I've been here 4 times now for dinner and it never disappoints. Excellent craft beer selection, intimate and cool ambiance, and most importantly, delicious foods. How I love thy menu, let me count the ways: 1) Local ingredients 2) Everything made from scratch 3) Ever-evolving, which allows me to try something new and interesting each time I go 4) The whole menu fits on one page, which reduces my "ordering anxiety". Last nite our table had the Pork & Shrimp Shumai Meatballs, which had great flavor but the consistency was perhaps a little off...they seemed wet all the way through and a tad mushy. My redfish entree was huge and amazing, and my husband's Grilled Flatiron Steak was on point. Topped it all off with the Sticky Toffee Pudding dessert which was really unique...spicy and wonderful! I want to try their brunch and lunch ASAP!
Decided to try out The Refinery after many friends suggesting this restaurant. First impressions of the building, it looks like a house the has been converted into a restaurant. Nothing wrong with that, I actually thought it was pretty cool. After entering the restaurant, my friend and I decided to go sit in the outdoor patio on the 2nd floor. For Florida weather it was actually quite comfortable, enjoying the breeze. I enjoyed the idea that the menu changes often, due to using fresh local ingredients. For dinner, we started off with the ratatouille. Which was basically grilled veggies served over biscuits. The ratatouille tasted buttery. It is a simple dish, probably not worth the price. For my meal, I had the flat iron steak, with German potatoes. The steak was tender and juicy, lots of flavor. The potatoes were delicious. The server was attentive, friendly, and helpful if you wanted suggestions. She made us feel quite comfortable. Would come again and recommend this place to anyone!
(4)
Rachel M.
Finally tried The Refinery, and we were very satisfied. We sat upstairs on the outside patio. It is covered, and they have fans, but the hot and humid of our summer was still dreadful. We had our little dog with us, so we suffered and survived. We had a Sirloin Steak Sandwich on sweet Hawaiian bread with pesto and onion rings on it. It was pretty big so it was good for two people. We also tried their sweet biscuit debris. It's like funnel cake. It was served with blackberry preserves. Both were delicious. We are dying to try their dinner too sometime.
(4)
Jean K.
Weekly changing menu including gluten free and vegetarian options. If you like fish and your server tells you that today's special is mackerel which was caught that very morning by the chef, order it! It was fresh, juicy and delicious. If it's nice enough outside, ask to sit on the covered deck upstairs. The view is nothing spectacular but the soft white string lighting is romantic and al fresco dining is always nice when it's available. There is plenty of room with tables spaced fairly far apart. Great little farm to table restaurant in a converted house with delicious, locally sourced eats. Plenty of parking in back. Casual but romantic enough for date night.
(4)
Paul P.
This is an interesting place. When you go, make a trip upstairs and visit Tessa at the bar. The bar area, although amall, gives a good vibe. Lots of unique local brews available and good wine too. There is not a full bar but the assortment of beer and wine make up for it. The food was unique and tasty. I had the hanger steak and a couple appetizers. The steak was scrumprious and the appetizers were unique (pig cheek covered in gelatin) and equally as tasty. The service was exceptional. Everyone seemed genuinely happy I was there and went out of thier way to make my experience a good one. There is an outdoor patio on the second floor. It was too hot to be out there when I was there, but I can see the patio being the place to be on a cooler night. Overall cool place with great service, good food, and wine and beer. Be a hipster for a night and give this place a try.
(5)
J S.
In a converted Seminole heights home, I enjoyed the roof top patio style seating. However, no lighting up there so plan on eating in darkness. Burgers at $13.50 were good but personally I would have preferred standard ketchup and pickles. They don't "substitute" the sauces or sides. At that price you should be able to get what you want on your burger. Chicken breast at $23.50 should be incredible, but it had no sauce at all, and had no unique flavor, it was just a chicken breast that was a bit overly salted. So we were left wondering about that one. The Swiss cheese soup was quite good. The only complaint was it wasn't served with a spoon, so until we could ask staff to bring a spoon ... Overall, not bad, no real complaints except the chicken was just overpriced plain chicken. The beer was very good! I might not return. Or I might.... But it just wasn't special.
(2)
Sara S.
I love the concept of the farm to table, constantly changing menu, and dinner served in an old rehabbed house. The pictures of the food online had me drooling, and I was so excited to finally make my way to The Refinery. Maybe my expectations were too high, because I left a little disappointed. The food was not outstanding like it appeared in the pictures and how reviewers had described. My risotto was inedible unless you scooped from the sides. I removed the broccoli on top to try that first and found an inch pool of green water from the broccoli sitting on the risotto. They really need to drain the broccoli before serving it. The salad was good but overdressed. The micro portion of pork belly (see pic) was the best of the items we tried. It was seared nicely and paired with a cucumber salad. The dining experience was an unpleasant one as well, since we were expecting to be seated having called prior to arriving to confirm they could accommodate us. When we arrived promptly at 5 pm when they open, the tables were all empty in the restaurant and the hostess said they would not accommodate us downstairs, but we could dine upstairs on the patio. It was freezing and the heaters were barely effective in warming us. We consumed what we could of our meal to get out of the cold. I saw the restaurant was still pretty vacant downstairs with tons of tables open when I was leaving. That was the nail in the coffin to an already disappointing meal. We won't be back.
Walked in to a completely empty dining room on a Thursday around 6 and I'm asked if we had reservations? We say no then end up sweating to the oldies on the outside porch upstairs?? Let me tell u there's nothing better then the ladies getting all dressed up to sweat outside((FAIL)) I enjoyed their local craft brew selection when I went one time before so I decided to try the food this time. Let's just say I should have stuck to the beer! I think I read the menu a hundred times and could not find one edible item. I have no idea who this menu appeals to but it's just.... Odd. Not one dish with chicken? My friend and I ended up splitting a burger as a last resort which tasted like creepy meatloaf. In my entire life I have never ordered a burger at a restaurant and especially during ladies night. I will drink here but the food is clearly not for me.
(2)
Carey H.
Qwerky, but good. Not the best idea for a group of people. Took quite a while to be sat and we were sat outside where it was very warm. The food was good but nothing really stood out. The ManMosas were good, although the second round had an odd taste to it that I couldn't quite pinpoint. They didn't do anything special for a birthday celebration. No substitutions on meals are allowed and they also will not split a check for parties larger than 6 people. Parking was very limited and we had to park on the street behind them in front of people's houses, which I wasn't very comfortable with. I guess I had high expectations based on all the previous reviews, but they didn't quite meet those standards.
(3)
Amber D.
My food was an enormous portion. The atmosphere was amazing. My girlfriend was not impressed with her meal which had more corn than grits. She also was convinced the corn was from a can, which is a false representation of what they are selling. I loved the daddy's something, but I guess the name doesn't matter because I hear their menu changes often. I will go back, just hoping to have better service. Nothing like asking for hot sauce, not getting it and then overhearing your server specifically ask the table next to you if they need any ketchup or hot sauce. Finally when we were almost through eating my girlfriend asked for me a second time. We got it but I feel there should have been a precursor hey we only have hot sauce made from carrots. Which was in fact the most repulsive thing I have ever tasted. I wanted hot sauce, not spicy carrot juice.
(3)
Karl G.
I like the small, "living room" type feel this place has to it. Our server was very nice. According to her they change their menu weekly. Also, their fish dish changes daily. This gives me good enough reason to come back. Their water comes in mason jars, food served on chipped place, and jailhouse silverware. This gave sort of a unique feel to the dining experience.
(4)
Michelle D.
Food 1 star - for price and quality Service 5 stars - possibly the best service staff I've ever seen Atmosphere 3 stars - very cute, but loud and bad chairs. First off, the food is way over priced, second the fritters were bland and super heavy. Third the chicken was so over salted I couldn't eat it without scraping off the skin, and my veggies were not only bland, partially under cooked, and the texture was unappetizing. The burger which was so raved about, was disappointing at best. I'd give one star, but the staff are all so kind, attentive, and actually work together as a team to care for the tables, I have to give points. Side note, Yelp needs to break down ratings to subsections.
If your a foodie and within 25 miles I think you should make a point to visit. Food Great food, interesting. The "hmfic" as it says on the website obviously knows his spices and cook times and temps. Service service is attentive but doesn't really have the knack. They really try and overall it's "B" service. Layout Upstairs the Tables are goofy size Patio chairs questionably comfortable Main dining room is where it's at but you'll have to make reservations to be safe. Extras Toys and games, great look, changing menu. Hit the apps in the box on the upper left side of the menu.
(5)
Samuel D.
First time. I must say that the location is right on the corner of a busy street; so keep an eye out. Also the Refinery does have a private parking lot in the back of their place. Upon entering our party was already seated and we've been directed to the patio atop. I do like the how The Refinery turned a house into a restaurant. As far as the food. There isn't much of a selection. We had a party of 6 and were able to try out each others plates. To me nothing really stood out to me. I had ordered the Wurst with curry risotto. The wurst was good but the risotto was mooshy. The tomato bisque was pretty good. Service was decent for a non busy Monday night. This is an excellent venue to come if you want a nice chill laid back ambiance without all the noise. Good for groups to talk among-st one another.
(3)
Pranam P.
This place. It's so strange! I love it!! I have been here many times and one thing that I love is how the menu changes every week! It's amazing to see how they can keep the menu lively and have great tasting food all of the time. When you go in, ask to sit on the top if it's not a hot night out. It's a beautiful, intimate, romantic spot to sit in. It's such a relaxing spot to just chill and eat some good food with your special friends. Seriously, I have never had a bad meal here. One of my favorite dishes was a chicken dish with this orange sauce that I will never forget. As well as, a sweet potato pancake. The dishes and atmosphere are so outworldly which makes this spot so special and amazing. Though I wouldn't say bad experience, just something that I had to experience was this chile/habanero beer. It was basically pepper bubbles going down your throat and having the pepper burn for about 5 mins after each sip. But this is also one of their strange/cool options that you can choose from! Do I need to say more? Are you here yet?
(5)
Bill G.
Amazing place with outstanding service. My wife, kids, and I got there late on a Saturday night. The server was great (Lindsey, I believe). Food was excellent and the beer selection was solid. Loved the atmosphere, the food and the service!
(5)
Rob B.
A hidden gem in an unusual part of town. Delightful creativity with many homemade ingredients. We loved the lamb and peanut butter appetizer with mint pickled blueberries. The burger was rock solid. Less loved were the Frickadella meatballs, good but not special. Menu changes everyday, we will be back!
(4)
Deidre A.
Our wonderful server, Jen, told us that their menu changes a few times per *week* based on what local, fresh food is available! The ambiance is super casual, gluten free & vegan items are marked on the menu; only beer and wine is available, but those offerings are extensive & unique. I enjoyed the flank steak with green beans & fingerling potatoes; my husband had the fish of the day. Both were excellent, very fresh with unique flavors. The star of the meal was surprisingly the side of collard greens that we split-Delicious! So yummy, in fact, that my husband asked for bread to soak up the juices at the bottom of the bowl! Will definitely be back when we travel to tampa again.
(4)
Sam S.
I went to the refinery to grab a beer based on the reviews. This place is awesome. The downstairs was kinda small and when I arrived there was no one there. Turns out the upstairs outdoor patio is the place to go. I opted to sit at the bar and was greeted promptly by the two bartenders. The beer selection was very good. I started with a Delerium Tremens and then had a few Lagunitas Equinox drafts. After looking over the menu for a bit I asked one of the bartenders to order me her favorite. A few minutes later, out came a delicious steak. It was cooked perfectly and had a delicious garlicky sauce over the top. It was served with a carrot salad and some small potatoes sliced thinly. Overall and awesome meal and Lindsey the bartender was awesome. Highly recommend checking this place out if you're in the Tampa area.
(5)
Scott G.
Had lunch here today 9/3 was first time dining here after hearing good reviews from friends. Lunch was basic menu but burger had fluff and chicken skin peanut butter. Sounds crazy but was very good burger cooked perfectly and the bread was very good. Friends had the fish and chicken which they said were very good. I will definitely be back with the wife to try dinner. Menu looks very interesting but changes often so we will be in for a surprise. Service was very good super friendly but not overly aggressive. Will be back soon
(5)
Carey F.
We had brunch here for Ben F's birthday and absolutely loved it! The restaurant is very homey and casual with super friendly staff. The "manmosas" are a perfect size, making me never want a mimosa in a champagne flute again! And they're made with fresh squeezed OJ...yummy! Everyone in our party thoroughly enjoyed their food. From the bacon that is cured in-house to the cornbread french toast to the perfectly prepared eggs and baked smashed potatoes, everything was fabulous! We are planning to go back sometime to try the dinner menu...I can't wait!
(5)
Aaron K.
Food is on point! Try the special. Changes every night and we have never been disappointed. Tonight was divers scallops which were cooked perfectly and served with a tasty Brussels sprout cole slaw. Also had their burger. One of the best I've had in Tampa! They are also dog friendly which is a plus. They have hooks on outside tables and bowls of water for the pups. Great place and worth the wait!
(4)
Jason C.
After several years of waiting for my heart to heal, I returned with a visiting friend to give The Refinery a second chance. We were a bit surprised by the weekly menu, as there were a lot more vegetarian options than normal. However, we had a hard time visualizing them and decided to stick to something more carnivorous. For example, we could not conjure enough imaginative alchemy to summon an image of the vegetarian cioppino. I was told that my past experience was perhaps tainted by my vegetarian entree, so I planned to try their meat dishes. For our appetizers, we had the BLT and the Pork and Beans. The BLT ended up being a salad when both of us imagined it being more like a stacked BLT sort of like one of those stacked caprese salads. The Pork and Beans came with a huge chunk of pork belly which was perfectly cooked with a nice crispy exterior and squishy but not greasy interior. I could not discern any beans per se other than potentially in the sauce. The accompaniments with it were fine. I just had imagined something closer to a stew. For my entree, I had the Stuffed Quail. I don't eat beef, so I had some limited options on the menu, as they had already run out of the fish special. The Stuffed Quail was stuffed with chicken liver-wild rice boudin and on top of a flat biscuit with frisee, shallots, and caper vinaigrette. Although I acknowledge the difficulty of thoroughly cooking a stuffed fowl, much of the quail was quite dry. I appreciated that they had de-boned the breast, as I was a bit concerned that I would need to perform emergency quail surgery with only the mood lighting to guide me. The stuffing itself had good flavor, but I didn't find it that exciting. Oddly enough, I was most excited by the flat biscuit and assorted greens. I think the choice of a flat biscuit did make it a bit more dense and drier than I would have liked. Maybe it would have been better if it had something to soak up. The greens were however AMAZING! I loved the mix of bitterness, peppery flavors, and spice that did an exciting tango with the shallots and capers on a vessel of rich biscuity goodness in my mouth. Overall, it was an okay experience. I found it excellent in terms of service and did enjoy the concept of the menu items. And as a full disclosure moment, we were stuffed to the brim with food. I just didn't find most of it to be quite what I wanted. If I return, I think I'll stick with a small plate and happy hour sort of deal.
(3)
Norman A.
Truly original, delightfully played and astoundingly tasty food. The truffle mushroom sauce with the flank steak was still a topic of discussion the next day. The salt sear on my swordfish was so beautiful I hesitated to cut into the fish but was soft as butter with the salt adding a nice finish. Go early evening, take your time and enjoy.
(5)
Angela H.
I hate giving this place 3 stars because I heard such great things about it. I had brunch on the upstairs patio. Service was friendly but little slow which I attribute to the downstairs kitchen and understand. I had the Grit and corn casserole which had a mountain of corn in it that I couldn't really taste anything else. I can't say it was canned corn but the taste from fresh corn and this were noticeably different. The side of potatoes were ok. The bacon was amazing. Drinks were good. Pricing is reasonable. The upstairs patio deck is adorable. I would go back for dinner to see if I enjoyed something different.
(3)
Adam F.
Has always been one of my favorite spots in Tampa. The menu is always amazing, Lindsay is an awesome bartender. Definitely a top spot in Tampa.
(5)
Erin S.
HOLY ****! This place is the definition of 5 stars. It might be a little"hipster", but dont let that scare you. The folks at the refinery are very friendly and definitely not pretentious, although it seems like it would be. The Refinery absolutely nails the "farm to table" concept, as their menu changes weekly with what's fresh locally. They have several small plate items available, as well as entree options that are always available (but with different ingredients) like the hanger steak and burger. Tonight I chose a "chicken confit" small plate to start out with. Absolutely incredible. I have no words. It came with some kind of polenta cake that just melted in your mouth. For my entree I choose the hanger steak, which was beautiful atop a bed of mushrooms, zucchini, bone marrow mash potatoes, and a horseradish butter. Good lord..id go back just for those mash potatoes. The steak was rich and cooked perfectly (medium rare). Dessert was both offerings on the menu, chocolate ganache and a "shoofly" pie. The ganache was decadent with candied ginger and a raspberry sauce. The shoofly pie was made with smoked gouda, lemon creme fraiche sauce, and cobbler crumbles...it was a little too "smokey" for my liking from the gouda cheese, but it was still decent. The only thing I wasnt head over heels in love with. The Refinery doesn't have a full bar, but they have a pretty decent selection of craft beers and wines. Our server definitely fit the hipster vibe with his crazy long beard. He was cool and very helpful. I absolutely love how the food is so creative and "fancy", yet without being crazy expensive. The most expensive entree is the steak, at 22$. And to be perfectly honest, it was better than a meal I had at Bern's. I will absolutely be back and will recommend to anyone, for any occasion.
(5)
Barbara C.
Went to the refinery on Thursday night with some sorority sisters. The location was great only complaint was the parking. They need more parking space. The restaurant is centrally located in Hillsborough County which is great because some of us live in south county and some of us live in the north part of the county The refinery was a central location which was perfect for us. The menu was interesting to say the least. Some of my sorority had difficult time finding something on the menu that they wanted to eat. I started with the Taytoes as an appetizer which were the Yukon potatoes just saw and vinegar Caramel it was perfectly done it was so tasty. It had a tart and sweet taste at the same time and the potatoes were done just right. For my dinner I had the pot roast with the Vanilla black Eye peas and the red cabbage it was a perfect combination. At first I was kind of worried when I saw the combination on the menu but the combo was perfect the only thing that I needed to add was some more pepper for me I like my food seasoned well. beyond that it was perfect. I also had a glass of Flaco to go with my dinner. I will definitely be back the food was great!
