The Calendrical Gods have been especially good today, bestowing upon us International Women’s Day in the midst of a beautiful Women’s History Month. A fine way to celebrate would be to simply thank the wonderful women in your life for all the exceptional things they do. But we wouldn’t judge if you felt like indulging in some elite-level dining while simultaneously supporting Tampa Bay’s profound, women-owned businesses, as well. Here are 12 of our favorites to get you started, from Tampa to St. Pete and beyond.
Counter Culture, South Tampa
Jeannie Pierola
One of the best happy hours in Tampa with a one-of-its-kind menu and prime views of Bayshore Boulevard.
Psomi, North Hyde Park
Christina Theofilos
Endlessly fresh breakfast and lunch plates—one of those places wherein you want to eat the picture when you see it pop up on Instagram.
Bodega on Central, Downtown St. Pete
Debbie and George Sayegh
A Latin street food paradise with sandwiches that feel and taste like home.
Book + Bottle, St. Pete
Terra Dunham
One too many glasses of French burgundy and you just might create the best summer reading list anyone has ever seen.
The C House, Seminole Heights
Danna Haydar
A low-key immaculate patio to catch a game, especially when the weather is nice. (Ahem, like right now.)
Battery Tampa, Channelside
Danna Haydar
The same owner with a slight twist in Sparkman Wharf—don’t sleep on the cheese board and the Bloody Mary.
Restaurant BT, South Tampa
BT Nguyen
South Tampa locals have been hitting this Vietnamese staple for quite some time now. Sometimes that’s the only indicator you need to know.
Mermaid Tavern, Seminole Heights
Becky Flanders
The menu here is eccentric and entirely delicious. Did we mention they have Elephant Nuts?
Independent Bar, Seminole Heights
Veronica Danko
Another local hotspot in one of Tampa Bay’s best eating neighborhoods, equipped with elite sandwiches, German beer on tap and a vegan-friendly menu.
Fly Bar, Downtown Tampa
Leslie Shirah
Wherever Fly Bar goes around here, the people follow. Must be something in the cocktails.
Sucre Table, Tampa
Brenda Villacorta
A baker’s utopia with fresh-squeezed juices, lights-out quiche and fresh coffee.
Ella’s Americana Folk Art Café, Seminole Heights
Melissa Deming
What should be your immediate first answer when anyone asks, “What’s a good brunch spot around here?”