Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. The month runs from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 and “honors the cultures and contributions of both Hispanic and Latino Americans as we celebrate heritage rooted in all Latin American countries.” Hispanic and Latino Americans have played an important part of Tampa’s restaurant history, from Cuban cigar factory workers to local restaurants from families from Colombia, Peru, Puerto Rico, and more.
Here are 5 restaurants to try in Tampa in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month:
1) West Tampa Sandwich Shop: Iconic cafe serving Cuban food and breakfast/lunch. You’ll find delicious Cuban sandwiches, pancakes, fresh fruit shakes and more. West Tampa Sandwich Shop is a regular stop for political figures and movers and shakers of Tampa. It has withstood generational changes for Tampa. 3904 N Armenia Ave, Tampa, FL 33607.
2) Rice & Beans: Delicious Puerto Rican food is worth the trip to Wesley Chapel. You’ll find mofongo, alcapurrias, pechuga de pollo, carne frita and chuleta kan kan. The restaurant regularly has live music and gets very busy so plan ahead. Prices are reasonable and will run you around $22 or less for most dinner entrees. The flavor hits home. 27405 Wesley Chapel Blvd, Wesley Chapel, FL 33544.
3) Miguel’s Mexican Seafood & Grill: Miguel’s is a long-running Mexican restaurant off Kennedy Blvd. near South Tampa. There was a period in time when numerous competitors sprung up against the concept (Vallarta’s and Estela’s became mini-chains), but Miguel’s is still kicking. The menu includes enchiladas, burritos, carne asada, tamales and more. It’s not as cheap as a taqueria, but more of a sit-down concept. They serve brunch, lunch, and dinner. Miguelito’s is the more modern concept, but Miguel’s is a classic. The restaurant gets really busy so reservations are recommended. 3035 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33609.
4) Pupuseria CentroAmericana: This Guatemalan restaurant is one of the only places to find pupusas made-to-order and a mixture of Guatemalan and El Salvadoran food. It’s a no frills restaurant so don’t expect anything fancy and some Spanish might help your ordering. They do have carry-out as well, which might be better if you want to enjoy some food at home. 2504 W Martin Luther King Blvd Tampa, FL 33607.
5) Nico’s Arepas Grill: This concept started off as a mobile food truck and opened up as a restaurant a few years back. Their arepas are incredible and very tasty. They also have empanadas, patacones, yuca fritas, and more. Definitely do not miss the arepas though. 8303 N. Armenia Ave. Suite B. Tampa, FL 33604
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