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NewsCreative Loafing Tampa BayOctober 23, 2026Hillsborough County

Local food news highlights new openings, festivals, and author visits in Tampa Bay

Photo: Creative Loafing Tampa Bay

Recent local food developments in the Tampa Bay area include the upcoming opening of a pinball bar in downtown St. Petersburg, the debut of a Mexican restaurant in downtown Tampa, the annual Clearwater GreekFest, and a visit by cookbook author Steven Raichlen to WEDU PBS.

Food & DiningLocal EventsArts & Culture
Read the full story at Creative Loafing Tampa Bay

Why It Matters

Residents gain new local dining and entertainment options across St. Petersburg and Tampa, alongside information on upcoming cultural festivals and ticketed culinary events.

Key Facts

  • The Lucky Flipper, a new pinball bar, is scheduled to open in December at 915 Central Ave. in downtown St. Petersburg.
  • Guests at The Lucky Flipper can pay a flat rate of $14 for unlimited access to 16 to 18 vintage pinball machines and classic arcade games.
  • La Victoria, a coastal Mexican restaurant, opened at 105 W Tyler St. in downtown Tampa while awaiting final approval for a liquor license from the City of Tampa.
  • La Victoria is led by Gus Thieken, Erick Felipe Meza, and Terrell Manning, and offers a feature allowing patrons to rent a tequila locker.
  • The Clearwater GreekFest is operating its annual three-day cultural festival and fundraiser at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church from Friday-Sunday, Oct. 23-25.
  • Author Steven Raichlen is visiting WEDU PBS in Tampa for a barbecue and book-signing event on Friday, Oct. 23, with tickets priced at $87.21.

Who's Mentioned

OrganizationAspirations Winery“Location for the charcuterie workshop in Clearwater”PersonErick Felipe Meza“Real estate investor and leader of La Victoria”PersonSteven Raichlen“Five-time James Beard winning author visiting WEDU”PersonKyla Fields“St. Pete Rising writer reporting on The Lucky Flipper”OrganizationMachine Shop Barber Company“Former venue space for The Lucky Flipper”PersonTerrell Manning“Executive chef of La Victoria”PersonColin Wolf“Author of portions of the article”OrganizationDublin Drop“Location for the St. Pete Boos & Booze Halloween Bar Crawl”OrganizationTampa Bay Journalism Project“Publisher of the article”PersonRay Roa“Author of portions of the article”OrganizationJimbo's“Barbecue provider for the WEDU event”OrganizationWEDU“Local PBS station in Tampa hosting Steven Raichlen”OrganizationLa Victoria“New Mexican restaurant opening in downtown Tampa”OrganizationMatilde“Another coastal Mexican spot opening near La Victoria”OrganizationThe Lucky Flipper“New pinball bar opening in downtown St. Petersburg”PersonGus Thieken“Former general manager of The Pearl and leader of La Victoria”OrganizationHoly Trinity Greek Orthodox Church“Host of the Clearwater GreekFest fundraiser”OrganizationThe Pearl“Former workplace of Gus Thieken”