Fall is back. Now’s the time to catch up with old friends and meet new ones. What better way to bond with fellow students than over lunch between classes? And, if you have enough time to fight campus traffic, there are plenty of great off-campus options for a bite to eat. Check out the list below, recommended by locals and curated for you.
Kaleisia Tea Lounge
Need a study spot, a snack, and a caffeine boost? Look no further than Kaleisia, located between USF and I-275 on Fletcher Avenue. The tea wall features all of their loose-leaf teas that you can “sniff test” before you buy. They have affordable lunch options for all: Try the vegan Avocado Wrap ($4.75) or the Curried Chicken Sandwich ($7.50). If you need some peace and quiet, take off your shoes and enter the Japanese Tea Room, usually full of students hard at work.
Image from https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/kaleisia-tea-lounge-tampa
1441 East Fletcher Avenue, Suite #101, http://www.thetealounge.com/
Subs n Such
If you’re craving a sub and you’re tired of the on-campus Subway, try this local favorite spot where Bearss and Livingston Avenues meet. You’d never guess from the outside that the inside is decorated with old and new soda memorabilia, or that they serve some of the best (and biggest!) sandwiches in the area. There’s over 400 sodas available to try with your classic Cuban (prices vary with size) or Steak n’ Cheese ($7.49).
Image from https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/subs-n-such-lutz
14603 Livingston Avenue, http://www.sodamania.com/index.html
Just 4 U Vegan Kitchen
Walk into this little spot right across from the Salvation Army on Nebraska Avenue, and the first thing you’ll notice is the wall of photos. Garnett and Jean Townsend, the husband and wife team that own and operate the restaurant, take pictures of every new guest that eats there. Look for your friends as you browse the menu full of vegan Caribbean favorites. Try something new like a Jamaican Mini Patty ($1.99-2.25), or get an old favorite like mac n’ cheese or collard greens ($5 each, 4 sides, $9.99). Either way, you’ll be back for more!
Image from https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/just-4-u-vegan-kitchen-tampa-2
13751 N Nebraska Avenue, http://www.just4uvegan.org/
Do you have a favorite spot to grab lunch off campus? Let me know in the comments!