Tampa Bay, FL
For Soul Food in Tampa Bay, the local food press points to Rays Vegan Soul, 7th + Grove, and Al's Finger Licking Good Bar-B-Que and Soul Food. Picks from Creative Loafing Tampa and Tampa Magazine, updated July 2026.
Editor’s picks
Press picks, until locals rank their own Top 5s. Sourced from the local food press. As seen in Creative Loafing Tampa and Tampa Magazine. Updated July 2026.
Rays Vegan Soul · Gulfport
Rays Vegan Soul reworks familiar comfort dishes without animal products, using seasoned vegetables, plant based proteins, and rich gravies to build satisfying plates. The kitchen treats collards, macaroni, and other sides as essential parts of the meal rather than filler. Its Gulfport location is especially useful for diners who want hearty soul food forms within an entirely vegan menu.
7th + Grove · Ybor City
7th + Grove presents Southern and soul food in an energetic Ybor City dining room, with fried chicken, catfish, grits, greens, and brunch plates forming the menu's backbone. Large portions and shareable starters encourage the table to compare several sides instead of committing to a single plate. Cocktails and music give dinner a lively social pace.
Al's Finger Licking Good Bar-B-Que and Soul Food · Ybor City
Al's pairs smoked meats with soul food sides from a longtime family operation in Ybor City. The current Seventh Avenue restaurant combines the barbecue and soul food menus, making it possible to mix ribs or chopped pork with greens, macaroni, beans, and yellow rice. The resulting trays naturally encourage passing bites and sides across the table.
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