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Oxford Exchange

Directly across from the University of Tampa, Oxford Exchange is a common meeting ground for coffee, drinks, or brunch.

This is the first post on my new blog. I’m just getting this new blog going, so stay tuned for more. Subscribe below to get notified when I post new updates.

I have chosen to start this blog with The Oxford Exchange, because it was the first place I had went out to eat in Tampa. I was immediately drawn in by the amazing aesthetic. With a store front filled with adorable paraphernalia, a coffee bar, a champagne bar, a separate tea bar, atrium dining, and a more traditional main dining room, the amazing aesthetic can not be overlooked.

From left to right: Indoor traditional dining, champagne bar, atrium dining

Past the point of aesthetics, the food at Oxford Exchange is moderately good. Their menus provide a wide array of options to customers. While the food is presented beautifully, in my personal opinion, the food is not worth the price. With entrees averaging from $16.00 to $20.00, the expectancy for the food is higher, and while the food is still delicious, it does not equate to the price point. Over all, you are paying for the dining experience here (menu included below)

OXFORD EXCHANGE MENU
Click to be brought to menu

Oxford Exchange is located directly across the street from The University of Tampa. Parking is available behind the building, or in the marked lot.

If you are still reading, I am assuming you are still interested in maybe checking out The Oxford Exchange. Your next question is probably, “So what do I wear”. The Oxford Exchange is filled with all different types of people with different styles. By the coffee and tea bars you can find college students in sweatshirts and leggings studying for upcoming exams. In the sit down dining areas you can find everything from airy sundresses to ripped jeans. Below I have compiled an outfit (for both men and women) that I believe would be suitable for brunch here at Oxford Exchange (links included)

For Girls:

For Men

A Taste of California in Florida

Ciccio Water

Ciccio Water, is a part of the Ciccio restaurant group. It offers a fresh California vibe and menu. Inside you can find a variety of seating. There are many tables, some booths, some half booths, high top tables, and bar seating. I personally enjoy sitting by the green shrub wall. You can expect their lunch rush around 12 pm and dinner rush at 7 pm, although there is usually no need to make a reservation.

From left to right: tables and bar seating, shrub wall seating, high tops

At Ciccio Water, their menu consists mostly of lighter foods that go along with their California theme. They specialize in sushi. Some rolls they have are: Spicy Tuna Roll ($8.50), Cali Crab ($9), and Crispy Tuna ($8.50). Other than sushi they have wraps, chicken, burgers, brick oven pizza, California bowls (rice, meat, and vegetables), salads, and a variety of appetizers. The average price of an entree is $14. Personally, my favorite thing to get is the Edamame which is in a roasted garlic lime butter for $5.50. It is the perfect appetizer!

Ciccio Water Menu
Click to be brought to the menu!

Ciccio Water is located on South Howard. It is down the street from Green Lemon and Daily eats, next to Sweet Soul, and across from Bern’s Steak House. Also, it is right off of Bayshore Blvd, so it is a nice idea to take a walk down Bayshore after your meal! Ciccio is about a seven minute drive from Downtown Tampa. Their parking lot right outside is limited, but there is extra parking available in the parking lot outside of Sweet Soul, just look for the spots marked Ciccio Water.

Ciccio Water is located on S Howard, right off of Bayshore Blvd.

At Ciccio Water you can find people wearing almost anything. It is one of those restaurants you spontaneously choose to go to and don’t have to change what you are wearing. Due to the lack of dress code, and even the ability to go and sit down to eat (because of Corona), I have instead attached the phone numberto order take out!

(813)- 251- 8406
Call and order now!

How ‘Bout Chinese?

Yummy House

When driving down North Dale Mabry, it is hard to miss Yummy House. It’s unique exterior sets it apart from other restaurants. Yummy House is a sit down chinese restaurant. It’s interior offers a modern Chinese feel with plenty of tables and half booths. In addition, there is bar seating. Although it is never difficult to get a table, the lunch rush happens at about 12 pm, and the dinner rush at 7pm.

From Left to Right: Main seating room, Bar seating, Seating next to the bar

The food options at Yummy House, cover any Chinese food craving you could ever have. Their extensive menu includes everything from classic vegetable fried rice to frog legs with wine. They offer all different types of vegetables, soups, rice, BBQ, noodles, beef, seafood, chicken, and pork. The typical price of an entree is about $14.99. While there are options which are cheaper (BBQ pork fried rice $9.99) and options more expensive (Spicy XO Beef Short Ribs $17.99). Whatever you could want (Chinese food) Yummy House probably has.

Yummy House Menu
Click to be brought to the Yummy House Menu!

When I have gone to Yummy House, I usually stick with the classic chicken lo mein. It is white chicken with vegetables and egg noodles. The cost of this is $10.99. Other than the chicken lo mein I get orange chicken. The orange chicken is breaded chicken in orange sauce. Orange chicken costs $12.99.

Yummy House is located on North Dale Mabry near Westshore Plaza, in between Trader Joe’s and Walmart. Valet is available in the back of the building.

At Yummy House people normally wear jeans and a nice top. For men this usually includes a button down and for women a nice blouse. Yet, because of COVID-19 the sit down area of the restaurant is closed and they are only offering take out in order to reduce the spread of germs. Therefore instead of recommending outfits you would wear to sit down to eat, I am going to recommending comfortable pajamas for social distancing and quarantining at home.

