A Taste of Tampa at 7th + Grove
As you wander down 7th Avenue in Ybor City, you’ll come upon a pretty lilac bicycle with a large white seat and a basket full of flowers. Turn left and you’re at the welcome mat of 7th + Grove, an eclectic eatery and lounge with southern charm, comfort, and a killer menu.
This local staple is the brainchild of Tampa natives Dr. Jamaris Glenn, Dr. Vondalyn Crawford, and Khalilaa McDuffie. Their mantra “Eat, Vibe, and Flourish” has been manifested throughout the design of the space, creating a unique experience for their patrons.
One side features a welcoming lounge with overstuffed couches, comfy chairs, and a bar with TVs that stretch across the main wall. Slip through the door under one of the many pieces of vibrant artwork and enter the café area where you can gaze across the counter and watch as your meal is being made to order.
Some of my favorite dishes at 7th + Grove
“Let’s Stay Together”: a southern fried chicken dinner with mac & cheese and collard greens.
“Rock the Boat”: seared catfish with collards, okra, and grits.
“Waterfalls”: a serving of sharable Old Bay seasoned fries topped with lump crab meat, a creamy cheese sauce, green onion, and tomatoes and baked with a topping of smoked paprika-sprinkled Mozzarella cheese.
Don’t forget to accompany these delectable dishes with one of their signature cocktails! The award-winning “Dojo Cat” is a mix of watermelon and strawberry purees with vodka. Another eye-catching patron favorite is the “Ari Lennox”, a layered sangria made with liqueurs, juices, and Moscato. It’s as tasty as it is beautiful. Want to keep it simple? Wine down and relax with a glass (or bottle) of their reds and whites.
7th + Grove is “a culturally immersive space that nourishes the soul and nurtures the spirit.”
As you’re sipping your cocktail, take a tour of the space. The artwork and décor form the backdrop of the eatery with vividly colorful murals, portraits, designs, and florals ranging from inconspicuous to grand centerpieces. It’s a museum within a restaurant within a comfortable space.
As if it couldn’t get any better, they also host specialty nights throughout the week! Stop in for Rockstar Monday to cheer on your favorite football team, Taco Tuesdays where you can eat till you drop from 4-10 p.m., or grab a bite off the late-night menu. You can enjoy an intimate date on the balcony overlooking the bar scene below, become part of the center stage, or entertain a few friends in style in one of their designated lounge sections.
Whether you’re interested in a taco lunch, an upscale southern meal or craftily concocted cocktails, 7th + Grove will whet your appetite and satisfy your cravings.
Stop in, sit a spell, and say hello to Jamaris, Vondalyn, and Kahlilaa. You’ll be glad you did!
