Embark on a culinary journey through Armature Works and Heights Public Market, two bustling hubs in Tampa's historic Heights district. From classic comforts to innovative cuisine, these venues offer a delicious array of options. Join me to explore the diverse food offerings and vibrant atmosphere that make these popular spots worth visiting!
Food and Drinks
Armature Works hosts 12 eateries within the Heights Public Market, 4 full-service restaurants, and 3 bars.
Bars
Bar AW
BAR AW is situated in the bustling Heights Public Market at Armature Works, offering a wide array of spirits, curated cocktails, and over 20 craft beers on tap. Whether you choose to enjoy your drink at the bar with sweeping views of the market or opt to sip it on the lawn, the experience is bound to be delightful.
- M. Bird (pictured above) - Rooftop bar with waterfront views (more information provided below)
- Stones Throw - Outdoor, riverfront perfect for Happy Hour (more information provided below)
Full-Service Dining
M. Bird
M.Bird is Tampa's premier rooftop destination, nestled atop the historic Armature Works in the Heights district. Its luxurious, deco-inspired lounge boasts unparalleled waterfront views of the city's ever-growing skyline.
Here, guests can savor tropical curated cocktails and indulge in sharable small plates while enjoying weekly entertainment from Thursday to Sunday, featuring various DJs.
Oak & Ola
Oak & Ola exudes comfort with its timeless design, providing a welcoming setting for gatherings. It is the ideal spot to enjoy thoughtfully sourced cuisine and handcrafted libations that change seasonally. From brunch to dessert, Oak & Ola offers a diverse menu to satisfy every craving, complemented by a well-stocked bar.
Steelbach
Nestled within the historic Armature Works, Steelbach embodies the essence of Southern hospitality with its innovative take on a Southern-inspired kitchen. Honoring tradition, the restaurant showcases Florida's top producers, ensuring each dish bursts with fresh, handpicked flavors.
Their commitment to quality shines through with aged 4-7 weeks grass-fed beef, meticulously prepared over a roaring 1000-degree oak and mesquite open fire grille.
Whether indulging in their signature brunch or savoring a pour from their impressive whiskey bar, guests can unwind on the outdoor patio, basking in breathtaking views of the Hillsborough River and Downtown Tampa's skyline.
Stones Throw
Stones Throw offers an enticing experience as a waterfront cocktail bar and fresh seafood restaurant. Set in an outdoor riverfront pavilion, it serves daily delights of fresh seafood, oysters, and refreshing craft cocktails.
The venue is ideal for a sunset happy hour or a leisurely weekend lunch. On Tuesdays, it is a hotspot with Taco Tuesday deals and live music kicking off at 7 pm.
Heights Public Market
Bake'n Babes
At Bake'n Babes, Tampa's sweet tooth finds satisfaction with award-winning cookies, Taiyaki ice cream cones, and the indulgent Sleazy Brownie™. For the ultimate treat, try The Works™ - an Armature Works exclusive featuring soft-serve ice cream topped with seasonal delights.
Butcher n’ Barbeque (BNB)
Indulge in the savory offerings at Butcher n’ Barbeque (BnB), where custom hand-cut meats take center stage. Their menu features made-to-order sandwiches filled with house-smoked meats paired with classic Southern sides and scratch-made sauces.
Buddy Brew Coffee
Savor the renowned specialty coffee offerings at Buddy Brew Coffee, Tampa Bay's top coffee roaster. Indulge in a selection of hot and cold brew coffee drinks alongside pastries and a full-lunch menu featuring the popular signature dish: avocado chili lime toast.
Chill Bros.
Chill Bros offers all-natural custard-based ice cream - made with five simple ingredients sourced locally and globally. Enjoy flavors like fresh Plant City strawberries and Polk County Orange Blossom Honey, all crafted by their pastry chef without artificial additives.
DalMoros Fresh Pasta To Go
Originating from Venice, Italy, DalMoros Fresh Pasta To Go introduces a novel concept of delivering high-quality Italian cuisine without the formality of traditional dining. This establishment brings authentic, freshly made Italian pasta to Americans in a fast-casual setting.
Empamamas
Empamamas offers not-so-basic empanadas, tacos, and street eats. Indulge in their signature empanada, the Tampa Girl™️, a delightful twist on the classic Cuban sandwich. This mouthwatering creation features roasted pork, honey ham, Genoa salami, Swiss cheese, pickles, and Tampa Girl™️ sauce, all hand-wrapped with care and deep-fried to perfection.
Graze 1910
Graze 1910 offers refined American fare, serving breakfast all day with house-made waffles, classic egg dishes, and artisan cheeseburgers. Enjoy an unexpected atmosphere of casual elegance while savoring seasonal gourmet toasts and healthier options.
Hemingway’s Cuban Cuisine
Hemingway’s Cuban Cuisine puts a modern spin on traditional Cuban classics, a must-try in Tampa. Sample their renowned Cuban sandwich at the bar, perfectly paired with a seasonal sangria, or opt for a delicious grab-and-go breakfast dish.
