Listed on this photo (credit: Lindsay Calka (used with permission)) are seven notable restaurants in the Seminole Heights area. Many of them are open late and feature live music on specific days.
Hidden Treasures of Seminole Heights-Resturaunt Edition
February 27, 2017
Hidden between what is commonly known to be South Tampa and North Tampa lies the up-and-coming Seminole Heights neighborhood. Since Ella’s Americana Folk Art Cafe opened in 2009, the area has attracted other ambitious chefs and foodies to open their own unique restaurants. On Florida Avenue, between Sligh and MLK, can be found some of the most interesting and delicious foods and desserts in the Tampa area. Here are some of the hidden treasures of Seminole Heights.
Ichicoro
Ichicoro is a ramen place on the corner of Hillsborough and Florida Ave. With a limited menu, customers get their food relatively quickly. The downside- the popularity of the restaurant with the locals results in long waits just to get a table.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BQQqNiWgBT3/?taken-at=791888785
Ella’s Americana Folk Art Cafe
Ella’s Americana Folk Art Cafe is known for playing live music on the weekends and creating intrinsically American dishes, from mac and cheese to chicken and waffles.
The Independent
The Independent is a relatively small restaurant that is open for most of the day, serving both breakfast and lunch as well as transforming into a bar in the evenings. The menu options are diverse and the food is well made and pleasing to the eye.
Senior Megan Matter said, “They have this pretzel that is so good. It is a hot, home-made pretzel with this side stuff to put on it. They also have really great breakfast.”
The Revolution
The Revolution is a quaint ice cream shop with a variety of interesting flavors and toppings. Featuring favors such as Blueberry Muffin ice cream with a crumble topping or Cinnamon Bun with a cinnamon sugar drizzle, the shop is worth checking out. It even is registered with UberEats.
Jhuztin Horanzo said, “They have a really cool atmosphere and a lot of unique flavors. They even have local art up for sale.”
The Front Porch
The Front Porch is a casual American restaurant with undefined hours and a Karaoke night on Thursdays and Saturdays. Menu items include pizza, burgers, and salads.
Sarah Tevlin said, “I used to go a lot a few years ago. I remember the burgers being so good, especially the swiss and mushroom one.”
Fodder and Shine
Open till 2am on Fridays and Saturdays, Fodder and Shine is known for their dinner menu which includes items such as a Frito Pie and Vegetable Pot Pie. They aim to “celebrate the food and drink ways of the South.” They also have lots of gluten free and vegetarian options.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BPAu21hgwkZ/?taken-by=fodderandshine
Rooster and The Till
Established by two young chefs, Ty Rodriguez and Ferrell Alvare, Rooster and The Till creates dishes using locally sourced ingredients. While slightly pricier than other restaurants in the area, this restaurant is where to go if you want to try something new.
Lindsay Calka said, “What’s cool about it is that the food is very very fancy, and the menu changes every night. You usually eat by ordering a bunch of plates and sharing. It’s definitely one of the higher-end restaurants on Florida Avenue.”