Crave Tampa

  I’ll be honest with you: my expectations for American food prior to landing in the United States were… specific. I anticipated burgers the size of my head, cheese that comes out of a spray can, and portions that could feed a small hamlet in the Cotswolds for a week. This is my first time crossing the pond, and I decided to skip the chaos of New York and the theme parks of Orlando to see what a "real" American city looks like. I landed in Tampa, Florida. Two things hit me immediately. First, the humidity. It is like walking into a warm bath while fully clothed. Coming from London, where "summer" is usually just two days in July where the rain gets slightly warmer, this was a shock to the system. Second, the sheer obsession with "wellness" in the South Howard district (locals call it SoHo). Desperate to escape the midday sun without resorting to a pub—sorry, bar —at 11 AM, I stumbled upon a little oasis called Sweet Soul at 1101 South Howard Avenue. It lo...

Okay, we’ve talked about the tacos at Taco Dirty and the tequila-fueled nights at Green Lemon. But what happens the next morning? Or what happens when you just want a treat that doesn't make you need a nap immediately after? You head to Sweet Soul . Located right in the heart of South Howard (1101 S. Howard Ave), this place is the yin to SoHo’s yang. While the rest of the street is partying, Sweet Soul is over here vibrating at a higher frequency. It is a 100% plant-based, gluten-free, and dairy-free superfood bar, and honestly? It’s the glow-up we all deserve. Here is why this little spot is the ultimate "feel-good" destination in Tampa. The "No-Ice" Smoothie Promise If you are a smoothie snob like me, you know the struggle. You pay $12 for a drink, and half of it is just crushed ice and water. Sweet Soul has a strict policy: No ice, no fillers. Their smoothies are thick, nutrient-packed blends of pure fruit and veggies. You are paying for the good stuff, not ...

Okay, we’ve covered the vibes and the flavors. But if you are anything like me, before you commit to a restaurant, you want to know two things: How much is this going to hurt my wallet? and Can my vegan/gluten-free friend actually eat here? I did the legwork (and the eating) to break down the Taco Dirty menu by the numbers. Consider this your tactical guide to navigating the line like a pro. 💸 The Price Breakdown (2025 Estimates) Taco Dirty fits squarely in the "Fast-Casual" price tier—think Chipotle but with way better ingredients and slightly higher prices to match the quality. Note: Prices below are estimates based on in-store menu boards. Delivery apps (UberEats, DoorDash) will almost always be $2–$3 higher per item. Menu Item The Build Approx. Price "All In" Bowl 2 Bases + 2 Veggies + 2 Proteins + 2 Mexi Things + 1 Sauce ~$13.50 Snack Bowl 1 Base + 1 Veggie + 1 Protein + 2 Mexi Things + 1 Sauce ~$9.50 Tres Taco Plato 3 Tacos (Choice of tortilla + fillings) ~$...