25 hidden gem restaurants only found in Tampa Bay strip malls
With expansive sprawl, comes near never-ending strip malls, and Tampa Bay has quite a few. And while standalone restaurants often get a lot of shine, some of the area's best eats are tucked away in unassuming shopping plazas, often sharing a wall with an adult book store or a vape shop. Tampa Bay has some serious heat tucked away in strip malls, here are some of our favorites.
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14929 Bruce B Downs Blvd., Tampa, 813-977-4104
Known for its “haus” brewed beers and traditional German platters, New Tampa’s Mr. Dunderbak’s is not intimidated by surrounding franchise eateries because who would choose a sub over schnitzel?
Photo via Google Maps
3310 W Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, 813-605-5741
Every ramen bowl comes with a variety of ingredients that blend together to create warm specialties perfect for a cold and rainy day. Their selection of sake and unique craft beer will also want to make you come into the only restaurant of this tiny strip mall.
Photo via Google Maps
6703 N Florida Ave., Tampa, 813-304-1294
In between the fabulous Meketina and an ice cream shop, Gulf Coast Sourdough Sandwich House serves Tampa-style pressed breakfast and lunch sandwiches in which the owners combine old-fashioned techniques with modern tastes to produce flavor, texture, and character in every food item they make. Take a flyby to eat in the car on the way home, too.
Photo via
Gulf Coast Sourdough Sandwich House/Facebook
14380 N Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa, 813-373-5842
In an area that seems to be occupied by restaurants only, K-Chicken and Grill stands out as its fried chicken is served with somewhat unconventional sauces like peanut and white onion, but also features Korean staples like bulgogi, bibimbap, and kimchi fried rice.
Photo via Google Maps
441 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-820-3500
If you don’t look closely, you might miss this spot in a long strip of restaurants off Central Avenue. La V promises fresh ingredients and minimal use of grease fit for anyone looking for a healthy food approach.
Photo via
La V - Vietnamese Fusion/Facebook
