We sipped cocktails as the Florida sunshine gleamed through the windows. The well designed and incredibly decorated food hall, called Armature Works, is inviting and relaxing. Armature Works restaurants in Tampa will delight and surprise its visitors; it’s oozing with options for everyone – from Japanese ramen to Cuban pork sandwiches – and drinks from cocktails to coffee.

Location

Tampa Bay has distinct neighborhoods that add to the character of this wonderful west coast city in Florida. Armature Works is located in The Heights neighborhood. The family-friendly area has a bit of a hipster vibe, and seems to somewhat focus on the the growing population that appreciates art with their urbanism. This flourishing area was the perfect home for this food hall in Tampa Bay Florida, on the Hillsborough Riverfront. There is plenty of parking in an adjacent lot with limited free street parking as well.

History

The history of the building that houses Armature Works restaurants and its spaces gives it additional character and significance. It once housed Tampa’s electric street cars during the second decade of the 20th century, which were the city’s main mode of public transportation at the time. When automobiles became more prevalent the building was sold to a phosphate company in 1960.

As the electric street cars in the 73,000 square foot building were once a vital part of connecting Tampa Bay’s neighborhoods the building is once again an integral part of bringing people together. Today, The food hall occupies 23,000 square feet of the entire building.

Today: Armature Works Tampa…

While it is, of course, a “food hall” in Tampa Bay Florida, it’s much more: it’s a space for locals and visitors to congregate, be productive and enjoy life.

The developers have pumped a lot of time, energy and money into preserving the character of the building while adding complimentary furniture and spaces. It has been serving the community as a multi-purpose destination since it’s official opening on February 1, 2018. It’s home to Armature Works restaurants in Tampa, co-working and event spaces, bars, and riverfront recreation. They even have a “Show + Tell” space to host cooking classes, pop up dinners and assorted special events.

Design of Armature Works

No expense was spared to create this thoughtful, sexy space. From leather couches, to beautiful wood tables and chairs created from mixed materials (whether stand alone pieces gathered around a coffee table or as repeated stools at the bar) the design is complete and cohesive. It honors its past while bringing the historic building into the 21st century.

Matte greens and rustic browns are accented by metallic and wood details, flanked by original brick and concrete that define the character of this unique place.

Armature Works Restaurants and Bars

The main restaurant of “Armature Works, The Heights Public Market,” is Steelbach. You can enter the restaurant from outside of the building or from inside the market. The lunch we had there was excellent! (Some photos from our delicious meal are shown below, which included a vegetarian open face beet Reuben, bacon cheeseburger, and Brussel sprouts.)

I highly recommend the cooked carrots if they’re on the menu when you visit; we couldn’t get enough of their unique well balanced flavor. They serve dinner and brunch at Steelbach as well.

I highly recommend the BAR at Armature Works, which is next to the interior entrance to Steelbach. We enjoyed the cocktails we ordered as we admired the beautiful bar. If it’s a beautiful day head to the rooftop to get a dose of the Florida sunshine at M. Bird.

The options at this food hall in Tampa Bay Florida are plentiful. Here’s a complete list of their food offerings: 

• Ichicoro Imoto: modern ramen eatery
• BAR at Armature: cocktail bar
• BnB: butcher and BBQ (their sandwiches looked amazing!)
• Grace 1910: elegantly refined American comfort food
• Ava: wood fired pizza
• Cru Cellars: wine bar and kitchen for light bites, including gourmet fries and charcuterie and cheese plates
• Astro Ice Cream Co: candy and ice cream
• Zukku Sushi: Japanese cuisine, including sushi, burritos and bowls
• Hemingway’s: Cuban cuisine
• Steelbach: southern inspired cuisine and chophouse
• A.W. Mercantile: if you’re looking for a cute card to pick up for a friend or awesome tie to complete your business attire this is your go-to location inside the market
• Union by Commune + Co: coffee and assorted caffeinated delights
• M Bird: rooftop bar (21 and over)
• Oak + Ola: EuroAmerican sit down restaurant with handcrafted cocktails and a menu including anything from pasta dishes to seafood and meat
• Soho Juice Co.: smoothies, fresh pressed juices and acai bowls
• Cress: soups, salads and bowls
• Empamamas: empanadas, tacos, chicken tenders
• Dixie Dharma: southern specialties sandwiches and sides, like mac n cheese
• Pane Rustica Due: sandwiches, pasta, baked goods

There’s also a rotating food stall so be sure to check their website for the current gourmet delight.

I cannot wait to go back there next time I’m in the area!

Please note: we thank Visit Tampa Bay for generously hosting us. All the opinions in the post are ours and we bring you genuine content with real facts, photos and thoughts. Always.

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What would be your first destination at Armature Works?