We’re halfway through 2026, and in case you haven’t noticed, it’s been a brutal six months for Tampa Bay bars and restaurants.
Citing everything from a tanking economy, rising inflation, ongoing hurricane recovery costs, changes in drinking patterns, and even GLP-1 weight loss medications, local restaurants have a lot on their plates in 2026.
Here are a few of Tampa Bay’s most notable restaurants and bars that have either closed, or have announced a pending closure, so far this year.
Credit: Photo by dtcbphotography/Instagram via goodintentions_fl/Instagram
1900 1st Ave. S, St. Petersburg
The St. Petersburg restaurant and occasional hardcore concert hall will close this summer, with no specific end date set. On social media, the perennial Best of the Bay winner for Best Vegan Restaurant, told followers that after four years, despite various attempts to navigate the economics of whatever stage of capitalism we’re in, the time to step away has arrived. “It is with heavy hearts and immense gratitude that we share the news that Good Intentions will be closing its doors in the coming weeks,” owners wrote, extending love to staff and customers. “For the past almost four years, we’ve had an incredible time sharing our love of food and community with all of you. Unfortunately, we will have to end this party sooner than we hoped.”
Credit: Courtesy of Red Mesa
128 3rd St. S, St. Petersburg
Downtown St. Petersburg’s longtime Tex-Mex spot Red Mesa Cantina announced its immediate closure on June 2, just one day after its parent company filed for bankruptcy protection. “It is with heavy hearts that we announce that, effective immediately, Red Mesa Cantina will be closing after 16 unforgettable years in downtown St. Petersburg,” posted the restaurant on social media, “along with the Red Mesa Event Spaces located above the restaurant, which became home to so many celebrations, milestones, and memories over the years.” The concept, located at 128 3rd St. S, is owned by Veytia Ventures LLC, which just yesterday filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the Middle District of Florida. The filing did not mention any reason for the closure. But the filing did list assets of $100,001 to $500,000, and liabilities of $1,000,001 to $10 million. Veytia Jr.’s other concepts, Red Mesa Restaurant, Red Mesa Mercado and Red Mesa Mercado West, are under separate legal entities and are not impacted by the bankruptcy, said a spokesperson for the company to Creative Loafing in an email.
Credit: Tampa Bay Brew Bus
After 15 years of chauffeuring beer lovers around town, Tampa Bay Brew Bus is ready to pump the brakes. The popular local brewery shuttle and designated driver permanently shut down operations on Sunday, May 31. “What started as a passion project built around craft beer and safe transportation grew into something truly special because of you,” owners wrote in its closure announcement on social media. “Over the past 15 years, we’ve had the privilege of hosting birthdays, bachelor and bachelorette parties, corporate outings, brewery tours, pub crawls, weddings, and countless unforgettable events with so many amazing people.” Owner and founder Anthony Derby launched the brewery tour concept after living in Colorado, and witnessing the craft beer explosion firsthand. When Cigar City opened in 2009 and more breweries followed, Derby recognized the potential for the Tampa Bay area to emerge as a craft beer hot spot and Brew Bus was born.
Credit: Google Street
103 E Jackson St., Tampa
Gen X Tavern, the ‘80s and ‘90s-loving bar and restaurant, is calling it quits after seven years. The concept, opened in the spring of 2019, will stay open through July 4, according to a message from founder Dave Burton (who is hilariously running a faux campaign for mayor of Tampa on his personal Facebook page). “It was one hell of a run and I wouldn’t trade a single moment of it,” Burton wrote, graciously thanking the DJs, musicians, customers and employees that came through the door. “You gave this place its soul and were the heartbeat of GenX. Watching strangers become family was the best part of this journey,” he added, noting that a new “elevated, and exciting” concept will take the tavern’s place. In a text message to Creative Loafing Tampa Bay, Burton said that he will be involved in the new concept, which he hopes to have open by October.
Credit: Two Shepherds Taproom/Facebook
4813 N Grady Ave., Tampa
Tampa’s first indoor-outdoor dog bar took to social media back in May to announce that the concept will soon cease to be a dog bar, and instead “pivot the taproom into a permanent event space.” “Our goal in the beginning was to create a space where people and pups could come together,” continues the post, “and we are proud to have accomplished that. We are beyond grateful for the community that has supported us throughout these years.” Not a lot of details were released regarding the closure, and it’s unclear exactly how this impacts annual memberships and employees. But Two Shepherds says it plans to expand its relationship with board game shop Gambit Games, which recently moved in and will launch a new store within the existing Two Shepherds space.
