There are few things sweeter than a summer love. Cue Justin Timberlake on the 1s and 2s.
If you’re looking to impress someone new or finally make a move on your crush, it’s time to get off the couch, play tourist in your own city, and switch up your usual date spots.
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When the Tampa heat kicks in, start your day early.
First stop: Brewed Awakening’s ($), a new coffee shop in Historic West Tampa. It’s perfect for the date who’s “been everywhere.” Order the Matcha Made in Heaven or the Thai Me Up Papi.
After a slow morning, you’ll be ready for lunch, and you’re in the right place. Lucky Tigre ($$) is nearby, serving some of the best Filipino food in Tampa. We even featured Chef Julie Sainte Michelle Feliciano back in March.
Alternatively, head to Chicago Paulie’s ($) for classic Chicago-style hot dogs. It’s no-frills and tucked next to a gas station, but that’s part of the charm. Hours can be a little unpredictable, so check their Facebook before you go. Honestly, that just adds to the IYKYK appeal.
Another date idea we’re dying to try this summer? A self-guided Cuban sandwich tour. Can you tell we love a food-focused date?
If you’ve lived in Tampa long enough, chances are you’ve had a Cuban sandwich (or a medianoche) from La Segunda Central Bakery ($). We love it too, but there are plenty of other Cuban sandwiches in Tampa worthy of your attention.
A few spots we’d add to our Cuban sandwich crawl include Flan Factory ($), West Tampa Sandwich Shop ($), La Teresita ($$), and Cali Cafe ($).
If you’re brave enough to tackle the crawl in a single day, be sure to split each sandwich with your date. You’ll fill up faster than you think. The good news? Cuban sandwiches make excellent leftovers, so nothing goes to waste.
Another thing that’s been on our Tampa bucket list for longer than I care to admit is chicken yoga with Yoga Loft Tampa and Ybor Misfits at Hotel Haya ($$).
Whether you’re a dedicated yogi or just there for the chickens, this is the kind of uniquely Tampa date that’s guaranteed to earn you some creativity points. Before or after class, stroll through Ybor while the streets are still quiet and take in the historic architecture. We love stumbling upon the art markets, pop-ups, and festivals that seem to appear around every corner.
When you’re ready for breakfast, head over to Pete’s Bagels ($) for a breakfast sandwich or a classic bagel and schmear. Bonus points if you’re a dog lover. Their adjacent dog park is one of the cutest spots around. Whether you bring your own pup or simply enjoy watching everyone else’s, it’s the perfect excuse to linger a little longer and keep the date going.
From Cuban sandwich crawls to chicken yoga and hidden neighborhood gems, Tampa is full of creative ways to spend time together. The best part? You’ll get to see a new side of the city while getting to know someone new. That’s a win-win in our book.
