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.
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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.
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