(4)
Alice K.
This place was delicious. I had the wahoo special for lunch and it was well prepared and seasoned. Reasonable prices and a cool atmosphere too -- definitely a place to visit for lunch, and I'd imagine the dinner is even better!
(4)
Amanda C.
The first time I came to the Refinery was for brunch. I ordered what was corned beef hash, spinach and eggs on top of rye bread with a side of grits. The flavors blended very well together and the grits were AMAZING which is surprising because I don't even really care for grits. I also had a manmosa which is just a larger version of a mimosa that is served in a mason jar. I think it is smart to offer two different sizes of mimosas because after all, more is better! The Refinery is constantly changing up their menu to offer up the freshest ingredients and what is in season at the moment which is exciting that you can always try something new when visiting! The second time I visited the Refinery I came with a friend for a glass of wine and we shared the jalapeno beignets that were drizzled with dark chocolate. It was different tasting but very delicious! The atmosphere at The Refinery is my favorite thing about visiting. Both time I have requested the rooftop seating. It really makes you feel as though you are in another city and not in Seminole Heights at all. Especially at night with the lights it can be rather magical!
(4)
Sherman M.
Absolutely loved this place! Great atmosphere, incredible staff, and amazing food. I had the burger and I ended up licking my fingers. Be sure to try the kale started its incredible. Don't expect and honey mustard sauce or hunts ketchup everything is made in house.
(5)
Amber H.
The food was simply phenomenal. They are constantly changing their menu, but the biscuits and gravy I had, topped with poached eggs, grits, and collard greens was probably the best meal I've had in a long time.
(4)
Kristine A.
I do not give 5 stars very often but this was by far the best restaurant I have dined at in Tampa. For an app, the meatballs were perfectly cooked and sat pretty in a delicious sauce. The curry wurst and the hanger steak were part of the party this night. The cous cous patty that came with the hanger steak was ridiculous. SO GOOD. The curry wurst was the true showstopper. Sausage that crumbled when you cut into it with a nice sear. I was nervous about the peach curry risotto but those flavors killed! All of the plates were wiped clean. Atmosphere - I like the smaller dining, house feel which The Refinery is. Even with no door to the kitchen, it's mostly quiet and you are able to have a conversation without yelling. 2 thumbs up in my book.
Chalk another one up for the trend of "Farm To Table" restaurants... except this one is worth while Located in a charming building; has the feel of the homes located in Historic Hyde Park. And the inside is no different... wood floors and great mill work (floor, ceiling and window moldings), open kitchen, good use of curtains as dividers between tables along the wall (gives the feel of privacy and not sitting right on top of other tables), chalk board walls for beer menu (with shelves showing off wine selection), great fixtures.... But lets jump to what really counts.... FOOD I could post a copy of the menu but that would be "useless" since The Refinery truly is "AS FRESH AS IT CAN BE". The menu is created weekly and is based on what is LOCALLY AVAILABLE.... they prefer produce that was grown in Florida... they prefer vendors that obtain meats and other proteins ethnically... they prefer higher quality provisions... and all of this is done to create the freshest and most delicious meal as possible. Quoted from their website "serve elevated food at prices that don't break the bank". I will attest, we had a delicious meal and they certainly met their goal because the menu was fairly priced.... far from the price gouging I'm used to seeing in Miami. We shared two entrees.... ENTREE No.1 Hanger Steak with cauliflower cream served with easter egg radish barigoule (whatever that is?!?!?) and ENTREE No.2 Lamb Shoulder Chop with lemony brown butter marmalade served with mint cous cous.... BOTH WERE PRESENTED AND TASTED AS GOOD AS THEY SOUND Can't take a chance and be hungry in the hotel later... DESSERT Went with their version of a Swiss Cake Roll... inside had vietnamese coffee cream cheese with a drizzle of hot caramel.... plus a few pieces of candied popcorn.... Unfortunately, it looked better than it tasted.... actually the candied popcorn was AMAZING and if I could've had a serving of just the popcorn alone, I would. One additional thing that really impressed me here.... the STAFF Beyond friendly... and not that fake friendly you find in South Florida all too often. The vibe coming from the staff is "hipster" but the eclectic mix of patrons was impressive (older ladies celebrating something, group of college kids, family beside us with their kids, and what appeared to be a middle aged couple on a first date (they just looked miserable).... some dressed to impress and some quite casual... it's truly a come as you are kinda place...
Always a party for the senses. Interesting combinations that make for a unique dining experience. Roof top bar is a great place to enjoy some beers and relax. Only thing that's bad is having something you absolutely loved and not being able to get it again due to the weekly menu changes, though I do love that as well.
(5)
Lexi M.
This place is great. Although a picture menu would have been nice other then that everything was delicious
(5)
Tim J.
After having been here several times, I think that I'd put it at a solid four stars. Not everything I've had has been spectacular, but overall it's consistently good. Like most, I love that they change the menu weekly, and part of the excitement is trying something you might not, as it will be gone next week. Also gotta like the upstairs patio which has an eclectic crowd to match the menu. It ranges from the hipster crowd, to date night, to business casual type folks enjoying dinner. The service has been really spotty, I've had great service a few times, but the norm seems pretty average or worse, with one experience I waited over thirty minutes between my soup and entree without even a check back to let me know it would be so long, let alone to order another drink. Although the menu changed, it seems to commonly have a pork belly appetizer and quail, which have been good in all their variations I have tried. The steak and burger are always there, just their preparation changes and is intriguing and fun. Wasn't impressed by the brunch compared to what else I've had around Tampa.
(4)
Lou M.
This won't be popular, but I found the menu frumpy, too weird and pricey. The atmosphere is bohemian frat house with wooden school chairs to sit in. I like Seminole Heights and the gentrification happening there, but I would skip this over rated restaurant.
(2)
Adrienne V.
Changing menu reflecting local availability and flavors in unexpected combinations. Outdoor seating, great selection of beers.
(5)
Tricia T.
Fellow yelpers didn't lie! Food: amazing and delicious. Interesting combinations and fresh ingredients made for an unforgettable dining experience. Menu changes every week. Ambience: very eclectic. We made reservations, but ended up going in about two hours early and had no issues getting seated. It was a beautiful night and we sat on the patio. Very romantic for our date night without kids, but there were families there so everyone can enjoy! Service: friendly, genuine and down to earth servers. We will definitely be returning!!
(5)
Jim S.
I have been wanting to try their lunch menu and I happened to be in Tampa today. I rushed over and got there just before 2:00 (their cut off). The server was happy to seat me. I decided on their special....bacon fat seared Mahi with country ham and Manchego potato croquettes, and a tomato/ bourbon sauce. These were huge croquettes, maybe one for lunch. The price I thought was a little high for lunch, $17.00, but it was very good. I asked the server if I could have some extra sauce and she gladly got me more. Maybe with one croquette , the price would drop a little for lunch, I ate it all though. The server was very good and knowledgeable. Yes, the menu is pretty limited, , but you also have to look at the number of tables. I really enjoyed the first time at lunch and will definitely do it again.
(4)
Parita K.
At the end of our meal, my husband and I agreed that this was one of the most creative meals we've ever eaten. At first glance, the menu seemed full of contradictory dishes full of ingredients and flavors that wouldn't mesh well together. Well, I was proven wrong! The food was incredible. My husband's burger was particularly standout, as was the chocolate checkerboard pie. We also enjoyed the beer selection and overall ambiance. It was rustic and very welcoming. And the service was top notch. Our waitress was knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful. We will be back!
(5)
BK S.
Great food Great service Great environment We are from Portland, OR and it felt like home!
(5)
Allison N.
Woohoo! I finally went to The Refinery! After reading so many reviews about this place, I figured I'd give it a shot. I usually stick to my South Tampa restaurants, but decided to branch out for an anniversary dinner. I made a reservation online and we came into the restaurant right as happy hour was ending -- so we got a $5 small plate of chicken liver and my boyfriend got a glass of wine. Since it was an anniversary dinner, we splurged a little. To start, we had the pork belly (very small, but super flavorful and the meat was so tender it cut very easily), the carpaccio (also really good, the meat was thinly sliced and came with a delicious pairing of sauces) and chicken liver (weird texture, probably wouldn't get it again). The appetizers were all pretty good, but the pork belly took the cake. It was easily the best of the bunch, with flavor and satisfaction in every bite. Next, we both had burgers. Now, I am a huge burger lover. Like, I could probably have one for every meal. Not kidding. Hearing about how awesome their burger was is in fact what drew me to The Refinery in the first place. The burger came with bacon, onions, pickles, Swiss cheese and mustard. Sometimes bacon can really overpower a burger, but here that just wasn't the case. The meat was seasoned enough to where all the flavors of the ingredients just formed this beautiful symphony of tastes that just worked. The bacon was really incredible, though and definitely some of the better tasting bacon I've had on a burger. The fries were pretty good too. They remind me a lot of a place I used to frequent in Nashville (foodie paradise) and the ketchup is house made, which is a nice touch. The service was impeccable here. Our waitress was really friendly and efficient. The atmosphere of this place is very unusual when compared with the other restaurants in Tampa. It's a pretty small restaurant downstairs, but there's also an upstairs and a patio so there's still ample seating. The size of the restaurant is great for having a good conversation, something that doesn't tend to happen that often at larger places that get jam packed full of people. The Refinery is truly an innovator in food here in Tampa, which I think makes people think of it so highly. With a menu that changes so frequently (every week), you're bound to keep coming back to try what new items the chefs are serving up. I am definitely going to frequent this place more often, and I'm so pleased that I finally have seen what all the hype is about. 5 well-deserved stars.
(5)
Lita L.
Went there for the first time and was not impressed. I ordered the hangar steak sandwich with fries for $10.75. The steak itself seemed under seasoned although there was sauce, but it was mild mannered. The steak was in small pieces, so some either fell out of the bread when taking a bite, or the piece you were biting on ended up being a whole piece. I ordered the fries because they were made fresh, not frozen, but were cooked to dark brown, were not crispy, and tasted very greasy. Probably won't come back, as I found the menu uninspiring and thought I ordered the best thing. One of my friends ordered the burger and fries, which she said was good, but for $13.25? My other friend ordered the zeppoles for dessert and we're so bad, she sent them back. What I did enjoy was the ambience, our server, and the company of good friends.
(2)
Chris I.
The Refinery is a difficult restaurant to review, for the reason that I have been there several times, and never once have I had the same thing twice - in fact I never even had the opportunity. For those not familiar with the Refinery concept, the menu changes on a weekly basis based on whatever ingredients are freshest and available, and pending the chef's creative desires - this insures every visit will be a unique experience. Developing a solid menu is no easy task, considering that, it is a feat that the refinery nearly re-invents itself on a weekly basis - with astonishing success. Starters, small plates, mains, sides and dessert - every week new creations. Now there are some commonalities in the menu week to week, the "Craig's List" section nearly always features a burger, hanger steak, and a poultry dish, but the flavors always vary. I have been to several of my favorite restaurants enough times that at this point I only go if the specials interest me, at the Refinery I never have this problem. The restaurant itself is built inside a classic Seminole Heights house. The mood is casual and inviting; the staff is very friendly and knowledgeable - which is good as you are likely to have questions on the menu. In addition to the food, there is a rotating beer selection that is top notch. A great place to casually kick back after a long week, drink a good beer, and enjoy some great food. If you haven't visited yet, you should.
(5)
Caitlin O.
Definitely on a different level than ordinary offerings. The flavor profiles and unique pairings of ingredients are creative and beautifully executed. Casual setting. Big flavor. Craftsmanship. I had the tomato bisque soup, which came with two nice cheese toasts and the frikadellar small plate. I really liked the watermelon pickled radishes with the dish, brought a brightness and acidity to a rich offering. Loved it.
(5)
Boon C.
Food is ok. Selection of menu is very little. Fine restaurant at dinner serve with paper napkin for the price we paid is not upscale. Server is friendly. The price do not include dinner roll or bread. No much salad selection. Very limited. There should be a lot to offer if they charging a lot of money. Not good with family but good for couple. I am disappointed for price paid and there is no table cloth service. We were surprised that there is no espresso available after meal. I was more surprise when the waiter refer us to the near by coffee shop if we need the espresso. The rule of restaurant usually don't refer the customer to other food franchise or location.
(3)
Anousha H.
The menu changes every Thursday people!! And the menu is filled with exciting, new & innovative experiences. The don't substitute anything, although you can ask to leave something out or leave it on the side, so if you are a picky eater well.. That is rare in Tampa Bay & I couldn't be happier to have found this place. I would personally give the Refinery a 5 star review, however my date's meal experience was not a full five & I shall explain in a bit. The first floor is for reservations mostly, although you can walk in & if they have availability they can sit you down on the first floor too. Upstairs bar had a waiting list (which I really want to sit up there next) so we sat downstairs. I could see the kitchen which has an open floor plan from where I was sitting & I enjoyed the guys work around their yum creations. We had already had drinks & appetizers with friends somewhere else so we went straight for the kill & ordered our main dishes. We went with the burger & steak. I absolutely loved my burger, the flavors were yum together & exciting to bite into until the last bite. The steak however came with an anchovy sauce which my date dislikes very strongly so they placed on the side but I think the steak wasn't seasoned as well on its own since it was suppose to come with the anchovy sauce as it was in the menu so it left the meat with bland flavors. For dessert we got the chocolate pot de creame & it was fabulous. Chocolaty & fluffy & the crunchy aspect of macaroons & nuts was perfect with it. The green chile gel sauce on the plate brought out nice earthy tones in the chocolate. I was very impressed. I will definitely be back to try more & more of yum stuff to come!!
(5)
Steven P.
Well that lunch was just amazing. Stopped hear on a house-hunting search (moving here from Chicago) and I think this place just sold us on living in this neighborhood. Amazing locally sourced food and wonderfully pleasant and attentive service. Can't wait to be a regular here soon.
(5)
Melissa M.
Four years later, I have been to the Refinery many times and I have yet to understand why these people have a James Beard award. The food is consistently inconsistent. I've had clients and foodie family request to dine at the Refinery. All of whom left incredibly disappointed and floored by the rudeness of the owners. I will not dine at the Refinery again. Original Review 11/28/10 Totally disappointed! After all of the great things I've heard, my boyfriend and I brought my foodie cousin who was in town visiting from San Francisco there for dinner. All three of us were not only disappointed with the food, but the smug and snarky attitude of the servers. Our requests for certain items on the side (due to health issues which we did not feel compelled to explain) were mocked not only by the server taking the order but also by the server delivering the order. My roasted chicken was overcooked and painfully dry. The spaghetti squash as undercooked and the burger was served virtually tartar versus the medium rare requested. The highlight of the evening was their take on Poutine and the beer selection (which you can get at the Independent without the sub-par food and bad attitude).
(1)
Ryan Z.
Had Breakfast/Brunch here. The food is fucking great. It makes me want to stand on top of a mountain and scream how great the god damn food is but alas, Florida has no mountains. Wish more places like this would open in St. Pete
(5)
Josiah G.
This was a very enjoyable experience and The Refinery is another piece of proof that Seminole Heights is killing it in the food scene. I came for brunch and I hate to say that it took me this long to come. The small, quaint dining room is eclectic and welcoming. I'm a mason jar fan and there were no shortage of them here. I love the relatively small menu that is based on what they can get from local farms that week. For this visit I went with the special which was a country fried pork chop with 2 sunny side up eggs on top. This was simply awesome. The thick pork chop was juicy and the coating was super crispy. Between that, the perfectly cooked eggs and those smashed potatoes, I was in my happy place. I am really looking forward to becoming a regular and ordering from the ever-evolving menu.
(5)
Elizabeth H.
What a great date night spot. We sat outside on the deck, and although it was about 85 degrees, the fans kept us comfortable. Our server who was also a bartender was very knowledgeable and quick to recommend drinks to our taste. We started with the pork belly, which on a menu that changes weekly seems to be a constant, and for good reason. It was delicious. I had the catch of the day (thyme encrusted wahoo) and it was incredible. Perfectly cooked over a bed of amazing rice and just to top it off, some fried strings of sweet potato. It really couldn't have been better. Adam had the burger, another perfectly executed dish. We left full, and totally satisfied. From the drinks, to the food, to the staff, everything at the refinery was exemplary. We will certainly be back.
(5)
david k.
in Tampa for a few days and my friends who were hosting me were dying to try out this place. They made reservations and brought me there. Let me say that the food was nothing to review about, which is why I won't even touch on it. The waitress was very snippy and unprofessional. When asked for additional items, there was always a defensive tone. I even asked if I could take one of their PAPER menus home as a souvenir because I really liked the design and decor, but she said that they need to save as much of the paper menus as possible. Mind you, I was pretty buzzed and I'm fairly easy to please when I am. I wish I had saved my receipt so I can call in and let management know who it was. I felt so bad my friends had a bad experience, I covered the tab. I'll say one thing about their food... for dessert we had the beignets. I really thought that I was eating munchkins with powdered sugar on it. Things always taste better when I'm buzzed, but not in this case. Even in the nooks of northern NJ, I could've had the same dining experience for half the price and with much better service. Sorry, but you can skip the Refinery.
(1)
Steve C.
We started our dinner with dessert, as often is my preference. Bread pudding with a rum, raisin beurre blanc sauce. OMG- melt in your mouth delicious. I had the pan seared Cobia as an entree. I'm not a fan of Cobia but fig'd if anyone could change my impression of this wretched fish it would be Chef Greg. And I was right. It was cooked perfectly to the point where the fish was super moist flaky and had a nice panseared crust. If you're looking for an abbreviated menu of farm to table fresh prepared food done perfectly this is your place.
(5)
Matthew C.
Five stars! We had the creamed tomato kale, borscht, squash "scallops", cobia special, and chocolate blueberry tart. All were fantastic, fresh, plated well, and composed of unique ingredients. The wait staff was laid back, knowledgable, and sincere. The prices are right for the portion size and quality of food. We loved the broad selection of vegetarian options, which can be hard to come by with gastropub type restaurants. Highly recommended!
(5)
Karen P.