Kipos
Kipos offers a delectable array of fresh Mediterranean cuisine, featuring hand-carved gyros and chicken pitas, scratch-made hummus and tzatziki, and vibrant Greek salads. Pair your meal with imported Greek sodas for an authentic dining experience.
Muchachas
Muchachas, a Mexican-inspired concept from the team behind Empamamas, offers a tantalizing menu featuring the famous birria quesatacos that have taken social media by storm. Indulge in a variety of street tacos, burritos, and more, promising a flavorful journey through Mexican cuisine.
The Fold
Experience one of the newest additions to the Heights Public Market, The Fold, where you can delight in hot and fresh pizza by the slice. Indulge in a wide selection of flavors, promising a satisfying treat for everyone to enjoy.
Zukku Sushi
Zukku Sushi transforms food into artistry, offering a variety of masterfully crafted Sushi Rolls, Poke Bowls, and Sushi Burritos. Choose from curated favorites like the "Shrimp Volcano Sushi Roll" or the "Trio Poke Bowl," or unleash your creativity to design your own custom masterpiece.
Beyond the Delicious Food
At Armature Works, there is more than just delicious food. Experience many activities, including Show + Tell workshops, a private membership club with office space, and a gift shop. Enjoy live music and a packed events calendar featuring exercise classes, night markets, carnivals, and themed festivals throughout the month.
Show + Tell
Show + Tell is an entertainment workshop and demonstration kitchen at Armature Works. You can rent it for private events; however, Armature Works uses it to host hands-on activities.
Some evenings, they will host Date Night in the Heights, where you can create a personalized charcuterie board. On other nights, they will have a build-your-own soap workshop. Check out their website for more details on these activities and reserve quickly, as there is typically only space for approximately 30 people.
Hyde House Heights
Hyde House Heights offers an exclusive private membership club with office space, individual memberships, and premier event spaces. Members enjoy art from Hyde House Public Studio, waterfront views, comfortable seating, a productive environment, and convenient access to amenities and dining options at Armature Works downstairs.
The Shops at Armature Works
Explore a curated selection of official Armature Works merchandise, from apparel to accessories, capturing the timeless flair of the venue. Take home more than just a memory; it is a lifestyle statement reflecting the vibrant spirit of Armature Works.
Live Music
Armature Works (AW) hosts live music events throughout the week, offering a vibrant atmosphere for patrons to enjoy. On Thursdays, elevate your evening with DJ sets at M.Bird from 9 pm to 2 am. Fridays feature live music on the AW South Lawn from 6 pm to 9 pm, followed by DJ sets at various locations until midnight.
Saturdays continue the musical journey with live performances on the AW South Lawn and multiple DJ sets at M.Bird. Finally, wind down your weekend on Sundays with DJ sets at AW Inside Heights Public Market and M.Bird, creating the perfect soundtrack for your Sunday afternoon.
Events
Throughout the month, Armature Works hosts different events on its grounds. Some of the popular ones include:
- Second Sunday Market + Art Walk - a daytime market with an art walk every 2nd Sunday of the month
- Rides by the River - For the car lover every 3rd Saturday of the month
- Sunset Paddle Happy Hour with Urban Kai
- Movies on the Lawn
They also host yoga classes, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), book clubs, and trivia, to name a few more.
How to Get There
Address: 1910 N Ola Ave, Tampa, FL 33602
One of the distinctive features of Armature Works is that you can arrive by boat as it is on the Hillsborough River. However, there are only 10 public boat parking spots available. Moreover, the Pirate Water Taxi has a stop at Armature Works!
Guests visiting Armature Works by car can utilize one of the four surrounding parking lots, with most offering free parking on weekdays until 4 pm, excluding the 220 lot. However, parking rates may vary during special events and holidays.
Alternatively, visitors can park at the Heights District parking garage, conveniently located just a block away, or opt for metered street parking available on W 7th Ave, W Palm Ave, Oak Ave, and N Highland Ave. Street parking is enforced daily from 8 am to midnight, with rates starting at $1.50 per hour.
Food, Fun, or Both - Armature Works has you Covered
Armature Works and Heights Public Market offer a diverse culinary experience with innovative cuisine and classic comforts. Beyond the different food vendors, AW hosts various activities and events, ensuring there is something for everyone. Come savor the flavors and atmosphere of these bustling hubs in Tampa's historic Heights district.
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Another Fun Place to check out in the Tampa Bay Area is Popstroke! Learn more about it here:
Your Guide to Popstroke - Tiger Woods' Reimagined Mini Golf - Popstroke redefines mini-golf into a more sophisticated feat while keeping the fun & competitive edge to it. Perfect weekend outing for all!
Looking for other hidden gems in Florida?
Check out Explore Florida Like a Local by Mackintosh Travels which highlights various Florida Travel Bloggers' favorite places near them. It is an amazing read for Florida natives, snowbirds, and visitors alike!
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