![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/goodintentions_fl_dtcbphotography.png\")
Credit: Photo by dtcbphotography\/Instagram via goodintentions_fl\/Instagram<\/p>\nWe\u2019re halfway through 2026, and in case you haven\u2019t noticed, it\u2019s been a brutal six months for Tampa Bay bars and restaurants.<\/p>\n
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.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Here are a few of Tampa Bay\u2019s most notable restaurants and bars that have either closed, or have announced a pending closure, so far this year.<\/p>\n
Credit: Photo by dtcbphotography\/Instagram via goodintentions_fl\/Instagram<\/p>\n
Good Intentions<\/a> <\/p>\n 1900 1st Ave. S, St. Petersburg<\/p>\n The St. Petersburg restaurant and occasional hardcore concert hall<\/a> will close this summer, with no specific end date set. On social media<\/a>, 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\u2019re in, the time to step away has arrived. \u201cIt is with heavy hearts and immense gratitude that we share the news that Good Intentions will be closing its doors in the coming weeks,\u201d owners wrote, extending love to staff and customers. \u201cFor the past almost four years, we\u2019ve 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.\u201d<\/p>\n Red Mesa Cantina<\/a><\/p>\n 128 3rd St. S, St. Petersburg<\/p>\n Downtown St. Petersburg\u2019s 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.\u00a0 \u201cIt is with heavy hearts that we announce that, effective immediately, Red Mesa Cantina will be closing after 16 unforgettable years in downtown St. Petersburg,\u201d posted the restaurant on social media, \u201calong with the Red Mesa Event Spaces located above the restaurant, which became home to so many celebrations, milestones, and memories over the years.\u201d The concept, located at 128 3rd St. S,\u00a0 is owned by Veytia Ventures LLC, which just yesterday filed for Chapter 11<\/a> 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.\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n Tampa Bay Brew Bus<\/a><\/p>\n After 15 years of chauffeuring beer lovers around town, Tampa Bay Brew Bus <\/a>is ready to pump the brakes. The popular local brewery shuttle and designated driver permanently shut down operations on Sunday, May 31. \u201cWhat started as a passion project built around craft beer and safe transportation grew into something truly special because of you,\u201d owners wrote in its closure announcement on social media<\/a>. \u201cOver the past 15 years, we\u2019ve 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.\u201d 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.<\/p>\n Gen X Tavern<\/a><\/p>\n 103 E Jackson St., Tampa<\/p>\n Gen X Tavern, the \u201880s and \u201890s-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). \u201cIt was one hell of a run and I wouldn\u2019t trade a single moment of it,\u201d Burton wrote, graciously thanking the DJs, musicians, customers and employees that came through the door. \u201cYou gave this place its soul and were the heartbeat of GenX. Watching strangers become family was the best part of this journey,\u201d he added, noting that a new \u201celevated, and exciting\u201d concept will take the tavern\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n Two Shepherds Taproom<\/a><\/p>\n 4813 N Grady Ave., Tampa<\/p>\n Tampa\u2019s 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 \u201cpivot the taproom into a permanent event space.\u201d \u201cOur goal in the beginning was to create a space where people and pups could come together,\u201d continues the post, \u201cand we are proud to have accomplished that. We are beyond grateful for the community that has supported us throughout these years.\u201d Not a lot of details were released regarding the closure, and it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n Daily Eats<\/a><\/p>\n 901 S Howard Ave., Tampa<\/p>\n 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, \u201ca neighborhood restaurant centered around lunch, dinner and weekend brunch,\u201d per Daily Eats\u2019 post. \u201cA place where guests can \u2018meet, eat\u2026 and repeat.\u2019\u201d 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. \u201cThe one meal people are skipping right now is breakfast,\u201d Burnetti told CL. \u201cIn this climate and everybody\u2019s dietary needs, it\u2019s hard to make money.\u201d 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.<\/p>\n Tampa Bay Brewing Co.\u2019s Ybor City location<\/a><\/p>\n 1600 E 8th Ave., Ybor City\u00a0<\/p>\n 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\u2019s Centro Ybor location, at 1600 E 8th Ave.\u00a0 \u201cI know there\u2019s 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,\u201d said Doble in the post. \u201cWe are truly grateful for your patronage and look forward to writing new chapters as we move forward.\u201d Doble did not go into detail explaining what led to the decision.\u201cIt\u2019s not the best news, but it\u2019s also not terrible news either. It\u2019s just time to turn that page,\u201d he continued.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 The company opened its second location in Westchase in June 2015.<\/p>\n SoHo Saloon\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n 410 S.Howard Ave., Tampa<\/p>\n Soho Saloon is hanging up its spurs.\u00a0 The South Tampa country-themed sports bar made the announcement last month via its Instagram account, saying it\u2019s time for \u201csomething new.\u201d Owner Michael Disser, of Disser Hospitality Investment, said in the post that the closure and rebrand of the space will bring \u201ca new chapter that is focused on bringing an even better atmosphere, stronger concept, and unforgettable nights in Soho.\u201d The bar also made headlines in 2022, when a patron was charged by the Tampa Police Department with a hate crime after firing \u201cmultiple gunshots from his vehicle into the air while yelling \u2018White Power.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n Concrete Jungle<\/a><\/p>\n 475 Central Ave., St. Petersburg<\/p>\n After two years in downtown St. Petersburg, Concrete Jungle has closed. The \u201cTulum-inspired\u201d restaurant and lounge owed more than $100,000 in rent, according to an eviction lawsuit filed last October by the building owner. Concrete Jungle\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n Haven<\/a><\/p>\n 1002 S Howard Ave., Tampa<\/p>\n A new seafood-focused restaurant from the people behind Bern\u2019s Steak House is coming to South Tampa. Last month, Bern\u2019s Steak House Group announced new details surrounding its latest endeavor, Peddler + Potter Oyster House, which will take over the Haven space. \u201cAs 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\u2019ve been developing for years,\u201d 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.