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Food & Drink

New ‘French-ish’ bistro, Bar Terroir, opens in South Tampa next month

A new restaurant group is bringing its Michelin-star experience to South Tampa. Tastes Pretty Good, which is behind two of Tampa’s Michelin-star…

By Jani Burden

Steak frites at Bar Terroir, opening this summer in Tampa, Florida.
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Food & Drink

20 Tampa Bay restaurants with rain-friendly outdoor patios

Tampa Bay residents don't like to stay inside, even when it's coming down. As Florida approaches its rain-every-single-day season, eating outside is…

By CL Staff

Rick's on the River 2305 N Willow Ave., Tampa, (813) 251-0369 There are a few tables that’ll get you some some, but for the most part, Rick’s massive outside patio is covered and shaded, with a river rat’s version of stadium seating available at and around the bar. The only thing better than watching rain come down on the water might be doing it with a cold beer and oysters nearby. Photo by Ray Roa
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Food & Drink

New St. Pete restaurant Cheeky's opens on May 7, another Aldi, and more Tampa Bay food news

Openings Cheeky’s Fish & Raw Bar opens next week in St. Pete Cheeky’s Fish & Raw Bar, the latest addition to St.…

By Sofía García Vargas, Kyla Fields, Selene San Felice

Cheeky’s Fish & Raw Bar is the latest project from Tampa native Nate Siegel, co-founder of Tampa’s Willa’s and Willa’s Provisions.
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Food & Drink

All the Tampa Bay restaurants featured in the 2025 Florida Michelin Guide

No new stars were born in Tampa Bay's section of the Michelin guide this year, but previously-starred Tampa restaurants maintained their status…

By CL Staff

Koya 807 W Platt St., Tampa. Splurge at Tampa’s eight-seat, pioneering (and still the only?) omakase, led by chefs Eric and Adriana Fralick who source fish from the auction system at Toyosu Market in Japan and stock high-end sake, premium wines, and Japanese craft beers. Look for the more casual sister concept Noble Rice to open in Sparkman Wharf and its accompanying Noble Market (next door to Koya, currently online only) to re-open soon. Photo via KoyaTampa/Facebook
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Food & Drink

Twelve Tampa Bay restaurants and bars that have closed this year

Tampa Bay has already said goodbye to a bunch of beloved eateries this year—including several vegan and vegetarian favorites. The area lost…

By CL Staff

Golden Dinosaurs 2930 Beach Blvd., Gulfport Gulfport's Golden Dinosaurs went extinct in January after owners of the beloved vegan deli announced the closure of their nearly-seven-year-old concept. The meteor that killed these dinos? Financial burden. Owners, husband and wife, Brian and Audrey Dingeman created a deli-inspired vegan menu, serving sweets and sauerkraut pastrami sandwiches, everyday except Wednesdays. The Dingemans will focus their efforts on Good Intentions, a sister-location restaurant in St. Petersburg.
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Food & Drink

Tampa Bay Taco Week 2025: Check out some of the exclusive specials happening at the best Bay area restaurants

It's Tampa Bay Taco Week time. For 10 delicious days—April 10-20—these Bay area restaurants are offering exclusive specials. Have a look at…

By Jaime Monzon, Creative Loafing Staff

Red Mesa Mercado 1100 1st Ave N, St. Petersburg Tacos Gobernador – $11 Handcrafted Margarita featuring Blanco Casamigos – $16.50
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Food & Drink

Four Tampa restaurants were just added to Florida's Michelin Guide

This morning, Michelin announced the addition of 14 new restaurants to its 2025 Florida dining guide, and a handful of Tampa spots…

By Colin Wolf

Big Ray’s Fish Camp 6116 Interbay Blvd, Tampa "Far from the trendy neighborhoods, this seafood shack that could be mistaken for a bait and tackle shop flies slightly under the radar but is a total find. Order from the menu displayed behind the counter, then find a seat at one of a few wooden tables set with metal chairs inside, or head outdoors to a tent-covered picnic table. Owner Raymond "Nick" Cruz doles out a typical dressed-down, seafood shack-style menu with starters like smoked fish dip, peel and eat shrimp, and a basket loaded with blackened shrimp and Cuban-style yucca. Then, a smattering of sandwiches includes their house classic fried grouper alongside creative riffs like a lobster tail corn dog sided by fries or coleslaw. To finish, nothing beats a wedge of key lime pie with graham cracker crust." Photo Big Ray’s Fish Camp/Facebook
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Food & Drink

