11.30.2023

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Today’s Forecast

🍽️ Check out our to-dine list

Stay in the know with 18 new and upcoming Tampa Bay restaurants

Red-checkered chairs and are tucked into tables which are lined by plush, green booths in a room with massive windows and exposed brick.

Sip on a brew or two in the sun-soaked Mad Dogs & Englishmen dining room. | Photo by Collins PR Group

Many hot new Tampa + St. Pete restaurants have opened over the past several months, from palate challengers to homey comforts.

To satisfy those who are really hungry for fresh dining options, we’ve also got details on upcoming TBAY restaurants. Grab your forks as we dig right in.

Newly open

Beacon Rooftop Lounge, 510 Water St., Tampa | Bites + cocktails | Reservations: Yes
The new restaurant + luxe cocktail bar sits on the 27th floor of the JW Marriott Tampa Water Street and features 360-degree views of the Big Guava, and boasts bites like dips, charcuterie, veggie plates + desserts.

Concrete Jungle, 475 Central Ave. N. #100, St. Pete | Modern Mexican + bar | Reservations: Yes
Challenge your palate with ambitious plates + cocktails inspired by Tulum and the Yucatán Peninsula, before heading downstairs to dance off those calories.

Lepley’s Kitchen + Lounge, 6310 N. Florida Ave., Tampa | Southern + Caribbean | Reservations: Yes
Head to Seminole Heights to enjoy Southern comforts, Caribbean flavors, and craft cocktails at this new spot spearheaded by actor + movie star Tyler Lepley.

ro, 1500 W. Swann Ave., Tampa | Modern Asian | Reservations: Yes
Dine fine in Hyde Park Village at this restaurant led by Chef Kiichi Okabe of multiple Michelin stars, offering immersive tasting experiences + a wide range of challenging dishes with fish delivered direct from Tokyo.

Perry's Porch is being built. There are construction barriers outside the building. — Perry’s Porch will be across the street from the St. Petersburg Museum of History.
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Photo by TBAYtoday

Coming soon

Ash, 420 S. Nebraska Ave., Tampa | Italian | Spring 2024
Chef Ferrell Alvarez’s highly anticipated restaurant will open on the ground floor of the residential high-rise, Asher Tampa.

Perry’s Porch, 335 Second Ave. NE, St. Pete | Coffee bar + café | Opening date: TBD
Soon, you’ll be able to enjoy a quick working lunch with a view of the St. Pete Pier + the downtown waterfront.

The H, 1504 S. Howard Ave., Tampa | Mediterranean steakhouse | Opening date: TBD
One of Orlando’s favorite eateries is adding a location in Hyde Park Village, offering a wide range of steak options + other faves include bone marrow, octopus carpaccio, and caviar service.

City Guides are presented by Water Street Tampa.

15 more spots to try

Asked

How often do you eat out at restaurants per month?

A. Every day
B. A few times a week
C. A few times a month
D. Never

Let us know

Events

Thursday, Nov. 30

Morning Matinee: “Mythic Masterpieces” | Thursday, Nov. 30 | 11 a.m. | Mahaffey Theater, 400 First St. S., St. Petersburg | $25-$47 | Listen to the Florida Orchestra perform tunes from the likes of Beethoven and Offenbach, led by Conductor Morihiko Nakahara.
Happy Hour Gallery Talk | Thursday, Nov. 30 | 5:30-6:30 p.m. | Florida Museum of Photographic Arts, 400 N. Ashley Dr., Tampa | $0-$12 | Join Executive Curator Robin O’Dell for insights about the powerful + unique photographs in the “Icons of Black and White” exhibition.

Friday, Dec. 1

Victorian Christmas Stroll | Friday, Dec. 1-Saturday, Dec. 23 | Times vary | Henry B. Plant Museum, 401 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa | $12-$18 | Head to the historic building for the 42nd annual event to explore Christmases in the past with displays, exhibits, and lights.
Christmas in the Wild | Friday, Dec. 1-Saturday, Dec. 30 | Times vary | ZooTampa at Lowry Park, 1101 W. Sligh Ave., Tampa | $0-$48 | Delight in the holiday season among millions of lights + festive experiences while surrounded by animals.

