Have you ever wondered if Florida holds any hidden gems beyond its sprawling beaches and bustling amusement parks? For me, it’s the coffee shops. More than just places to enjoy a delicious cup of coffee, they are spaces to experience the local rhythm of life, culture, and people. An ideal vacation for me always includes exploring unique coffee shops, and I want to share my favorite spots in Florida.
Explore Hyde Park: Where Style and Flavor Meet
Hyde Park, with its remarkable development in recent years, has become one of the most vibrant neighborhoods in Tampa. It’s a hub for trendy restaurants, shops, and events, attracting both locals and tourists alike. And the first stop you shouldn’t miss is Buddy Brew, my absolute favorite coffee shop in the world.
Buddy Brew is more than just a regular coffee shop; it’s a Tampa icon. With its distinctive coffee flavor and cozy atmosphere, Buddy Brew has captured the hearts of many coffee lovers. My “must-try” drink here is the matcha latte with oat milk, perfectly paired with delicious avocado toast. It’s truly a perfect start to the day.
Exterior of Buddy Brew coffee shop in Hyde Park Tampa
Besides Buddy Brew, Hyde Park is also home to Bartaco, a casual dining spot with amazing tacos. I’ve been to Bartaco countless times, and each time I’m satisfied with the food quality and excellent service. The ginger mint tea and cauliflower tacos are my go-to orders whenever I visit Bartaco.
Oxford Exchange: Immerse Yourself in Culture and Cuisine
If you’re looking for a trendy and unique dining destination, Oxford Exchange is an excellent choice. With its modern, clean, and stylish design, Oxford Exchange offers customers a completely different experience.
Oxford Exchange is not just a restaurant, but also a diverse cultural space. You can find a bookstore in the back and a clothing store in the front, creating a uniquely chic and bohemian atmosphere. The menu at Oxford Exchange is frequently updated to bring customers new and exciting dishes.
Interior view of Oxford Exchange in Tampa
A special highlight of Oxford Exchange is the cool courtyard with a fountain, covered by a transparent glass ceiling. Right next to this courtyard is TeBella, a popular local tea shop. And across from TeBella is another branch of Buddy Brew, creating a delightful culinary “triangle.” An interesting tidbit is that singer Shawn Mendes often visits Oxford Exchange when he’s in Tampa for performances.
Armature Works: Upscale Food Hall with Diverse Options
Armature Works is an upscale food hall with a variety of culinary styles, making it an ideal destination for groups with diverse tastes. Located at the end of the Riverwalk in downtown Tampa, Armature Works is a great place to start a day of city exploration.
While it can be difficult to find seating during peak hours, Armature Works has plenty of outdoor seating, perfect for enjoying food and scenery. The venue also regularly hosts evening activities like yoga and movie nights, as well as paddleboarding and kayaking events.
Exterior of Armature Works in Tampa, a renovated industrial building
Sparkman Wharf: Waterfront Dining and Art
Sparkman Wharf is a unique outdoor experience that you shouldn’t miss. Connected to the Channel District, one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in Tampa, Sparkman Wharf is just blocks away from Amalie Arena, home of the Tampa Bay sports teams.
A distinctive feature of Sparkman Wharf is the food vendors housed inside repurposed shipping containers, decorated by local artists. On weekends, Sparkman Wharf often has live music and hosts Tampa Lightning hockey watch parties.
View of Sparkman Wharf in Tampa with shipping container restaurants and waterfront seating
Columbia Restaurant: Cuban Flavors in the Heart of Tampa
Columbia Restaurant is a Tampa culinary icon, with a rich history dating back to 1905. Located in the heart of Ybor City, Columbia Restaurant offers customers an authentic Cuban dining experience.
A special highlight of Columbia Restaurant is the dining room, where you can enjoy traditional flamenco dancers while you eat. I highly recommend making a reservation in this dining room for a memorable experience. Adjacent to the restaurant is a shop selling cigars, foods, pottery, teas, and many other souvenirs.
Exterior of Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City Tampa, a historic building with Spanish architecture
Ybor City is where Tampa was settled by Cuban and Spanish immigrants, and it’s a U.S. National Historic Landmark. If you’re looking for a unique and vibrant experience, Ybor City is a must-visit destination.
Midtown Tampa: A New and Up-and-Coming Destination
Midtown Tampa is Tampa’s newest project and is quickly becoming a popular destination with diverse experiences. So far, Midtown features luxury apartments and hotels, Sephora, REI, Whole Foods, Joffrey’s Coffee, and Shake Shack. I’m especially looking forward to the arrival of Ben & Jerry’s, as they offer non-dairy ice cream options!
Aerial view of Midtown Tampa, a modern urban development with buildings and streets
Conclusion
Tampa, Florida, is not just a city with beautiful beaches and famous amusement parks, but also an attractive culinary destination with many unique coffee shops and restaurants. From Buddy Brew in Hyde Park to Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City, each location offers customers a distinct and memorable experience. I hope this article has provided you with insight into what Tampa has to offer and encourages you to explore more of this beautiful city.
This city is rapidly developing, with restaurants, coffee shops, and stores constantly popping up everywhere. I’m excited to see what’s next for Tampa!