These Tampa Bay restaurants are reopening after Hurricane Milton

Looking for a hot meal? You’re not alone.

After Hurricane Milton unleashed widespread damage across Tampa Bay, many bars and restaurants are still without power. But as of Thursday afternoon, a select few spots announced they were ready to welcome back guests.

St. Petersburg’s Bandit Coffee Co. announced Thursday afternoon they would reopen at 4:30 p.m. to serve a free dinner “community cookout” and would resume operations Friday morning with another free breakfast service, starting at 10:30 a.m.

According to a social media post on the cafe’s Instagram, patrons can also bring along their own perishable food items to “share and/or cook on our plancha.”

St. Petersburg bar and music venue The Bends also said they had power and running water and would open at 5 p.m. Thursday, serving seltzers, beers and shots.

“You can come to just hang out in the ac and charge your devices. No need to buy anything,” the post read. Due to the City of St. Petersburg’s boil water advisory, the bar will not be serving cocktails or any drinks made with ice.

And over in the shadow of the heavily damaged Tropicana Field, Ferg’s Sports Bar + Grill said they had officially reopened and would serve the community until they run out of food.

“Come to charge your devices, get a warm meal, and convene with our incredibly strong community.”

In Tampa, Ybor restaurant and lounge 7th + Grove said they are providing complimentary meals Thursday from 6-10 p.m. and Friday from 12-3 p.m. for any first responders, including any “line workers, debris and landscape workers, police, fireman (and) families affected,” according to an Instagram post from the business.

The majority of Tampa Bay restaurants remained closed Thursday afternoon, but several said they planned on opening Friday.

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