Review: St. Pete’s Eat Art Love celebrates one year of fine dining-inspired daytime service and perfect customer reviews

Riding off the momentum of its one-year anniversary, The Warehouse Arts District’s Eat Art Love has tirelessly proven itself as a must-visit…

By Kyla Fields

(Clockwise from bottom left, L-R) Matt Rembas, Mario Brugnoli, Roman Brugnoli, Jess Williams, Roy Allen at Eat Art Love in St. Petersburg, Florida
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Food & Drink

New Port Richey's Collective at Escape taproom and food hall opens on Thursday

A New Port Richey beer lovers' getaway is getting a little bigger. After more than a decade of serving up award-winning brews,…

By Sofía García Vargas

Image: New Port Richey's Collective at Escape taproom and food hall opens on Thursday
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Food & Drink

20 truly beachside bars and restaurants across Tampa Bay

After back-to-back hurricanes, Tampa Bay's beachside restaurants and bars are still recovering, and many have yet to reopen. So it goes without…

By CL Staff

Ikki Woo Woo’s Tiki Hut at the Thunderbird 10700 Gulf Blvd., Treasure Island, 800-367-2473 Grab a seat on the outdoor deck and take in the views at the Thunderbird Beach Resort’s Tiki Hut Bar. Tasty cocktails and frozen tropical concoctions of all flavors are offered for those ready to unwind and relax on the beach. Photo via Thunderbird Beach Resort/Facebook
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Food & Drink

Photos: All the party people we saw in St. Pete for the Highball cocktail competition at FloridaRama

Just stepping into FloridaRama (stylized “FloridaRAMA”) is a trippy experience, but things also got tipsy at the St. Petersburg immersive art experience…

By Ray Roa

Image: Photos: All the trippy party people we saw in St. Pete for the Highball cocktail competition at FloridaRama
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Food & Drink

The most-anticipated new restaurants coming soon to Tampa Bay

Tampa Bay has a whole new batch of restaurants on the menu. Over the the next 6 months, local diners should see…

By CL Staff

Sunshine City Tavern 4351 4th St. N, St. Petersburg Ted Dorsey wants to bring St. Petersburg back to the '90s. Last December, the local chef announced his latest concept, Sunshine City Tavern, located at 4351 4th St. N, in the former Oaks on 4th building, which closed after less than a year in 2023. Not a lot of details were provided, but the restaurant is in partnership with Teddy Skiadioti, who is the owner of Craft Kafe—an entirely gluten-free restaurant that has locations throughout the St. Petersburg and Tampa Bay area. Dorsey has been at the helm of quite a few popular local restaurants, including the Sonata Restaurant at the Mahaffey, The Mill, Ciro’s Speakeasy & Supper Club, Boca Kitchen Bar, Market Copperfish Seafood Grill & Oyster Bar, and Nash’s Hot Chicken on Central, which closed in 2023. Photo via Sunshine City Tavern/Instagram
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Food & Drink

If Tampa Bay diners really cared about wild-caught shrimp, then they’d actually know about Versaggi Shrimp Co. [PHOTOS]

Tampa's Versaggi Shrimp Co. is a over-century-old family busines which originated in Fernandina Beach. It's seen a gradual decline from its heyday,…

By Adrian O'Farrill

Versaggi Shrimp Co. in Tampa, Florida on Jan. 13, 2025.
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Food & Drink

Photos: St. Pete reclaims Tampa Bay Food Fight title at Amalie Arena

Somewhere out there, cooks from Tampa are licking their wounds after a firm talking from Titus O’Neil. The WWE superstar and philanthropist…

By Ray Roa

Image: Photos: St. Pete reclaims Tampa Bay Food Fight title at Amalie Arena
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Food & Drink

15 new restaurants that opened in Tampa Bay this winter

We hope you brought your appetite into 2025, because Tampa Bay's latest menu offerings are going to make you want to lay…

By CL Staff

Mad Dogs and Englishmen 4914 S. MacDill Ave., Tampa The new Mad Dogs and Englishmen has opened in its new spot, after closing its original location last month. The relocation is the end of a 34-year-story at 4115 S MacDill Ave. The new pub, double its original space, includes a dining area, a so-called “Moroccan room,” fireplace lounge, two bars and a pet-friendly patio for your mad, or chill, dog. With weekend brunches and tea service expected, the pub will serve their British-inspired dishes including fish and chips, and bangers and mash. A press release says the menu will have some new additions, if you are tired of the good old Shepherd's Pie, including stuffed peppadews, aubergine (eggplant) bolognese, and tuna tartare. Photo via Mad Dogs/Facebook
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Sponsored

Who Makes the Best Highball in Tampa Bay? Find Out at Highball 2025!

