Where to Eat for the Best Outdoor Dining in Tampa, FL
If you’re planning a vacation in Tampa soon, you’ll likely want to take in the great weather the city has to offer as often as possible. Tampa is also home to quality restaurants, and many of the local eateries offer outdoor dining so you can enjoy your meal while you soak up the sun. Here are some of the best outdoor dining restaurants in Tampa, no matter what type of food you’re in the mood for.
Bahama Breeze
3045 N Rocky Point Dr E, Tampa, FL 33607
(813) 289-7922
This casual eatery serves a variety of Caribbean-inspired dishes, and you’ll find a lot of great seafood options like the lobster and shrimp linguine. Or, you can satisfy your craving for a spicy dish with Jamaican chicken curry. Bahama Breeze is the ideal spot for ideal dining, and the restaurant offers live music outdoors on some nights so you can hear your favorite tunes while you dine.
Jackson’s Bistro Bar and Sushi
601 S Harbour Island Blvd, Tampa, FL 33602
(813) 277-0112
This stylish bistro and sushi restaurant offers a variety of fresh and flavorful dishes that will make your time in Tampa even more worthwhile. The eatery is known for its Thai grilled chicken salad and pan-seared grouper, and you can also find a number of decadent desserts that provide the perfect finishing touch to your meal.
Rick’s On the River
2305 N Willow Ave, Tampa, FL 33607
(813) 251-0369
When you’re looking for fresh seafood, look no further than Rick’s On the River. Favorites include coconut shrimp or the shrimp po’ boy with fries if you’re in the mood for shrimp. Appetizers include potato skins with bacon and sour cream, jalapeño cheddar poppers, or mozzarella sticks. Rick’s On the River also offers several salad offerings like the Caribbean Salad with fresh island fruits and grilled chicken or fish.
Ulele
1810 N Highland Ave, Tampa, FL 33602
(813) 999-4952
Ulele celebrates the rich Native American heritage in Florida and offers several innovative dishes. You can enjoy the beautiful Tampa while you dine on popular dishes like the grilled mahi-mahi, crackling pork shank, or steak salad. You can also enjoy a delicious lobster claw cocktail or try the okra fries tossed in sea salt and lime juice.
Columbia Cafe
801 Water St #1905, Tampa, FL 33602
(813) 229-5511
When you’re looking for a filling, casual meal that you can enjoy outside, Columbia Cafe is the Tampa eatery to visit. The restaurant offers a variety of fresh salads and the crabcakes are a favorite with diners. You can also enjoy a mahi-mahi Cubano sandwich or the carne and Arroz Blanco for a filling meal that will make your Tampa trip more enjoyable.
Tampa Bay Brewing Co
1600 E 8th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605
(813) 247-1422
This pub-style restaurant can produce up to a dozen beers, and there are usually about nine beers on tap for you to choose from. In addition to a tasty brew, you can spend more time in the Tampa sun when you take advantage of the brewery’s outdoor seating. Popular meals include the shepherd’s pie or the moosekiller meatloaf. Tampa Bay Brewing Co also offers several burgers to choose from.
Hula Bay Club
5210 W Tyson Ave, Tampa, FL 33611
(813) 837-4852
Hula Bay Club is one of the best outdoor dining restaurants in Tampa when you’re looking for a laidback ambiance and delicious lunch or dinner options. The tempura lobster roll is one of the most popular dishes at this Tampa eatery.
Cafe Dufrain
707 Harbour Post Dr, Tampa, FL 33602
(813) 275-9701
Make sure you stop by Cafe Dufrain while you’re in Tampa for a dining experience you won’t forget. The restaurant has a cool and casual atmosphere and outdoor seating, and entrees are innovative and creative. One of the favorites on the menu is the duck burger served with house-made potato chips. You can also try the pork belly or indulge in the scallops served with fresh vegetables. If you’re craving seafood, try the shrimp tacos made with local ingredients or the oysters with mignonette.
Armature Works
1910 N Ola Ave, Tampa, FL 33602
(813) 250-3725
This restaurant is in a restored mixed-use building in the midst of the historic Tampa Heights community. You can enjoy several delicious options like crispy fried chicken, roasted peppers, and savory chimichurri steak that is seasoned to perfection. You can order your entrees with a side of fluffy white rice and indulge in the decadent tiramisu for dessert.
Miguel’s Mexican Seafood
3035 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33609
(813) 876-2587
When you’re craving Mexican food but don’t want a heavy meal, Miguel’s Mexican Seafood has you covered. The spinach salad is a favorite among diners, but you can also opt for the shrimp and scallops or the fried avocado Rellenos. Miguel’s also offers crispy beef tacos if you want to satisfy your craving for carne.
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