25 Tampa Bay restaurants with cult-like followings
Tampa Bay knows all about cults, but what we're talking about here are restaurants with hoards of loyal, hungry patrons.
Over the last couple years, Tampa Bay has lost a few iconic eateries with cult-like followings, including Datz's Tampa location, Munch's, Ichicoro and others, but there are still plenty for us to celebrate.
And sure, people often think of chains as having "cult-like" followings (we have plenty of those too), but here in Tampa Bay we also have some serious local spots that demand that label, as well.
So, here are a few of our favorite local spots with draw big crowds, and host an extremely loyal fan base.
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1413 S Howard Ave #100 , Tampa, 813-254-3355
With everything made from scratch, it's no wonder Bella's has been a local favorite in South Tampa for decades. Don't be surprised if you see a few Lightning players carb loading here on game night, or a few local politicians rubbing elbows with some some Florida big shots. Bella's is a true multi-generational melting pot for Tampenos.
Photo via
Bella's Italian Cafe/Website
807 W Platt St, Tampa, (813) 284-7423
It makes sense that there's a high demand to pull up to the counter at this Hyde Park eatery. Koya is an intimate eight-seat tasting-menu-only experience by the folks behind Noble Rice. At this Michelin starred concept, diners can expect seven to nine courses including raw and cooked dishes, featuring luxuries like bluefin tuna and uni that are flown in weekly from a market in Kagoshima, Japan. Plan to be there for at least two hours.
Photo via Google Maps
910 Skipper Rd., Tampa, 813-971-0666
Under a thick canopy of large oak trees called the Skipperdome, Skipper’s is the perfect place for a cold one in the shade, at the oyster bar, or during a late night blues set. This iconic 40-year-old live music venue serves an assortment of “Floribbean” dishes like its award-winning blackened grouper reuben. During happy hour on Thursdays and Fridays from 4 p.m.-8 p.m., be sure to grab a cold drink or a rum bucket if you’re feeling wild.
Photo via
Photo via Skipper’s Smokehouse/Facebook
3858 W Waters Ave., Tampa, 813-887-3888
A local favorite with a cult-like following, Saigon Deli is the place to go for classic Vietnamese meals like pho and vermicelli. The no-frills spot also offers four varieties of Banh Mi including meatballs, roast beef, pate and head cheese and roast pork. The Banh Mi is packed perfectly inside the French baguette and affordable enough to have three. Leave with a Vietnamese coffee to keep you from falling asleep on the way home.
Photo via Google Maps
Multiple locations
Julie Curry’s salted chocolate chip cookie has been voted Best of the Bay and its other colorful baked goods don’t fall behind. Bake’n Babes also offers CBD creations such as their CBD chocolate chip cookie and CBD gummy worms at its locations in Armature Works and on Davis Islands.
Photo via
Bake’n Babes/Facebook
