Local Favorites
The coffee shops, restaurants, and local businesses that make Tampa Bay special. Stephanie features a new local spot every month. Bookmark this page and check back for the latest picks.
The coffee shops, restaurants, and local businesses that make Tampa Bay special. Stephanie features a new local spot every month. Bookmark this page and check back for the latest picks.
Warehouse Arts District, St. Petersburg
A one-of-a-kind coffee experience born from the collaboration between Form43, a concrete design studio, and Sugar Baby Coffee. Coffee Concrete blends brutalist industrial design with top-tier craft coffee in St. Petersburg's Warehouse Arts District. The space features exposed concrete, carefully curated design, and even motorcycles parked inside.
The espresso program uses beans from Tampa's own Buddy Brew Coffee, with drip coffee from St. Pete-based Look Alive Coffee. Signature drinks include the Form 43 Latte with lavender and activated charcoal, the Cookie Butter Latte with house-made syrup, and the Bumblebee with caramel, fresh orange juice, and an espresso float. Weekend DJ sets make it a destination.
Ybor City, Tampa · Est. 1905
The oldest restaurant in Florida and the largest Spanish restaurant in the world. Established in 1905, the Columbia Restaurant is a Tampa institution that has been serving authentic Spanish-Cuban cuisine for over a century. The restaurant occupies an entire city block in Ybor City with stunningly ornate dining rooms, hand-painted tiles, and a multi-level courtyard.
You cannot visit without ordering their famous "1905" Salad, prepared tableside with their signature garlic oregano dressing. Other must-tries include the black bean soup, the Cuban bread, the paella, and the roast pork. End with the flan or key lime pie. The Columbia has been honored by the James Beard Foundation as an American Classic.
Where the locals get their morning fix. From industrial chic to cozy neighborhood corners, these are the best coffee shops in Tampa Bay.
400 N Tampa St, Tampa
A beloved local roaster with a Park Tower downtown location. Excellent pour-overs, espresso, and freshly roasted beans. The kind of place where the baristas know your name. Also serves pastries and light bites.
Visit2662 Central Ave, St. Petersburg
A popular spot on Central Ave in St. Pete's Grand Central District. Known for quality coffee, excellent pastries, and a relaxed, creative atmosphere. The outdoor seating area is perfect for people-watching.
Visit2157 1st Ave S & 722 2nd St N, St. Petersburg
Two locations in St. Pete serving specialty coffee, baked goods, and a cozy atmosphere that makes you want to stay all morning. The Grand Central District and downtown locations are both neighborhood staples.
Visit1823 E 7th Ave, Ybor City + 201 N Franklin St, Tampa
A Tampa roasting company with cafes in downtown and Ybor City. They roast their own beans in-house and the quality shows. The Ybor location on 7th Avenue is a great spot to fuel up before exploring the neighborhood.
Visit808 N Tampa St, Tampa
A Tampa-origin roaster with a cozy downtown Element location. Kahwa sources premium single-origin beans and serves expertly crafted espresso drinks. Their cafe lattes and cold brew are local favorites.
Visit1111 Central Ave, St. Petersburg
A sophisticated Central Avenue spot that transitions from coffee bar by day to cocktail lounge by night. Excellent espresso drinks during the day, creative cocktails after dark. The aesthetic is effortlessly cool.
Visit101 E Kennedy Blvd, Tampa
A downtown Tampa gem serving Illy coffee alongside paninis, salads, and pastries. The marketplace side sells Italian specialty goods, making it a hybrid cafe and gourmet shop. A favorite among downtown office workers.
Visit2222 1st Ave S, St. Petersburg
Part coffee shop, part bicycle repair shop, all St. Pete character. Grab an espresso and get your bike tuned up at the same time. A unique concept that captures the creative spirit of the Grand Central District.
Visit2512 N 15th St, Tampa
A Tampa institution since 1915, famous for its Cuban bread baked in a wood-fired oven. The cafe serves strong Cuban coffee, pastries, and sandwiches. Grab a cafe con leche and a guava pastry. This is the real Tampa.
VisitRestaurants worth driving across the bay for. Tampa Bay's dining scene is one of Florida's best kept secrets.
1810 N Highland Ave, Tampa · $$ - $$$
Native-inspired cuisine celebrating Florida's indigenous heritage. Fresh, locally sourced ingredients, a beautiful waterfront setting on the Riverwalk, and a brewery on-site.
Visit225 S Franklin St, Tampa · $$ - $$$
Downtown Tampa waterfront seafood. Fresh crab, oysters, and seafood platters with views of the Tampa Convention Center and Garrison Channel.
Visit2701 Central Ave, St. Petersburg
A St. Pete favorite on Central Avenue. Creative menu, great cocktails, and a vibrant atmosphere in the heart of the Grand Central District.
Visit2823 Central Ave, St. Petersburg
Fresh oysters, seafood towers, and a raw bar that draws a loyal crowd. Another Central Ave winner in St. Pete.
Visit502 N Tampa St, Tampa · $
A downtown Tampa gem with a loyal following. Great breakfast and lunch at affordable prices. The kind of spot the locals keep to themselves.
Visit1208 S Howard Ave, Tampa · $$$$
An iconic Tampa institution since 1956. World-class dry-aged steaks, an extensive wine list with one of the largest private collections in the world, and the legendary dessert room upstairs. A bucket-list dining experience.
Visit601 S Harbour Island Blvd, Tampa · $$ - $$$
Waterfront dining on Harbour Island with views of the Tampa skyline. Known for sushi, seafood, steaks, and an extensive wine list. A perfect spot for sunset dinner.
Visit519 N Franklin St, Tampa
A modern Mediterranean spot in downtown Tampa with fresh, vibrant flavors. Great for lunch or dinner with a menu that goes from shareable plates to hearty entrees.
Visit601 S Harbour Island Blvd, Tampa · $$ - $$$
Waterfront bar and restaurant on Harbour Island with a lively atmosphere. Great burgers, tacos, and seafood. The outdoor patio is the place to be on a warm Tampa evening.
Visit107 S Franklin St, Tampa · $$ - $$$
A downtown Tampa institution known for wings, burgers, and a massive beer selection. The go-to spot for pre-game Lightning or Bucs crowds. Voted best wings in Tampa year after year.
Visit2245 Central Ave, St. Petersburg
A St. Pete classic on Central Avenue. Fresh oysters, seafood, and craft cocktails in a relaxed setting. The happy hour draws a loyal local crowd.
Visit951 34th St N, St. Petersburg · $
A St. Pete soul food staple serving generous portions of Southern classics. Fried chicken, collard greens, mac and cheese, and cornbread that tastes like grandma made it.
VisitI feature a new local coffee shop or restaurant every month. If you know a Tampa Bay business that deserves a spotlight, send it my way.
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