BREAKFAST
Xilo
Former Piquant chef-owners Rosana Rivera and Ricardo Castro serve up a Mexican breakfast every morning inside The Hall on Franklin. The granola Xilo, with coconut, cacao nibs, pepitas, cinnamon and tropical fruit, is a twist on a classic oatmeal, while the carnitas chilaquiles and breakfast torta give your morning protein a boost.
1701 N. Florida Ave.
thehallonfranklin.com
Victory Coffee
This Channel District go-to spot specializes in espresso drinks but also has a huge variety of hot and iced teas, if you’re looking to change it up. Breakfast offerings are simple and include an egg and feta wrap, egg and cheese sandwich, bagel with a smoked salmon spread, and oatmeal, plus a selection of pastries.
101 N. 12th St.
victorycoffeetampa.com
Oxford Exchange
Frequently cited as one of the city’s top brunch spots, Oxford Exchange also does breakfast from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. during the week. Brunch favorites like the Super Simple Sandwich and avocado toast make an appearance at breakfast, as do fruit pancakes, egg and chorizo tacos, and breakfast cocktails.
420 W. Kennedy Blvd.
oxfordexchange.com
LUNCH
Cafe Hey
Long a favorite of Tampa’s vegetarians and vegans, Cafe Hey offers a lunch menu focused on creative sandwiches (think the Cuban version of a banh mi, a vegan BLT). Soups, salads and other specials vary by the day.
1540 N. Franklin St.
cafehey.com
La Segunda Central Bakery
The traditional Cuban sandwich is elevated by La Segunda’s iconic bread, which is still baked with a palmetto leaf down the center to create each loaf’s signature split. Other lunch options include a media noche, hot and cold sandwiches and fresh salads.
2512 N. 15th St.
lasegundabakery.com
Nebraska Mini-Mart
Small bites and handhelds are the name of the game at Nebraska Mini-Mart. Rooster & the Till’s Ferrell Alvarez and Ty Rodriguez put together selections like messy fries, charred corn, Korean cheesesteak and the Pig Mac burger. Games like bocce ball and shuffleboard are often discounted or free to play before 5 p.m., making lunch the perfect time to stop by.
4815 N. Nebraska Ave.
nebraskaminimart.com
HAPPY HOUR
Mortar & Pestle
This Seminole Heights spot gives diners a discount across the board for happy hour, with 10 percent off food and drinks from 3 to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Starters and flatbreads include smoked wings and pork sliders, a cheese plate, and a black and bleu flatbread.
6310 N. Florida Ave.
mortarandpestlefl.com
Mekenita Cantina
Offering a “fiesta” hour from 3 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, Mekenita Cantina does discounted tacos, burritos and salads, specialty cocktails, a house margarita or sangria for $6.50 and Mexican beers for $3.50.
6707 N. Florida Ave.
mekenitacantina.com
Malio’s Prime Steakhouse
Start your evening off with half-price lunch burgers made with ground filet, plus appetizer specials, $5 Finlandia martinis, $5 wines by the glass, $6 spirits and a selection of $7 cocktails. Because Malio’s sits alongside the Riverwalk, you can even take your drink to go.
400 N. Ashley Drive
maliosprime.com
DINNER
Splitsville Southern + Social
The newly renovated upscale bowling alley upgraded their menu with help from celebrity chef Art Smith. The Southern-inspired dishes include Smith’s famous fried chicken, short rib sliders, shrimp and grits, and hummingbird cake. If you’re staying to play, grab a draft or frozen cocktail in a fun squeeze bottle.
615 Channelside Drive
splitsvillelanes.com
Ulele
The Tampa Heights pioneer is as popular as ever. A dish of charbroiled oysters seems to appear on the table of every table in the restaurant, while other menu highlights include the gouda grouper, Florida pompano, seafood risotto, Tomahawk pork chop, and the candied maple bacon ice cream for dessert.
1810 N. Highland Ave.
ulele.com
Lee’s Grocery
Slightly off the beaten path on Central Avenue, Lee’s Grocery is actually a pizza and craft beer spot. The stone-baked pies are available for takeout or to eat in the cafe, and both local and national craft beer selections are available.
2210 N. Central Ave.
leesgrocery.com
