If you’ve ever wanted to get the full experience in Tampa Bay, one of the best places to wine, dine, and shop is Hyde Park. Located just southwest of downtown Tampa, Hyde Park is bursting with niche shops, artisan restaurants, cultural flare, and it’s the perfect place to walk around during the cooler part of the day. Although this shopping village of Tampa was not considered to have the best “vibe” back in the early 2000’s as it never quite hit its groove, it has gone through a progressive refurbishment to become a local favorite, filled with lots of shopping, unique restaurants, cafe’s, bars, and coffee shops. No more worrying about what the family wants to agree on – take your pick!
We’re going to suggest our choice for a great lunch, coffee, dinner, and dessert!
Lunch (or breakfast): Goody Goody Burger
A tour we think you'll love
Goody Goody™ was a Tampa tradition that opened in 1925 and previously closed in 2005. It was a local and legendary burger joint with multiple locations around Tampa.
The equally legendary Gonzmart family of Columbia Restaurant fame bought the rights and reopened the concept in Hyde Park a couple years ago to bring some iconic charm to the shopping district. Goody Goody Burger is obviously known for – you guessed it – burgers with its signature sauce. But at the end of the day, it’s 50’s American southern diner feel, with cobblers, onion rings, shakes – and a breakfast menu you would die for, are what makes it a must try! There’s something Marty McFly about how their comfort food transports your taste buds back, to the sights, sounds, flavors, and aromas of a simpler time, especially those of their delicious pies made every day (can someone say butterscotch!!).
Dining with kids? There’s no way you can beat the value of their kids meals, and the unique activities will keep little ones thoroughly occupied while you navigate the extensive menu.
Whether you’re exploring Hyde Park in the morning, lunch, or late night, you’ve got to check out this icon and experience a flashback to the history and heritage of early Tampa.
Insider Tip: Not sure whether you’re gonna care for their signature tomato-based sauce (heartier and less smooth than ketchup)? We think it’s fun and tangy. Ask for it on the side and at least try it. A dab goes great on the breakfast sandwiches and fries too!
Coffee: Buddy Brew
For a great cup of coffee, you have to check out Buddy Brew. Buddy Brew is (probably) the most popular coffee in Tampa. They have multiple locations and many local coffee shops also offer their grounds. But if you’re going trying to pick the right location to test it out, you won’t be disappointed with Hyde Park.
Dinner: Bartaco
Looking for a unique dinner that you will absolutely love?! Try out Bartaco. The food is not just one-of-a-kind – the experience is as well. Throw away traditional ordering – you simply sit at your table, choose your food/drink(s) of choice on a cue card, place the cue on a stand – and they deliver it right to you. You’ll spend hours hanging out with friends and family without having to take a break to order. We seriously love this place.
Dessert: Sprinkles
Are you a fan of cupcakes? If you’re not, don’t answer – because otherwise we cannot be friends! 😆 Sprinkles has a wide variety of cookies and cupcakes that will melt in your mouth! Have everyone in your party pick their favorite and take a walk down the main street where there are plenty of benches – or simply enjoy it at their place. This is a great ending spot to a wonderful day, because it’s also right next to the garage where you will likely have parked. Late night? No worries, Sprinkles offers a Cupcake ATM that will vend at all hours!
Want to discover more of what Tampa Bay has to offer? SerVacations offers exciting single-day and multi-day vacations for families, couples, groups of all ages, and seniors! We offer custom volunteer vacations where you serve at local non-profits in the morning and see all the sights in the afternoon. Our vacations are designed to help you unwind from the daily grind and leave you feeling more connected to one another and the community you are visiting. To learn more, check out our Current Tours page or contact us about setting up a custom experience for your family, your church group, or even just yourself!