Get ready for Tampa Bay’s ultimate craft cocktail showdown on February 21, 2025, at FloridaRAMA in St. Pete! Sample unlimited highball cocktails from top mixologists,…

By Jaime Monzon

Agave Social
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Food & Drink

The 20 most romantic restaurants in Tampa Bay, according to Yelp

Whether it's for Valentines Day, or just a special night out, Tampa Bay has plenty of dimly-lit, romantic restaurants to choose from. To…

By CL Staff

1. The Black Pearl 315 Main St., Dunedin "Amazing restaurant for a romantic dinner or important date to celebrate. It's small and cozy. Same chef, same waiters, same menu. I love their risotto. It's a high end place in Dunedin and I would get a reservation because they cook for the number of the expected guests." - Olga P.
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Food & Drink

The 25 wildest things to eat at the 2025 Florida State Fair

The Florida State Fair is back, and besides carnival rides and farm animals, a vast menu of over-the-top (often fried) gut bombs are…

By CL Staff

Potato Mozzarella Kdog Mozzarella Cheese Korean Corn Dog wrapped with potato cubes, coated with panko then deep fried. Location: GoldenKdog
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Food & Drink

Tampa Bay's 20 best new restaurants, bars and food trucks of 2024

It goes without saying that Tampa Bay's restaurant industry has absolutely gone through it over the last year, and despite all the…

By CL Staff

Retro House 934 E Henderson Ave., Ybor City Retro House made its big debut last summer, dishing out homemade dumplings and loaded noodle bowls out of a unique location in Ybor City. The fast casual spot slings dumplings and other handhelds that Heritage Dim Sum is known for—with co-owner Corrinne Liou incorporating her family’s 100 year-old recipes throughout Retro House’s menu with small bites like ube baos, shu mai, lemongrass chicken dumplings, pan-fried pork baos and mango shrimp wontons. A few entrees are offered as well, including char sui fried rice and crispy noodle bowls with customizable proteins. Photo by Paul Venghaus
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Food & Drink

Review: Mighty Fine raises the bar with refined, yet unpretentious, pub grub at Tampa’s Late Start Brewing [PHOTOS]

The recently-opened Late Start Brewing and its culinary counterpart Mighty Fine live at the quiet northeast corner of the Tampa Downtown Partnership,…

By Kyla Fields

Nathan Hardin at Mighty Fine in Tampa, Florida on Dec. 7, 2024.
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Food & Drink

Photos: St. Pete speakeasy The Saint kicks off ‘Christmas Mass’ weekends

The Ball is soon to come on St. Petersburg’s First Block, but not before some yuletide sinning at The Saint. Last Friday,…

By Ray Roa

Image: Photos: St. Pete speakeasy The Saint kicks off ‘Christmas Mass’ weekends
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Food & Drink

New upscale downtown Tampa concept from C.W. Gin Joint will debut on New Year's Eve [PHOTOS]

Seven years after opening, C.W.’s Gin Joint is ready to introduce Tampa to another member of the family, and it's three stories…

By Ray Roa

The aesthetic at C.W.’s on 3 will be familiar to fans of Gin Joint, owned by Carolyn Wilson, aka C.W.
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Food & Drink

30 Tampa Bay restaurants to take an-out-of-towner, and what to get

If you have a house full of guests, feeding everyone can be tough. However, Tampa Bay has something for everyone. So, whether…

By Brandalynn Nuñez Cepeda, Sofía García Vargas

Saigon Deli What to get: Bahn Mi and a Vietnamese coffee 3858 W Waters Ave., Tampa, 813-887-3888 This extremely busy deli is nothing short of a haven for Vietnamese cuisine. The Banh Mi is packed perfectly inside the French baguette and affordable enough to have three. Photo via Google Maps
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Food & Drink

The Tampa Bay bars and restaurants we lost in 2024

We lost some iconic spots in 2024. As anyone who's been in the kitchen will tell you, it isn't easy to run…