I was very excited to check this place out. I live in Colorado but am from Tampa, and heard this was a fun spot. I loved the building and atmosphere. We had a large group of chatty girls and they were very accommodating to us. We decided to order a bunch of different small plates. I loved the gnocchi, liked the broccoli and hated the catfish fritter from the small plates. We also ordered both desserts to split - "chips and salsa". and the olive oil cake. I loved the orange glaze on the cake, and thought the chips and salsa were interesting but didn't have to go back for a second bite. Overall, it was a fun night but the food didn't totally wow me.
(4)
Leslie S.
Gambling with your meal is what I feel about this restaurant. Most food is prepared good, and tasted pretty good. I don't agree with some of the review below. I think it just tasted acceptable, but not amazing or good really. It is also pretty expensive for what you get. Alcohol selection is also just OK. Nothing special. Go here if you want to gamble what you will eat or just do not have preference, but come in with deep pocket.
(3)
Loreal D.
I have a lot of respect for this restaurant. The use of local ingredients and innovative use of those ingredients are to be commended. I really like the fact that they change their menu for what is available for the time. Though, I think some of their dishes are hit and miss. I went there for the first time recently and ordered a squash cheesecake for dinner with a pork sausage. While I appreciate the take on the dish, I didn't find it something I would order/have on a dinner menu. I probably would have put it on the dessert side. Also, my friend ordered a fried chicken dish with some greens, and it wasn't what we considered as a "southern comfort" food. The greens were way to sweet, almost candied. Granted the rest of the dish was pretty good. To sum this review up I like the restaurant a lot and think there a lot of good and no so good qualities about it. The ambiance is rustic and they have a really great beer menu. Though, I would be weary of some of the more innovative dishes. I feel like I need to try the restaurant again in order to give a better review.
(4)
Augusto R.
Maybe I got a weak week... The grilled beef tongue was interesting but needs a finishing touch, the fish of the day was a pan seared mullet with a citrus beurre blanc and was very very good! The burger and the Hanger steak were great. The scalloped squash was good too but NOT great. The pate is more a terrine and comes with radish chunks that were ok... Since the menu changes every week, I will have to be back!!!
(3)
Hilary W.
Had a great time at the refinery tonight! Stephanie was super friendly and knowledgable. She gave us great recommendations! The atmosphere is very cute and homey. The food was wonderful ... We had a cucumber dish and cinnamon quail. The jackalope completed our experience ;)
Smelled very good upon entering. They did have a guest chef the night that we got in. I ended up getting The Burger and it was phenomenal! The service, however, was very slow tonight though. Great environment.
(4)
David D.
Fantastic service and food. Lindsey and Jen at the bar were helpful with my beer and food choice, and were a ton of fun! Give these girls a raise!!! Hangar steak....unbelievable. The pave was damn good. Highly recommend, great restaurant. Thanks ladies!!!
(5)
Tara A.
We have eaten here numerous times and always found it to be excellent. We hadn't been in a bit (we live about an hour away), I was a bit skeptical to revisit as some of the recent reviews have been iffy. I know that they have opened a new restaurant and I can't imagine what it must take to run one restaurant let alone two, but we personally have always loved everything about our visits and decided to trust in our own experiences as opposed to reviews. Last night we took another couple who had never been before; promising them a real treat, as usual no one was disappointed. The staff was super friendly, knowledgable and attentive, just as they have always been. The menu was very descriptive; a few times I had to ask our server, Stephanie, what an item or ingredient was, she always explained and gave an example that I may be able to compare it to which is super helpful! We ordered four of the available six small plates and they were amazing. Our meals were so imaginative and perfectly executed from seasoning to sauces. I seriously can not say enough good things about the food. All and all, we had a fantastic experience (again), have converted two 'newbies' into die hard fans, and have hushed all the critics (in our own minds at least) that having two restaurants will make one or both suffer. They haven't lost a step and we will continue to eat, rave, introduce and convert for as long as they will have us!
(5)
A K.
One of the best restaurants in Tampa! Their cheap date nights on Fridays are fantastic because you can get a bottle of wine for $15 and the small plates are great! Another great time to go is for brunch. The menu is great and they have $3 mimosas. All meals are made with fresh ingredients and you can tell!
(5)
Donald H.
Great food...slow service...!
(4)
Snoop M.
If you are gluten-free, vegan, or really into locally sourced food, you might like The Refinery. If you just want your stuff to taste good, go to Ella's or one of the other Seminole Heights eateries that offer both style and substance. I appreciate all this innovation. I just don't get The Refinery. The waitstaff recommended the "BLT," which, unfortunately, at $8 turned out to be a pile of limp greens smeared with mayonnaise and topped by a few croutons and bacon bits. My dining companion, who was starving and typically an adventurous eater, could find nothing of interest on The Refinery's ever-changing menu, which seems to feature a lot of dandelion greens. He ended up picking dejectedly at my dubiously-named BLT and shivering (broken heater on the upstairs porch) while I chugged my beer so we could GTFO. On the positive side, the ambience is quirky and the people-watching is fair enough. Someone has written "NICE MARMOT" on the bathroom wall with chalk, so +1 star for the Lebowski reference.
(1)
Dominick T.
Wow, I love two things, food made with care, and food that grows here. I can't add more to a great review. This is a fantastic place! There is always a culinary challenge, a new taste, or a new texture. Its hip without pretension. Its homey without being dull. It is a great place to have a great meal, and I can't rate it a six!
(5)
Sean F.
Probably my favorite restaurant in Tampa with a good atmosphere, good friendly servers, and even better food. The menu is small but it changes every week. Refinery staff use local foods and whatever is in season. You can taste the love in the food. I go about once a week just to get the burger. I would recommend this place to anyone.
(5)
Brian W.
We had Saturday brunch. French toast using Cuban bread was outstanding. Grits were absolutely some of the best I've ever had. My husband had sausage gravy over biscuits. He loved it even though he is not a big fan of sausage gravy. It was well worth the trip. They have creative food pairings which keep your palette engaged.
(5)
Cameron G.
I didn't go to the restaurant part, but the bar upstairs was very nice. I had a craft beer and the buffalo cauliflower. Both were tasty. The buffalo cauliflower came with a small blue cheese salad, which was a great addition. I was a little sad that they didn't have Florida Avenue Brewing, but the other beers were great.
(4)
Stacy G.
Wonderful food. Who would have thought that beef, brussel sprouts and popcorn butter would have made a fantastic dish. So much fun. Pork chop so good. Honey had the hanger steak and nothing left on his plate. Ordered two desserts - one great other boring. The coffee was good but by the time I put the cream in - it was luke warm - hate that. Don't miss this place food is a lot fun.
(4)
Sara R.
The food is amazing! This is a great local business that supports other local businesses. The beer selection is good too.
(5)
Steve E.
The Refinery is a spectacular farm-to-table dining experience in Seminole Heights, and I am embarrassed to admit that I had not been there sooner. A business associate and I made reservations for a mid-week dinner this past week, and we spent some time previewing the online menu before our visit. We knew that The Refinery changes their menu each week in accordance with whatever is fresh and available to the chef. As a result, my foodie friend Brian and I had a few choices in our back pocket and we were eager to give this place a try. The Refinery sits along N. Florida Avenue a few blocks south of Hillsborough Avenue and across the street from Mauricio Faedo's Bakery. The Refinery looks like a typical Seminole Heights home with a downstairs kitchen and dining room, and upstairs full-service beer and wine bar and outdoor rooftop deck seating. We chose to sit downstairs, but next time I'd like to sit out on the balcony. Given the eclectic and cozy nature of the restaurant, the menu is actually printed as your placemat on a wooden table. They make no apologies for chipped plates, mismatched silverware, and drinking from Mason jars, and go on to explain that they prefer to put the focus on the food and keep the prices reasonable. A meal here feels like a quirky dinner party in someone's home, and not a highfalutin white tablecloth / stuffy maître d' experience. Chef Baker talks about setting the bar high when it comes to what they put on the plate. If it wasn't grown in Florida or produced using ethically sound methods, you probably won't find it at The Refinery. They make sure each ingredient is of the highest quality and comes from folks who take great pride and care of their processes, employees, and earthly footprint. That mission statement is the essence of The Refinery. Brian and I each had a glass of wine - his was the Estampa Chardonnay and mine was the Argentinian La Yunta Torrontes (excellent red wine!). We followed that with The Refinery's house salad made with very fresh mixed greens, braised radish, sliced strawberries, Cuban croutons, and a lime / shallot / tarragon vinaigrette. For the main courses he ordered the Massaman lamb curry, and I had the roasted chicken which turned out to be half of a seasoned and roasted chicken served with a side of diced ham, collard greens, black eyed peas sitting atop halves of a buttermilk biscuit, and then covered with caramelized sweet onion jam and chipotle sawmill gravy. The meal was absolutely spectacular, and very much lived up to our expectations. Total bill was well under $100 for the two of us. The Refinery is open 7 days a week for dinner starting at 5pm, and on Sundays they are also open from 11am - 2:30pm for brunch. Add this place to your "must try" list for Tampa!
(5)
Bob R.
Great brunch all around. Dinner menu is changed frequently and some items are a miss but the burger is always great so is anything w pork belly. Good craft beer selection
(5)
Joshua T.
Holy mother of god. I listened to a 30 minute conversation on the falling of Kayne. So the atmosphere is pretty cool. I had the fish special which was amazing. A rich, flaky white fish. Paired with mint and cucumber. It was flavored with a delicate cocktail aioli. All atop delicate and flavorful rice. I had a few Belgium beers that were good. One sour and one peppery. Good quality, average price. Dessert was a wonderful Jalapeño fried fluffy dough. With sugared orange peel and chocolate ganache. Spicy and sweet. Was wonderful. The service was great and quick. Patio was nice with warmers for December night. Go and try it out.
(5)
Henry K.
My wife and I went there last night for a late Valentines Day dinner. We opted to go here because we had heard good things and like to support the local guys. Overall I would say the recent reviews on here reflect accurately. Some loved it and some not so much. It does seem that it would be consistently hit or miss. I'd give them high marks for concept and effort but low marks for execution and quality. The menu is so varied, etc. that they're just not sure what they want to be. They had sheepshead as the fresh fish, which I thought was fantastic (being a native Floridian). The use of fresh local ingredients was great but enough with the kumquats already. :-) they used them in two of our 3 dishes. Kumquats are one of those love em or hate em foods. I love them but both times they were the odd man out. Seems like they just try too hard to be original and it comes off flat. Management and staff were very friendly and professional. Ultimately they must stand on the food alone and there was just not much there.
(2)
Lila L.
Very cool atmosphere. Very creative menu. Maybe a bit too creative on the night my husband and I went. I had an interesting beet salad he had carrot soup. That we had the he enjoyed the local beer we had the broccoli risottoand the broccoli was undercooked.
(4)
Shashank M.
What?!? How is this a thing???? No seasoning, no love, cold rice, over cooked panna cotta with a dog treat on top. Why are we letting this still be allowed. Fellow Tampanians, I want us all to stand up and say no! No more bs! If your going to make food give it flavor, love and surprise people. Having a predominantly vegetarian menu is very hard, seen very few restaurants pull it off well but that's no excuse. Salt, spice, seasoning. I mean my grilled eggplant appetizer tasted like it was doused in gasoline then tenderly dressed up to look the part. I'm sorry but rooster and the till got my hopes up. Now I want to see what ppl can cook on this city. Come on!! On the flip side, service was actually great, decor is hipster and the balcony seating would be a lot better with some pillows I think. Just sayin. Only reason I'm harsh on this place is because I see the potential and I want this place to be better. guy next to me playing guitar, great. String lights and craft brews, perfect. Why can't the food be better
(3)
Karyn L.
I don't know if I really understand what the fuss is all about. I get that it's cool to be able to walk to dinner if u happen to live in Seminole Heights. Otherwise, if you have to drive to get there I'm not sure it's worth it. The good: cute little house with minimal tables inside and a nice rooftop bar. The so-so: the waiter raved about the burger: ground in house fresh daily and served with a blackbean sauce. Sounded amazing. However, I've had much better burgers at El Cap in st Pete, and those were half the price. The bad: the open kitchen concept needs waaaaaaay better ventilation. The four of us reeked of grease and smoke from the kitchen after a two hour dinner. Not good.
(3)
Carolyn C.
The food was spectacular- in particular, the burger was "life-changing". I've had burgers with peanut butter before, but this one was something special. The dessert- a "S'moreo", was ok- the cookie was so crisp that it was hard to eat and the filling was too light and airy to match up to the dense-ness of the cookie. All in all, a fabulous place with great service that I hope to go to again!
(4)
Kathy D.
I know, I know it has been open forever and I just visited them. I was surprised by the downstairs dining room, it was quaint and romantic. I went upstairs, but stayed inside since it was so ---- hot. It like many Seminole Heights restaurants and bars have a very limited wine menu, but if you are a beer drinker they all have you covered. There were maybe 10 red and white wines total to choose from and you got a whole dollar off a glass during their happy hour from 5PM to 7PM. The menu assimilated to about 4 appetizers, 1 soup, 4 entrees, a burger, and 2 desserts. I have heard great things about this place and was anxious to try their food. I found myself torn between the pork belly ( who doesn't love pork belly or bacon) and the burger. The burger was intriguing, it had egg salad, pickled radishes and onions. Hmmm the burger won my final vote, as I had never had anything with these toppings. I asked for the burger medium, it came out well with no seasoning or real flavor on a bakery bun, the bun was okay, but nothing special. I was really surprised at the lack of seasoning on the burger. I tasted all of the components separately at first. The egg salad was meager and nothing special. The very thinly sliced pickeled radishes and onions had a good flavor. I put them all together and you couldn't really taste the egg salad and the pickled vegetables took over the flavor profile. The burger was pedestrian at best and I was quite disappointed. There were a lot of French fries on the plate, too bad they were totally soggy, limp and greasy. WTF they even screwed up fries! The homemsde Ketchup was basic and certinlly nothing to write home about. I am so disappointed in the Refinery. Was it my fault for ordering something so simple? Iove the fact they are an independent and use seasonal ingredients. I am sorry when you mess up a gourmet or plain burger and fries and you are not busy, you have some major in house problems that need to be corrected. The staff was all very pleasant and knowledgeable. The food was no way to represent a fine dining restaurant or a burger joint. I have had much better tasting burgers and properly cooked fries in dive bars, not a restaurant that has been getting 5* reviews Seriously I believe the fries were left over from the day before and refried, that is how bad they were. Shame on you Refinery, there is way too much competition in the restaurant world to rest on your reviews from previous years. I really wanted this to be a good meal....maybe someday, not yesterday. What's a girl to do? Expect what you order to be delicious, prepared to order and not using substandard products, regardless of the price point, it all reflects back on the restaurant. PS: no small plates.......
(2)
Darelys M.
The menu is great always changing but still delicious. Served a good amount of food. Cinnamon roll french toast is a must try it's definitely enough for 2 people to share. The rooftop area is really pretty and great service.
(4)
Bridget G.
We drove from Florida's east coast to overnight in Tampa and try out The Refinery. We were not disappointed. Every plate was a symphony of flavor... meaning that the center ingredient was even more spectacular with the harmonious sides of vegetables, sauces, and garnishes. Loved the blue cheese croute with the seared watermelon (and perfectly shaved jalapeno.) The lemon-sumac fritters on the chickpea stew were perfectly scented. My husband raved over his appetizer of sweetbreads and hanger steak entree. The greeting upon arrival to the service and the chef's visit to our table, each note demonstrates the commitment to a top notch customer experience.
(5)
Bob B.
The Refinery encompasses what is great about Seminole Heights. It is eclectic, unique, and not run-of-the-mill. The menu changes weekly based on what is fresh but there are always a couple desserts and there always a couple types of burgers. Chef Greg Baker is putting out some flavor combos that I would never think to do and that sort of pushing the limits thinking is refreshing especially because it's done right. The prices are good and the service is as well. The rooftop area is great on a beautiful Tampa night, no reservations. So hopefully you can snag a table. The beer list is really good and well thought out. Much more in tune with the craft beer folk than most places, think Harpoon Leviathan. I need to try their brunch. When I do it's update time!
(4)
Courtney A.
My sister and I ended up here on a whim when we were at the YesterDaze consignment shop across the way, and saw the happy hour sign. What a hidden gem! So apparently if you want to eat downstairs, you need reservations. Cool, good to know for next time. However, the bar upstairs is first come first serve and they still serve food. Also, it's outside and the weather was perfect, so we were hoping to snag a seat up there anyway. Party time, excellent! The atmosphere and ambience is chill and laid back. We had a few beers and tried the dessert. Prefer the kumquat cheesecake over the 'biscuit and gravy'. The menu looked amazing and reasonably priced, but we passed on ordering food only because we had already ate dinner. Will definitely be back!
(4)
Jason W.
one of my favorite restaurants in tampa local sourced food, always have a fish dish wish they were open for lunch, late night and had a better bar area upstairs consistently great, fresh, food great owners
(5)
Andrea L.
One of the most eclectic menus in the bay! Delicious,unique food - I had an interesting polenta and salmon meal. It's a small, quant restaurant with an alternative vibe. I will definitely go back again...
(5)
M C.
** based on food alone The stewed tomatoes and tomatoe dishes are absolutely fantastic for tomatoe lovers. The pork shoulder was cooked to perfection and the salad accompaniment was a great addition with the olive oil. A must in the Tampa area
(5)
Cathy B.
Love that the menu changes weekly and they pride themselves on local fresh farms. Nice improvements the past year on the roof top deck with coverings and shade. Brunch is consistent, careful not to substitute items...they frown on that. The manmosa is a must try!
(4)
Priya S.
What to say that hasn't already been said? The reviews on the Refinery speak for itself! I'd suggest to just make the jump and try it out if you haven't. I didn't have reservations so I was seated upstairs. Honestly, I think I would have liked either or. We were given a great selection of which food and beer to choose from. I ended up going with the chicken liver and a vegetarian dish. Both were amazing and got no complaints from me! It's worth it for the price and the ambiance. Try it out guys!
(4)
Jimmy S.
Ordered 6 different small plates, the pork belly was fantastically melting in your mouth but the broth was super salty like the Dead Sea. I would return again to try some entrees this time.
(4)
David H.
