When you are looking for a spot that just gets food, really, really gets it, then you might want to consider Datz Deli. It's a place that, quite honestly, has made a name for itself in the Tampa food world, known for its rather unique take on classic comfort dishes. This isn't just any restaurant; it's a popular spot, a true landmark, for many who live in or visit South Tampa, Florida.
You see, this place is, in a way, more than just a deli; it's also a gastropub, which means you get both delicious, hearty food and a great selection of drinks. It’s a combination that, like, just works so well together. Since its doors first opened on January 28, 2009, Datz has been a rather significant player in shaping Tampa's dining landscape, really.
So, if you're curious about what makes this place tick, or perhaps what tasty things they serve up, you've come to the right spot. We're going to explore what makes Datz Deli such a talked-about place, from its interesting menu items to its rather lively atmosphere, and why it tends to be a favorite for many folks around.
Table of Contents
- Datz: A Gastropub with a Difference
- What to Eat and Drink at Datz Deli
- Datz in the Spotlight
- Frequently Asked Questions About Datz Deli
Datz: A Gastropub with a Difference
Datz, as a concept, is, you know, pretty unique in the Tampa area. It's not just a restaurant; it’s a whole experience, really. The idea of combining a deli with a gastropub, so, that means you get both casual, hearty sandwiches and more refined, creative dishes, is something they've mastered. This approach has, in a way, set them apart from many other places.
It’s, like, a popular restaurant and bar, and it has become, quite honestly, a flagship for the Datz Restaurant Group. This means it’s the main spot, the one that really started it all for them. People tend to flock here, seeking out its distinctive offerings, which are, you know, always a bit inventive.
The People Behind the Flavor
The story of Datz, really, began with its owners, Roger and Suzanne Perry. They are, in a way, the masterminds behind this whole food adventure. Since that opening day back in 2009, they have been, you know, constantly sparking invention. They are always reinventing things in Tampa’s food scene, which is pretty cool.
They have, quite frankly, taken Datz and evolved it. It's become, in some respects, the home for all sorts of culinary creativity. Their vision has, apparently, helped make Datz what it is today, a place known for pushing the boundaries of what comfort food can be, and that's rather impressive.
A Look at Their Locations
Datz is, as a matter of fact, a popular spot in South Tampa, Florida. This is where it all started, the original location. But, you know, the Datz Restaurant Group has expanded a bit beyond just that one spot. They have, in a way, spread their delicious reach.
You can find their influence in St. Pete and Riverview, too. The main Datz location, the one in South Tampa, is, as I was saying, the flagship. It’s the one that, you know, people often think of first when they hear the name. They do have different menus for different locations, so you might find a breakfast menu or a brunch menu specific to St. Pete, for instance. If you are looking to reserve a table, you can, like, use Yelp for Datz. If you don't find a time you are looking for, it means that reservation is unavailable, which, you know, tends to happen at popular places.
What to Eat and Drink at Datz Deli
When you visit Datz Deli, you're, like, in for a treat, really. Their menu is full of interesting options, many of which put a new spin on familiar favorites. They seem to enjoy taking something classic and giving it a bit of a twist, which is, honestly, what makes dining there so much fun.
They have, you know, a reputation for their hearty deli offerings and their gastropub creations. This means you can get anything from a substantial sandwich to a more elaborate, plated meal. It’s a place where, basically, there’s something for nearly everyone, no matter what you are in the mood for.
Breakfast and Brunch Creations
For those who love starting their day with something special, Datz has some rather interesting breakfast and brunch items. One that comes to mind, for example, is Laz's breakfast cuban. This dish is, in a way, a breakfast twist on their classic Cuban sandwich, which is pretty clever.
It takes those familiar, delicious flavors of a Cuban sandwich and, like, adapts them for a morning meal. This means you get that savory goodness, but in a form that just feels right for breakfast. And for those who enjoy a spirited start to their day, their "Irish breakfast" cocktail has, you know, all the right stuff to get you in the spirit of St. Patrick's Day, or really, any day you want a fun drink.
Savory Main Dishes and Comfort Food
The main menu at Datz Deli is, quite frankly, where their comfort food expertise really shines. They have a way with dishes that are, you know, hearty and satisfying. Gumbo is one of the items they've offered, which is, basically, a flavorful, warming stew, perfect for a party or just a cozy meal.
