Plus, St. Pete's new mixed-use hotspot.
 
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Eat cheap in Tampa Bay

Where to find lunch in Tampa Bay for $15 or less
A chef prepares Brussels sprouts in a big silver metallic bowl. Two hands are visible, one holding the bowl, and the other stirring the charred sprouts with a spoon.
Pass the Brussels sprouts. | Photo by @eatnakedfarmer
Looking for a tasty, local lunch spot that doesn’t break the bank? We’re here for you, TBAY. Check out this list of 12 places where lunch for one costs $10 or less.

We know cravings are key when it comes to a midday meal, so we’ve broken up these spots into their respective food groups. Think: Sandwiches and pizza.

Screen Shot 2023-05-25 at 3.19.07 PM.png

The Cuban and black bean combo is $9.99.

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Photo via Lonni’s Sandwiches

Sandwiches

West Tampa Sandwich Shop and Restaurant, 3904 N. Armenia Ave., Tampa
Indulge in a symphony of flavors with a cup of black bean soup and a small Cuban sandwich. The delightful duo will transport your taste buds to the sun-kissed shores of Havana — all for just $9.

Bayside Sandwich Shop, 550 N. Reo St., Tampa
Treat yourself to the ultimate lunchtime delight by ordering the Deli Lunch Combo — a half deli sandwich paired with an 8-ounce soup or house salad, complemented by a crispy bag of chips, all for $5.99.

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Saigon Deli also has a marketplace chock full of foreign snacks and drinks.

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Photo via Saigon Deli

Noodles

Saigon Deli, 3858 W. Waters Ave. Tampa
Saigon takes you on a flavor adventure. Check it out: noodles and broth will cost you $9 and Thai tea will run you $5.75.

Pho Kien Giang, 8730 49th St. N., Pinellas Park
We’re crazy pho these large steaming brothy bowls. We recommend the Pho Ga (chicken noodle soup) for $7.75.

Fast and casual

Naked Farmer, Multiple locations
Think Cava, but local. With locations on both sides of the Bay, Naked Farmer is always there for your lunchtime needs with a la carte mains and sides like Harissa & Chermoula Chicken, blue oyster mushrooms, and other seasonal goodness.

SOHO Juice Co., Multiple locations
This is the spot for healthy lunch when you’re in a pinch. Order an Old School Bowl — packed with acai layers, date granola, banana slices, pineapple, and coconut flakes — for just $7.99, or choose from tons of other healthy bowl and smoothie options.
City Guides are presented by Water Street Tampa.
9 more tantalizing ideas
Asked

When it comes to lunchtime, which option do you prefer: eating at home/work or eating out?
A. I prefer eating at home/work — I enjoy cooking and preparing meals myself.
B. I prefer eating out — I enjoy trying new restaurants and cuisines.
C. I like a mix of both — I enjoy the convenience of eating out and the comfort of home-cooked meals.
D. It depends on the occasion or my mood.
What's on your plate?
 