Credit: Daily Eats/Google Maps
901 S Howard Ave., Tampa
After two decades serving hearty brunch as Daily Eats, the SoHo staple closed June 15 to make way for a new concept. The restaurant plans to reopen as Meeting House, “a neighborhood restaurant centered around lunch, dinner and weekend brunch,” per Daily Eats’ post. “A place where guests can ‘meet, eat… and repeat.’” Daily Eats is part of Ciccio Restaurant Group, which also owns the nearby Green Lemon, Fresh Kitchen, Jay Luigi and other spots throughout Tampa Bay. Ciccio restaurateur Jason Brunetti told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay that weekday breakfast business has been too slow in recent years, attributing the decline partially to the rise of GLP-1s. “The one meal people are skipping right now is breakfast,” Burnetti told CL. “In this climate and everybody’s dietary needs, it’s hard to make money.” Meeting House will serve brunch on weekends but focus more on lunch and dinner. The name is an ode to the prior South Tampa staple, Old Meeting House, which ended its 60-year run in the building in 2003.
Credit: TBBC
Tampa Bay Brewing Co.’s Ybor City location
1600 E 8th Ave., Ybor City
After nearly three decades, Tampa Bay Brewing Co. has left Ybor City. Owner Dave Doble posted a video to social media last month announcing the closure of the brewery’s Centro Ybor location, at 1600 E 8th Ave. “I know there’s probably a lot of questions, and if you find me at one of our locations I can talk. But I want to extend our deepest gratitude to our employees, customers and obviously this entire community for years of support,” said Doble in the post. “We are truly grateful for your patronage and look forward to writing new chapters as we move forward.” Doble did not go into detail explaining what led to the decision.“It’s not the best news, but it’s also not terrible news either. It’s just time to turn that page,” he continued. TBBC has called Ybor home since 1997, opening its first location on 15th Street and later moving to its current Centro Ybor home in 2006. The company opened its second location in Westchase in June 2015.
Credit: SOHO Saloon via Google
410 S.Howard Ave., Tampa
Soho Saloon is hanging up its spurs. The South Tampa country-themed sports bar made the announcement last month via its Instagram account, saying it’s time for “something new.” Owner Michael Disser, of Disser Hospitality Investment, said in the post that the closure and rebrand of the space will bring “a new chapter that is focused on bringing an even better atmosphere, stronger concept, and unforgettable nights in Soho.” The bar also made headlines in 2022, when a patron was charged by the Tampa Police Department with a hate crime after firing “multiple gunshots from his vehicle into the air while yelling ‘White Power.’”
Credit: Concrete Jungle / Facebook
475 Central Ave., St. Petersburg
After two years in downtown St. Petersburg, Concrete Jungle has closed. The “Tulum-inspired” restaurant and lounge owed more than $100,000 in rent, according to an eviction lawsuit filed last October by the building owner. Concrete Jungle’s owner, Stephen Schrutt, also runs Dirty Laundry, Good Fortune, Lost & Found and Park & Rec DTSP under his Hunger + Thirst Group. Two other Hunger + Thirst concepts, The Avenue and No Vacancy, closed in 2025. An indoor-outdoor, campground-themed spot called Summer Camp has been anticipated to open in the Grand Central district for nearly three years, with no opening date announced.
Credit: Haven
1002 S Howard Ave., Tampa
A new seafood-focused restaurant from the people behind Bern’s Steak House is coming to South Tampa. Last month, Bern’s Steak House Group announced new details surrounding its latest endeavor, Peddler + Potter Oyster House, which will take over the Haven space. “As we looked at the long-term future of the property, it became clear this was the right moment to bring Peddler + Potter to life, a concept I’ve been developing for years,” said Haven executive chef Chad Johnson in a press release. Also helmed by Johnson, Peddler + Potter Oyster House will center around an open kitchen concept with a robust raw bar focusing on Florida oysters, and a constantly changing daily seafood menu, according to a press release. No exact opening date was provided, but Peddler + Potter Oyster House is slated to open sometime in fall 2027.
