25 Tampa Bay restaurants that aren't just for tourists

Columbia Restaurant

2117 E 7th Ave., Ybor City, 813-248-4961
Your tour of the historic Ybor City won’t be complete until you dine at Florida’s oldest restaurant, the Columbia. Opened in 1905, this monument serves traditional Spanish and Cuban dishes such its famous “1905” salad, “La Completa Cubana” sample platter, grilled filet mignon and more. Immerse yourself into Hispanic culture with Columbia’s flamenco dinner shows on Tuesdays through Saturdays at 7 p.m.—make sure to place reservations ahead of time.
Photo via Columbia Restaurant/Facebook

Frenchy’s

7 Rockaway St., Clearwater, 727-446-4844
It’s going to be hard to spend a day at Clearwater Beach and not walk past at least one Frenchy’s. Heck, if you spent a week you could hit a different one almost every day. Frenchy’s has six different locations spread across Clearwater Beach and Dunedin Causeway, serving fan-favorite dishes like its Cajun grouper sandwich, island shrimp tacos and seafood pot pie as well as local craft beers and frozen rum runners.
Photo via Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill/Website

Palm Pavilion Beachside Grill & Bar

10 Bay Esplanade, Clearwater, 727-446-2642
If you do somehow walk past all the Frenchy’s, Palm Pavilion is another great spot to grab a fruity drink, stick your toes in the sand and watch a breathtaking Clearwater Beach sunset. This casual beachside restaurant serves apps like gator bites and wasabi scallops, mains such as “The Famous Palm Burger” and “Hurricane” chicken shrimp combo and tropical margaritas and house wines.
Photo via Palm Pavilion/Facebook

Harpoon Harry’s Crab House

255 S Franklin St., Tampa, 813-321-4040
While bustling around the Tampa Convention Center, swing by Harpoon Harry’s to crack open some steamed crabs, taste test a variety of sushi rolls and sink your teeth into a 14-oz. ribeye. Burn the calories off afterward and join more tourists taking a scenic stroll down the Tampa Riverwalk.
Photo via Harpoon Harry’s Crab House/Facebook

Salt Rock Grill

19325 Gulf Blvd., Indian Shores, 727-593-7625
Whether you’re taking a beach drive down Indian Shores or cruising along the intercoastal waterway, you’ll want to treat yourself by booking a reservation at Salt Rock Grill. This classy waterside restaurant serves fresh-caught Florida fish like mahi-mahi, black grouper and red snapper every day, as well as some of the finest steaks and signature cuisine along the coast.
Photo via Salt Rock Grill/Instagram

Hogan’s Hangout

499 Mandalay Bay, Clearwater, 727-386-9933
Listen up, brother. Hulk Hogan’s Clearwater restaurant is two stories of coolness. With nearly 30 TVs and signature grub like The “499” Ribs and The Hangout Burger, this is the perfect spot for you and your friends to watch all everything sports—and best believe they go hard on WWE nights. Don’t forget to buy your very own Hulk Hogan bicep mug or bobble head in the shop before leaving.
Photo via Hogan’s Hangout/website

Whiskey Joe’s Bar & Grill

7720 W Courtney Campbell Causeway, Tampa, 813-281-0770
If you’re in Tampa and don’t want to drive all the way to the coast but still looking for a spot to soak in the sun and enjoy a frozen piña colada, Whiskey Joe’s may be calling your name. This tiki bar island offers a full restaurant menu, a variety of tropical drinks and craft beers, a private beach with dozens of beach chairs and fun for everyone.
Photo via Google Maps

Tiki Docks Skyway Bar & Grill

3769 50th Ave. S, St. Petersburg, 727-810-8454
Fueled by flavor, fun, sun, fun and rum, Tiki Docks is here to awaken your tiki life. With St. Pete and Riverview locations, Tiki Docks’ chill atmosphere serves authentic Polynesian dishes like mini kahuna crab cakes, Hawaiian BBQ chicken and Kalua pig roast tacos.
Photo via Tiki Docks Skyway Bar and Grill/Facebook

Hellas Bakery and Restaurant

785 Dodecanese Blvd., Tarpon Springs, 727-943-2400
Complete your Tarpon Springs sponge dock tour with a traditional Greek meal at Hellas, which is a must-visit for locals and tourists alike. After feasting on a meal tasty enough to satisfy Hercules himself, sweet tooths will enjoy authentic pastries like baklava, spanakopita, tiropita and more.
Photo via Google Maps