Events
Wednesday, July 24
  • “The Figs” | Wednesday, July 24-Sunday, Aug. 4 | American Stage Theatre Company at Raymond James Theater, 163 Third St. N., St. Petersburg | $28+ | Tuck in for the zany show, featuring a tale of love and kindness which follows a royal family’s insanity.
Thursday, July 25
  • Neighborhood Networking Meetup: Warehouse Arts District | Thursday, July 25 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | FloridaRAMA, 2606 Fairfield Ave. S., St. Petersburg | Free | Mingle with small business owners, enjoy drink specials, and make connections in our vibrant community.
  • Macrame & Houseplants 101 | Thursday, July 25 | 6-7 p.m. | Cigar City Brewing, 3924 W. Spruce St., Tampa | $55 | Fashion your own macrame plant holder, learn the basics of caring for common houseplants, and sip on some local beers.
  • Third Eye Blind | Thursday, July 25 | 6:30 p.m. | Florida State Fairgrounds, 4802 US 301 N., Tampa | $22+ | Spend a nostalgic night with the rock band on their “Summer Gods Tour 2024.”
  • Christmas in July: Summer Gift Bazaar | Thursday, July 25 | 6:30-9 p.m. | Oxford Exchange, 420 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa | Price of purchase | Celebrate the holiday season early by browsing tons of local vendors, grab a glass of bubbles, and indulge in a little cheer — make sure to register.
  • LUXE: A Latin Night | Thursday, July 25 | 7 p.m.-1 a.m. | The Floridian Social, 687 Central Ave., St. Petersburg | Free | Kick off the night with free dance lessons at 7 p.m., then salsa all night long to live music.
Friday, July 26
  • Tampa Bay Rays vs. Cincinnati Reds | Friday, July 26 | Times vary | Tropicana Field, 1 Tropicana Dr., St. Petersburg | $10+ | Enjoy a little summertime baseball over the weekend as the Rays take on the Reds.
Events calendar here
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News Notes
Coming Soon
  • Just in time for this sweltering + rainy weather. Mr. Putters, an indoor mini golf course, opens Friday, July 26 in Tampa. The inventive 18-hole course includes half pipes, Connect 4, a baseball field, and Pachinko. Stop by this weekend at 11236 W. Hillsborough Ave. (That’s So Tampa)
Today Is
  • The start of Florida lobster mini-season. The annual recreational two-day season runs through 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, July 25. Snorkelers and divers — not in Monroe County or Biscayne National Park — can harvest 12 per person per day. Check out the rules. (CBS News)
Community
  • 727 Day is this weekend. The Burg’s celebration of all things Sunshine City kicks off Friday, July 26. Head to St. Pete City Hall from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. to pick up free City of St. Petersburg flags, Cafe Tuk Tuk java, MAYDAY ice cream, and snag other goodies.
Development
  • Developers of St. Pete’s incoming Whitney Village hope to create a shopping experience like that of Hyde Park Village. The complex — which will transform the current YMCA site — could feature up to 19 retailers. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Coming Soon
  • Kingdom Sushi is coming to Tampa. The new sushi spot — with Brazilian influence — will open at 4027 S. Dale Mabry Hwy. The popular chain’s menu is packed with options like ceviche, sushi, temaki, and nigiri. We’ll keep you posted on its opening date. (That’s So Tampa)
Try This
  • Arghh you ready for a good time? Morgan’s Cove, a new pirate-themed speakeasy, just opened in Tampa. Poetically located at 201 N. Morgan St., the new bar is named after the pirate Henry Morgan, and serves a bounty of rum, whiskey and other stiff drinks. (That’s So Tampa)
Gallery
  • The Olympics are already shining brightly. The Olympic Games Paris 2024 kick off later this week, and are already lighting up the Eiffel Tower. Our friends at 10 Tampa Bay shared a peek.
Sports
  • It’s time to check in on the Rays’ performance against the Yanks. Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews, and more from local experts of the Tampa Bay Rays with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
     
    Food

    Now pouring: A good time

    3 Tampa Bay tea spots
    A foamy iced tea sits in front of a window with curtains, the light streaming in.
    The perfect afternoon treat. | Photo via @blushteaandcoffeestpete
    Sippin’ on summer is about to take on a whole new meaning.

    Whether you need a satisfying replacement for morning caffeine or a relaxing way to end your night, tea is a standout option. Let’s see what’s in the tea leaves:
    • Tampa’s Kaleisia Tea Lounge boasts a wealth of specialty teas, sandwiches, smoothies, and treats, and hosts all kinds of workshops and events for your tea-soaked journey. Think: matcha workshops, tea labs, drag high tea, and textile clubs.
    • The Burg’s Blush Tea + Coffee is serving up bougie dreams, with delightful Cloudy Tea Lattes, Iced Tea Sodas, and pastel macarons in scenic surroundings.
    • Looking for a hyperlocal high tea? St. Pete’s Pink Lady — otherwise known as the Vinoy — offers a History and High Tea experience, featuring a behind-the-scenes tour of the luxe hotel and plenty of Earl Grey, finger sandwiches, and freshly baked scones.
    The Buy

    The Buy 7.24.24 (Affiliate)
    The perfect shoe for the rest of summer: Birkenstock’s waterproof slide sandal, which comes in bright and cute colors like purple fog, coral peach, and popcorn.
    More worth The Buy
    Answered

    Earlier this week we asked, What’s your signature drink?
    A mostly full glass of beer at Armature Works sits on a second-floor ledge. People are chilling by the river front below, and the blue sky has a handful of wispy clouds above the distant Tampa city skyline.
    A cold one never looked so good. | Photo by TBAYtoday
    The results of our latest extremely scientific study are in: It seems we are a beer or wine kinda people. The bulk of our readers say their signature drink is some kind of beer or wine.

    But, the second highest number of folks go for an Aperol Spritz — a fittingly summery choice for TBAY. And finally espresso martinis, followed by bubbly drinks bring up the rear.
     
    The Wrap
     
    Bailey Lefever in a park near a pond

    Today’s edition by:
    Bailey
    From the editor
    Speaking of cocktails, there’s only a few days left to take advantage of our Drink Up Week celebration. Check out the map for your deal du jour — like buy one, get one free draft beers at Cigar City Brewing or 20% off drinks at Spaddy’s.
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