Guava-stuffed pockets. Salted-honey drizzled croissants. Kourabiedes — Greek wedding cookies. Tampa Bay’s lauded bakery scene is just as diverse + inspired as its people.
We’ve rounded up a selection of bakeries serving traditional Cuban and Greek delights, creative concoctions, and just solid slices of cake. Have at it:
Cafe Clementine | You’ll find City Editor Bailey crunching on a salted-honey croissant and other stand-out seasonal pastries. Enjoy your selection inside the light-filled Museum of Fine Arts St. Pete atrium or on the patio outside overlooking the waterfront.
Elevenses | Remember that “Gilmore Girls” bakery pop-up? That was the brainchild of Elevenses: Ybor’s small-batch from-scratch bakery + third-wave multi-roaster coffee shop.
Wright’s Gourmet House | If you’ve attended a birthday soiree, wedding, or going-away lunch, you’ve probably had one of Wright’s legendary cakes.
Cafe Mozart | It’s a taste of Germany in the Burg, with apple strudel, Black Forest cake, bienenstich. And yes, they have a drive-thru.
Hellas Restaurant & Bakery | Customers young and old wrap around the block for Hellas’ Baklava and other Greek pastries.
Circuit Training with Body Fit Tampa | 5:30-6:30 p.m. | Armature Works | Free | Power through your Monday with a high-energy group workout class overlooking the Hillsborough River.
“Lilly” | Monday, May 12-Tuesday, May 13 | 7:30 p.m. | Tampa Theatre | $10+ | Plop down in one of the historic red seats for the 2025 depiction of blue-collar hero Lilly Ledbetter’s journey to the Supreme Court.
Tuesday, May 13
Music Night Market: Hot Girl Summer | 5 p.m. | The James Museum | Free with admission | Bop along to pop hits while you shop local spots like Daddy Kool Records, McNew Creations, Spooky People, Sophia Violet Jewelry, and Red Dirt Gypsy Co. — then roam the Western art museum.
Sommelier Experience at Lilac | Tuesday, May 13-Thursday, May 15 | 5-9:30 p.m. | The Tampa EDITION | $85 | Swish and sniff that vino as an expert sommelier guides you through a selection of wines tailored to complement every dish you choose.
Speakeasy Comedy Show | 8-9:30 p.m. | Dirty Laundry, St. Petersburg | $10+ | Venture in through the “laundry room” for a cackle-worthy St. Pete Stand Up show + discounted drinks.
Friday, May 16
“Agatha Christie’s Appointment with Death” | Friday, May 16-Saturday, May 17 | 8-10:30 p.m. | James McCabe Theater, Tampa | $25+ | The Valrico Players take on this chilling play offering a unique take on one of Agatha Christie’s legendary mysteries.
New ferry just dropped. Pinellas County officials are planning to use a $4.86 million federal grant to buy two-high speed boats for a new ferry service. The service will replace the recently terminated Cross Bay Ferry service. Plus, it’ll save the area a boatload of operating costs. (St. Pete Catalyst)
Real Estate
What’s the latest on the St. Pete tower that got hit by a crane during Milton? Owners of 490 First Ave. S. — which housed a law firm, the Tampa Bay Times, and a tech company — want to tear it down. The move would require a demolition permit + development plan. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Coming Soon
Yes, we’re getting another Nikkei-inspired eatery, but this one’s on the other side of the Bay. Isu, a new sushi lounge opens under Fortu this July. What’s on the menu? Diners will find eight seasonal, Peruvian-inspired sushi rolls + a range of small plates. (I Love the Burg)
Show
TBAY’s own Madison Marilla met her “cowboy sweetheart” on this season of “Love on the Spectrum.” Yes, they had their first smooch at St. Pete Beach’s Secret Garden. The Tampa Bay Times chatted with Marilla about her experience post-filming + the public’s reaction. (That’s So Tampa)
Announced
The wait is almost over. The Florida Holocaust Museum reopens Tuesday, Sept. 9 after a massive expansion. The downtown museum has been closed to the public since last year. Visitors will be find new exhibits featuring the Elie Wiesel Collection + a 10-ton Danish fishing vessel used to smuggle Jews during WWII. (St. Pete Catalyst)
Try This
It’s better than the “Eras Tour.” Just kidding — it’s just different.Watch a laser show set to the tune of Taylor Swift’s greatest hits light up MOSI’s new Dome Theater on Thursday, May 15, at 6:30 p.m. Score those tickets. (That’s So Tampa)
Mansion Monday
Arrive home each night to marble floors and a palace-esque foyer. This 6-bed, 6-bath Avila Community home is decked out with details like a curved stairwell, an electric fireplace, crystal chandeliers, and panoramic windows. Take a tour.
The Tampa Bay Rays suffered their most heartbreaking loss of the season. Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews and more from local experts of the Tampa Bay Rays with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Coming Soon
Did this catch your eye? That’s because locals (like you) are excited about new happenings in the city. Spread the word about your business, services, big news, or event coming soon to Tampa Bay.
Drink
Maximize hydration and relaxation when you try Antivdote’s THC-infused electrolytes. They’re third party tested + come in three delicious flavors. Use code 6AMCITY20 for 20% off your order.†*
A cotton wrap dress that boasts an elegant halter neckline and chic wrapping at the waist. We love it for summer grill outs, casual afternoons by the beach, and warm weather weekend hangouts.
Friday was the 45th anniversary of the heartbreaking Skyway Bridge collapse that killed 35 people. I really appreciated this recount of what happened from WTSP, as someone who knew pieces of the story.
Those of you who know a bit more of TBAY history might appreciate “The Skyway Bridge Disaster” documentary. Plus, you can stream itfor free on YouTube.