atop cheesy grits.
Photo via Google Maps

Red Mesa Cantina

128 3rd St. S, St. Petersburg, 727-896-8226
One of St. Pete’s busiest restaurants, modern Mexican eats and cocktails await those willing to stick out the weekend crowds. Make sure to request a table in the quaint outdoor patio.
Photo via Google Maps

Piccola Italia Bistro

2140 W Dr Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Tampa, 813-348-4912
Bringing the specialties of Rome and Naples to the residents of Tampa Bay, Chef William de Ingeniis, the impressive one-man show, makes sure his wide array of pasta dishes such as carbonara and aglio e olio are worth the wait.
Photo via Google Maps

Steelbach

1902 N Ola Ave., Tampa, 813-693-5478
Steelbach is the “crown jewel” of Armature Works, according to CL food critic Jon Palmer Claridg, if you and your honey can get into this gem, get your hands on their imaginative tartines or trendy charcuterie board.
Photo via Google Maps

HEW Parlor & Chophouse

453 Edgewater Dr., Dunedin, 727-683-5990
Extensive private dining and an open kitchen bar await you upon entering Fenway Hotel. Luxurious menu items represent the hotel’s historic origins, including steak tartare and lobster agnolotti with truffle foam.
Photo via HEW Parlor and Chophouse/Instagram

Noble Rice

615 Channelside Dr, Tampa
Nobe Rice will soon be making the jump from its extremely small dining room (that made getting on the lucky list of diners nearly impossible) to new spacious digs at Sparkman Wharf. We expect the crowds to follow.
Photo via Noble Rice/Instagram

Rooster & The Till

6500 N Florida Ave., Tampa, 813-374-8940
Holding the title for Tampa Bay Times’ “No. 1 Tampa Bay Restaurant” two years in a row, Executive Chef Brian Lampe leads a team that perfectly executes knock-you-off-your-chair dishes like that katsu sandwich and “not pork” – code for ginger tofu– dumplings.
Photo via Google Maps

Wild Child

2710 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-954-7425
Crassly named cocktails like the Porn Star Martini and the Tasteful Nudes can help those who enter get in touch with their inner rebel (and help the wait time pass painlessly).
Photo via Wild Child/Instagram

Agave Lounge

6400 Gulf Blvd., St Pete Beach, 727-367-3448
Are long walks on the beach your date of choice? Stop by this beachside restaurant for authentic Mexican eats and a view of a trademark Florida sunset while you wait.
Photo via Google Maps