A-OK! We arrived about ten minutes early for our reservation and were seated immediately. I think it is pretty nice that they leave the first floor for reservations and upstairs for walk-ins. Although it would have been nice to sit out on the roof. I appreciate the creativity with the menu and of course the farm to table concept. We started with the porque belly croquette and little neck clams. The pork belly is pulled within the croquette so it is different. Couldn't really tell that it was pork belly in the croquette. It was good though. I liked the crispy barley on the side of the dish. The clams were great and was served with bread soaked in the broth and fish sauce pork shoulder. You could definitely taste the fish sauce in the broth and it was very tasty, especially with the bread. Would have been nice with a bit more clams, but no matter we were very full by the end of our meal. The fiancee ordered the Pork Shoulder Pot au Feu and I got the hanger steak. The pork shoulder was a huge portion. It had a nice curry flavor to it and was served over a bed of creamy grits. My hanger steak was served medium rare just as I ordered, the meat itself was a tad chewy, but had good flavor. The chicken liver chard bread pudding was delightful and made up for the steak being a bit chewy. Finally for our dessert we went with the brownie which was served with a orange-lavender white chocolate emulsion and pistachio. The fiancee loved it, while I thought it was okay. Nothing to complain about on service, our server was very nice and attentive. Would I come back? Yes, definitely since the menu changes every week.
(3)
Angie Q.
Fabulous dinner. Flavors of each dish we ordered was so distinct from one another. Fried chicken small plate. Very southern flavors. Love the biscuit...really chewy and dense. Boudin. Um. Kinda different. The squash spread tasted like pumpkin cheesecake so I saved it for dessert. Ragout. Yummy. Tangy and delicious For dinner, I got the PB&J burger. Sooooo delicious. I don't usually eat burgers but I just had to try it. The fries that came with it was bad though. Oily cold and no flavor. Not even sure what it was really so perhaps my critique is unfair for them. The last burger that I like was at Umami Burger in San Fran and that was heaven. This is pretty darn close. Girlfriend got the roasted chicken. Said it was the best roasted chicken she has ever had. Seasoning well distributed. And skin was nice and crispy. Mashed potato side was perfect. An carrots were delicious. The burger and chicken I believe are on menu all the time but the other items change frequently. To top it off, staff is delightful. Cute and friendly.
(5)
Occy V.
Wow is a good way to begin my review of this place. You would never expect a place like this or Ella's in the neighborhoods they are in. I wanted to go a second time before posting my review just to make sure i wasnt just crazy hungry my first trip. Oh and I had a burger the first time around and I always am a little partial to good burgers. Food here tastes like food if that makes sense. The combination of being a restaurant that is heavily focused on sustainability and simplicity just really impresses you. I hope this becomes a trend, we need more places like this in Tampa =)
(5)
Louis A.
First time there and we loved it! Went on recommendation of a few friends and reviews. We like that vegetables are from local farms. Love that they label meals as Vegan, Gluten Free, etc. Simple clean decor and not much noise, but it was early Sunday afternoon, early evening. Service by Rachel was great. Courteous and just ready to answer our questions. Menu is easy to look at ( I had glanced at it on line before leaving home) and not complicated. Single page, clean and a good sized font that is easily read. I like that versus some other local restaurants where the font is really small and hard to digest (ha, ha)....I had the small plate salad and it was just awesome...well let me just say the entire meal was awesome! The portion size was enough to share with my wife who got the "Frikadellar" -pork & beef meat balls, peach etouffee, Swiss chard, pickled watermelon radish. The radish were thin and just so tasteful. Main dishes were the Vegetarian Biscuit dumplings (fennel, green beans, grilled tomato, eggplant veloute, snow peas, carrots,lemon, olive oil) and I had their fish special-baked Mahi with squash, brown rice and a avocado-lemon creamy sauce/ paste that was out of this world. Dessert was Buddy Brew decaf coffee with a thin slice of chocolate pound cake with beet mousse, maple-blueberry sorbe. The pound cake was dry and not supper moist like your traditional pound cake but supplemented with the mousse and sorbe, a very nice combination. As I said, our meal was amazing and well worth driving 20+ miles and we hope to come back again.
(5)
Karen S.
Hate this place. Overpriced ridiculous food and pretentious beyond belief. Will never dine here again or recommend it to anyone. Can not understand people's love of this place.
(1)
Brian C.
I have mixed feelings about The Refinery... but overall I had a positive experience. I like that the folks here are trying to usher modern dining and cuisine into a town mostly devoid of exciting food. The farm to table feel is great. I love that the menu changes weekly as well. It makes me feel like I'm still living in the Northeast... or the Northwest. The problem I had with The Refinery was that it almost seemed that they were trying too hard. Overall though, I had a solid meal, some things worked, some things didn't. I do recommend trying it out though, especially for folks who haven't really been very adventurous diners before. You may be very pleasantly surprised!
(4)
Cassie P.
You have to be a little adventurous to eat here. The menu changes weekly, based on what local farmers are selling- which I think is a really awesome. I love to support local businesses. However, most of the descriptions had vegetables, spices, and meats that I've never heard of. Even ordering a chicken dish, I kinda had no idea what to expect. They do have a cheap wine list- which was much appreciated, as their entree prices are $13-25 After aforementioned cheap wine, my friend and I decided to go out on a limb and order the "marshmallow s'more mousse topped with lamb". Yeah, you read that right. And yes, I felt like I was in the Friends episode where Rachel puts beef and peas in the trifle. It was interesting. Good. I think. But not sure I would order it again. Atmosphere is cute- it has the charm of an old bungalow home. Service was good, our waiter was very personable and helpful. Tip: They do take reservations and it's a small place, so on a busy night, or for a bigger party, I'd definitely recommend it.
(3)
Meg R.
After hearing rave reviews for this place since it opened, I finally organized a girls' night out that started at The Refinery. Overall, I liked the ambiance and concept but didn't find the menu as inventive as I'd hoped it would be or the food to be consistent, especially for the cost. To start, I had the roasted brussels sprouts with jalapeño-apple jam. I liked this dish, though the sprouts could have been crispier. I will say the taleggio cheese was a little too strong for me and I ended up eating around it. My friend had the Boniato & Fennel Torchons as her appetizer, which was incredibly flavorful and easily the best dish I had during our meal. I ordered the Kale Hot Brown open-faced sandwich for my main course. The kale was covered in a delicious, rich sauce, but I found the tofu bacon to be way too salty. Again, I found myself eating around a portion of my dish. The French fries were good, but I was not a fan of the house made ketchup that accompanied them - it had too much vinegar flavor for me. I tasted my friend's flounder, a nightly special, and really wish I had ordered the same. Perhaps the specials are the way to go? We split the S'mor-e-o's for dessert, which was really good, though it takes some brute strength to crack through the cookie. I'm a big fan of the local-sourced concept that's popular right now, and while I did enjoy The Refinery, I don't think it's a place I'll be craving and will probably only be venturing back to if a friend suggests it.
(3)
Jen F.
I had the pleasure of trying out the Refinery on a Sunday evening with a group of friends. It is a converted 2 story home with dining offered on the first floor so reservations are a must. While the atmosphere is casual, the food and service are reminiscent of a fine dining experience. I tried the fish of the day which varies depending on availability. It was perfectly cooked and seasoned and came with soba noodles which were a unique treat. We also tried the strip steak, burger and pork shoulder. Everything was exactly as described and even more delicious. I would definitely come back for dinner and visit the second floor bar.
(5)
J M.
The pros: Staff was friendly and knowledgable. Appetizers were tasty. Food came out promptly. Nice outdoor patio upstairs. The cons: Service was VERY scattered. Upon arrival we were told three different wait times for a table, even though we had a reservation. Did not receive silverware until 10 minutes after appetizers were delivered, and only after flagging someone down. Empty glasses left on the table, wrong check delivered (although server was super apologetic). Place was not especially busy and there seemed to be ample staff (we are in the restaurant biz ourselves so I feel we can comment here). Entrees were just ok, would definitely not have either again. Will give this place another chance since the appetizers shined and we enjoyed the space upstairs. Really like their concept of using local ingredients and changing up the menu every couple weeks. Hopefully the service will be a bit tighter on our next visit! From this experience alone, I can only say this place is WAY overrated.
(2)
Amanda G.
The food was unique and tasty. Great service. Great coffee. Very good experience overall.
(5)
Suzanne R.
The Refinery is a true gem. Tampa is lucky to have it. Everything is fresh and made in house. The menu changes weekly! This is amazing. The food was spectacular. I will be coming back. It wasn't cheap, but it was worth every penny. Keep up the good food!
(5)
Tara S.
How can you not love this place? If you've never been, The refinery is a small restaurant in Seminole Heights that serves local. They change their menu weekly depending on the ingredients available. Their menu is eclectic, especially the appetizers. On my last visit I ordered the beef kidneys but in the past I've had beef tounge, sweetbreads, bone marrow,etc. All of them delicious. The last item I had there was the pumpkin mousse with the goat cheese dessert. It took me a second to understand what was going on in my mouth but once I got it I got it. Another thing I have to give them props for is their affordable prices. Entrees normally run $15 - $20 and bottles of wine are $18 - $30. Not bad for a semifinalist for the James Beard award. Go there for brunch or dinner and I promise you'll enjoy whatever you order. Its a great place to expand your epicurean horizons.
(4)
Kd L.
I am adding my voice to Sara's comments below. My husband and I had the same experience. When we arrived there were tables open downstairs. We asked to be seated downstairs but the host said the tables were reserved and we would have to be seated upstairs. We objected and said we were leaving since the weather was unpleasant that day. It was only then that the host changed his tune and seated us downstairs. We then observed that a couple came in without reservations who was an acquaintance of the owner and thus was seated downstairs without any issue. This restaurant is selective about who sits where and quite frankly I find it elitist and offensive. We will not be back!
(2)
Nicole P.
This place is awesome. First of all, they change their menu EVERY WEEK so as to use the farm fresh ingredients they get. Whatever is in season from their local farmers/suppliers, they make menu items out of. My husband and I had the pork belly, a beet salad, the hangar steak and the coq au vin. All was delicious. Seriously delicious. The salad could have had more substance to it but it still tasted great. The entrees were fabulous. The ambiance is great. There is a pretty good sized outside patio on the second floor which is a beautiful place to eat. The staff are very nice and helpful with the menu, etc. The only downside is they don't have cocktails, only beer and wine (also no sangria). I went in the winter so can't wait to go back in all the other seasons to eat things that are in season during those times!! My husband and I will be returning. Oh and by the way, we live in Clearwater, and it is worth the drive. :)
(5)
Brett N.
Why 4 stars? Because I haven't had a bad meal yet. --- --- --- The Refinery is definitely not typical. It's weird. It's out there. And that's why it's loved. The dynamic menu changes every week. It's nice to be able to keep things fresh, but it can be annoying when you find something you love and then it disappears off the menu. I've had a burger, and an egg sandwich off the brunch menu - both were very good. The rooftop deck makes you feel like you've left Seminole Heights for a big city. I live in the Heights, but haven't been to the Refinery in way too long. Like Jack said on LOST, "We need to go back!!!"
(4)
Meghan M.
Great food! Loved sitting on the deck to enjoy brunch. The Challa French toast was so amazing. I never would have imagine that pesto on French toast would work but this was great. Definitely will return and would recommend.
(5)
Meghann A.
Ten months ago, when I first moved to Tampa, a friend sent me a lengthy list of restaurants I had to try in the Tampa area. I've actually done pretty well hitting most of the places she recommended (Cafe Hey, The Bricks, Fly Bar, etc), but there was one high on the list - that she simply RAVED about - that I never visited, but had always been in the back of my mind - The Refinery. I think The Refinery sums up their philosophy pretty well on their website "We buy as much as we can from farmers and suppliers who do it right. Sustainably and ethically right. Then we refine this already beautiful product into something even more amazing and we change it up every week." Sounds like a place I want to be eating at. So what took me so long to eat there? Location. Location. Location. The restaurant is located off a road I rarely drive on, in an area I don't visit very often, with a tiny sign that you'll miss if you blink. So, while it was in the back of my mind, not driving by it meant there was no visual reinforcement reminding me I wanted to eat there. I'm a visual person through and through. Luckily I wasn't the only person that had always wanted to try The Refinery. My good friend set up a girl's night for a few of us to try the restaurant and have a night out on the town without our significant others. The Refinery is tiny inside and only accommodates small parties of 6 or less. It's one of the rare places in Tampa where a reservations are a requirement, otherwise they'll boot you into the cold on the top deck - like they did to us! - good thing there were heaters. I'm sure any other night on the roof would have been great, but we did pick the only cold night in January this year to try the place out. ;) There was an extensive craft beer list that immediately caught my attention, but the mood called for wine, not beer. I had a glass of the cab and casually sipped on it through my meal. The menu was small with just a few items listed. I was warned it would be meat heavy, but I didn't find that to be the case. Out of the five main course options listed, two were vegetarian and one of the two was vegan. All five (vegetarian or not) sounded amazing and it was a tough call deciding what to get. Our table started with the pork belly appetizer which cut like butter and tasted delicious. For the main course, the majority of my table mates and I selected the Edamame Falafel Burger topped with taleggio asparagus fondue, garlic-dill cucumber, and smoked paprika sweet potato chips. The only thing I can say is wow. The falafel burger was full of spice and flavor. I loved the way the rich talegio cheese complemented the burger without overpowering it and thought the slightly pickled cucumbers were a nice sweet touch. Two thumbs up. For dessert the table split the Strawberry Shortcake which had a sweet cornbread base and a strawberry buttercream. It was good, but I wouldn't consider this dish a strawberry shortcake. It was missing another dozen or two of strawberries to make it official. After months of wanting to try The Refinery, I'm so glad I finally had the chance. Not only was the food good, but the vibe from the restaurant and the philosophy behind their menu choices made me want to support them even more. My meal was amazing and I can't wait to go back.
(5)
Kim P.
Come here for brunch all the time and love it. We have never had a bad meal here. Highly recommend!!
(5)
Jennifer L.
I recently decided to let my best friend decide where to go for Sunday brunch... Sounded like a great idea at the time :/ The mimosa was an overpriced, watered-down variation of a orange-flavored (I think that is what was supposed to be since I couldn't tell what it was other than liquid) fluid. I thought, well, it can't get worse... Sadly, it did! I ordered the Corned Beef Sandwich. The meat was dry and chewy. The fries on the side were greasy and cold. Although I tried to doctor them up with hot sauce, it was beyond any help. The service was lousy to boot as well. Our waitress was very flaky and kept asking if we wanted a refill on our drinks only to walk by without even glancing our way- three times! I will NOT waste my money nor my time there again. I would say it's a huge disappointment for a native Tampanian like myself as I was expecting so much more!!!
(1)
Troy C.
I loved this place. Once again I have to do a little California bashing!!! I have been in California for 3 years now and within that 3 years rarely have i come across a restaurant that is better than just average. The Refinery was what I would have expect in CA. Wonderful for so many reasons. - The Building is like a house (Older Classic early 1900's wooden house) - The staff is super knowledgeable and friendly - The menu is eclectic,unique and changes every week. That's freakin rare! Coming up with a new menu every week??? You know a place has to be good to do that! - Quality Chef food - Reasonable prices (especially considering what i just said above) I loved it! Thanks again Florida! I miss you, but i'll be back one day.
(5)
Danesh J.
Still a solid A-OK. It feels like the focus is presentation, creativity, then flavor. Haven't had a bad meal, but haven't had a memorable one either in terms of flavor. Maybe I'm ordering the wrong things. Creativity and presentation wise, tons of memories. Overall, worth the try. And I'll be back since the menu changes. They have cider now :D Wish the auxiliary parking was clear like Ella's. Also, to eat downstairs you need a reservation. Upstairs is free game.
(3)
Jackie W.
Love this place. The food was delicious and the service was fantastic. The very creative menu changes every Thursday. Can wait to go back!
(5)
Stephanie M.
The Refinery was delicious. I really like how their menu changes every week and all of their food is fresh. I got a chicken dish with mushrooms and it was the perfect size for me. The prices are higher than other restaurants, but, to me, it is definitely worth it. They also have a really good craft beer selection, and their servers are all very nice and helpful with menu recommendations. I would definitely recommend this place to friends. While I wouldn't be able to afford to come here every night, it's definitely a nice place for a quiet birthday dinner or date night.
(4)
Steve J.
My wife and I finally tried the refinery. Didn't really work for me. The rooftop patio looked really nice, but it was cold out and they put us downstairs and the room was nothing to write home about. Food was just ok, nothing jumped out. I had the burger and my wife had the daily catch. We had a pork appetizer that was basically flavorless. The menu changes completely every single week though, so who knows. Maybe its good one week and average the next. Parking is also a nightmare.
(3)
Emily S.
We stumbled in at the right moment ... we were heading to Independent bar when we passed The Refinery (a place we've been meaning to try). We decided to swing by and it just so happened to be right when they opened... there was a line at the door of people waiting to get in! For good reason. The atmosphere - amazing. We sat on the rooftop and enjoyed lovely acoustic music and laid back but attentive service. The food - even more amazing. I had the tomato dumpling app and a short rib dinner. The short rib was soooo good! (they have it until the 5th - I definitely recommend it! Served with friend polenta, caramelized onions and homemade pickled. YUM!) They have a great beer selection too. I will be back!
(5)
Joe M.
So I went back to the refinery last night and I have to say I was a little dissapointed. To start off with the kitchen seemed to be running behind, it was a slow tues night and our apps took about 25 minutes to come out, then another 25 for entrees. The server had good timing, she got our entree order a little befoore the apps were out, but then we waited for a long time to get the main coarse. For appetizers we started with the Bean Soup, Duck wing confit, and Beet salad. The soup was like an italian version of french onion, it had a nice smokey taste from the gruyere but was only good, I would give it a 6 out of 10. The beet salad looked amazing, the beets were perfect, colorful and fresh, but it was just ok as well. Maybe if they crusted some of the beats for a little extra something it would have been great. 5 out of 10 most points for presentation. The duck confit was outstanding, perfectly cooked and the flavor was sweet, and spicy. I give it a 8 out of 10 only because there is so little meat on duck and I wanted more. For entrees we had the Cannelloni and the Game Hen. The cannelloni was good but I just felt like it was missing that bursting flavor I want, especially at this establishment. The cannelloni was cooked to perfections as was the quino and tofu, it actually had a slight yet perfect crunch. 7 out of 10 just missing that special something. The game hen was really good and the ancho-cocoa sweet potato puree was exactly the thing that will bring me back. WHO DOES THAT??? The Refinery does and it worked especially with the glass of red wine I was enjoying. The only thing that I wasn't crazy about was it was a little over salted and I love salt. I actually felt the same way about my pork chops the first time I came. I give this a 8 of 10 mostly because of the over salting. All in all I will be back, I am waiting for that epic experience that allows me to go 5 stars. I know with the risks they take it will happen sooner or later. If you go here and have a bad experience just remember, they are innovative, risky and constantly changing, that is part of the experince, EMBRACE IT.
