We have officially reached the start of the steamiest time of the year in Tampa Bay — as so proved by our seasonal weather guide. So let’s make the most of it with a treat or two.
Whether you’re a dessert devotee or more of a savory snacker, we have pulled together a variety of local treats for beating the heat:
Bring me the boba
If you are a fan of sweet flavors, but not that into ice cream you might want to try boba. There’s a plethora of local spots serving the delicious milk-based bubble tea — which originated in Taiwan.
- South Tampa’s Boba and Berry is packed with chilly options from boba and bowls to slushes and frappés.
- North Tampa’s TeaStori serves tons of different boba flavors, plus ice cream, frozen yogurt, and other drinkies.
- Stop by the recently opened WU in Seminole Heights for a hibiscus or lychee boba tea, Thai tea, matcha, or a spot to eat.
You scream, I scream
It is a summertime classic for a reason. Luckily, there are so many fantastic options in both the Cigar City + the Burg.
- Chill Bros. Scoop Shop boasts five locations across the Big Guava, making it a convenient — and tasty — option for picking up locally made Bee’s Knees or Tampa Banana scoops.
- St. Pete Beach’s Larry’s Ice Cream & Gelatos is a longtime local fave for old fashioned creamy ice cream, plus donuts, gelato, and other summery eats.
- Find tons of vegan options for scoops, slushes, and shakes at Tru Vegan Creamery.
Pile up the Acai bowl
Prefer your sweet treat topped with fresh fruit, nuts, seeds, and a sprinkling of granola? This is your sign to pick up an acai bowl.
- SOHO Juice Co. is a popular local spot for layered superfood bowls, build-you-own smoothie bowls, protein bites, and other culinary delights. Plus, the joint is open until 10 p.m. for those late-night cravings.
- Pick up superfood acai + dragonfruit smoothie bowls, smoothies, coffee, and even ice cream from one of Fit Bowl Co.'s multiple TBAY locations.
The boys in the band ordered boat drinks
Make it a post-work or weekend treat with a frozen drink or two with a waterfront view.
- Salt Shack on the Bay offers both an incredible view of sunsets dipping by the Gandy Bridge + frosty piña coladas, the Dirty Banana, and frozen daquiris, of course.
- Cap off a Mad Beach day with a stop at the Daiquiri Shak Raw Bar & Grille for endless daiquiri options like rum runners, Duck Dives, and Tidal Waves.
No need to fly to Italy
Looking for a treat that gives off ice cream vibes, but isn’t quite ice cream? Enter an old classic: Italian ice.
- You might have spotted Skoops Italian Ice & Smoothies food truck making the rounds around town. The local business serves up natural Italian ice and vegan smoothies aplenty.
- These aren’t TBAY original spots, but we would be remiss to leave off Jeremiah’s Italian Ice or Rita’s Italian Ice from our list. Both popular brands offers Italian ice, gelati, and creamy ice cream — feel free to mix it up.
Did we miss your favorite? Let us know.