Meatballs are also something they've featured, which, you know, are always a crowd-pleaser. But perhaps one of their most famous creations is their mac n cheese. They have "mac bites," which are, like, little crispy portions of macaroni and cheese, and also the classic macaroni and cheese itself, which is, apparently, very cheesy. This dish, the cheesy todd, is, in a way, quite legendary there.
They also have some rather inventive burgers. The Amazon Warrior burger, for instance, sounds like something truly special. There's also the Super Hero burger, which, you know, just sounds like a fun, big burger. These are the kinds of items that, quite honestly, make Datz stand out, offering something a bit different from your typical restaurant fare.
Drinks That Delight
Beyond the food, Datz Deli is also, like, known for its drinks. They are, after all, a bar as well as a restaurant. One of their notable achievements in the drink department is winning "Tampa Bay's Best Margarita" in 2016. That's, you know, a pretty big deal for a margarita.
They even celebrated National Margarita Day with Uproxx, which shows how much they care about their cocktails. So, if you're looking for a really good margarita, this place is, in some respects, a very strong contender. They have, basically, all the right stuff to make a memorable drink, and that’s a good thing.
Datz in the Spotlight
Datz Deli has, quite honestly, garnered a good bit of attention over the years. When a place serves up food that's, like, truly inventive and tasty, people tend to notice. This attention has come from various places, from local publications to national television shows, which is pretty cool.
It shows that their unique approach to food and dining has, in a way, resonated with a wider audience. They've been, you know, featured in different media outlets, bringing their creative dishes and fun atmosphere to more people. This kind of recognition really helps build a restaurant's reputation, you know?
Media Mentions and Buzz
Datz has, as a matter of fact, been featured on some pretty big platforms. They were, for example, on Good Morning America, also known as GAM, with Jesse Palmer. This kind of exposure is, like, a huge deal for a restaurant, bringing their mac n cheese and mac bites to a national audience. It's, you know, a testament to how appealing their food is.
They’ve also been mentioned in publications like Creative Loafing, Food Republic, Grub Street, Hello Giggles, the Tampa Bay Times, and even Time magazine. These mentions highlight different aspects of their offerings, from their super hero burger to their overall food scene contributions. It shows that they are, basically, a place that gets people talking, which is always a good sign.
Getting Creative with Datzmojis
In a rather fun and unique move, Datz even created their own emoji keyboard. That's right, Datzmojis are here, people! It's, like, a really playful way to extend their brand beyond the restaurant itself. You can, you know, add a little Datz flair to your text messages.
They even include elements like dough, roux, and Dr. BBQ flair in these emojis. It's a pretty clever way to engage with their fans and, honestly, just a fun thing to have. It shows they don't take themselves too seriously and are always looking for new ways to connect, which is, in a way, quite charming.
Frequently Asked Questions About Datz Deli
People often have questions about popular places like Datz Deli. Here are a few things folks tend to ask, which might help you plan your visit.
Is Datz Deli good for a party or special event?
Based on their menu mentions, like gumbo for a party, it seems they are, you know, a place that can cater to larger groups or celebratory occasions. Their gastropub atmosphere and varied menu would, quite honestly, make it a good spot for a lively gathering, especially around events like Mardi Gras, which they have referenced.
What makes Datz's mac n cheese so special?
Their mac n cheese, including the mac bites and the cheesy todd, has been featured on national television, specifically Good Morning America. This suggests it's, like, a particularly well-loved and, you know, very cheesy version of the dish. It's often highlighted as a signature item, which means it's probably a must-try for many visitors.
Can I make a reservation at Datz Deli?
Yes, you can, like, reserve at Datz on Yelp. However, if you don’t find a time that you are looking for, it simply means that reservation is unavailable. This is, you know, pretty common for popular restaurants, so it's always a good idea to book ahead if you have a specific time in mind.
So, whether you are looking for a unique breakfast, a hearty lunch, or a fun dinner with creative drinks, Datz Deli has, in a way, something for you. It's a place where invention meets comfort, and where, quite honestly, the food scene in Tampa has been shaped. To learn more about Datz Deli and its delicious offerings, you can explore our site. You can also find more about their gastropub options on this page. It’s a spot that, you know, keeps people coming back for more, and that’s a pretty good sign.
