WHERE TO GET THE “BEST GRUB”

 YOU WILL QUICKLY FIGURE OUT THERE ARE A LARGE VARIETY OF DINING EXPERIENCES IN TAMPA BAY.  AFTER ASKING MANY LOCALS,  THESE ARE SOME OF THEIR FAVORITE PICKS.

BREAKFAST & BRUNCH

Graze South Tampa

2219 S. Dale Mabry

Quaint neighborhood brunch spot with cool vibes. Locals say to try the breakfast bowls and waffles.

DATZ

2616 S. MacDill

Excellent spot for any time of day. Reasonably priced and in large portions. “The Lumberjack Breakfast”  was highly recommended!

The Blind Tiger Cafe

934 S. Howard Ave.

Our locals love the relaxed atmosphere and eclectic music. A breakfast sandwich on Cuban bread with sriacha aoli is the “winner winner.”

Cask Social Kitchen

208 S. Howard Ave.

Southern flair. Locals love the breakfast tacos with shrimp and grits, along with the truffled deviled eggs.

Oxford Exchange

Locals say, “Best brunch ever.”  Eggs Benny, steak and eggs, bloodies and mimosa to choose from. First class in every way!

LOCAL LUNCH

Ulele

1810 N. Highland Ave.

Unique in every way. The detail the minute you walk in, a great experience, and low-key atmosphere.  Locals love the charbroiled oysters.

On Swann

1501 W. Swann Ave.

Farm-to-table concept — fresh ingredients and vegan options.  The vibe is fresh, bright and trendy.

The Columbia Restaurant

2117 E. Seventh Ave.

Family-owned Cuban restaurant since 1905 in Ybor City. Locals love the 1905 salad that the restaurant is famous for.  A must-try for the experience and great food.

Rome & Fig

317 N. Rome Ave.

Looking for a casual and fun lunch? This is the place.  Highly recommended were the chicken and waffles.  A must-have!

American Social

601 S. Harbour Island Blvd.

Vibrant gastropub with updated American comfort food, craft brews, and a patio and flat screens for all sporting events. Just a short walk from Amalie Arena and downtown.

Dinner on the Town

Bern’s Steakhouse

1208 S. Howard Ave.

This local charm opened in 1956, specializing in dry-aged steaks and their famous wine list.  Must tour the wine cellar and visit the desert room upstairs — great experience!

Donatello Italian Restaurant

232 N. Dale Mabry

Old-school eatery. Tuxedoed waiters, live music, and locals say, “Never disappoints.”

Olivia

1301 W. Swann

Refined Italian restaurant. Locals love the comfortable but classy atmosphere and say a must-try is the pizza.

The Meat Market

1606 W. Snow Ave., Hyde Park Village

A sexier, more glamorous take on the traditional steak house.  The unique menu and the atmosphere are exciting, with eclectic music and a diverse crowd.

Haven

2208 W. Morrison Ave.

Sophisticated — small American plates, wine and cocktails. Outdoor seating available. Locals love the vibe and class of this restaurant.

BEST SUSHI OR THAI 

SOHO Sushi

3218 W. Kennedy Blvd.

Tampa, FL 33609

813-873-7646

Sakana Sushi

2908 W. Gandy Blvd.

Tampa, FL 33611

813-873-8744

Japanese Kitchen Dosunco

3310 W. Kennedy Blvd.

Tampa, FL 33609

813-605-5741

HAPPY HOUR HANGOUTS — CHEERS LIKE A LOCAL

Green Lemon

915 S. Howard

Locals say it is one of the best happy hours in town!

Mexican with a very large menu with so many great options, including their famous margarita.

Pete’s Place South

4145 Henderson Blvd.

The energetic vibe during happy hour with Johnny G Lyon's live music.

A sports bar with many great choices.

MacDinton’s Irish Pub

405 S. Howard Ave.

Irish chow, live music and sports draw crowds at this convivial pub with an outdoor patio.

A must-try, says the locals.

Thee Tree House

1809 W. Platt St.

A globally inspired menu of classic bar and bistro fare in a casual space with modern, rustic interiors.  Locals say the food was great and the drinks were “on point.”

COFFEE OR TEA

Javahz Cafe & Espresso

4330 W. El Prado Blvd.

Indoor and outdoor seating for coffee, tea and pastries.

Buddy Brew

2020 W. Kennedy (and many other locations)

Coffee house and bean roasted on-site.

Locals say great atmosphere, friendly baristas and flavorful brew.

The Blind Tiger Cafe - SOHO Coffee Shop

934 S. Howard Ave.

Eclectic atmosphere, quaint and comfortable.

Great coffee, tea and espresso.

Jet City Espresso Hyde Park

318 S. Edison Ave.

Coffee, espresso, smoothies and pastries are served in the historic Hyde Park house.

A must-try.

Caffeine Roasters

2420 W. Kennedy Blvd.

Great atmosphere. The cold brew is yummy and their croissants taste incredible, says a local.

WINE & BREWERIES

Wine

Wine & Wood

614 S. Howard Ave.

This is a great spot for solo, friends or even date night.

The Wine Exchange

1609 W. Snow Ave.

Casual wining and dining spot with outdoor patio. Offering 40-plus different wines to choose from.

Cru Cellars (many locations)

2506 S. MacDill Ave.

Sleek wine bar serving cheese and cured meats, flatbreads and small plates.  Outdoor seating is available.

EDGE Rooftop Cocktail Lounge

1207 S. Howard Ave.

Bar serving wine and cocktails.  Locals love the hip hotel rooftop with couches and skyline views.

Breweries

Bay Cannon Beer Company

2106 W. Main St.

Named after two historic cannons that were in Tampa from the beginning and still reside in Historic West Tampa.  Craft beer with many selections.  Locals love this place.

Tampa Bay Brewing Company

1600 E. Eighth Ave.

Located in the heart of historic Ybor City, just minutes from downtown Tampa. On-site you will find a 10BBL brewhouse with 24 constantly rotating taps, with a full-service kitchen.

Cigar City Brewing Spruce Street Brewery & Taproom

3924 W. Spruce St.

Cigar City Brewery began brewing beer in 2009.  You will find the culture and history of Tampa Bay.  A must-try is the famous flying visitor beer that is rested on Spanish cedar.

7venth Sun Brewery

6809 N. Nebraska Ave.

Airy, expansive taproom and boutique brewing pouring house brewed sour beers and IPAs.

Locals love the chill setting and good background music.