These hole-in-the-wall Tampa haunts have some of the best eats in the city. Time to see how local you eat. From decadent dogs to fat bowls of pho, you'll want to add these hidden gems to your list of future foodie ventures.
Tampa's 25 most important hole-in-the-wall restaurants
By CL Staff on Fri, Mar 8, 2019 at 9:30 pm
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Mel’s Hotdogs
4136 E Busch Blvd., Tampa, 813-985-8000Chicago dogs! You’d be doing yourself a disservice if you didn’t order one, as a matter of fact, order two with a side of crinkle fries.
Photo via Google Maps
Ebisu Sushi Shack
5116 N. Nebraska Ave., Tampa, 813-252-6393This tiny house is serving up some of the best sushi in Seminole Heights. Super low key, with extra large bottles of Kirin. Cute date night spot for low maintenance partners who enjoy A1 rolls.
Photo via Ebisu Sushi Shack/Facebook
Cappy’s Pizzeria
4910 N. Florida Ave., Tampa, 813-238-1516Feels like a set on Stranger Things, all retro decor and amazing pizza. CASH only!
Photo via Cappy’s Pizzeria/Facebook
House of Carbs
410 E Madison St., Tampa, 813-533-0046True to its name, this joint is slinging nothing but gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, each served with a side of tomato basil soup. Dip. Every. Bite. Go big and order the Pig ‘N Fig - sliced prosciutto, fig jam and provolone cheese melted together inside of their signature parmesan and truffle butter crust.
Photo by Jenna Rimensnyder
James Joyce Irish Pub
1724 E 8th Ave., Tampa, 813-247-1896When everything else is closed in Ybor, James Joyce is open until 3 a.m. seven days a week. Always dim-lighting, and a crazy long beer list, and shot specials. Grab their award-winning Sriracha burger - angus beef burger topped with homemade Sriracha sauce, cucumbers, pickled ginger and Asian slaw.
Photo via James Joyce Irish Pub/Facebook
La Segunda Bakery Ybor
2512 N 15th St., Tampa, 813-248-1531Rooted in Ybor’s history, this spot is known for their fresh bread, pastries and cafe con leches.
Photo via Google Maps
Japanese Kitchen Dosunco
3310 W Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, 813-605-5741Small, family-owned and delicious. Comparable to Ichicoro and Buya but without the crowd.
Photo via Japanese Kitchen Dosunco/Facebook
Jazzy’s BBQ
5703 W Waters Ave., Tampa, 813-243-8872Fat plates of smoked meats drenched in their signature sauces. You’ll want to get the three meat sampler with brisket, pork and chicken and a side of mac and cheese.
Photo via Jazzy’s BBQ/Facebook
Jerk Hut
4495 W Gandy Blvd., Tampa, 813-835-5375This is the OG location, which is a drive thru serving up authentic Jamaican food. Grab the jerk platter to get a combo of their famous pork and chicken. If you can hit the other sit-down locations, get the oxtails and lamb curry.
Photo via Jerk Hut/Facebook
Kojack’s House of Ribs
2802 Gandy Blvd., Tampa, 813-837-3775Although this bbq joint has snagged multiple Best of the Bay awards, it’s off the beaten path and is a must-visit if you’re in the mood for a rack of ribs. Crazy portion-sizes served up on lunch trays. While the weather is nice, snag a picnic table on the porch.
Photo via Google Maps
Loli’s Mexican Cravings
8005 Benjamin Rd., Tampa, 813-886-7467If you go during a weekday lunch rush, you’ll be waiting for at least 15 minutes for your order. And believe me, you’ll want to wait. Make sure to order no less than three tacos - the steak, fish and shrimp are to die.
Photo via Loli’s Mexican Cravings/Facebook
Mandy’s Restaurant
4025 West Waters Ave., Tampa, 813-888-6050Cuban-cuisine that delivers with serious flavor. No matter what time of day, grab a cafe con leche and tostada. If you’re in the mood for a sandwich, get the pork or the Cuban.
Photo via Mandy’s Restaurant/Facebook
McDivot’s Wings and Raw Bar
10706 Countryway Blvd., Tampa, 813-814-9394Bang for your buck. On Fridays this spot offers 2 for 1 chicken fajitas and wine.
Photo via McDivot’s Wings and Raw Bar/Facebook
Mr. Dunderbak’s
14929 Bruce B Downs Blvd., Tampa, 813-977-4101Time to graduate from Miller Lite and have a real brew experience. This german-cuisine restaurant has a wild craft brew list, with a knowledgeable staff who you can take full advantage of. Get the sour cream schnitzel, and an order of the pierogies (ask to get them fried). Don’t be shy to ask for mustards - the servers will bring over at least five with varying in gourmet flavors.
Photo via Mr. Dunderbak’s/Facebook
New York New York Pizza
1512 E. 7th Ave., Tampa, 813-248-1845Drunk and in need of a late night bite in Ybor? Stumble over to the to-go window and you can order by the slice. There may be a line, but definitely worth the wait.
Photo via New York New York Pizza/Facebook
Pastries N Chaat
1811 E Fowler Ave., Tampa, 813-512-2632Indian cuisine that brings the heat. Vegetarian options aplenty - but order the pepper goat.
Photo via Pastries N Chaat/Facebook
Yeoman’s Cask and Lion
202 N Morgan St, Tampa, 813-224-9367You might miss this bar if you’re trolling around downtown Tampa. The English-themed restaurant and pub serves offerings that are staples across the pond. Go for lunch to take advantage of their 10 items under $10 deal. Fish & Chips for $8.95? No brainer.
Photo via Yeoman’s Cask and Lion/Facebook
RyRy’s Chicken and Waffles
11124 N. 30th St., Tampa, 813-362-0000Mutha Cluckin’ incredible fried chicken. This place is wild, they even have a red carpet outside. The korean fried chicken served on a waffle with their signature maple syrup is THE order. Heads up, explicit music is played at all times - leave the kids at home if you’re dining in.
Photo via RyRy’s Chicken and Waffles/Facebook
Saigon Deli
3858 West Waters Ave., Tampa, 813-887-3888Super low-key, counter service spot. Cheap fully-loaded chicken pho($6) and extra large Bánh mìs($3).
Photo via Saigon Deli/Facebook
Soul of Korea
7612 N 56th St., Tampa, 813-989-9030Smack some chicken wings while Korean game shows are playing on the old school tv near the kitchen.
Photo via Google Maps
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