Nothing beats an iced coffee and a stroll around Hyde Park Village. | Photo by TBAYtoday
For richer or pour over, Tampa Bay’s coffee shops are what keep us going in the morning. Tampa ranks among the top coffee cities in America thanks to factors like cafes per capita and the price of beans.
The Big Guava and the Burg have no shortage of masterful baristas, aromatic roasts, and foamy lattes. But if you’re having trouble deciding on a spot, gather some brews clues with our guide to some of the best coffee shops in Tampa Bay.
Roasts to boast
Caffeine Roasters, multiple locations | Whether you want a quick drive thru Italian roast or cafe con leche, this local joint’s roasts can’t be beat.
Trendy and new
Nosey Goat Coffee, 212 E. Cass St., Tampa | Coffee, crepes, madeleines — this downtown Tampa shop has it all, but it’s most popular for its crackling chocolate and matcha lattes.
Sun Bear Specialty Coffee Roasters, 1037 Central Ave., St. Petersburg | Tucked inside Sans Market, this coffee popup offers standout coffees, pour overs, espresso drinks, and pastries.
West Riverfront: Blind Date with a Book | 4:30-7:30 p.m. | Snow Park, Tampa | Free | Explore novels and poems in a shared-read setting over tea from local steep shop, TeBella Tea Company.
Tuesday, Feb. 11
“A Beautiful Noise” | Tuesday, Feb. 11-Sunday, Feb. 16 | Times vary | Carol Morsani Hall | $60+ | This musical centers around the life of Neil Diamond — Caroline will be present, and she will be sweet.
Aaron Lewis and The Stateliners | Tuesday, Feb. 11-Wednesday, Feb. 12 | 8 p.m. | Seminole Hard Rock | $85+ | Get ready for a night of country croonin’ as the band takes the stage for its “American As It Gets Tour.”
Wednesday, Feb. 12
“Alligator Tears” with Edgar Gomez | 7-8 p.m. | Tombolo Books, St. Petersburg | Free | Local author Tyler Gillespie interviews Edgar Gomez about his darkly comic memoir-in-essays about what it takes to survive in the Sunshine State.
Thursday, Feb. 13
Adopt & Swap: A Galentine’s Soiree | 5:30-9:30 p.m. | Hotel Haya | $10+ | Sift for secondhand threads with your gals and meet cute pups — bring your pre-loved clothes to swap.
Film Screening & Talk: “The Last Green Thread” | 6 p.m. | Museum of Fine Arts St. Pete | $15 | Head to the waterfront museum for a screening of the film following three friends on a journey to survey the fragile Everglades Headwaters before it disappears forever.
$3.2 million. That’s how much Tampa City Council voted to approve for the State Housing Initiatives Partnership Program to help homeowners post storms. Eligible residents can get $20,000 for home fixes, $10,000 for insurance deductible reimbursements, and $5,000 in mortgage assistance — with a $20,000 max per household. (That’s So Tampa)
Civic
Some Pinellas residents received higher than normal water bills this past month — some by thousands of dollars. Officials said they will not stop water service or charge late fees to any households. The city is still working on figuring out the cause of the out of whack bills. (Tampa Bay Times)
Development
Plans for the Jim & Heather Gills YMCA redevelopment project are chugging along. Greystar just bought the land east of the facility for $12 million. The developer plans to turn the St. Pete land into a mixed-use village with housing and retail. The YMCA will use its proceeds to renovate the facility. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Real Estate
What’s the latest with Beer Can Island — otherwise known as Pine Key? Owners plan to reopen the island within the next six to nine months with food, drinks, concerts, and rental options. Plus, they’ve launched a new meme coin called $PineKey that folks can use to pay for food, drinks, and activities on the island. (Tampa Bay Times)
Sports
Make Valentine’s Day a little Messi. Legendary forward, Lionel Messi, and the Inter Miami CF crew take on Orlando City this Friday, Feb. 14 at Raymond James Stadium. There’s still tickets available to the Florida Derby showdown. (That’s So Tampa)
Coming Soon
Call it St. Vegansburg. The Sunshine City is getting a new Thai coconut ice cream spot. COCOCELLO 109 opens next month on Central Avenue, serving vegan delights like salted egg yolk coconut ice cream. Don’t miss the grand opening deets. (I Love the Burg)
Mansion Monday
Move over “Smart House.” In addition to a control system to manage speakers, four climate zones, lighting, and a security system, the 6-bedroom, 6.5-bathroom, Poet’s Corner home also features a Tampa Courthouse office door, gas fireplace, and waterfront views and access. Take a tour.
Sports
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ new offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard was officially introduced to the media. Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews, and more from local experts of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
High-quality jewelry from Mejuri. Whether you prefer the elegance of pearls, the classic beauty of gold, or the brilliance of diamonds — all of Mejuri’s collections are crafted with responsibly sourced materials that are as beautiful as they are durable. Psst — they’re the perfect self-gift for Valentine’s Day. Shop now.
In case you’re still looking for some Valentine’s inspiration, let me be your guide. Midtown Tampa’s Wagamama is serving a $35 feast that will take you to a higher plane. See for yourself.