Saturday, Dec. 2

Guided Hike | Saturday, Dec. 2 | 9-11 a.m. | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Dr. NE, St. Petersburg | $3-$5 | Grab a camera and snap some pics of the preserve’s wildlife on this guided hike.
Holiday Parade | Saturday, Dec. 2 | 10-11:30 a.m. | 750 Main St., Safety Harbor | Free | Soak in the sights of classic cars, floats, and local organizations, where Santa may show up too.
Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” | Saturday, Dec. 2 | 2 p.m., 7:30 p.m. | Mahaffey Theater, 400 First St. S., St. Petersburg | $23+ | Take in the holiday movie while the Florida Orchestra plays along live.

Events calendar here

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Shop

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News Notes

Announced

St. Pete’s First Friday block party is canceled indefinitely. Tomorrow’s Dec. 1 event is canceled, as was November’s party. Organizers say they do not currently have enough funding or interest from local businesses to keep it running. (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay)

Number

89,018. That’s how many travelers made their way through Tampa International Airport on Sunday, Nov. 26. It was the second busiest day in TPA history, just missing the record set during spring break earlier this year. (That’s So Tampa)

Open

There’s yet another spot to grab a drink in Ybor City. Trellis Pub (1910 E. Seventh Ave. #103) is now open at the historic Buchman Building, serving up craft brews + wines in tropical surroundings. (Ybor City CRA)

Development

A reroute on the Tampa Riverwalk is set to end sooner than originally thought. A tunnel will open to protect people from ongoing construction on Friday, Dec. 8, removing the need to detour away from the waterfront between MacDill Park and the Selmon Expressway. (Tampa Bay Times)

Seasonal

Snowcat Ridge reopens for the season this Sunday, Dec. 3. Florida’s only snow park is in Dade City and is gearing up for its fourth year with a new attraction: Santa’s Christmas Lane. Head on down to enjoy ice skating, seasonal food + drink options, tubing, a light show, and more. (WFLA)

Opening

HCK Hot Chicken is opening its first Tampa Bay area location on Saturday, Dec. 9. The 3343 S. Westshore Blvd. location will offer $5 sandwiches on opening day and a free sandwich to the first 23 people through the doors — which open at 11 a.m. (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay)

Try This

Here’s one for the cosplayers. Holiday Cosplay Tampa Bay takes over The Coliseum in downtown St. Pete on Saturday, Dec. 2 + Sunday, Dec. 3, and also celebrates anime, gaming, makeup, and special effects. Tickets start at $25.

Concert

Legendary DJ Tiësto is coming to Tampa this winter. He will play at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on Sunday, Jan. 28 as part of the “Tempo Daylife Pool Party” series. Tickets go on sale tomorrow, Friday, Dec. 1. (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay)

Real Estate

The Holiday Inn West St. Petersburg (1200 34th St. N.) recently sold for $18.75 million. NexGen Hotels, an Illinois-based company, bought the 129-room building and plans to spruce up the pool area + lobby. (St. Pete Catalyst)

Edu

Concerned about kids + gun safety? Ensure kids know firearm safety procedures and how to make safe decisions in potentially dangerous situations with MORE HEALTH’s Firearm Safety lessons — one of 25+ health and safety lessons available to local schools at no cost. See how to get MORE HEALTH at your school.*

Featured Deal

Last call for this exclusive deal: Score 50% off everything online at Harlestons — the Golf Digest/Golfweek/Golf Channel-featured premium men’s apparel brand — with code BF50. (We especially love their performance polos.) Bonus: Free shipping on $125+ and easy returns, always.*

Seasonal

🎀 It’s giving... gift-giving

Hunt for gifts at these holiday markets

A dog with reindeer ears on. There is a Christmassy background.

The Dog Moms of Tampa Bay group is hosting its second annual Howliday Market. | Photo by @thedogmomsoftampabay

The Buy

The Buy 11.30.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)

That thing for your bathroom you’ve always thought about but never actually gone for. Yeah, that one.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Patrick

From the editor

I can’t believe it’s the last day of November. On the plus side, the holiday season is in full swing + my fridge is already full of eggnog (not for long). I’ll be ringing in December at the Mahaffey Theater this weekend, watching the Grinch and listening to the Florida Orchestra — I’m booked.

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