I never realized what a challenge this assignment was to explore local shops in my area. I knew there were many before, so I assumed they were still there. I’m always up for the excitement. Unfortunately, giant coffee shop conglomerates seem to be taking over now. The mom & The pop coffee shops that dotted many neighborhoods in Tampa are vastly becoming a thing of the past.
All is not lost to me. I found three extraordinary gems of coffee shops that offer something unique to the most discerning coffee fanatic. Most of these are locally owned, family operated, or independent businesses. You may have to travel from the road to get to these wonderful coffee houses, but once you are there it will be worth it.
Let’s break down what these three places have to offer and why they are so popular among many of their regular customers;
1.) Sacred Cause Coffee House – 4819 E. Busch Blvd., Tampa near Busch Gardens and USF (University of South Florida). Hours: Sunday – Thursday 6PM -Midnight, Friday & Saturday 6PM-2AM.
When you think of coffee houses that may come to mind are the 50’s & 60′ in Greenwich Village with beatniks, artists, poets, and other bohemian types congregating in unison. So Sacred Grounds is your quintessential coffee. College students from USF relatives and professionals, generally make up this diverse community. The house is smoke free, however an outside smoking area is provided. There are many activities in such as Live Music, Game Room, Library, among others. It first opened in November 1996.
One drawback is the price, $6 for a coffee. They serve a delicious variety of good quality coffee, along with creative concoctions, teas, and snacks. One of the notable table coffee drinks is Joy almond, mixed with coconut milk, chocolate syrup, and amaretto. If you want the atmosphere of it, more than the coffee, than the Sacred Cause Coffee House is your place.
2.) Three Friends at the Bunker – 1907 N. 19th Street, Tampa, located in the historic district Ybor City. Hours: Sunday to Tuesday – 7:30 AM to 4PM, Wednesday to Saturday – 7:30 AM to 11PM.
It is often rare to find an establishment with excellent food, or in the case of coffee, in addition to a great atmosphere. Tre Amici manages both abundantly. It is definitely one of the great coffee gems in Tampa. Rave reviews have been written about them. Besides coffee their bar serves imported beer and wine. There are also baked goods, especially the famous Cuban sandwich that was brought to Ybor City immigrants. The drink is diluted and measured to your liking. Bring the treats right to your table. No pre-made, push button recipes, or seating food allowed here.
The staff is friendly and the prices are reasonable. Ranging from under $9 to $9-$15. Lunch, Lunch, Lunch, lunches were served. Bring your laptops because they offer free WiFi. Sit in one of their comfort chairs, while watching the incredible beauty inside, place on the wall art on the wall and sit. the only chandelier The building was constructed in 1926. Read more about its history on its website. This is not your typical coffee shop, it’s something you have to experience for yourself. You will be glad you did.
3.) La Ideal Sandwich Shop – 2924 W. Tampa Bay Blvd., Tampa, near Raymond James Stadium Hours: Monday-Friday 6AM – 5PM, Saturday 7AM – 4PM, closed on Sundays.
If the atmosphere is not so important, but a great cup of coffee, with a mouth-watering Cuban sandwich, I encourage you to stop by La Ideal Sandwich Shop. Their specialty is the authentic Cuban sandwich, in addition to espresso and café con leche (Spanish for coffee with milk). They definitely serve the best coffee in Tampa. It was first established in 1985 as a neighborhood grocery store, serving food & he drank on the side, and then turned to his favorite restaurant.
Prices must be among the lowest in the city, starting as low as $1.10 to as high as $6.75. No matter where you live in Tampa Bay area a visit to La Ideal is for coffee lovers. Perhaps the well-worn path, however, may be a return to the old west Tampa.
These are three very different and unique places to go for coffee. Make sure to patronize these local coffee shop businesses before they’re too late.
Sources:
http://www.sacredgroundstampa.com/
http://tampabay.metromix.com/restaurant/pizza/sacred-grounds-coffee-house-tampa/366719/content
http://tampabay.citysearch.com/profile/2678920/tampa_fl/sacred_grounds.html#profileTab-reviews
http://www.laidelsandwichshop.com/home
http://www.insiderpages.com/b/3713119056
www.yborbunker.com
http://tampabay.metromix.com/restaurant/baked_goods/tre-amici-the-bunker-ybor-city/400421/content
http://www.yelp.com/biz/tre-amici-the-bunker-tampa