Credit: centralbrutique/Facebook
648 Central Ave., St. Petersburg
Nearly a decade ago, Megan and Austin Garcia-Cooper moved into a storefront in a much smaller downtown St. Pete to blend local fashion, drinks, live music, and community events all under one roof. Now, Brutique closes its doors in July. “This decision breaks my heart, but as much as St. Pete has changed over the last decade, so has my life, and I know I’m making the right choice for my family,” Megan wrote in her closing announcement on social media. Brutique’s trendy clothes drew in tourists and casual shoppers, while its laid-back bar kept a regular crowd. The spot was also known for hosting charity events and progressive fundraisers. “We became a ‘Cheers’-type atmosphere for friends and strangers, which created something really special,” she told CL.
Credit: Tuttorosso Pizzeria & Restaurant
Tuttorosso Pizzeria & Restaurant
7863 Blind Pass Rd, St Pete Beach
On June 1, Tuttorosso Pizzeria & Restaurant took to social media, announcing it has permanently closed. The family-owned pizzeria in St. Pete Beach cited expenses related to damage from hurricanes Helene and Milton, and the “financial burden” associated with reopening. We fought because we believed in Tuttorosso. It was never just a restaurant, it was a home, a place where memories were made, friendships were formed, and families came together. Seeing our dining room filled with laughter, celebrations, and familiar faces made every challenge worthwhile.”
Credit: Google Street
10400 49th St. N., Pinellas Park
It seems Pinellas Park’s motor oil-themed restaurant Quaker Steak & Lube is out of gas. The chain restaurant’s last day will be Sunday, July 5, according to a social media post from the general manager. The announcement comes as parent company JDK Management is in the midst of closing Quaker Steak and Lube locations nationwide. JDK, which also owns Perkins, currently has a total of 27 Quaker Steak & Lubes across the country, according to its website. The Pinellas Park location was Tampa Bay’s only Quaker Steak outpost. Located at 10400 49th St. N., the Pinellas Park location debuted in 2003 and geared itself toward meat-focused offerings, spanning steaks, burgers, ribs, wings, tendies, and meaty salads. The restaurant was also the site of quite a few local gatherings, like live music and car shows, as well as political stops. In 2022, the Pinellas Park Quaker Steak location hosted a campaign party for far-right congressional candidate Christine Quinn, which featured Proud Boy leader Enrique Tarrio, who was convicted of seditious conspiracy, and local MAGA rapper Fellatio Blow.
2425 N Rocky Point Dr., Tampa
Following months of extensive Helene-related repairs, the Tampa restaurant reopened July 17, 2025. But after nearly five decades, it will be out by 2027. Developers are looking to replace the landmark restaurant with a mixed-use project including a 21-story residential building and an 8,000-square-foot restaurant. Founded in 1978, Rusty Pelican has been a staple for local events and weddings due to its scenic waterfront location. A spokesperson for The Rusty Pelican told Creative Loafing that the restaurant is looking for a new location, assuring locals that the end of their lease is not the end of their story.
Credit: TNT Burger/Facebook
7206 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa
Back in January, popular Plant High School-adjacent burger spot TNT Burger announced its closure, citing “the current economy and rising inflation.” “This was not an easy choice, but one we had to make to protect our well-being and the future of our business,” said a social media post. The burger joint was known for fun and inventive burgers like the COVID-19 Vaccine Burger – topped with bacon, onion rings, cheddar, and a syringe of their smoked sauce. It also had a bathroom button that would turn the whole experience into a laser light show. The concept’s North Tampa food truck is still open and operating.
Credit: Rome + Fig/Facebook
301 N. Rome Ave., Tampa
North Hyde Park’s “globally-inspired bistro” Rome + Fig says it will permanently close later this month. The popular NoHo concept, located at 301 N. Rome Ave., did not give a specific reason for the abrupt closure, but made the announcement this morning on social media, citing an “industry filled with challenges.” “After six unforgettable years, we have made the difficult decision to close the doors of Rome + Fig,” says the post. “What began as a dream became so much more than a restaurant. It became a place where friendships were formed, milestones were celebrated, first dates turned into marriages, and countless memories were shared around our tables.” Rome + Fig’s last day will be June 28, and for the next two weeks will be operating with limited hours. One of Tampa’s COVID openings, owners Eric and Kristine Zostant debuted Rome + Fig in July of 2020, with executive chef Rob Scott at the helm.
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