By CL Staff

King State 520 E Floribraska Ave., Tampa Despite its popularity and a place in the top 10 of Food & Wine’s “Best Coffee Shops in America,” King State closed its Tampa Heights location in October. King State, which celebrated its five-year anniversary over the summer, was borne from a DIY coffee roasting warehouse operation and opened in June of 2019. It quickly became a popular destination thanks to its surefire breakfast, laid-back light-filled dining room, and killer drinks. Like many other businesses, King State battled through the pandemic, with the last few years bringing a lot of change for co-founders Tim McTague and Nate Young. Photo via King State/Instagram
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Food & Drink

All the specials happening during Tampa Bay Burger Week 2024 (Nov. 14-24)

Each year, Creative Loafing Tampa Bay teams up with dozens of local bars and restaurants to offer foodies a variety of unique…

By CL Staff

The Brisket Shoppe 3501 N. Armenia Ave., Tampa The Friskey Brisky $25 - A half-pound Wagyu burger piled high with Wagyu HeartBrand brisket, topped with cheddar cheese, homemade pickle, and garlic Aioli. Served with tallow-fried potato chips
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Food & Drink

The most-anticipated new restaurants coming soon to Tampa Bay

A fresh new batch of Tampa Bay restaurants are in the oven. Winter is supposed to be chilly, but things are are heating…

By CL Staff

Chicken Guy 25769 Sierra Center Blvd., Wesley Chapel Chicken Guy, a fast-food chicken sandwich and tender concept spearheaded by the Mayor of Flavortown himself, will soon open a new location in Wesley Chapel. Co-founded in 2018 with Planet Hollywood founder Robert Earl, the chain's menu primarily focuses on chicken tenders and Guy's "Big Bite" chicken sandwiches, both served either grilled or "crispy fried." There's also shakes, fries, mac and cheese, salads and more up for grabs. No exact opening date has been announced for the new Wesley Chapel restaurant. Photo via Chicken Guy/Facebook
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Food & Drink

15 hot new Tampa Bay restaurants, bars and breweries that opened this fall

It's been a tough fall for Tampa Bay restaurants. Following two back-to-back hurricanes, local restaurants and bars need your patronage now more…

By CL Staff

Juno & The Peacock and cocktail lounge Pluma 400 Beach Dr. NE, St. Petersburg Two new concepts will debut edfrom the former 400 Beach Seafood and Tap House location in downtown St. Petersburg. On Aug. 23, the space offered up a new cocktail lounge called Pluma, and a new full service restaurant called Juno & The Peacock, featuring "new American coastal cuisine" for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. The menu at Juno & the Peacock spans everything from dry-aged steaks, to seafood towers, seared grouper, crab cakes and more. Over at Pluma, the lounge's focus is on light bites and cocktails, as well as a "curated wine selection highlighting over 1,400 choices primarily sourced from New World regions." Collectively, the two spaces will accommodate up to 268 guests with both indoor and outdoor seating. Rendering via Lou Hammond Group
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Food & Drink

Photos: Everyone we saw giddying up in St. Pete for the OctoberWest beer festival

You came, you saw, you linedanced. The first-ever OctoberWest beer festival arrived at St. Petersburg’s James Museum of Wildlife and Western Art…

By Ray Roa

Image: Photos: Everyone we saw giddying up in St. Pete for the OctoberWest beer festival
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Food & Drink

25 recently closed Tampa Bay restaurants and bars we'll miss terribly

In just the last couple weeks, Tampa Bay was hit with the news that multiple beloved restaurants were calling it quits. Long…

By CL Staff

Goody Goody 1601 W Swann Ave., Tampa Just shy of the 100th anniversary of its initial opening, old school Tampa diner Goody Goody closed in South Tampa last September. In a letter, Richard Gonzmart, President and Caretaker of The 1905 Family of Restaurants, said his company was evolving and adapting to “changing circumstances” as it looks for new ways to serve its community. A press release says the move allows 1905. to focus on its core restaurant brands while preserving the Goody Goody brand elsewhere, adding that the group did work closely with its landlord, WS Development, to try and find a way to stay. Tampa’s Goody Goody first opened as a barbecue stand in 1925 on what’s now known as Kennedy Boulevard. Its last location on Florida Avenue closed in 2005, but the brand was revived in 2014 when Gonzmart purchased it from the family of owner Mike Wheeler. Photo via goodyburgers/Facebook
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Food & Drink

Photos: Tampa restaurants distribute free food to Hurricane Helene victims

Last night on Davis Islands, organizers feeding fresh meals to residents devastated by Hurricane Helene ran out of food in less than…

By Ray Roa

Image: Photos: Tampa restaurants distribute free food to Hurricane Helene victims
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