Tampa’s New Foodie Area
We have seen the changes of Tampa residential migrations. The big area trend was in Old Hyde Park in our early days of arriving to Tampa. Yes, “Suitcase City” was our best position spot while attending USF though in North Tampa. While riding the many Tampa culture trends and changes we discovered a home in North Hyde Park would suffice for us young gay boys to start a residence at. We knew the area had to have culture, interesting places to chow down and drink at and have fun integrating with friendly businesses.
Who was from Florida or even Tampa in those early 1980’s days? It seemed that anyone we talked to transplanted from someplace else! I often said, ” If you have a business idea grow with it. You can’t go wrong.” Everyone we met was from some place else.
The latest is the venturing millennium generation for venturous grub and hand crafted binaries of beer. Old Hyde Park, Carrollwood and now most recently during this past worlds economic depression, growth takes new form in lifestyle in urban condo living in downtown Channelside District. On the opposite spectrum major changes in an assortment of urban living from the suburban environment to residing in older closer together bungalow and tudor housing styles in Seminole Heights.
Seminole Heights is now the new changed and launch pad for new life style living. A simple re-invention for today’s fast track lively residents, young and old, gay or straight. We picked up on the changes as many of our friends transcended to the older rejuvenated housing. Many told me, ‘more living space for the buck’ attitude. Fixer upper was a new trending word in real estate. Thank god that sweat equity paid off.
The new Foodie Boutiques and Craft Beer stops in Seminole Heights are clambering new establishments monyhly.
What we had remembered are the old icon traditionals. Bo’s Ice Cream at 7101 N Florida. Still a must! Nicko’s Diner Car on N Florida where ‘the King,’ Elvis Presley ate at on one of his 1956 singing concert tours. A marker still has the sitting table spot. That was then. Now is now!
A whole lot of changes have sprung up in the new Seminole Heights District. Let me list new culinary attractions in the neighborhood.
Bourgeois Pig, 7701 N Nebraska, soup salad tacos
Ella’s Folk Art Cafe, 5119 N Florida, what an experience anytime with Ernie Locke & Melissa Deming
Taco Bus, corner of Hillsb & Nebraska Ave, the original
Mermaid Tavern, 4719 North Nebraska
Then on Seminole Heights District on Florida Ave.
Front Porch, 5924 N Florida
The Refinery, 5137 N Florida, owner Greg Baker nominated to James Beard Natl Award 2012-2014
Independent, 5016 , serious about beer
Farmers Market, Hill & Florida Ave, freshest homegrown vegetables
Red Star Rock Bar, 5210 N Florida
Cappy Pizzaria, 4910 N Florida, a Tampa pizza tradition
Fodder & Shine, 5910 N Florida
Jet City, 5803 N Florida, infused or confused coffee drinks & freshly baked yummy goods
And the newest configuration is the new Wesley Burdette development, Warehouse Lofts at 4513 N Florida and Cayuga St. There are 48 new loft apts being made from the old standing warehouse. Along with that is 3300 sq ft of retail space available. You might be surprised of some local friends in the new opening dining spaces.
So have a great night out and enjoy our new Tampa Foodie area in Seminole Heights.
Saturday Night @