<\/p>\n Brutique<\/a><\/p>\n 648 Central Ave., St. Petersburg<\/p>\n 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. \u201cThis decision breaks my heart, but as much as St. Pete has changed over the last decade, so has my life, and I know I\u2019m making the right choice for my family,\u201d Megan wrote in her closing announcement on social media. Brutique\u2019s 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. \u201cWe became a \u2018Cheers\u2019-type atmosphere for friends and strangers, which created something really special,\u201d she told CL.<\/p>\n Tuttorosso Pizzeria & Restaurant\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n 7863 Blind Pass Rd, St Pete Beach<\/p>\n 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 \u201cfinancial burden\u201d 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.\u201d<\/p>\n Quaker Steak and Lube\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n 10400 49th St. N., Pinellas Park<\/p>\n It seems Pinellas Park\u2019s motor oil-themed restaurant Quaker Steak & Lube is out of gas.\u00a0 The chain restaurant\u2019s 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\u2019s only Quaker Steak outpost.\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n Rusty Pelican<\/a><\/p>\n 2425 N Rocky Point Dr., Tampa<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n TNT Burger<\/a><\/p>\n 7206 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa<\/p>\n Back in January, popular Plant High School-adjacent burger spot TNT Burger announced its closure, citing \u201cthe current economy and rising inflation.\u201d \u201cThis was not an easy choice, but one we had to make to protect our well-being and the future of our business,\u201d said a social media post. The burger joint was known for fun and inventive burgers like the COVID-19 Vaccine Burger \u2013 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\u2019s North Tampa food truck is still open and operating.<\/p>\n Rome + Fig<\/a><\/p>\n 301 N. Rome Ave., Tampa\u00a0<\/p>\n North Hyde Park\u2019s \u201cglobally-inspired bistro\u201d Rome + Fig says it will permanently close later this month.\u00a0 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 \u201cindustry filled with challenges.\u201d\u00a0 \u201cAfter six unforgettable years, we have made the difficult decision to close the doors of Rome + Fig,\u201d says the post. \u201cWhat 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.\u201d\u00a0 Rome + Fig\u2019s last day will be June 28, and for the next two weeks will be operating with limited hours. One of Tampa\u2019s COVID openings, owners Eric and Kristine Zostant debuted Rome + Fig in July of 2020, with executive chef Rob Scott at the helm.<\/p>\n Pitch in to help make the Tampa Bay Journalism Project a success.<\/a><\/p>\n Subscribe to Creative Loafing newsletters.<\/a><\/p>\n Follow us:\u00a0Google News<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0NewsBreak<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0Reddit<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0Instagram<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0Facebook\u00a0<\/a>|\u00a0BlueSky<\/a><\/p>\n Recent Stories<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\tTicketholders get unlimited samples of local beer including six new collabs.\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\tWith an emphasis of places offering free or low cost play.\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\tThe hometown Florida Smash is hosting 11 of the 20 MLP franchises.\u00a0\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n This article appears in June 11 \u2013 17, 2026<\/a>.<\/p>\n \n\tRelated\n<\/p>\n \t\t\t![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/redmesacantina_courtesyredmesa.5baa97eccb6c1.png\")
Credit: Courtesy of Red Mesa<\/p>\n![\"Tampa](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/474078503_1021236533372985_2043787061227286214_n.jpg\")
Credit: Tampa Bay Brew Bus<\/a><\/p>\n![\"An](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Screenshot-2026-05-29-at-10.49.24-AM.png\")
Credit: Google Street<\/a><\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/496000952_1296414225822982_3904429910412511240_n.jpg\")
Credit: Two Shepherds Taproom\/Facebook<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Exterior](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Screenshot-2026-05-21-at-6.07.46-PM.png\")
Credit: Daily Eats\/Google Maps<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/tbbcwebsite.webp.webp\")
Credit: TBBC<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/soho_saloon.png\")
Credit: SOHO Saloon via Google<\/p>\n![\"Trendy](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/471102841_122193188786040980_6004012677703007229_n.jpg\")
Credit: Concrete Jungle \/ Facebook<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/haven_tampa.webp\")
Credit: Haven<\/p>\n![\"Brutique](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/1781734471_810_467779410_1899274457227649_1783932635420903457_n.jpg\")
Credit: centralbrutique\/Facebook<\/p>\n![\"Tuttorosso](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/TUTTOROSSO.jpg\")
Credit: Tuttorosso Pizzeria & Restaurant<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/1781734471_144_Screenshot-2026-06-16-at-4.25.05-PM.png\")
Credit: Google Street<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/rusty-pelican-2.webp\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/TNT-BURGER.jpg\")
Credit: TNT Burger\/Facebook<\/p>\n![\"Exterior](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/471690335_893480659436973_8779020623034129704_n.jpg\")
Credit: Rome + Fig\/Facebook<\/a><\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t![\"Gulfport](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/724081574_1651151030347136_2494721353572484385_n.jpg\")
\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t![\"Here](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/1781734473_725_pickleball-st-pete.jpg\")
\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t![\"Pickleball\u2019s](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Hayden-Patriquin-Chrus-Rubino-shutterstock_2486314453-scaled.jpg\")
\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n