The low key bar and pizza place known as Hampton Station was started by two men who lost everything during the economic collapse of the 2000s and decided to open a quality pizza place that serves only the best European and American microbrews around. The service is friendly, atmosphere laid back, and the pizza, calzones, and wings are all fresh and made to order. They even have a few large TVs for watching football, and the outdoor seating area is dog friendly, with bones and dog bowls for water provided at the entrance. Residents in the neighborhood love to hang out and enjoy the New York-style thin crust pizzas and craft beers. The interior is eclectic, with odd signs, neon on the bright orange walls, and a collection of action figures behind the bar.
Address & telephone number: 5921 N Nebraska Ave, Tampa, FL, USA, +1 813 238 1114
The Independent
One of the pioneers of the craft beer movement in the Tampa Bay are, The Independent has become known not only for its rare and unique beers and wines from around the world, but also the award-winning European café fare. It opens daily for breakfast and lunch, serving up gourmet coffee and tea, as well as freshly baked goods, and some of the best bar food in the area. They have great Cuban sandwiches, leberkäse sandwich with egg, roasted curried carrot soup, turkey sandwich on a freshly baked croissant with granny apple and melted brie, and spinach and feta grilled cheese. The laid back atmosphere and great friendly people mean that the place is always packed with locals who love to walk there and hang out, eat delicious food, drink good beer or coffee, and watch live bands. The ‘Indie,’ as it is called, is also a great spot to stop while walking your dog, as they are very dog-friendly.
Address & telephone number: 5016 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL, USA, +1 813 341 4883
The Olde Heights Bistro
In a cute little place with old black and white photos, a collection of rare wine bottles and beers, and an awesome poster of Bruce Lee on display, The Olde Heights Bistro serves up fresh and flavorful sushi, craft sandwiches, and other New American cuisine. The staff are the friendliest around, and they are very knowledgeable about food and drinks, always happy to offer superb recommendations. The chefs also love to personally off their own specials to guests. Some of their incredible creations include a tuna and seaweed salad, perfectly cooked and seasoned thick burger, escargot bread pudding, filet mignon, shrimp scampi, sashimi plate, caprese salad, Amish bacon, and pork belly. They also have made-to-order sushi that is both delicious and different, with steak or chicken or even sautéed mushrooms and onions, and the chefs will make any kind of roll you want. The moist chocolate cake with peanut butter also makes for an excellent dessert.
Address & telephone number: 4703 N Nebraska Ave, Tampa, FL, USA, +1 813 231 6800
Mikey’s Café & Bakery Co.
In Historic Old Seminole Heights, Mikey’s Café & Bakery Co. offers a wide selection of fresh made-to-order sandwiches, soups, salads, coffee drinks and old fashioned sodas, custom cakes, and many other desserts in an old-fashioned style café and bakery. The unique nostalgic ambiance is completed with an old drug store soda fountain and decor that is in keeping with the original feel of Old Seminole Heights history. They have many pieces from the 1940s through 1960s displayed throughout the café, and they also have an assortment of novelty items for sale. This family-owned-and-operated place takes pride in their sandwiches that have freshly cut premium quality meats and cheeses, as well as fresh and hearty breads. The soups are made fresh from scratch daily, as are the chicken salad, tuna salad, coleslaw and pasta salad, salad dressings, and sauces. They also have a great selection of cakes, pies, desserts, and pastries that are baked on site, as well as freshly brewed coffee and tea, and hand-mixed old-fashioned sodas.
Address & telephone number: 6114 N Central Ave, Tampa, FL, USA, +1 813 234 3755
Garibaldi’s Mexican Restaurant
If you’re looking for a great place to go in Tampa for delicious authentic Mexican food, you have to stop by Garibaldi’s Mexican Restaurant. The rough exterior is deceiving, for the quality of the food is worth the visit to the restaurant. Their seafood dishes are especially popular, with amazing options like the shrimp loaded quesadilla and seafood variety platter with fried calami. The staff are friendly and all speak Spanish, but they are also very patient with English-speaking customers. They have great lunch specials, including a plate of tacos, enchiladas, chimichangas, or taco salad for under six dollars. They also have a fantastic four dollar margarita, and you even get complimentary chips and salsa. Everyone who loves Baja-style Mexican food enjoys going to Garibaldi’s, and other favorites include the carne asada, chicken flautas, and the unique chorizo quesadillas. There is also karaoke and live music on weekends.
Address & telephone number: 1235 E Hillsborough Ave, Tampa, FL, USA, +1 813 232 5048
