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5 Great Tampa Restaurants With Heated Outdoor Patios

We’ve had quite the cold front in Tampa Bay the past few weeks. With temps as low as the 40s at night/early morning going into the high 60s during the…

Outdoor heater outside of restaurant
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We've had quite the cold front in Tampa Bay the past few weeks. With temps as low as the 40s at night/early morning going into the high 60s during the day. This makes it easy to spot the difference between locals and tourists. Locals avoid dining outside at all costs during this time, even if it's the only option available at their favorite spot. Meanwhile, the tourists and transplants are walking around in shorts and t-shirts and heading to the beach. Whether you can tolerate the cold or not, these Tampa Bay restaurants will keep you warm outside with outdoor heated patios.

Normally eating outside in Florida is rough. You're usually a pile of sweat from the humidity within 20 minutes of sitting down. Or you're fighting off mosquitos and other bugs. But with the cooler weather in the fall/winter months, that changes some things. I always prefer to eat outside because usually it's less crowded. And it's much nicer during the months of November-March.

We got our inspiration for this list from Tampabaydatenightguide.com. They have a list of 50+ places to eat outside in Tampa Bay. We picked a few of our favorite spots that we know have plenty of heaters to keep you warm all night. Remember during the pandemic when it was your only choice? That forced a lot of local restaurant owners to invest in the gas-powered heaters. In some countries, they have banned these heaters because guzzle energy and pollute the air. But that would never happen in Florida.

BERLIN - NOVEMBER 17: Patio heaters stand at a outside cafe as people's enjoy the sun on November 17, 2008 in Berlin, Germany. Five Berlin districts have agreed to ban patio heaters at outdoor restaurants in the new year because the heat lamps guzzle energy and pollute the air. The controversial heaters, popularly known in Germany as Heizpilze, or heat mushrooms, because they are shaped like the fungus, have again been popping up in their thousands on outdoor terraces and sidewalks as colder weather takes hold. (Photo by Andreas Rentz/Getty Images)(Photo by Andreas Rentz/Getty Images)

Honorary mentions:

Here are a couple places that we left off our list but are still great options for dining outdoors when it's cold. The Nona Slice House in Safety Harbor is a great place to go for some good pizza. However, the dining room is completely outdoors. Thankfully they've invested in multiple heaters for the dining room and picnic tables.

The other spot we love but left off our list is Luna Lounge. You can enjoy some great views of Downtown Tampa on this rooftop bar. There is a huge fireplace and multiple heaters to keep you warm, plus the sangria will always help!

Here are 5 great Tampa restaurants with heated outdoor patios

American Social

If you've never been to American Social, you're missing out on a Tampa staple. This place has a huge, covered patio with plenty of heaters to keep you warm!

Miguelitos Taqueria Y Tequilas

Miguelitos Taqueria Y Tequilas is the perfect date night or brunch spot! Their outdoor patio has plenty of overhead heaters to keep you warm during winter.

Kona Grill

Kona Grill has one of the best late-night happy hours in Tampa! Their sushi and appetizers are so tasty and there are plenty of heaters on their HUGE outdoor patio!

 

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Tampa Bay Brewing Company

Tampa Bay Brewing Company in Westchase has plenty of ways to keep you warm on their patio if you wanted to bring your pup along for a beer.

 

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Walk-Ons Sports Bistreaux

Walk-Ons is one of the newer spots in Midtown Tampa. The place is lined with TV's so you can catch the game on no matter where you sit. Their covered patio also has shades and heaters to stay toasty.

 

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Jen was born and raised in the Tampa Bay area. She’s been with Beasley Media Group since 2022. In her spare time, you can find her at Tampa Bay Lightning games, Tampa Bay breweries, or the beach. Catch up on Jen’s content about the highest-rated restaurants/bars in Tampa, things-to-do around the area, and upcoming concerts.