(4)
Jason W.
I love this little gem in Seminole Heights. The menu changes every Thursday and I look forward to reading the details about the innovative dishes. My friends and I have enjoyed multiple culinary creations with much fervor. My only disappointment has been with the desserts. Out of the four desserts I have tried, only one of them was enjoyable. Room for improvement. The atmosphere is very cozy and approachable. Not at all pretentious. Overall, I like The Refinery very much and look forward to my next visit.
(4)
gail s.
UPDATE to previous review. Returned to the Refinery last nite to give it another shot. We had great food, great service and a really good dining experience thanks to Melissa and Eric behind the stove. Our quail appetizer was probably the best we have ever had, with a nice presentation - and deboned so we did not have to wrestle with it. Entrees were super including amber jack for the evening's fish. Best part of the meal was our bread pudding for dessert which again was among the best we've had. Many thanks to Melissa and Eric (and Michelle) for a great nite. Looking forward to our return. Thanks! Sigh. The Refinery. What happened? Went tonight for dinner etc. it took at least 45 minutes between appetizers and entrees. Our server initially informed me it would be "four minutes" for our entrees to arrive. After this update, it was an additional 30 minutes with no comments or care from any staff member. Once we received our dinner, Still no word from any server of staff member as to why it took so long - or that anybody cared. It might have been nice for someone to offer an explanation - or offer a few glasses of wine, since after this time our bottle was gone and I was not inspired to order another. Once we finally received our meals, no severs or staff member cared to check if dinner was good, if we needed water nor offer any type of service. If I recall correctly, the staff disappeared from the roof deck for the remainder of the evening. Food was good but by the time we received it I was too tired to care or comment to management on the poor service. We have eaten at the Refinery in the past with good food and matching service. I don't know what the problem is (does the restaurant forget about customers on the deck? - if so, be warned). we won't be back until the service improves.
(5)
Chris S.
We were traveling to Tampa to see Radiohead this past February, and wanted to find a really great restaurant with a good beer selection prior to the show. After doing some searching on Yelp, I found the Refinery, and thought we'd give it a shot. The first thing you'll notice about the restaurant is the location itself. It's a charming, converted two story house, with a really great patio area on the second floor with an adjoining inside beer bar. Dining on the porch in the evening was pleasant for a Florida February evening, but make sure to bring your sunglasses. The menu seemed inventive, and we were impressed with several items we ordered. I ordered buffalo duck wings, which came out hot, crispy and in a delicious sweet sauce. It was a unique dish, and I would definitely order again. I also ordered a soup, which was not so great. Essentially chicken stock with a little green onion, I was not impressed. My wife tried several vegetarian based items, and all were good, but not outstanding. The ingredients were clearly fresh though, and everything came out hot. The beer selection was fairly good, with a lot of 750 ml micro brews for sharing. Overall, the Refinery is a fine restaurant.
This place is awesome. I don't know what to say that hasn't already been said. There is something different every week here, and some of the ingredients will make you do a double take... are they really cooking that? But I SWEAR to you ... it is good and worth it to step out of your comfort zone just a little. Good example.. Beef Tongue. Eww, right? Not-so-fast my friend! Picture the best pot roast you have ever eaten... multiply its delicioiusness by 1000, and you are somewhere in the ball park of how good this really was. Everything is incredible. Just try it. See something strange on the menu? that is your cue to order it! Get a bunch of small plates and share them amonst your table... a table of 6 could try most the menu without breaking the bank. And since it is different every thursday, you'll never get into a rut of ordering the same thing over and over (unless you end up ordering the hangar steak, which is always on the menu).
(5)
Jessica D.
Delicious! Got the fish special (swordfish with alligator potatoes). Very good. Love the patio.
(5)
K M.
Excellent food and good service in a casual and comfortable environment. To me, eating here is like going to dinner at a good friend's house (a friend of course, that knows how to cook quail to perfection). We've always had knowledgable and attentive servers. Yum. This is becoming a favorite.
(4)
Beth S.
I was really excited to try this place because clearly the reviews on Yelp are outstanding. It is a really cute little house turned restaurant and has a great vibe. The staff was very friendly and if you like beer they have a great selection. The reason I gave this restaurant three stars is because I just didn't really enjoy my meal. I ordered the "spaghetti" which is squash cut like spaghetti and served with a poached egg. I have had a dish like this before but was surprised when this came out served cold. I didn't enjoy the flavor on the squash as it was very bland and the poached egg was cold too. It's very possible that I should have realized it was cold but maybe my review will help others if they are eyeing this dish. My boyfriend's meal was better, he got the chicken dish. It was $18. I understand they buy local and fresh organic stuff but this seemed a bit pricey for chicken. The chicken was however, very tasty and had a great crispy skin. His side items were so-so. The black eyed peas weren't hot enough and the slaw was decent. I'm wondering if we should have kept it simple with a burger since that seems to be a favorite. I'd like to give this place another shot and update this review.
(3)
Rachel H.
Unique place....the menu changes every week and is always creative/innovative/locally derived. We've had hits and misses among the menu items we've tried but most of the small plates are so cheap (3-10$) that it was worth the money to try something crazy. It's not on the menu anymore, but they used to have a weekly poutine that was always incredible. I think it was usually about $5 and it was a steal. I wish they would include more vegan options but vegetarians usually have a wealth of options to choose from. They do have larger plates that range from $9-25 dollars depending on the week. And they always have a burger for around $10 with toppings that change. One week it was covered in white chocolate.
(4)
Jeremy B.
My wife and I were looking for somewhere new to try for a belated Valentine's dinner. And while The Refinery isn't the most romantic dinner to blow a lot of money on, it was still very tasty. The big draw to this place is the fact that the menu changes weekly depending on what they can find and purchase locally. So even if you don't see something you particularly want this week, you can check back next week. The downside to this of course is that if you really like something, it may be a while until you can have it again. Oh, and reservations are pretty much a requirement if you want to eat here, so check the menu early on Thursdays when they change it so you can get the reservation you want. The food options are vary inventive and it's not actually likely that you'll be unable to find something you want. My wife started off with a sweet onion soup that was a vegetarian take on the typical French onion soup. The soup had cannellini beans, onions of course, sherry, gruyere cheese, and a giant cracker to dip in it. Even without the beef broth, the soup was very savory and satisfying. I had an heirloom tomato salad with tomatoes in almost every color of the rainbow and fried wild rice balls with fig and cashews. It was a great appetizer to the sturgeon I ordered for an entree. The sturgeon was farmed locally by the Mote Aquarium and was like eating butter because it was so tender and sweet. My wife had eggplant cannelloni (the eggplant was the cannelloni, not stuffed inside pasta) and was stuffed with roasted quinoa and braised greens. While it was a little too acidic for my taste, my wife seemed to enjoy it and was full enough that she could barely get through it. For dessert we split a dessert salad, which was chai spiced apples with cocoa dusted cranberries and a citrus sauce. Very good and just the right amount of sweet to end a meal. I've seen a few reviews elsewhere that mentioned that the service in this place is snobby or just plain rude. I have to strongly disagree with this. Everyone we spoke to, and especially our server, was nothing but polite, helpful, and a pleasure to deal with. The prices in my opinion are just a little high for what you get, but considering you're supporting the local community in the process it is well worth it. Plus you won't see a lot of these dishes anywhere else! Good bottled beer selection too!
(4)
Brittany J.
I wasn't a 100% impressed with the decor + service but the flavor of the food was impeccable and the price on alcohol was quite reasonable. I tried two of the vegetarian dishes even though I am not a vegetarian and they were absolute heaven. I also got the fish special which was good but I wouldn't get it again. The service was slow and I had to ask our server about the specials and for the check. The downstairs is definitely a little stuffy so I'm happy we chose to sit upstairs/outside and with the heaters and everything I was quite comfortable. The food is priced well and all of the ingredients are local. I would love to go for there Sunday brunch or just lunch. Overall, there's a few things I wasn't happy with but for the quality, taste and price of the food I would go again.
(4)
Linda B.
On my second visit the food was not as good as the first but I discovered a new beer (to me) - Samuel Smith organic ale. $15 but the bottle has like 27 ounces. The small plate, Black Spanish Radishes, consisted of one sliced raw radish, 3 roasted garlic cloves, a little bit of bone marrow butter, a tiny drizzle of preserved lemon sauce with another tiny bit of some type of salt, and three thick slices of very narrow bread (see photo) that was supposed to be warm but was dry and hard. The radish, the main ingredient, seemed the odd man out. I still can't figure out how it was supposed to go with the rest of the components. The bread portion seemed gigantic in comparison to the garlic/butter/lemon/salt components, and the dry toughness of the bread really detracted from the delicate accompaniments. It was listed at $6 but I later discovered I'd only been charged $4, so I can't complain there. So I was left enjoying my beer, wishing I'd chosen a different small plate and with hope for the entree, a chorizo "hash" with grits, green beans and onions (I think) and 3 wedges from a cherry tomato. I couldn't enjoy the chorizo because it was lost in a very salty hash, which I couldn't finish. The grits were fairly salty too, and somewhat bland - or maybe I just couldn't taste whatever flavor it had because of the overwhelming salt. The green beans were fine but those 3 little cherry tomato wedges were the best tasting part of the dish. Oh man. $15, which I think was also less than the menu price, still seemed like too much for this small way over salted entree. But at least I discovered a good beer and look forward to trying other Samuel Smith brews. I was greeted and seated promptly and my server was friendly and helpful, although he seemed a bit nervous. Maybe he was new but whatever the reason it did not detract from the service. I actually like the sort of rustic decor and mix 'n match dinnerware and utensils. In reading all the reviews it seems the most likely conclusion is that Chef Greg is very innovative and not afraid to try new things. Sometimes - more often than not - they work, but sometimes they don't. Or they don't work for everyone. Perhaps that's the nature of having a new menu every week, which must be a pretty big challenge. I respect his innovation, his commitment to using local products and keeping true to his ideas. If I could afford to go once or twice a week, I'd do it just to be able to sample the hits. For people in my position,without the disposable income to chance spending it on one of the misses, I will have to be satisfied with going once or twice a year and hope for the best!
(3)
Becky H.
TLDR version: yummy food, inattentive waiter. My boyfriend and I went here for the first time tonight. We had a 9:15 reservation and were seated on time. It took a good 5-10 minutes before our waiter stopped by, however. The menu is small so we had fortunately already made our decisions. The first course took another 20 minutes at least to show up. I was a bit cranky at this point, but the delicious meal made up for it. We had shrimp hush puppies, pork jowl, the chicken, and hanger steak. All were tasty but the hanger steak was a little tough. The lack of service was annoying, but at least all of the staff was very friendly! I'd go here again but it won't be at the top of my list.
(4)
michelle l.
We went here for dinner with two other couples last night. I found the outside confusing. There were too many doors, each with separate signs. The inside was fine, but nothing spectacular. Staff was friendly. The wine list is small. It's very reasonably priced, but I would have liked a few higher end options. I don't think that the most expensive bottle on a wine list should be the same price as an entree, there should be a couple bottles that cost a bit more. The beer list, however, is impressive. To start, I had the "liver and onions" (foie gras terrine and pickled onions). Yum! It was on the rich side, but that's part of eating foie gras, I guess. It went nicely with the wine we chose. For my entree, I had the mushroom ragout, which was also great. I was stuffed from the small plate, so it was nice to have a lighter large plate. The mushrooms were nicely cooked, and I loved the freshness of the tomato sauce. I didn't think the beans were necessary with the polenta, but that's just my opinion. My husband had the pork cheek agnolotti and the pork chop. He liked everything but left the restaurant saying things were too rich. My brother in law had the soup and the hangar steak. They undercooked the steak (rare instead of medium rare), so he had to send it back, but everyone seemed gracious about it. We didn't try dessert because we were too full by then. I liked this place, but I didn't love it. I'm not sure why, maybe I had heard too much hype and expected too much.
(4)
Nick S.
Refinery has some solid regional food in a fun hip atmosphere. The upstairs patio area is cool. This restaurant is part of the Seminole Heights renaissance and the owners, Greg and Michelle Baker, have a great deal to be proud of. The competition has increased and stepped up the game. Game on.
(4)
Paul F.
Meh
(2)
Cara A.
If you are bored with the same exact menu items no matter which restaurant you visit, you are in luck. The Refinery puts the "art" into culinary arts with gusto. The menu is both ambitious and adventurous. All the dishes we had were unique and very delicious. If you happen to get a dish that is not executed perfectly, have some patience and faith. Practice would make perfect, but the chef is not interested in giving you the same thing month after month and year after year. I admire the bravery that sentiment takes and am willing to take a little risk participating in that aspiration. I bet you won't regret it either...
(5)
Mary R.
This was my 2nd time eating at The Refinery, and I will definitely return the next time I'm in town. We had a large group for brunch. The staff was very accommodating even though we all arrived at different times, and the small restaurant has limited seating. Since they use locally sourced, in season foods, the menu is small as well. My only complaint is that this made the choices limited for me as a vegetarian, and even more so for my vegan friend. Our food was good, pretty typical brunch fare. I think dinner is when they really shine. Our waitress was very friendly and helpful, and the service was excellent. I hope more places like this spring up in the Tampa area.
(4)
Danielle R.
Meh. That is how I felt about my dinner at The Refinery. We had heard a lot of hype about this place and finally checked it out, but I was underwhelmed. It's a cute, eclectic place, but I wasn't that impressed with the food. I ordered a chicken dish which I wasn't that thrilled with. My sister, a vegetarian got a BBQ mushroom dish that came with cornbread. She thought the mushrooms were okay, but the cornbread wasn't good at all. My husband and her boyfriend ordered the burger, which they were happy with the flavor, but both of their burgers weren't cooked how they asked. The medium came out, medium well, and the medium rare was much more on the rare side. We didn't complain because it took a very long time to get our good. Maybe this is normal due to the small kitchen, but it would have been nice for the staff to acknowledge the long wait. Finally, it states on the menu they will not do any substitutions, which I find annoying. With all the dietary restrictions and preferences out there, I think it's a little much to decline any changes to a menu item.
(3)
Lisa C.
Oh Refinery, How I wish thee were five minutes to my house. I would visit weekly to try out the new items on the menu. Hard to really comment on what I ate because when someone reads the review, well it won't be on the menu to try it! But that is the beauty and the nature of this fine establishment as well as the torture. It's like a pop up kitchen every week in the same location. You have the most amazing dish and want to come back to have it again but instead, something even more amazing is in it's place. Fresh, seasonal, sustainable and knock-your-socks-off flavor profiles. Produce from local farms, the best goat cheese which is like a crack addiction, pork shanks and pbr mussells. I mean seriously... the menu reads like a Shakespearean sonnet for the 21st century hipster. I feel like we have an ouce of coolness and can hang with the bigger cities who have these types of establishments on every corner in San Fran or Eugene, Oregon. With the land of Tampa strip malls and the culinary collection of chain after chain, please take a moment and try this place out. It's not fancy, it's not pretentious, and it's not trying to be anything other than great. It accomplishes it on many levels. We get a bottle of wine, a couple apps, a main entree to share and a dessert to split and I think our bill was like $60 bux with tip. Where else can you dine so well on a pricepoint like that?? nom, nom, nom
(5)
Brad R.
My wife and I went out for a date night and it was amazing! Had great selections for all dietary needs. My wife is vegan and I'm a meat eater (ironic, I know) and had no problem finding something for the both of us. The boiled peanuts were incredible. Definitely coming back!
(5)
Danielle V.
Try it! The restaurant will be busy on a Friday or Saturday night but seating on the upstairs balcony is romantic and first-come, first-serve! The combinations are eclectic (e.g, mashed potatoes with peaches and pecans with haddock) but trust the chefs! The beer is great but make sure you go when you have time to wait because the service is always extremely slow. Also, with such hipster establishments, substitutions are declined. Otherwise, great place to eat when the menu is to your liking!
(4)
Lisseth C.
Relaxed place with good food.
(4)
Rebecca C.
I wasn't totally impressed. I found this place because it was supposed to be the Best of Yelp for when I was in the area. I had mentally equated it to one of the best places in Miami, Whisk Gourmet. And it totally lacked. First off, you can't sit at a dining room table unless you have a reservation. And regardless of when you call, there aren't any left the day of on a weekend. Pooey. Only option, wait upstairs for an outdoor table on the balcony. We waited a good 45 minutes and luckily they have seats indoors for you to wait at the bar. You can even get some things from the limited bar menu if you want. The outdoor seating is nice - I probably would've preferred it to an indoor area, but I didn't get to see the regular seating place since you go straight up the stairs to the bar if you don't have a reservation. The food was just alright. We left satisfied but not full, our bank accounts very depleted. Portions are small and this is the kind of place that TRIES to be cool. No offense. It uses fancy ingredients to make interesting combinations. Some good, some just okay. The menu has changed since our visit so it could be better now. We tried things like a mac and cheese plate, that was alright. A tomato mozzarella appetizer that was pretty good. A roasted tomato bruschetta plate that was better. And for meals we got a polenta platter that was pretty yummy, and something else that I've already forgotten since it wasn't too memorable. The best was the polenta. We also tried both desserts and they were both alright too. I remember us bickering about whether we should order more food since we weren't full yet, but realized the bill was rather large already. Maybe the hype was too large, but the food didn't live up to it, atleast for our experience.
(3)
Andrew P.
The food here is amazing and the atmosphere is even better! The food itself is made from ingredients from local farms and everything has a very fresh taste. The food is also very original with spin offs of some of your favorite dishes such as Kim cheese cake. The menu changes every Thursday and this is where I couldn't give it the fifth star, although I loved everything I tried I could see how some people with more acute taste may be limited on the already smallish menu. The drink choice is very unique with May craft beers all the way to root beer from Germany. I would highly recommend going to this restaurant, although you can walk in I do recommend making a reservation as it started to fill fast. I could see my self going back there every Thursday to try the new menu every week.
(4)
Wendy C.
