Darren & Danessa’s Guide to Phenomenal Black-Owned Spots in Tampa

Mangos Cafe and Specialty Store

CARIBBEAN | SOUL FOOD | CATERING Taught to cook in her parents' kitchen, Nadege infuses each dish with thoughtful flavors and top tier seasoning! From the moment you walk in, the team will greet you and make you feel like family. Check out their their Caribbean food half of the week and their soul food the other half of the week!

M&R Cafe Southerine Cuisine

SOUTHERN | SOUL FOOD | CATERING Easily one of the best cooks in Tampa, Maria provides high-quality Southern food that will transport you back to Grandma's house. With menu items like oxtail, mac and cheese, and baked chicken - M&R Cafe does not skimp out on the flavor nor the portions. Check out their breakfast, brunch, and lunch menus!

Flipn' Fries Factory

LOADED FRIES | SAUCE | FLAVOR Entrepreneurs Jamila and Huntley started Flipn' Fries during the pandemic, bringing a fun, fast and tasty concept to the Tampa Bay area. Their specialty fry menu boasts of well-seasoned meats such as shrimp, steak, and jerk chicken. Check this place out for crispy loaded fries that fulfill every craving!

The Outside Kitchen

SEAFOOD | WINGS | PASTA Chef JMagic and Trikey will blow you away with their packed plates and delicious desserts. Having cooked for notable celebrities such as Katt Williams and Master P, The Outside Kitchen guarantees to exceed the expectations of even the most discerning palates. Check out their rotating menu for phenomenal and mouth-watering dishes!

YUPPI

WINGS | SOUL FOOD | SEAFOOD Hailed as one of the top wing spots in Tampa, YUPPI will leave your taste buds dancing as you indulge in their sweet and zesty sauce. Chef Kyle uses his culinary background to make every dish, side, and dessert a hit. Check out their catfish, potato salad, wings, and cornbread....and don't forget to squeeze the lime on those wings!

Queen of Sheba

ETHIOPIAN | AUTHENTIC | COFFEE Wash those hands real good and get ready to indulge in the flavors and textures of authentic Ethiopian cuisine. Renowned for its spicy vegetables and meats, Ethiopian food will tantalize your taste buds with intricate flavor profiles including cardamom, saffron, and cumin. Check out their entrees and Ethiopian coffee for an unforgettable culinary experience.

Jahiti Caribbean Restaurant

HAITIAN | QUALITY | JAMAICAN Jahiti takes island food to another level with the exceptional quality and flavor in their traditional Caribbean dishes. Novices and experienced Caribbean food eaters will be blown away with each bite of marinated meat and each flavor pairing. Check out their Haitian food menu, with dishes like legume and fried goat, for unmatched authenticity!

Thee Burger Spot

BURGERS | AWARD-WINNING | DONUT BUNS This family-owned restaurant skillfully blends freshness, quality, and efficiency while staying true to the fundamentals of the classic American burger. Each quarter pound patty is grilled to perfection with the freshest and highest quality beef. Check out their traditional burger selections, but don't miss the opportunity to try their unique donut burgers!

7th + Grove

SOUL FOOD | SEAFOOD | VIBES It's impossible to visit Tampa without indulging in this Ybor City staple. An iconic brunch/lunch/dinner spot for those wanting to experience elevated Southern food classics in their vibrantly colored restaurant. If you like music with your meals, walk next door to their spacious lounge area. Check out the Everyday People shrimp and grits, as well as several of their delicious cocktails.

Madame Fortune Dessert + HiFi Parlour

SPEAKEASY | WEST INDIAN | BAKERY Named after one of Tampa's unsung heroes, Madame Fortune excels at providing West Indian dishes and delicious baked goods while creating an atmosphere perfect for any occasion. Whether you crave a delicious cocktail or a filling meal, you will undoubtedly leave satisfied. Check out their delicious food and baked goods, as well as the profound story behind their name!

Rack City Ribz, llc

RIBS | BRISKET | OXTAIL For tender ribs and juicy brisket, you have to visit Alex and his team at Rack City Ribz. Coupled with four tangy and savory BBQ sauces, their smoked meats and sides are meticulously crafted to indulge even the most seasoned BBQ lovers. Check out this spot for high-quality eats, including smoked oxtails on Sundays!

Mr. B's Restaurant

SOUL FOOD | COMMUNITY | SOUTHERN CUISINE A Tampa staple for comfort food since 2015, Mr. B's offers Southern classics like oxtail, fish & grits, and chicken & waffles. Under the ownership of Ninkia and Calvin, this restaurant gets its name from bumble bees, symbolizing unity and a strong sense of community cherished by the duo. Check out their honey hot sauce for that sweet and spicy mix!

Eggs Up Grill

BREAKFAST | EGGS | FAMILY There is nothing like enjoying quality time with community over a freshly brewed cup of coffee and some breakfast classics. Eggs Up Grill in Riverview, owned by John and Priscilla, provides exceptional customer service and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Check them out for carefully crafted breakfast and lunch options with a flavorful twist.

Konan’s BBQ

BBQ | SIDES | DESSERTS Mike Trigg and the Konan team have been serving the Tampa community delicious BBQ since 2011. Newcomers have to try their smoked meats, made with love and precision. Their 4-meat plate is an excellent choice to sample each smoky and savory meat option. You can't go wrong with their ribs, chicken, and sausage - all sauced up with the sweet Carolina mustard-based sauce. Check out their BBQ, sides, and show-stopping desserts!

Unkle Reems

SMOKED WINGS | BBQ | SIDES Hailing from Mississippi, Kareem and his team are whipping up unique BBQ combos in the Tampa area. Wing lovers will rejoice with their saucy, smoked, and fried wings. They have incredible menu items, such as Loaded Unk Fries and homemade jalapeno cheddar beef sausage. Check this spot out for big, bold BBQ flavors with a creative twist.

Steaming Pots West Africa Cuisine

WEST AFRICAN | SOUPS | JOLLOF RICE Explore the delicious diversity of West African cuisine at Steaming Pots. Their menu is a blend of several West African delicacies prepared with a myriad of herbs and spices that will take you on a flavor journey. Check out their authentic menu options, including goat peanut stew and jollof rice!