For Women:

For Men:

Casual Beachfront Bar

Whiskey Joe’s

Located in the Tampa Bay area, Whiskey Joe’s is the perfect beach trip without having to leave Tampa! Whiskey Joe’s provides a beach front bar for drinks, and food that can be brought to you or eaten on the beach. On the beach you can find chairs to relax in, bonfire pits, tables with straw umbrellas, and plenty of sand to spread out on! In addition to the outdoor option there is also indoor dining that also includes outdoor seating on a raised porch. Personally, I usually prefer to spend the day on their beach and order form the bar, although many chose to relax on the beach and eat inside the facility.

From left to right: Inside seating, outside seating, and an aerial view

In regards to food you can find all your favorite classics. From burgers to tacos, Whiskey Joe’s has all of your favorite beach foods. For example on the menu you can find coconut-rum chicken, pacific rim shrimp, clams or mussels and linguine, three cheese pizza, homemade spicy island gumbo, a classic cheeseburger, waffles, sandwiches, tacos, and salads. The typical price of an entree is $14.99 (some are more expensive and some are cheaper). Regardless of your craving after a long beach day, I guarantee you will find something to satisfy you.

Whiskey Joe’s Menu
Click Link to be brought to the menu!

When I have gone to Whiskey Joe’s I usually get the signature burger. This burger comes with bacon, onions, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and fries for $14.99. One of my favorite fries in the entire world are from Whiskey Joe’s, I highly recommend you try them even as just a side snack.

Whiskey Joe’s is located by the Tampa Airport. It is about a 15 minute drive from Downtown Tampa. Valet or self parking is available.

People who visit Whiskey Joe’s usually dress more casually. On the beach you will find people in their bathing suits, jean shorts, sweatshirts, or t-shirts. Overall just your typical beach attire. In the restaurant you can find people wearing regular everyday clothes like jeans, leggins, tshirts, or sweatshirts. Below I have compiled what I would wear on the beach of Whiskey Joe’s and a sample outfit of what men would wear.

For Women:

For Men:

Old Maintenance Facility Transformed to Eclectic Market

Armature Works

The next location is a must visit if you are in the Tampa Bay area. Armature works is not a traditional restaurant. It is instead an old storage and maintenance facility for Tampa Electric streetcars. This facility has been restored and transformed into a food court/market style dining experience with two traditional restaurants. There is indoor and outdoor seating available for both the restaurants and the market I usually enjoy sitting outside because it offers a view of the river, downtown, and the Riverwalk.

Food options here vary drastically. From burgers and sushi to acai bowls and empanadas, you are sure to find something you will like! The two traditional restaurants are Steelbach and Oak & Ola. The other options include: Ichicoro Imoto (Ramen-Ya), Union by Commune +Co (Coffee and tea), BnB (Butcher and Barbeque), Graze 1910 (American and Breakfast), Ava (Pizza), SOHO Juice Co (Açaí bowls, smoothies, and juices), Cress (Salads, bowls, and soups), Astro Ice Cream Co. (icecream), Zukki Sush (Sushi Burritos and bowls), Hemingway’s (Cuban), Empamamas (Empanadas), and more!

Armature Works Menus
Click to be brought to the menus

When I went to Armature works I chose to eat at Ava, which serves authentic wood fired pizza. There I got a margherita pizza. On the pizza was: San Marzano tomato, mozzarella, basil, olive oil, and sea salt. Because I was there during the week (Wednesday), and during lunch time (11am-3pm), I was able to get the lunch special. Through the lunch special Monday to Friday 11am to 3pm you can get a small margherita pizza or a meatball sandwich, served with a small house salad for $12.00. This is comparable to just a small margherita pizza for $11.00. Finally, to drink I got just a coke ($3.00).

Armature works can be found at the very end of the Riverwalk. A close and beautiful walk from Downtown or the University of Tampa.

There is no dress code at Armature works. You can find people wearing running clothes, to dresses. You can also somedays find wedding receptions. Therefore, what you wear here does not matter. Yet, because it is such an aesthetic atmosphere, it is the perfect picture opportunity. So, below I have complied cute and casual outfits that would fit the aesthetic of Armature works, for optimal pictures!

For Women:

For Men:

Jackson’s Bistro

The next place I have chosen to discuss is Jackson’s Bistro. Located on Harbor Island, it is one of the best waterfront views in the Downtown Tampa area, allowing it to set itself apart from its competition. Their dining room includes indoor and outdoor seating. While the inside is nice, I would 100% recommend doing whatever is necessary in order to get seated outside. This may mean compromising your reservation time, but it is worth it. You will definitely need a reservation to eat here, and I recommend making it at least 10 hours before your desired time in order to get the most options.

The food at Jackson’s is quite delicious. While they do call themselves a sushi bar, they offer many other options. Their appetizers range from Tomato & Buffalo Mozzarella to Sesame Crusted Ahi Tuna. The entrees follow this same diverse range with seafood, steaks, and pasta. The prices of the entrees range from $17.00 to $39.00. While this may seem slightly overpriced, the food does live up to the expectations and the unbeatable views contribute to the dining experience.

JACKSON’S BISTRO MENU
Click Link To Be Directed To Menu

Jackson’s Bistro is located on Harbor Island. They offer valet parking. In addition it is very walkable from any point on the Riverwalk.

The dress code at Jackson’s Bistro is sort of similar to that of Oxford Exchange. While you will not find people in sweatshirts and athleisure, women tend to wear skirts, maxi dresses, and white jeans. Men on the other hand usually opt for either dark jeans or khakis, a casual button down, and boat shoes. Below I have composed an outfit that I believe would be appropriate for a dinner at Jackson’s Bistro.