Like -- the menu changes weekly depending on what fresh local ingredients are available. The place proudly declares "local is the new black" Like -- cool relaxed vibe, without trying too hard. Mismatched plates and drinking mason jars are all nice touch. Food -- Hmmm, maybe it was an off day, maybe I ordered the wrong dishes, anyway I did not have the awe-inspiring food some other reviewers had written about. The "scallop" app was fantastic, king oyster mushrooms that are made to look like scallops tasty delicately woodsy and meaty. The flat bread with fried oyster and sausage, on the other hand, tasted a little flat on flavour no pun intended. The bread itself is doughy and quick thick. We also had grilled beef tongue, and amberjack main course, good not great. Given other reviews, I'd try to go back and try something different.
(3)
Jeff O.
I like the idea of this place... Gourmet food and craft beers. The rooftop patio with a newly installed sun covering is a great place to bide your time with some friends, so long as the sunset light isn't smacking you in the face. They could install a shade on the West side of the patio to fix this. The food wasn't quite as good I was was hoping for. I tried the tomato cheese cake which was like a loaf of cracker spread. Decent. The burger was very good, but the house-made ketchup was a veritable disaster. It tasted like tomato paste mixed with indian spices or something. Fries were good, though mega salty and again, no standard ketchup for them. I also tried a pork meatball with plum glaze. It was interesting, yet forgettable. I would like to see the upstairs staff make an effort to dress presentably. Each guy looked like he working a garage sale. Kind of inconsistent with the whole "this place has a renown gourmet chef" selling point. 3 stars. I hope to return to give them another chance.
(3)
Jill W.
I absolutely love this place. Sitting upstairs is amazing with the string of little lights at night. The staff is always friendly and helpful with suggestions. Their creative menu changes pretty often, if not weekly and they work with local farms which means fresh ingredients! I think that's fantastic and more places should practice this. They do have a few staples on the menu, burgers and such, in case someone you're bringing has a reserved palette.
(4)
Peter Z.
The Refinery is a unique restaurant in that it is set-up in a renovated two-story house. The exterior and interior of the restaurant are decorated pleasantly and the ambiance of the restaurant is quite relaxing. This restaurant is certainly meant for couples or small groups, it does not appear to be a spot that is able to readily accommodate large parties. The service during our trip to The Refinery was great and our server was quite friendly and attentive. The Refinery boasts a wide array of beers and ciders. Their menu rotates weekly depending on what the farmers in the area have to offer from their harvests. The food was excellent. I had a polenta dish that was had an array of mixed vegetables and mozzarella, the other two people in my party ordered a cheeseburger and a chicken dish with roasted potatoes. Both of their dishes were well-cooked/prepared and very flavorful. We were very pleased with our meals. The Refinery is highly recommended.
(4)
Layla C.
What a great find. My boyfriend and I enjoyed a wonderful late night dinner out on their deck. Delicious wine, well recommended by our server, complemented his burger and my polenta/roasted veggies. The menu was so interesting, the worst part was deciding what to order. Great music. Great service. The atmosphere makes a grab to steal the show, but the food is creative and solidly prepared. Some of the flavors could have been a bit bolder for my liking, but it was a delicious meal with that even said. Great date restaurant! Even for quasi snobby tourists from NYC that think they have the market cornered on cute, locally derived restaurants. :)
(4)
Jennifer C.
I really liked this place. The service was a little slow (it took a little over 45 minutes for our food and almost that long for refills as well). It's a cozy restaurant where you can sit inside out up on a deck (which is cozily setup to obstruct the ugly view of busy N Florida Ave). They have a unique menu which changes based on what was available at the local market and serve local beverages (Florida cracker, yum!). The night I went, the menu was a little more vegan than expected (I love meat!) so I ordered 1 of the few choices which was a burger. I have been so used to cooking with 98% lean ground beef, I forgot how delicious it could be with a little fat on it. The overall bill was a little pricey for food that was good, but not amazing. I would try it again because the concept is brilliant, but my husband wasn't impressed. He was a little taken aback at how expensive it was when we are pretty affluent to how much things cost from local markets. As I said, I like it, I would go there again..someday, but it wouldn't be my top go-to places. $50 for 2 burgers and 2 beers, mmmm, not really my style. And I would've loved to try some other things, but like some other viewers, I'm not willing to spend $10 on soup either. But hey, I say give it a try!
(4)
Sylvester M.
I love this place. As locally sourced as one can get. Menu changes weekly, prices are reasonable. Great beer and wine selection. On the negative side, the downstairs seating tends to feel like there is poor ventilation and form the kitchen. The upstairs seating on the patio they won't take reservations for so you have to make a reservation for downstairs then wait for a table upstairs. They do have a very small bar upstairs with a handful of seats, so its not terrible. Still it's worth the effort for a James Beard nominated chef at super reasonable prices. In addition parking can be a bit tight.
(5)
Derek S.
This is a cool place to try once. It has a great atmosphere. We sat outside on the upstairs patio. They have a good beer selection and I was very happy to see they had Swamp head brewery beer on tap. The menu is very pricey and there is not a large selection of food. I probably will not be going back because I can not spend $18 for chicken noodle soup that my mom can make. If you are in the are and want to try something trendy then check this place out.
(2)
Mark H.
We ate brunch here over a year ago, so I don't recall the exact dishes we ordered, but it was eggs with black beans, sausage, potatoes and some OJ. Pretty good stuff, but not 5-star-OMG-I-can't-wait-to-go-back good; it was just average and honestly I probably could have conjured up something better at home for 1/3 of the price hadn't we been so lazy. The atmosphere was nice and the staff was pleasant, but I just haven't been able to convince myself to revisit.
(2)
Kiera B.
I'll keep this short and sweet. The food is good. Not O-M-G amazing, but good. The main reason why I wouldn't rush to eat here again is that the portions are simply too small for my liking, especially with the pricing of their dishes. I hate leaving a restaurant not having my fill, which sucks because everything else about this restaurant I would give a high rating. Seeing that Seminole Heights still lacks on ample dining choices I will probably come back in the future to hang out upstairs and just eat a hardy meal elsewhere.
(3)
Lance S.
Fantastic Restaurant!! Highly recommend!! Went here with the wife very early one Friday night. had reservations. We were the first table seated in a very small downstairs dining area. that could seat maybe 40. The server was excellent as he explained the menu and gave us some drink recommendations. I saw beef tongue sliders on a special menu and the waiter told us that the small plates were all happy hour priced at $5.00 so i ordered it along with a beer and wine for my wife. t was pretty good, but i was a little nervous as the sandwiches were only about two bites each. it had me worried for our entrees. My wife ordered the Hanger steak $20.00 with mushroom, pintos, frisee, radish, orange, crème flourette. It came out with field greens. This dish was fantastic. The steak was cooked to perfection and the blend of beans, mushroom and creme flourette was an unbelievable combination of tastes. I ordered the The Burger with house cured and smoked bacon, home made peanut butter, cantaloupe, and honey-red pepper-pumpkin chutney. I questioned our server about this before ordering and he assured me it was one of their best sellers. I know it sounds like a very strange combination but, it was the best burger i have ever had. The flavors seemed to come at you separately, first the peanut butter, then the smoky bacon flavor, followed by the cool cantaloupe, then the beef burger followed by the heat of the red pepper. The bun must have been baked that morning because it was soo soft, yet held together while eating. I couldn't get enough of it. It was served with sweet potato fries which were also very good, but the burger was the star. We received our check,and with tip and two drinks, appetizer, two entrees meal was $52. A fantastic value. As we were waiting for our food we noticed people coming in and the server telling them that the table were taken, but they could go upstairs. We went upstairs afterwards and there is a really cool casual upstairs patio bar with a canopy over it where you can eat and have a drink, or just go up there and drink. Next visit may try to go on a cool night and eat up there.
(5)
Chris Y.
Thank you Tampa Yelpers! Everything was delicious. The portions are modest, which is excellent because that means you can try more wonderful things. If I went back I would be tempted to order one of each of the small plates. We started with Pastelon, which was tasty - plantains, chorizo, and a cheesy sauce. I could have gone for spicier chorizo. For the main dish I had porcini crepes. The crepes are over the top! This couldn't be simpler - crepe with bechamel, swiss, and mushrooms. Heavenly! There was a side of swiss chard. I'm not a "greens" eater, but they may have converted me. The greens were wonderful and a nice complement to the richness of the crepes. I finished with the whoopie pie, which was tasty goodness. A slightly crisp cookie sandwich with a whipped creme filling with pears. It's sort of in the gingerbread realm of flavor. On top of the wonderful food they have a great beer list. A good selection of draft beer and more in bottles. I had Terrapin Rye Pale Ale and Hennepin Belgian White. Both were excellent. The service was excellent. Our server was attentive, helpful, funky, and unpretentious. I live 1,000 miles from here, but I will be back.
(5)
Lauren H.
I really can't think of one thing to complain about. The place is in what used to be a house. The kitchen is open. I felt like I was in someone's living room so it felt very homey and welcoming. Apparently we came at the perfect time (around 6) on a Saturday because shortly after we got there it started to get packed. Actually saw a few people leave because there was no room and they didn't want to wait. So word to the wise: come early or make a reservation. Service was great. Our server's name was Peter. He was really nice. Beer selection is pretty extensive. The list was so long I just told Peter to pick something good for me. It was called a Hooker something or other. It was delicious. Food was awesome! I had the BBQ Chicken Consomme, the Alligator Ceviche and the Apple Galette for desert. All were awesome. Unfortunately the burger of the week had a broccoli mustard cheese sauce on it. My boyfriend does not like anything green or mustard or cheese. So he just got a plain burger. It was still delicious. Then I had an amazing idea that he should dip his burger in my consomme. It was like a French Dip Burger. Off the meter. And all for less than $50!!! I would totally return the next time I'm in the area.
(5)
Kathy M.
We were taken to The Refinery last night by our daughter, who is an enthusiastic regular. I think we might have skewed the age group a bit higher last night than is usual, but we had a thoroughly enjoyable dinner. Set up on an old bungalow, the crew has done a wonderful job of making each table feel like its own space. The burlap curtains don't impact the noise level, but they do give tables a sense of privacy. The menu is imaginative and interesting, changing each Thursday for the week. Some picks were better than others. The salads were delicious. I had the white onion gazpacho with frozen grapes as my starter, it was amazing. The cool emulsion, the warm,slightly spicy flavor, and the frozen grapes came together in a successful cool soup. Our vegetarians sampled the summer squash and veggie burgers. Both were good.. The same was true of my grilled shrimp. I didn't identify a real "grilled" flavor or texture, which would have helped to set off the tomato polenta. It was good, but not great. My husband's chicken, however, was truly great, moist, flavorful, completed by the pozole on which it lay. it was one of those dishes I wouldn't make at home, because that kind of creativity and imagination just don't live in my kitchen. My daughter is queen of french fries....she orders them everywhere (I do the same with cole slaw!)....and her side of fries were amazing, hot, well cooked, crispy on the outside, soft on the inside. Great french fries are her indicator of a favorite restaurant. We are big on service, and weren't sure what to expect in such a casual and kinda hipster place. Well, the service, although not very formal, was as good as a much fancier restaurant. Our server was well versed, and did all possible to ensure that we enjoyed our meal. The first bottle of Pinot Grigio we ordered came at room temperature. My husband mentioned, midway through our glass of wine, that the wine had been served warm (although it did come in a very nice ice bucket!!) The server brought a new, well chilled bottle as a replacement. It was the right thing to do, but so few restaurants really do the "right thing" anymore! That little note of grace and service did as much to enhance our enjoyment of the experience as anything else!
(4)
Mike S.
Have eaten there several times since it opened. Delighted to support a local restaurant now earning national acclaim, and surprisingly on N. Nebraska Avenue, which had a rep for a rougher menu. Lots of fine dishes, with constant rotation of menu. Some basic variations keep repeating due to popularity, such as poutine (Montreal-style frites/fries with gravy/sauce and curds/cheese). As noted by others, portions are modest and prices are above average....but reasonable considering the creativity and focus on using fresh, seasonal, local-origin ingredients. The choices of beers/wines also invite experimentation. Dining space is limited, as is the parking, but since seating is also limited, there is less competition for parking.
(4)
Summer B.
With the ever-changing menu, made up of creative concoctions from local, farm-fresh ingredients, it's hard to go wrong at The Refinery. I've tried foods I never imagined I would, like beef tongue and sweetbreads. You come to trust Chef Greg Baker and give it a whirl. My husband and I are rarely disappointed. Don't feel adventurous? There is always a burger of the week and the most melt-in-your-mouth hangar steak you may ever have the pleasure of tasting. It's usually busy though. Make a reservation, or be patient, sit at the bar and enjoy their craft beer and wine selection. Full disclosure: I have been personal friends with Greg and Michelle Baker since before they even opened the restaurant. That said, I'm not one to be so supportive that I'd eat crappy food a couple times a week to make anyone feel good. Go there and try something crazy. You'll be glad you did.
(4)
Odion B.
Ugh. Was looking forward to my return to the Refinery after over a year. The evening started off right, good draught beer (Abita). Appetizers were good- had the pork belly, with a little pancake and pickled cabbage. 5 minutes into the appetizers the entrees came out, without any questions as to whether we were ready or apologies for them coming out early. As i finished my appetizer, my hanger steak grew cold and my disappointment grew larger. Had a chocolate mole cake with a smoked lard icing with a blue pepper glaze- interesting flavors, perhaps I was way past jaded at this point, so I'd say it was just ok. Will not write it off completely, but poor service led to cold food which led to disappointment. Would like to give it 2.5 stars, but that is not an option on yelp.
(3)
Kelleigh M.
Creative menu, ample portion sizes and friendly staff make the refinery an excellent selection for a nice evening out. The dining room is on the small side so I would recommend reservations.
(5)
Nicole E.
My friends had been raving about The Refinery for weeks, so I finally went to try. First off, the restaurant itself is a very sweet old 2 story in Seminole Heights that has been converted. We started off drinking at the bar on the second floor. Beer selection was fun and different, and both bartenders really friendly and helpful. Once we went downstairs to eat the only complaint we had was the length of time it took. We went on a Friday night, but it was early and relatively empty. It still took an eternity to get our meals. My burger and fries were delicious. A friend ordered dessert however and it took 20 minutes to arrive (not exaggerating). So yes, I think The Refinery is worth the experience. Also smart to review their weekly menu online beforehand.
(4)
Montgomery R.
I've dined at the refinery several times and I continue to go back from time to time. The refinery is not for those on a budget, as most entrees (except for the burgers) range from $15-$20 per plate. The portions can sometimes be a little on the small side as well. The food is usually good, although I'm certainly a fan of some items more than others. The burgers are OK (but then again, I grill some mean burgers at home so I'm biased), and I'd not recommend the flank stank as it's $19-$20 and usually pretty tough.. But most items on the menu are quite tasty and high quality. Some items on the Refinery's menu may strike some folks as a little unusual, so I'd recommend checking the Refinery's menu online before going over, as it changes on a weekly rotating basis. If you don't like this week's selections, try back next week as it will have changed. Oh, and the Sunday Brunch is FANTASTIC. Yummy! We used to walk over for that from time to time when we lived in the area. There's a bar upstairs as well, with outdoor seating, which thankfully now is covered, which comes in handy on those hot summer days. The service is always good, and the owners have always been very cool towards us.
(4)
J R.
Small plate pork belly was dry--was excited to order this but was underwhelmed. Quail was very good, as were the flavors in the roasted chicken. The dessert--we opted for the shortbread cookies--baffled me. Horrible, strange presentation and conflicting flavor combos with two very thin cookies. Bad way to end a meal. Service was adequate.
(3)
R C P.
As tourists in the Tampa area on a Sunday, we were delighted to learn that this place was rated so highly on yelp and was so near us, so we decided to try it out. At first we were slightly surprised by the short menu with only 8-10 selections but decided to give it a try, since we like farm fresh food, but the "no substitutions" rule, so extensive that they would not even allow a side of raw onion to be ordered off menu, led my dad to cancel his order. However, the waitress assured us that the daily salad would be prepared appropriately for the vegetarian in our party. We waited for our four dishes for a good 45 minutes. When they finally arrived, we were shocked to see bacon on my mom's salad. We sent the salad back but were informed initially that the salad could not be redone because they were out of greens, but within a minute or two the waitress brought us back the salad, along with the news that a new bag of greens had been found. Lo and behold, as mom started to eat the salad, she found -oh yes - tiny bits of bacon. They had just picked the bacon off the salad and sent it back. restaurant fail. a few moments later one of the restaurant owners came to us and apologized for what had happened, but it all came too late for my mom to be ready to take the dandelion greens salad she was offered in the other salad's place. We had waited way too long for this meal. The woman's apology was sincere and appropriate, and at least the rest of the food was very good, which is why I have given the two star review rather than one star, but as I reflect I am extremely unhappy with how that meal ended. Two people - my parents at that- didn't eat, and we were lied to by staff. I hope they are able to prevent these problems from happening to future patrons. As for us, we won't be coming back to this restaurant.
(2)
Shannon T.
Great atmosphere! Service was a bit spotty, but food options and beer selection evened out! BTW- They're down to cook meat Pittsburgh-style, too, if you seek it.
(5)
Julia C.
I can't believe I haven't reviewed The Refinery yet. It's our favorite restaurant in Tampa and we've dined here at least a dozen times in the last year. It's the first place we think of to take family and friends visiting Tampa, as much for the carefully-chosen and ever-changing menu (it changes weekly every Thursday) as for the laid-back, friendly and helpful staff that make the experience comfortable and casual. We love their locally-sourced and farm-fresh philosophy and their innovative dishes. The food is always fantastic, including the great selection of gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian dishes so it's always a great choice if you are dining with people who have special diets. I always choose one of the vegetarian entrees and I have yet to be disappointed. The price is right too, with appetizers usually less than $10 and entrees anywhere from $11-20 each. They have a unique beer and wine selection too, certainly not THE best in town but we've never had a hard time finding something new and different to try out. As others have said, it DOES get loud inside the restaurant but we have never felt that this detracted from our experience here, we just keep that in mind when selecting a restaurant for dinner with certain friends/family members who prefer a quieter setting. Also to note, since it is a small restaurant you'll want to make a reservation, although they also have first-come first-served seating upstairs in the bar and on the patio, but I can't comment on the ease of getting a table there since we've always had a reservation. The last thing I want to mention is how eager to please the staff have always been. When my sister in law ordered a steak cooked to medium and it came out on the rare side of medium-rare, they were incredibly gracious about the mistake. She was hesitant to return it but we convinced her that she ought to have it prepared the way she wanted it. When it was mentioned to the server, she was so apologetic and quickly whisked the steak back to the kitchen. When she returned just a few minutes later with the perfectly cooked medium steak, our waitress apologized again and they took the price of the steak off our check for the inconvenience. As I said, they are classy and wonderful beyond belief here and I recommend The Refinery without hesitation to anyone looking for a delicious, unique and enjoyable experience.
