This Thursday is National Gumbo Day, which means that you can endlessly feast on the stew-like dish that originates from Louisiana without an ounce of guilt. Before you book a last minute flight to The Big Easy, rest assured that you can be transported to New Orleans without leaving the city limits as Tampa has many restaurants that serve up some delicious Cajun and Creole meals. Celebrate National Gumbo Day with the best restaurants in Tampa Bay featuring New Orleans inspired dishes listed here, including one that is offering a special!
Big Easy Bar - It's easy to say the Big Easy Bar lives up to its name with the mouthwatering dishes served at this slice of New Orleans located in the Ybor District. This is the spot to get classic Cajun food and sip on delicious homemade drinks such as the Smoked Old Fashion or Whiskey Sour. For spicy and decadent food, try the Cajun pasta, jambalaya or gumbo which is stock full of meat.
Cajun Cafe on the Bayou- Authentic, down-home styled Cajun food is served here at this Pinellas Park treasure. There's crawfish cornbread, Crawfish Etouffee, remoulade sauce, creole gumbo, andouille sausage, fried Okra, whiskey bread pudding and plenty more! The Chicken gumbo is spicy and delicious so be sure to take some home!
Crispy Cajun- This Clearwater spot offers great inexpensive food served in large portions. Delicious options include scallop Etouffee, jambalaya, Catfish Po'Boy, Catfish tacos, corn nuggets, beignets and of course gumbo which is a fine art to make, and the one here has excellent texture and seasoning!
Mitchell's Fish Market - This seafood restaurant in Westshore Plaza has an extensive dining menu. Be sure not to miss the New Orleans inspired dishes including the Shrimp and Andouille Jambalaya and the tasty "New Orleans Seafood Gumbo" that sell for $9.99 a pint.
Tampa Tap Room - This North Tampa restaurant has some highly ranked Po Boy sandwiches that are sure to satisfy Louisiana natives. Menu items that are a must try are the grilled hot Cajun wings, voodoo shrimp and gumbo with chicken and Andouille sausage. To wash down the hearty meals, there's a handful of craft beers on tap.
Tibby's New Orleans Kitchen - Be taken to New Orleans with Tibby's in Brandon with their warm ambiance. You'll find beautiful artwork and live jazz bands, but that's not all to come to this place for. The food is amazing and there's a huge variety to choose from. The seafood gumbo with dirty rice is a favorite. Save room for dessert too, you don't want to miss this bread pudding!
Whiskey Joe's - If you're looking for a restaurant with a killer view, be sure to check out Whiskey Joe's that is steps away from the water. This place has an impressive menu with a favorite item being the jambalaya. Also, the "Spicy Island Gumbo" which is full of fresh local seafood and andouille sausage, is topped with spices for a Caribbean kick!
National Gumbo Day is a great way to honor cajun and creole specialty dishes and get a little of the Big Easy feeling in Tampa Bay without leaving on an airplane. These New Orleans inspired dishes sure to please every foodie in your family!
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