Visiting University Square, or just looking to better appreciate what it has to offer? Get to know this Tampa neighborhood by browsing its most popular local businesses, from a Vietnamese restaurant to a Venezuelan spot.
Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top places to visit in University Square, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of neighborhood businesses. Read on for the results.
1. Saigon Bay Vietnamese Restaurant
Topping the list is Vietnamese spot Saigon Bay Vietnamese Restaurant, which offers sandwiches and more. Located at 2373 E. Fowler Ave., it's the highest-rated business in the neighborhood, boasting four stars out of 172 reviews on Yelp.
Courtesy of husband and wife team Lam and Hoa, this spot has been open for 24 years and offers lunch specials, discounts to USF students, vegan options and more.
The menu features crab rangoon and fried rice, spring rolls with shrimp and a beef with broccoli entree served with white rice.
2. Pastries N Chaat
Next up is bakery and Indian spot Pastries N Chaat, situated at 1811 E. Fowler Ave., Unit A With four stars out of 84 reviews on Yelp, it's proven to be a local favorite. This is the ninth location for the growing Phoenix-based eatery.
Founded in 2014, this spot specializes in Indian Street food and classic entrees like Biriyanis, according to its Yelp page. Popular menu items include pani puri, ginger goat and samosa chaat. Got a sweet tooth? Try the butterscotch or Black Forest cake.
3. Jimmy John's
Deli and fast food spot Jimmy John's, which offers sandwiches and more, is another top choice. Yelpers give the business, located at 2345 E. Fowler Ave., Fowler Plaza South, four stars out of 20 reviews.
Jimmy John's dates back to 1983 and is well known for subs filled with meats, hand-sliced veggies on fresh bread. But, according to Thrillist, the nationwide sandwich empire has been updating its menu recently, adding new items including a French bread "Frenchie" sandwich and even wine in some locations.
4. Arepa Marketplace Latin Cafe
Arepa Marketplace Latin Cafe, a Venezuelan spot, is another much-loved neighborhood go-to, with 4.5 stars out of 42 Yelp reviews. Head over to 11142 N. 30th St. to see for yourself.
The menu features arepas, empanadas, salads, sandwiches and more. Fan favorites includes the llanera arepa (with grilled steak, avocado, queso de mano and garlic sauce), beef empanada and mango fruit juice. Espresso drinks and hot chocolate are also on offer.
This story was created automatically using local business data, then reviewed and augmented by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.