(5)
Dacia M.
I was sooooo looking forward to finally getting over to the Refinery, but after our experience a few weeks ago, I doubt we will be back. The potato salad app was great, and the beer selection and upstairs patio were cool , but my dinner left everything to be desired. ee The pork chop was dry and flavorless, and the vinegar soaked greens only tasted like vinegar (to the point you want to choke). The only starch on the plate was a pepper biscuit but it was really dry. The dish needed a moist starch to accompany the pork and give it some juice. My hubbys burger was dry (he asked for medium) and nothing special. Dinner was so disappointing I didn't even want to try a dessert. That's bad. It was a Sunday night and looked like the head Chef/ Owner wasn't there (I know because peeked in the kitchen to get a look... from the website he looks like a serious hottie!). Since the menu changes every week it seems unfair not to give it a go again. Hopefully I'll be able to update my review!!!
(2)
The S.
Great food with a good amount of gluten-free options.
(4)
Pam D.
My partner and I used to frequent this building when it was the Bungalow Bistro. The BB was not perfect, but it had very many good dishes. We've been to The Refinery a couple of times since then. We went recently, after having visited year or two ago, and the service has only gotten better. The food didn't wow me (I had a squash and rice dish with goat cheese, I believe) - it was good, but not amazing. However, the beer selection was impressive and I thoroughly enjoyed the Amber Ale I had (twice). There were only two dessert choices (our party ordered both) and they were absolutely outstanding. So, it was a pretty good visit, but because we don't live in Seminole Heights any more, we probably won't make it out again.
(3)
Tyler J.
The Refinery is hands down the best restaurant in Tampa. Every week is something new and exciting to try. The top deck is a great dinner spot and the bar has plenty on tap. I can't recommend The Refinery enough.
(5)
Amy L.
Every week, the menu is changed according to local offerings. You can't get much better than that! The atmosphere is chic, homey and on trend for its location. I have NEVER had a bland, or unsatisfying meal here. The Sunday Brunch (seasonal menu) is always delicious and perfect. I spend every special occasion here: birthday(s), anniversary, New Year's Eve dinner, any time friends or family are in town we go here! I would list food recommendations, but the menu is always changing! You can never go wrong with their weekly burger, though. Always fresh, unique and filling! My absolute favorite restaurant.
(5)
Katie C.
I'm really happy that places like this exist in Tampa, places that take advantage of the good weather and craft beer scene. The dishes we had were great (one dining companion described it as "the best burger she's ever had") but they were a little heavy on the salt. Nevertheless, if I find myself back in Tampa, I'll make it a point to return and see what they're cooking.
(4)
Blake M.
This is a restaurant I'd like to give a 3.5 star rating for. But I can't, so I'll stick with 4. I've eaten here twice now. I love the concept, farm to table, a new menu every week, and always two vegetarian entree options. Usually about half of the small plates are vegetarian as well. However, I do wish that they distinguished between vegan and vegetarian on the menu. Also, this past Saturday I came here with my mom and boyfriend. Though my boyfriend doesn't eat meat, he still has a gigantic appetite. He ordered the calabaza squash with mushroom mole. Honestly, the serving was pathetically small. One tiny slice of squash with a spoonful of sauce on top. He ate it in about three minutes. Come to think of it, I think his plate was missing the cabbage slaw it was supposed to have. I understand that this isn't Applebee's, and the portions aren't meant to be gigantic. However, for $13 I expect more than one slice of squash. Being a kind girlfriend, I parted with one of my pieces of edamame falafel, which was a shame, because it was probably the best falafel I've ever had and I really didn't want to share. Overall, the food is great, but you might need to drop a lot of $$$ to leave feeling even comfortably full.
(4)
Dale M.
Went on a Sunday evening with a 6pm reservation for our son's 21st Birthday celebration (a previous reviewer cautioned about Sundays). I ordered the pan roasted pork shoulder, which our server described as "a specialty". Other diners ordered flank steak (2), fish of the day (2) and chicken (1). The steak, fish and chicken were very good (but nothing outstanding). However, the pork shoulder was terribly dry to the point of cracking open on top and should have been easily visible to the chef, server, etc. I inquired with our server, who took it away to the kitchen ~ this is where things went sideways (and a first time experience like it for me). The server could be seen presenting it back to the 'chef', who accompanied by another kitchen worker, began cutting it open in several locations to 'check' my description....THEN the server returns the plate to me WITH the hacked up meat and says, "you are correct that this portion (pointing to 2/3 of it) is overcooked and dry". He then says, "that puts us in an interesting position...what would you like to do". I told him I was originally thinking they could just give me a less dry piece of meat. Ultimately we decided on replacement, which took so long that the server offered to box it to go before I could even suggest that. We also ordered deserts...2 'wookie pies' and 1 orange pie (which the server raved about during his description of it). The 2 'wookie pies' arrived, however no orange pie and no initial explanation. The server then returned and said, "I just can't serve you the orange pie, it wouldn't be right...it didn't set up properly". My son had been here previously and raved about the quality of the food. I really wanted to like this restaurant. From this experience, I'd say 'no need to return'. Errors occur and no one is perfect ~ but don't hack food and return it to table and put the burden back on the customer. The previous advice from the other reviewer stands for me "avoid Sundays".
(1)
Cc R.
Very good food. The people I was with flipped out about some kind of pork belly they had on their chocolate dessert-- it was dark and they thought the pieces on top were chunks of chocolate. Guess I'd suggest paying careful attention to what you're eating, as it's not your typical Florida eatery (which I mean in the best possible way)
(4)
Sammie L.
Super smokey. Maybe the staff has forgotten what its like to breath fresh air? We were immediately questioned about the status of a reservation, upon hearing we had none, the server/host started offering platitudes. No reservation? But there was plenty of empty tables. We went to Domani's down the street and had a great meal!
(1)
Sydney H.
The Hanger Steak was quite possibly one of the best meals that I have ever had, without exaggeration. Well worth the price. Great service, atmosphere, and beer selection. Loved it.
(5)
Jesse C.
This place has an awesome concept, fresh menu every week. This is the type of true farm-to-table kind of place one expects. Everything was delicious! I had a chicken dish that had each part of the chicken including a breast, a leg, a thigh and fried chicken liver. They were all really good. The carrots came with a honey butter sauce that was amazing as well. Our appetizer was the pork belly which was delicious. Since this place has a new menu every week, it is hard to get tired of their offerings.
(5)
Thomas A.
Dang!...I wish someone on Yelp would have advised as to the loudness of this place. I went there with a cousin I hadn't seen for a decade, to spend some time catching up in a nice local spot, and it was unbelievably (unacceptably) loud for a Sunday brunch. It was so loud, I could not hear the server speak (I have perfect hearing). Luckily I knew what I wanted and could just shout it to him. It seemed like he had some great things to say about the food, and questions my cousin had, but alas, I will never know. Perhaps turning the music down would be an option? The ambient noise level was one of the loudest I have experienced in any restaurant. During lulls between songs, it was much better...but when the music was on (and loud) everyone in the place tries to talk over it, making the issue a lot worse. My voice was hoarse after the meal, since I had to speak so loudly to my cousin (who sat right next to me). Anyhoo - the food was great. I had the "Big Daddy" biscuits and gravy with scrambled eggs and house potatoes (I recommend the "carrot" natural/local hot sauce , you just have to ask for it). However, the biscuit-to-gravy ratio was chintzy and was barely enough for a single biscuit (they may have been running low on gravy so they skimped it - they were also sold out of the French toast). My cousin had the "John Denver" and loved it. My girlfriend had the Benedict (served over biscuits) - and it was also very good. I would love to come back for dinner, but I like to spend a nice meal talking with my companions - so it will have to wait till the weather is cooler and we can sit outside. As much as I love playing pantomimes and practicing lip-reading, that's not the environment I prefer to dine in.
(3)
Constance C.
Cool atmosphere, excellent service, great food, fab beer selection.
(5)
J.T. M.
Stopped by after making a reservation. Was greeted nicely and given a table in the middle of a small dining room. The place is very quaint but very loud for its size. Not sure if they have an online menu but when my date and I looked at the menu, we weren't happy with the selections. We'd never heard of most of what was on it. Unfortunately we weren't happy with the selections and decided to eat elsewhere. I'm not giving a bad review, but can't really give one based on the food.
(3)
Stale V.
We had a table for 8 people reserved for 8:00, we didn't get seated until 9:30 and our orders wasn't taken until 10. By the time we got our food we were so hungry that everything should have tasted amazing. The food was good, but most of it seemed to lack a little something. I had the fish, and it was perfectly cooked, however the dish came with a piece of pork that did absolutely nothing for the dish, it disappeared completely in the other flavors, and might as well have been left out. Had the pork belly as a starter and, here as well the flavors were a little bit off, bordering to bland. The soup however (i think it was a sweet potato bisque) was very good. Would try it again, but not with a larger party than two.
(3)
Cara D.
We have been here several times since it became the Refinery, and we have never really been disappointed. Service was a little slow, but nothing horrible, and the food was worth it! I had Dirty South Benedict, my husband had Daddy's Favorite. Both were amazing. My dish was a creative interpretation of Eggs Benedict, with pulled pork, kale, spinach and cornbread (and of course, eggs). It came with either potatoes or cheese grits. I can't believe I ate all of the generous portion- but it was so good! Daddy's Favorite was their take on beef and gravy on biscuits....it was perfect. The dining room was 95% full, so I recommend a reservation via Open Table to avoid a wait, as there is really no place to wait. The coffee was excellent, although at $3 a cup (refills included), it seemed a bit pricey. All in all, The Refinery continues to provide a unique and delicious dining experience in our neighborhood, and Tampa in general...we are super lucky to be able to walk here in under 5 minutes!
(4)
William M.
Not bad and not too good. The beer selection and pricing was good and so was the service. On the other hand, the food was so-so; less interesting than the menu would suggest and less well executed than I had hoped, i.e. the sweetbreads couldn't be tasted or seen underneath the scrambled eggs and on top of the thick bread. I wouldn't avoid it and can't speak to other options in Tampa, but it was not as good as I had hoped based on the Yelp reviews and menu.
(3)
Lisa B.
Wow, this restaurant is incredibly wonderful. I've tried the Craig's List burger, poutine, pappardelle pasta with fiddle heads, pork belly, and bone marrow. They were all delicious. They offer really upscale items but so reasonably priced and prepared in a way that really makes the food taste the way it's supposed to taste. Service is always warm and friendly and their beer and wine list pairs well with their foods. Please go visit! You will enjoy it! And you'll be supporting local farmers too :D
(5)
Anish Z.
Went back again this pat week... love that the menu is varied so often and still recommended overall though I would not recommend the pent butter soup dessert (sorry)
(4)
Cymen V.
I went twice in one week. I wish we'd gone every night. Great local food, excellent beer selection and a cool outside deck plus the upstairs bar. I'm from Chicago and I'd say Lula's Cafe is very very roughly similar here.
(5)
Tyler J.
You have to go to the Refinery! And go with an open mind. Chef Greg comes up with some amazing food combinations that will amaze you. With a menu that changes weekly (take that every other restaurant!) there is always something new and creative to try. I've been going here for years, before it gained popularity. My only complaint is that I have to remember to make reservations now because its so busy, but I'm glad they're doing so well. I can't comment on any single dish because they won't serve it again, but everything is truly fresh, fresh from a farm and fresh in the new way it is being prepared. Their breakfast menu is spot on. Just straight up delicious. And for dinner, get something out of the norm. This is a 5 star restaurant for sure
(5)
Yuki J.
After reading all the hype, I was disappointed with my experience here. To be fair, I've been only once but it was such that I have no desire to go back. The staff was good, friendly and efficient. However, the two other main things that are most important to me in restaurant are food and ambiance--both of which are only mediocre here. I had the tongue appetizer and it was good. But my issue was with the main entree I ordered, coq au vin (chicken). It was extremely salty and dry. While I usually enjoy and seek out a small, vintage and quaint environment, this place didn't really have any character to me. Just felt like I was eating in an old house without a soul. Sorry, Refinery, you may have better dishes than the ones I tried, but I will never know because I won't be back.
(3)
Christine S.
This place is trying too hard to be something it's not. Design elements are off, from the open and unattractive kitchen area to the crooked paintings. It reminded me of Austin's up and coming east side hipster joints, but it doesn't quite make it to their level. Mushroom verrine app was tasty and presentation was creative. Pork chop with oyster stuffing was good, but nothing special. Potato mash was way too salty. Some guy upstairs bought my friend and me a round of drinks. That was cool and also somewhat amusing. I'm not too familiar with what the Tampa scene has to offer, but props to Refinery for offering something a bit off the beaten path. I like that their menu changes often, but maybe that prevents them from fully developing a dish before it's shuffled off.
(3)
Manisha K.
The refinery such an awesome, cozy place for dinner! If its nice out you must sit on their 2nd floor balcony and enjoy the weather! This place is probably the one place I do not get bored while waiting on a table. They have board games galore! I love how they take pride in their food, only buying from local farmers and changing their menu weekly according to what the farmers have growing. Our waiter was awesome, he knew so much about the menu and beer selection.. i loved it! They also support local breweries, they always have local beer on tap. The prices are pretty reasonable for the amount of food you get. Everything tastes so fresh, they even make their own ketchup! It's hard to recommend something since the menu changes so often, if they ever bring certain things back.. I would definitely recommend the watermelon salad, it was the perfect solution for a hot summer day! I had the crispy tofu this past week, it was topped with mint raita that was delicious! The deserts here are always so unique and yummy, if you go with others you must get both and share!
(4)
Mark K.
Went to the Sunday brunch. Food was fresh and pleasing. To the eye and the taste. We sat upstairs, they were busy but the service was good and the noise level fair.
(4)
Anthony F.
Everything you want in a small independent restuarant. Atmosphere is great, its a renovated house with a nice open deck up top. Menu is all local and constantly rotating based on supply. I tried several things and it was all good. Not another burger and fries restaurant. They offer several vegetarian meals as well as meats. Pretty good beer selection which a good amount of craft brews to choose from. The chef/owners obviously take a lot of pride in originality and quality.
(5)
Denise S.
I had been trying to get to this restaurant for weeks and every time I was supposed to go, something came up and I had to cancel. The Refinery menu changes every week and like a good little foodie, I would check out the menu on-line each week, just because. The menu is like something you would see on a Top Chef challenge. The products used are from local growers. Everything they are about I'm about too, so my hopes and expectations were high, maybe a little too high. From the outside The Refinery looks like a house, I mean, someones home. Inside the look is sparse and eclectic. Pictures are askew on the walls, and no condiments on the table. I chalkboard advertises drinks and specials of the day. The menu is divided into three sections, small plates, more than a small plate and desserts. Since foodie and friend had just left a wine and cheese lesson, which I'll tell you about in another post, we went for the small plates. I had a chicken liver mousse ,with a gelee glaze and my friend had a pear salad with vinaigrette and we spilt a fancy pear beer. I didn't miss condiments but my friend who loves black pepper did ask for some for her salad. The waiter and I talked her out of it and she actually tasted her food and loved it. Everything is fresh, I had no complaints but I wasn't blown away. I will go back on a day when I have not already eaten and try a larger plate. If you are looking for something different, this is the place to go. You will get gourmet food on a beer budget. I wish them much success as should all Tampa residents because The Refinery is all about the locals. If any of you do visit please let me know what you think. Happy eating.
(3)
Collin S.
I saw everyone on here raving, so I had to try it. And it lived up to the hype and more. I'd recommend what I had (lemongrass chicken, and a bananas foster with Sriracha hot chile sauce... seriously), but the menu changes every Tuesday. Just bring yourself and a willingness to allow your palate to experiment. That it's housed in a converted bungalow is appropriate, as there is no pretense here. It's all about the food. And the very reasonable prices are a testament to their desire to bring delicious cuisine to everyone. With an emphasis on using local produce and products, it's also a model of sustainability. What I had was incredible. The shiitake mushrooms with my entree were wonderful, and I don't even like mushrooms. But to even consider using hot sauce in an ice cream dessert shows the kind of experimentation and pushing of the culinary envelope that they're trying to do here. And it was maybe the best dessert I've ever had. Just amazing stuff. It's very small and we ate outside on the rooftop deck, which gives a nice view of the Seminole Heights area. Because of its tiny size, I would highly recommend reservations as the word about this place is starting to get out. But the upstairs deck is always first come, first serve. It is wonderful to have a place in the city that is trying to do different and innovative things while being a part of and a partner in the community. Plus getting nominated for a James Beard Award while serving you drinks in a mason jar is a pretty damn impressive feat. Look out Bern's, Tampa might be close to having a new signature restaurant.
(5)
Michael B.
Grrrrr. My second visit and more disappointing than the first. A lot gets lost in the translation of whatever the chef is trying to do. Some things are very amateurish like a stuffed zucchini that seemed like it came from a good housekeeping magazine from 1975. They seem to be able to cook basic things quite well - the roast game hen was very straightforward but well done... Including a nice touch of smoked eggplant fluffy stuff that was awesome. There was an excessively fishy dish of Cobia on barley that was cooked or laden with fishy liquid... 4 people tried to eat it and half of it was left. The thing that actually pissed me off was dessert of some carrot cupcake that was 2 uninspired cupcakes served ice cold from the fridge. If I spent the day baking and it was served with so little care, I'd be livid. Decent wine list with great bottle pricing; friendly but inexperienced staff (totally fine). I really wish they would get their shit together and step it up on execution. Either that or stop using fancy words in menu items that require Wikipedia lookups. I'll try one more time as I really, really want them to be successful as an alternative to the corporate fine dining chains that dominate Tampa.
(3)
Raj P.
