Are there old Tampa Bay diners, music venues, bars, and businesses you still miss? Last week, we asked you which shuttered spots you miss the most, and now we’re taking a trip back in time.
This is an ode to some of your favorite now-closed Tampa Bay area businesses:
Fly Bar & Restaurant
Popular for its espresso martinis, craft cocktails, taps, and vibes, Fly Bar closed its doors last spring. Fly Bar opened back in 2006, before moving its downtown Tampa location in 2020 to its seemingly final UT-adjacent spot.
City Editor Patrick says Ichicoro was “legit the best ramen I have ever had.”
Photo via @tamparecs
Ichicoro Ramen
City Editor Patrick misses this spot dearly, but so do our readers. The beloved Seminole Heights ramen restaurant also closed last spring. The eatery served a variety of ramen dishes and rice bowls, buns, sake, and picked up a prestigious Bib Gourmand award for its efforts. Judges noted Ichicoro’s “finely tuned bowls with enticingly springy noodles; savory, full-bodied broths based on chicken or pork (or both); and accoutrements that show a bit of personality, as in pork belly Chasyu Asado or grilled Gulf shrimp,” according to Tampa Magazine.
Wine Exchange
Tucked inside Hyde Park Village, this cozy spot closed last year after 30+ years in business. The casual bistro stocked 40+ wines and served Italian dishes in the sunny barroom and on its outdoor patio — the ultimate post-work or Sunday morning vibes.
Backfin Blue
Local seafood lovers may remember this gem. Diners headed to the 1920s Gulfport cottage for Maryland jumbo crab cakes, lobster ravioli, oven-roasted fresh fish, and other hearty eats. While the brick and mortar location shut down, you can still score the delicious eats from Backfin Blue Catering and Events.
Coney Island Sandwich Shop
Even if you didn’t chow down on a glizzy or two at this Sunshine City eatery, you might recognize its bright blue, clown-emblazoned mural. The casual diner served all the old school American classics: Hot dogs, chili dogs, burgers, BLTs, and shakes to wash it all down.
Oh do we wish we could try a NY-style Rueben at Cass Street Deli.
Photo via @tampafoodgirl
Cass Street Deli
Talk about a cross section. We’re still salivating over the now-closed Tampa sandwich shop’s corned beef and pastrami sandwiches, chicken and matzo ball soup, and other deli classics.
The Colonnade Restaurant
The Bayshore Boulevard restaurant opened its doors in 1935, serving seafood, Coca Cola, American classics, and Old Tampa Bay views until it closed back in 2016. The Whiteside family owned and operated the eatery for 80+ years, spanning five generations.
Haslam’s Book Store
While the sign and storefront remain intact, this Central Avenue book lover’s paradise hasn’t been open for a little browsing since 2020. Haslam’s called itself “Florida’s largest new and used-bookstore,” plus hosted signings with tons of authors.
