Crave Tampa

  Daily Eats: The OG Brunch Spot That Defined "SoHo" Cool If there is one restaurant that anchors the South Howard dining scene, it’s Daily Eats . Before the trendy bowls and the neon signs took over the strip, Daily Eats was here (since 2005!), slinging hash browns and good vibes. It is the community staple that somehow manages to feel nostalgic and modern all at the same time. As a local, this is the spot you take your friends to when you want a guarantee that the food will be good, the coffee will be hot, and the aesthetic will be on point. Here is why this retro-diner continues to reign supreme in South Tampa. The "Potheads Welcome" Vibe You cannot talk about Daily Eats without mentioning the sign. "Potheads Welcome" isn't just a cheeky joke about their endless coffee pots; it’s a symbol of the laid-back, inclusive atmosphere. Walking in feels like stepping into a brighter, cooler version of the classic American diner. The booths are comfy, the s...

 If you’ve ever tried to plan a dinner party, an office lunch, or a game day gathering in Tampa, you know the struggle. You have one friend who is Gluten-Free, one who is Keto, one who only eats pasta, and one who wants sushi. Usually, this means ordering from three different places and praying they all arrive at the same time. Enter Water + Flour , the South Howard staple that is quietly saving us all from hosting headaches. We already know and love them for their dine-in vibes (and those killer Wednesday sushi deals), but their Catering Game is the real MVP of the SoHo social scene. Here is why you need them on speed dial for your next event. 1. The "Something for Everyone" Factor The beauty of the "Water" (Sushi/Bowls) + "Flour" (Pizza/Pasta) concept shines brightest when you are feeding a crowd. For the Health Nuts: Their Build Your Own Bowls and Crisp Salads are fresh, customizable, and don't leave the office feeling sluggish after lunch. For ...

 If you follow the local food scene, you know that Jay Luigi is the cool, modern Italian concept that has been redefining "pizza night" in the Bay Area. But here is the thing: depending on which side of the bridge you are on, you are going to get a slightly different experience. As a local who hops between St. Pete and Tampa regularly, I’ve mastered the art of dining at both locations. Here is your survival guide to hitting up Jay Luigi without getting your car towed or showing up when the doors are locked. The St. Pete Spot: The 4th Street Staple Location: 3201 4th St North The Vibe: This is the original. It’s casual, it’s fast, and it fits perfectly into the 4th Street corridor. It’s perfect for a quick work lunch or a low-stress dinner date. The "Local Pro Tip" (READ THIS CAREFULLY): We need to talk about parking. St. Pete towing companies do not play games, and Jay Luigi has a very specific "Danger Zone." DO NOT PARK at 4th Street Pizza or Bed Pr...

 Okay, Tampa fam, let’s be real. Living in the Sunshine City means two things are constant: the heat is relentless, and the pressure to be "poolside ready" is real. But what happens when you’re craving a milkshake, but your fitness tracker is judging you? You go to Sweet Soul . Located right in the mix of South Howard (SoHo), this place is the aesthetic, plant-based younger sister to the rowdier Ciccio spots like Green Lemon. It’s vibrant, it’s clean, and honestly? It’s probably the most Instagrammable food spot in the zip code. But beyond the pretty colors, the menu is actually legitimate superfood fuel. Here is why I’m currently obsessed with getting my sugar fix here. The "No Ice" Smoothie Rule We need to talk about the price tag first. Yes, a large (24oz) smoothie is $12.50 . I know, I know. That’s a salad price. However , read the fine print: No Ice. No Fillers. Most smoothie chains sell you a cup of frozen water with a strawberry waved over it. Sweet Soul is ...

 If South Howard Avenue (SoHo) is the heart of Tampa’s nightlife, then Green Lemon is the adrenaline shot that keeps it beating. As a local, I’ve been to Green Lemon for everything from "I just need a quick taco" lunches to "oops, we stayed until closing" Friday nights. It is arguably the most energetic concept in the Ciccio Restaurant Group lineup, and for good reason. This isn't just a restaurant; it’s a vibe, and it’s one of my absolute favorite spots to bring out-of-towners when they want to see what Tampa energy is all about. The Vibe: "I Didn't Call You, Tequila Did" The moment you walk in, you are greeted by that neon sign. You know the one—it’s on everyone’s Instagram story. "I Didn't Call You, Tequila Did." It sets the tone perfectly. Green Lemon is loud, colorful, and unapologetically fun. The music is usually bumping (often with a live DJ), the decor is a mix of rustic and electric, and the staff brings a level of energy...

 If you live in the Tampa Bay area, you know the struggle: you want food that tastes like a cheat meal, but you don't actually want to derail your entire week of healthy eating. Enter Taco Dirty , the cheekily named fast-casual spot that has completely taken over South Tampa (and now Riverview!) by proving that "dirty" and "healthy" can actually belong in the same sentence. As a local foodie who has eaten their way through every concept the Ciccio Restaurant Group (CRG) has thrown at us, I can confidently say that Taco Dirty is the daily driver we all need. The Irony of the Name First things first—don't let the name fool you. While "Taco Dirty" sounds like a late-night grease trap, the kitchen is cleaner than your yoga instructor’s grocery cart. The biggest flex here? 100% Olive Oil. Do you know how rare that is in the fast-casual world? Most places drown their veggies in cheap canola or seed oils. Taco Dirty grills and roasts everything in pure o...