Ted Peters Famous Smoked Fish

1350 Pasadena Ave. S, St. Petersburg, 727-381-7931
To combat the St. Pete Beach heat, cool down with a frozen root beer and delicious fish spread at Ted Peters. For over 70 years, locals and tourists alike have enjoyed Ted’s famous smoked fish—including mahi-mahi, salmon, mackerel and mullet. Make sure to bring cash.
Photo via Ted Peters Famous Smoked Fish/Google Maps

Rocco’s Tacos and Tequila Bar

2223 N Westshore Blvd. #203, Tampa, 813-800-8226
It’s going to be hard to find a better gourmet taco spot in Tampa than Rocco’s. While sipping a margarita, experience tableside guacamole, then enjoy a variety of authentic Mexican dishes that appear on the menu, including famous house tacos, handmade tortilla enchiladas and stuffed wet burritos. Oh, and they serve more tequilas than you knew existed.
Photo via Rocco’s Tacos and Tequila Bar/Instagram

Ulele

1810 N Highland Ave., Tampa, 813-999-4952
Located on Tampa’s Riverwalk and in prime sunset-watching territory, Ulele is a Native American-inspired eatery that celebrates the vibrant fusion of Florida flavors. Offering both lunch and dinner options, Ulele serves unique favorites like okra fries, native chili, alligator hush puppies, jalapeño corn beer muffins and pan-seared pompano, as well as Tim Shackton’s Tampa-famous lagers and IPAs.
Photo via Ulele/Instagram

Mazzaro’s Italian Market

2909 22nd Ave. N, St. Petersburg, 727-321-2400
Join the line and immerse yourself into an authentic Italian market without having to fly overseas at Mazzaro’s in St. Petersburg. Enjoy freshly baked bread and pastries, world-famous Italian sandwiches, homemade gelato and the largest selection of Italian wine in all of Florida. Free wine tastings take place on Friday from noon-3 p.m. and on Saturday from 11 a.m-2 p.m.
Photo via Cathy Salustri

Spa Beach Bistro

501 2nd Ave. NE, St. Petersburg, 727-623-9877
While strolling down the new St. Pete Pier, you’ll want to stop by Spa Beach Bistro for some refreshments. Along with specialty pizza and freshly-squeezed lemonade, the outdoor cafe offers family-friendly entertainment, beautiful sunset views and a nearby splashpad.
Photo via Photo via Spa Beach Bistro/Website

Datz

180 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-202-1182
After viewing the melting clocks at the Dalí Museum, book a table at Datz for a bite to eat in the heart of downtown St. Pete. Enjoy classics like monkey bread, Yum Yum wings, biscuits and gravy and peanut butter pie. Datz also has locations in Tampa and Riverview.
Photo via Google Maps

Tampa Bay Brewing Company

1600 E 8th Ave., Ybor City, 813-247-1422
Located in the heart of Ybor City, Tampa Bay Brewing Company is one of the oldest and most loved brewpubs in the area. Inside the full service restaurant, you’ll find 24 constantly rotating taps and local crafts like Reef Donkey, Old Elephant Foot and Last Days of Summer. On Fridays, enjoy live music on the patio while biting into some delicious, beer-infused food.
Photo via Google Maps

Bait House

45 Causeway Blvd., Clearwater, 727-446-8134
After hanging 10 at Surf Style, enjoy some beach bites like spicy tuna nachos, buffalo shrimp, island fish tacos and more at the Bait House. Located off the Clearwater Beach roundabout, soak in the salty breeze on Bait House’s waterside deck seating and indulge on a local craft beer.
Photo via The Bait House/Website

Caddy’s Madeira Beach

14080 Gulf Blvd., Madeira Beach, 727-308-7888
Jaw-dropping sunset views, jamming live music, cabana rentals and award-winning beach food can all be found at Caddy’s on Madeira Beach. Enjoy fan favorites like grouper nuggets, crab cake BLTs, buffalo chicken wraps, sunshine shrimp tacos, chocolate mudslides and cucumber mojitos.
Photo via Caddy’s Madeira Beach/Website

Dunedin Brewery

937 Douglas Ave., Dunedin, 727-736-0606
Shopping all day in downtown Dunedin is hard work and deserves a celebratory beer. Stop by Florida’s oldest microbrewery for a vibrant atmosphere, live music and well-crafted cold ones. You’ll also want to order some deep-fried cheese curds and a brisket mac ‘n cheese burrito before you leave.
Photo via Cathy Salustri

Sea Sea Riders

221 Main St., Dunedin, 727-734-1445
Downtown Dunedin is also home to 30-year-old Sea Sea Riders, a family-owned restaurant with styles of an Old Florida cracker house. Some popular items off the menu include the scallop ceviche, jambalaya, pulled pork sandwich and gulf shrimp.
Photo via Sea Sea Riders/Google