Tampa’s new Nebraska Mini-Mart is big — in size, yes. But also because it kinda just feels good to be at the Seminole Heights gathering place, which is big on communal seating and green space, in the first place.
Throughout a private pre-grand opening party for NMM Wednesday night, there was no shortage of groups of friends, couples or families with kids (even some leashed pooches made appearances) exploring the mostly outdoor restaurant and bar at 4815 N. Nebraska Ave. The crowd enjoyed everything from local craft beer and wine in a can to samples of elevated global street food and conversation, and the on-site shuffleboard and bocce courts only added to their fun.
Nearly two years in the making, NMM is a partnership between Ty Rodriguez and chef Ferrell Alvarez of Rooster & the Till and co-owner Chon Nguyen. The community hangout gives the trio an opportunity to flex what happens when a more casual approach in the kitchen collides with creativity, offering a wallet-friendly menu of handheld eats like chicken wings (fried garlic | Malaysian chili paste) and Korean cheesesteak (bulgogi steak | kimchi | gochujang mayo).
Dishes are priced between $6 and $12, while adult beverages by the glass range from $4 to $14. The latter is a nice-sized selection that includes draft wine, rotating brews on tap and frozen affairs like the sherry-based G7 with coconut, vanilla, allspice and lime. Guests can also spike the normally nonalcoholic Indian Summer, a “citrus freezer” of lemon, lime, cardamom, coriander and ginger.
Named for the drive-thru beverage stand that formerly occupied its 1.3-acre property, NMM debuted to the public for the first time at noon Thursday. However, those planning to check out the restaurant and bar sooner rather than later (imagine how glorious being neighbors with this newcomer would be) should know it’s operating in soft-opening mode.
To see what CL experienced during yesterday’s sneak peek, flip through the media gallery. And one more thing: Not long after the NMM launch, Alvarez and Rodriguez are expected to open their third concept, Gallito, in the fall; the modern taqueria is part of the Channel District’s forthcoming Sparkman Wharf development.