25 small town restaurants worth a weekend road trip from Tampa

Smokin’ J’s Real Texas BBQ

5145 Gulfport Blvd S, Gulfport, 727-329-8624
Incredible barbecue being served up in a barn-like shack. You can’t leave without getting a jar of the signature Sweet ‘n’ Sassy pickles - which are worth the drive alone.

Photo via Ebisu Sushi Shack/Facebook

Isabelle’s

2937 Beach Blvd S, Gulfport, 727-346-9803
Southern fare with a twist, serving plates on the patio of the historic Peninsula Inn. A Gulfport treasure you need to experience.

Photo via Isabelle’s/Facebook

Taco Baby

235 Main St, Dunedin
Legit the tiniest taco joint around, this place is located inside a renovated ATM. Make sure to take pics. Oh, the street tacos are good too.

Photo via Taco Baby/Facebook

Siesta Key Oyster Bar

5238 Ocean Blvd, Sarasota, 941-346-5443
A destination spot, you'll want to spend the day with the beachy atmosphere with a patio ceiling covered in dollar bills. Tropical bites and booze can be savored while enjoying live music.

Photo via Google Maps

Old Salty Dog Island

1601 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota, 941-388-4311
Beer-battered hot dogs and booze right on the water. Definitely one of Sarasota’s gems that is worth the drive.

Photo via Old Salty Dog Island/Facebook

Peachey’s Baking Co.

Traveling food truck
Stationed all around the Sarasota area, this truck bakes up the best pretzels and glazes sourdough doughnuts to perfection. Make the drive, get a dozen and try not to eat them all before making it back to Tampa. Check in on Peachey’s Facebook page to see where the trucks are stationed.

Photo via Peachey’s Baking Co./Facebook

Hog Island Fish Camp

900 Broadway Ave, Dunedin, 727-736-1179
Dying for fresh dish? Hog Island has ‘em by the boatload. You’ll want to take a trip for the Hog fish slider and stay for the seven breweries that are within walking distance.

Photo via Hog Island Fish Camp/Facebook

Stella’s

3119 Beach Blvd S, Gulfport, 727-498-8950
Worth the drive if you’re craving brunch with a view in a charming community. Spend the rest of the day near the water exploring local shops and grabbing brews from bars down Beach Blvd.

Photo via Stella’s/Facebook

Bon Appetit Restaurant and Bar

148 Marina Plaza, Dunedin, 727-733-2151
Right on the water, this spot has decadent desserts served up parfait-style with espresso for your night-cap. Or spend the day at their outdoor bar for Sunday Funday.

Photo via Bon Appetit/Facebook

Habana Cafe

5402 Gulfport Blvd S, Gulfport, 727-321-8855
Cuban cuisine downstairs with an art gallery upstairs. A Gulfport hotspot you’ll want to try out if you’re a fan of Cuban classics.

Photo via Google Maps

Pia’s Trattoria

3054 Beach Blvd S, Gulfport, 727-327-2190
An “Old Italian” atmosphere, this restaurant serves up fresh seafood dishes and fat beef tenderloins. Date night road trip, but also kid friendly if you can't book a sitter.

Photo via Pia’s Trattoria/Facebook

Indigenous

239 S Links Ave, Sarasota, 941-706-4740
This spot is serving up American fare within a restored home. Worth the drive for date night. Make sure to get the kimchi pork belly, but bring a mint if it's a first date.

Photo via Indigenous/Facebook

Nancy’s Bar-B-Que

301 S Pineapple Ave, Sarasota, 941-366-2271
Hit the Ringling Museum and then stop by Nancy’s for cafeteria-style house-smoked barbecue. A little art, a little grub.

Photo via Nancy’s Bar-B-Que/Facebook

The Tennessee Truffle

125 W 1st St, Sanford, 407-942-3977
This place is all about seasonality, so don’t expect the same menu twice if you’re taking a trip. Serving up breakfast, lunch and dinner - no matter what time you make it into Sanford, you need to slide in and get a table.

Photo via The Tennessee Truffle/Facebook

Shantell’s Cafe

503 Sanford Ave, Sanford, 407-878-7785
Open stupid late on Fridays and Saturday - ‘til 4 a.m. - this spot has events that help you make an excuse to take the drive… as if the chicken and waffles aren’t enough.

Photo via Google Maps

Owen’s Fish Camp

516 Burns Ct, Sarasota, 941-951-6936
Make a reservation, or be prepared for an hour wait, this place is always jumpin’. Clearly, they’re doing something right. Make the trip, snag all of the southern-style seafood.

Photo via Google Maps

Hollerbach’s Willow Tree Cafe

205 E 1st St, Sanford, 407-321-2204
Need a German food fix? Hollerbach’s is ready to take your order. This super chill joint has all the wurst, brews and live music you need.

Photo via Google Maps

Mr. Sebas Ice Cream

104 E Reynolds St. Plant City, 813-756-3463
Cute date night spot. Family-owned and operated, churning up homemade ice cream and a wide variety Mexican specialty food and drinks.

Photo via Mr. Seba’s/Facebook

Norma’s Plant City Cuban Sandwich Shop

120 North Collins St. Plant City, 813-704-6015
Great roasted pork Cubans, and you’ll want to brave the weekday traffic for the monthly Pre Fixe Menu offerings. Other than that, wait for the weekend to make the drive.

Photo via Norma’s/Facebook

Tani’s for Dessert

2804 James L. Redman Parkway, Suite 106 Plant City, 813-704-5947
A hidden gem in Plant City serving up desserts, charcuterie and a selection of wines. Bananas foster is a must.

Photo via Tani’s/Facebook