If you're in the mood for a dinner that takes 2hrs and 15 minutes then this is your spot. Our server was nice enough and our drinks were always refilled but their kitchen is painfully slow. Our server stated it was because they were unexpectedly busy. There was also a constant smokey smell in the dining room as if their ventilation fans were not working. In regards to the food, all our small plates ranged from OK to delicious. The mains on the other hand turned out horribly. Half our tables dishes were cold and while the overall presentation was nice most lacked flavor or were overcooked. I'm sure I'll give them another if I'm in the neighborhood but I certainly won't go out of my way to come here.
(2)
David J.
Now that they have the rooftop deck covered and lit, this place is just about perfect!
(5)
Tim B.
This review is based on the bar only. A very short menu but since I was early, tired and had no intention of waiting an hour for my reservation (which was my own fault). The menu changes every Thursday, a concept I wish more places were daring enough of to attempt this. Cold sweet pea soup was brilliant, Hobo pie was fun (served in Aluminum Foil) and a Watermelon granita and cream cheese ice cream. The flavors were great, cooking was perfect and over and above all else the service was amazingly friendly and fast. Looking forward to my next trip back and the full menu. tip - make reservations. I saw so many people without one "stop by" and the wait can be well over an hour at dinner.
(4)
Jane E.
Great place for a nice dinner. Feels like someone's home that is like a barn or out in the middle of the country. Love the fact that the menu is so simple and changes daily based on the fresh ingredients. I had a chicken dish that had the most amazing crust but it was made of the chicken!!! Just amazing. It was perfectly cooked and beautiful to look at. I am getting hungry just thinking about it. I recommend going to this place for a good home cooked meal but at affordable prices. Great concept!
So the Refinery....what can you say? A James Beard nominated chef, a dinner menu that changes weekly, a brunch menu that changes seasonally, a chalkboard with listing of local farms goods featured that week, friendly staff, mason jars for drinks and a newly finished covered deck....oh yeah, and the food is pretty darn good. I've been to the Refinery about 6 times over the past few years. I've been for brunch three times and dinner three times. The most recent time I went was to take a friend for a birthday brunch. We made reservations, which I recommend since the dining room is small and the upstairs outdoor deck fills up fast. My husband and I shared the brioche can bread french toast with carmelized plantains and chantilly cream, as well as scrambled eggs and a biscuit. The french toast was a huge round piece of brioche covered in syrup with a dollop of chantilly cream and a few small slices of plantain. It was so rich and sweet, like dessert for breakfast. It was amazing, but we were glad we had the scrambled eggs to balance the sweetness. By the way, I have this thing about restaurants being terrible at making scrambled eggs, but these were actually fluffy and flavorful, not like the dried out thin strips of egg I usually get elsewhere. The biscuit was good, very buttery and you could literally peel it apart by layers. My only complaint was that it wasn't warm when I got it and despite my sweet bites of french toast I was wishing for some homemade, seasonal strawberry jam to go with it. Don't let the location fool you, this place has some of the best food in Tampa. If you're not an adventurous eater the dinner menu at first read can be intimidating, but trust me when I tell you that chef knows what he's doing, so my tip is just to ask your server for recommendations and dive into the menu. Vegetarian and vegan options are available, and for goodness sake, don't go modifying your order.....again, chef knows what he's doing and all those things are on your dish for a reason!
(4)
Blake W.
Wednesday night. Very good by the bottle, beer list. Good, and very reasonably priced wine list. We ended up with a bottle of Cab Franc for $18, which was very good for the price. Had appetizers in the upstairs waiting area, then proceeded to the deck for dinner. Somehow watched the table next to us, who ordered after us, finish their dinner before we were even served ... ordering much the same things we did. When we asked the server, he told us that we had ordered much after the other table, then came back and began to argue with us on the exact timing ... he obviously forgot to turn in our ticket, and we waited nearly an hour for a burger and sausage. I cannot begin to describe how unprofessional he was. We heard the other wait staff begin to joke about "what time his orders went in", after he obviously shared that we had questioned what was going on. My wife about took his freak'n head off at this point. We were quickly served at this point, and the food was very good (4 star), but the waiter brought the entire experience down to 2 stars ... He was a TOTAL 0! If you miss this character, or they figure out that he needs to "move on to explore new opportunities", and fire his ass, I think you will enjoy the experience. Good luck, until then.
(2)
Patrick K.
Hello everyone! Well Last Thursday Night Katie and I did our Date Night at a local Restaurant that I had heard about called the Refinery. thetamparefinery.com I had heard all sorts of great things about this little Gem in Seminole Heights just about on the corner of Florida and Hillsborough. We actually made a reservation, even though it was Thursday night. They could have seated us without it but if you are going on the weekends or a special occasion with more than 4 diners I would make a reservation. I believe that I counted 11 or 12 tables inside and then there is a second story balcony bar that has room for more but we didn't make it up that far. This converted bungalow is truly a gem! With an ever changing menu (check every Thursday) a decent wine list and very knowledgeable staff, oh and a great chef this was a place that we will visit again. An appetizer of Andouille Sausage Tourchon for Me and Katie had the Korean Barbecue Tostada and two main courses of Mangrove Snapper and the Roasted Chicken followed up by Ginger Vanilla Froyo and a Camino Rosco Terrine made for a splendid meal. I am not spending a lot of time on the meal itself other than to say that it was great due to the menu change each week. I am sure that you will find something to your liking here and I will say that we will come back.
(5)
Luke H.
Hipster 5-star. Brake out your wallet, twist your dreads, rub some dirt in your old Chuck Taylor's and get ready to be blown away by the chef. I recommend everything. It is a cozy place in the locals only area of Seminole Heights, but it is a shining star in this eventual up and coming area.
(5)
Jim G.
Menu shows vegan options on some very select items, like salad but this night was anything but vegan friendly. The menu makes it clear that there are NO substitutions. Want the smoked eggplant but don't want the flank steak. ...sorry you have to buy the steak and. ... put it in. ...a doggy bag or something. I guess the V thing on the menu is just to look hip but not really cater to those kind of folks. But the few V things we did have was good and the place is really cool and a great vibe overall.
(3)
Joseph A.
I really wish I could give The Refinery more than 3 stars. The concept of high-end food at a low-end price in an economical setting that makes fine cuisine available to those who want it but may not be able to afford going to a restaurant like Mise En Place (or the like), is a wonderful idea....an idea that deserves support. But sadly, The Refinery is just ok, not great. The food is nicely done, but it's far from outstanding. I had the burger which was good, but there's better available around Tampa at BGR, Burger 21 or Burger Monger. My dinner companion had the chicken which was serviceable but not memorable. But here's the biggest problem: the service...while good-hearted and eager, it's painfully slow. It took 45 minutes for our orders to arrive, and there were only two other tables in play. I understand that fine cooking takes time but 45 minutes is unacceptable. Nevertheless, I encourage you to support this business because the core-concept is a noble one....but as for me, I doubt I'll be back.
(3)
Jonathan T.
The refinery is a great idea poorly executed. My wife and I have been here about 5 times and have yet to have a meal we would come back for, not that we could because the menu is changed weekly. My instinct was not to come back after the first let down but upon the recommendation of almost all my fellow Seminole heights friends I wanted to give them a few chances- I really wanted to like this place. I had the pork chop which was huge and expensive and wasn't much better than what you could throw on the grill at home.The burgers there are okay and usually have some interesting twist on them and are the only item I could regularly recommend. The vegetarian options are few and unimpressive. The atmosphere is good- upstairs anyway. The staff is friendly and the bar tenders upstairs are great. They also have a good selection of craft beers to choose from. If you want a good local sit down restaurant in Seminole heights check out Ella's or the front porch.
(3)
Jacqueline L.
Went here once shortly after they opened. Here are the cons: it is a crowded setting it is severely overpriced they try to be artsy with a rotating menu, but fail miserably because there aren't enough options on the menu to make up for the $13 3 small sausages on a plate with some bullshit sauce drizzled on top. The portions are awful the servers are quite snobby. pros: you get a fairly good view of the kitchen when they prepare your food, but it's not so much by choice as it is they just don't have the room to divide it all out. I would rather go to an outdoor seated restaurant in the middle of a boiling summer than to The Refinery any day of the year ever again. Y'all can keep this hipster bullshit you think is all artsy.
(1)
Laura E.
Tampa may not be the food capital of the world, but when it comes to food owners Greg and Michelle Baker know how to bring seasonal to their amazing weekly menu! Upon visiting on a Wednesday night, we learned their menu changes every Thursday to cater to the new flavors of the season. My first meal there was a classic risotto with a poached egg - simple, classic with a twist. My taste buds were pleased! We were so impressed with the friendly staff and amazing meal that we came back the following night to try their new menu. Kicking it off I enjoyed a chilled beet soup and for my main, pasta with fresh morels! Now a month later, I checked out their menu to only drool over my keyboards as I read "Chocolate Cupcake with bacon-cream cheese icing" When is the next plane leaving Phily?! Worth the drive. Worth the wait. Worth the reservation!
(4)
Joshua S.
This place was a great Yelp find a few weeks back... The menu changes often, so you probably won't find what I got there anymore. The restaurant itself isn't in the nicest area, but once you walk in or up to the terrace, you forget about that. The inside is a bit odd and somewhat cold (in design, not in temperature), but the food was the star here. We got shrimp and grits for an appetizer with house-made andouille on top. SO tasty, but too small to share (unfortunately). Next time, we'll get two EACH! Nom nom nom! I got the pan-seared sturgeon (farm-raised, of course), which was served over lentils. I had never had sturgeon before, but it was GREAT! Slightly oily and served medium (as requested). Very buttery/flaky but also with a bit more heft than most any other white fish I've ever had. Would definitely get it again. The lentils were OK; a bit cold by the time I had finished savoring the fish. My sister had a burger, which was also very good. It was thick, juicy and flavorful; when I first saw it, it reminded me of one of those hamburgers that your mom made as a kid where she pattied the meat, but when it was cooked it ended up as tall as it was wide. However, unlike with mom's old hockey pucks, it ended up being really quite tasty and the fries were great too. I will definitely be back here. The prices were on-par with the chain eateries around, but the food was SO much more imaginative and satisfying.
(5)
Jodi F.
Fun, funky and just 'OMG I wish I had more of this' delicious. The atmosphere is casual, but the food here just blew me away. I had dinner on Friday night with some friends and even though it is days later, I can not stop thinking about the mushroom fries. On a side note, I love the way this Tampa eatery is utilizing Instagram. Especially since my face was too busy to even think about taking pictures. A fun and affordable wine list, but if you want to drink something more serious a $15 corkage fee. I can't wait to go back. Check out their Instagram photos on Facebook at facebook.com/pages/The-R… .
(5)
Aaron K.
I'm an out of towner with friends who live nearby, and have been to the Refinery every time I come to Tampa. I love this place. The ethic of sustainable and local food permeates everything they do. The folks who run the Refinery and all of the employees are dedicated to it. Their cuisine is complex, and yet somehow unpretentious at the same time. You can't settle into a routine at the Refinery, because the menu changes every week. That means the AWESOME dish you had last time will not be there the next time. Get over it. Explore. Be willing to step outside of your comfort zone and try a protein or a flavor that you usually wouldn't. Rest assured that the chef and staff have thought about it, a lot. I love smart, challenging culinary experiences, and that's the charm of the Refinery for me. Highly recommended.
(5)
Beth M.
Although it's small, it's awesome and worth the wait. Reservations are highly recommended (I can't stress that enough). It's got a hipster vibe with mason jars, mismatched plates, and cool decor. Great for a date night. Customer service was terrific and really friendly. Menu is unique and only offers a few items because they change up the food based on what's in season. Everything we ordered was more than delicious. It isn't in an ideal part of town and has a tiny parking lot. Other than that, I'm so excited to go back. Beth's Tip: Check the website for current menu.
(5)
Jerry S.
The place is small and not in the best part of town, but the food and atmosphere are great. Reservations are highly recommended if you don't want to sit outside. The customer service was really friendly. Most everything we ordered was more than delicious. We will definitely be going back to try a few more menu items. We had the Grilled Shrimp Brochette (cherry and grape tomatoes, horseradish, tarragon aioli) and the Caprese (hunsader tomato, house made mozzarella, sherry peaches, smoked paprika, baby greens) for starters. The tarragon aioli was a little salty for our tastes and shrimp over cooked. The Caprese however was right on and very good. The Roasted Chicken (serrano chile brine, tomato-cherry bomb pepper relish, fingerlings, roasted okra) was really good but maybe a little more heat, as well as the Flatiron Steak (house made 'steak sauce', pickled onion, roasted potatoes, roasted green beans) both cooked perfectly and the steak sauce was the best. For dessert we had both the Ginger-Vanilla Fro Yo (house made yogurt, spiced oat crumble, blueberry) and the Peach Cobbler (pastry, lemon balm crème fraiche) both are recommended. The Fro Yo was a very tasty and refreshing end to a great dinner.
(4)
C C.
I am in love with this place. Everything I have tried so far has been excellent and it's an awesome atmosphere. I love the ever-changing menu, it's nice seeing something different every time.
(5)
Eric N.
I picked this place because it was one of the highest rated joints in town.. All I can say is wow. The refinery is nestled on a block of industrial waste, and run down homes. Certainly, and unexpected oasis, amongst the ruins. I got there early, and was the only patron in the homey, mostly wood dining room. The waiter was very pleasant, and intoduced me to the locavore style of the menu. The beer list was quite large, and offrered a number of seasonal, microbrew choices. I started with a their house salad, which had mesculun, onions, goat chese, homemeade croutons, and fantastic buttermilk jalepeno dressing. It was very larg, and only 7 bucks. For my main dish, I had the horseradish brined roast chicken. It was perfectly cooked, with a wonderful brown crust. The chicken was placed atop an incredibly tasty green bean casserole(unlike what your Mom makes for Thanksgiving), and a side of yukon gold potatoes. The cream sauce over the green beans was good for dipping the chicken into. After the meal, I felt compelled to talk with the chef in the open kitchen. Between the meal, the staff, and the welocoming environment, this was as close to a perfect meal as possible.
(5)
C-Mac W.
Hooray for The Refinery! Love the rotating menu; love the fresh, eclectic/fun mix of food; love the whole concept! If you go on a week when they are serving Pastelon or Harissa Bread Pudding, I highly encourage you to order these two delightful dishes. So. Good. The Pastelon is outstanding!!! I mean, WOW! Highly, highly recommend. I will definitely be a frequent flyer at The Refinery...with an ever-changing menu, how could I not be?
(5)
Adam Y.
Yesterday was our anniversary, and my wife surprised me by getting a reservation at the Refinery, a place I have heard of and wanted to try but thus far not eaten there. She brought home that week's menu and I have to admit I was very apprehensive. I don't consider myself an overly picky eater, but get a bit intimidated when I can't figure out half of what is in a dish without a dictionary. So off we went, and part of me was hoping we'd make a last minute change of plans to a more familiar place, something safer given it was a special day. But once we got to the restaurant and were seated, I relaxed and was able to figure out 2 or 3 choices that I would like, with only a modest amount of help from our very attentive server. Probably the only mistake I made was ordering the salad without checking and finding out that the dressing was actually a blue-cheese (which I can't eat). Fortunately my wife had ordered the soup and she was more than happy to just switch and the issue was averted without any fuss. Our entrees came out in perfect time (I had heard they could be slow, but that was not the case). We tried the Hangar Steak and Tanglewood Chicken and both were excellent. They had a BBQ dish and a fish that both looked great but we were happy with our choices. We left some room for dessert and those were excellent as well. Including a bottle of nice Cab, our meal came to $135. Not cheap, but it was a special occasion and certainly I've spent a lot more than that at other places and the meal was not as stellar. I was told the downstairs was noisy, and it is, but it wasn't terrible. There wasn't any music, which I consider a plus. I'd been told parking was a problem, and I can see that being a possibility but we were fortunate to arrive just as someone was leaving so we were kind of lucky. The only thing I would take points off for was the length of time it took to get a bill. We sat for well over 10 minutes after we had long finished our desserts, and the plates had already been cleared. This is a major pet peeve of mine when servers lose attention and forget that the meal isn't truly done until you pay. And with 4 empty tables by 9pm, it wasn't as if they were sold out. But we will be back at some point. This is a great place to try something different.
(4)
Alex Z.
I would recommend The Refinery. Overall, it had a pleasant atmosphere, competent service, and the food ranged from very good to excellent. We ordered a few small plates and one large plate. Two of them were excellent (the country pate and the pork cheeks). The chili dusted calamari would have been excellent, but for the incongruous white chocolate dipping sauce. Too sweet, and not sufficiently balanced out by the chili dusting. The beet and okra salad was unremarkable. As for the large plate, we shared the green chile with pork and dumplings. The flavor was very good, and the pork was beautifully done. The dumplings were lost in the mix, and given the heaviness of the dish, I think it would have been better as a small plate. The space itself was comfortable--tables nicely spaced, enough room to move. The ground floor gets quite loud, so it can be hard to hear. But as long as you're not aiming for a quiet dining experience, it's not a problem.
(3)
Brian S.
Amazing food. Menu changes weekly. Locally sourced. Very knowledgeable staff. My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed our dinner.
(5)
Michael Angelo R.
We wanted to be low key today for Easter. Our friend Charles had been telling us about this restaurant and hearing from client's nothing but wonderful things. All true. We were able to get in short notice and service was friendly, quick and quite frankly we were very impressed. We ate downstairs, because we did call ahead to reserve a table, and if you do, they will seat you downstairs. However, if you take your chances, they have a beautiful upstairs, outdoor patio that is covered. The perfect day for it, although we choose to stay indoors. Best ManMosa I've ever had, The bisquits were something my grandmother would make. Besides the great food, ALL the STAFF enjoys working there! Friendly smiles welcome you and they are proud to let you wander through to check out the place. VERY, VERY WELCOMING! On my top 5 list in tampa now. We will be spending lots of time there...Thanks for great EASTER brunch...
(5)
Annette G.
Wow!!! That's really... all I can say. This place was pure, WOW! And not in a frilly, super fancy-shmancy, food snob kind of way (talking about you, Ravenous Pig Orlando). The Refinery is one place you can count on for a really great meal, paired with some very delicious beer. Luckily for me, everyone in the party was cool with sharing. I sampled the burger, roasted quail with mole sauce, leek gratin, poutine and... wait for it... SWEETBREAD! Yeah. This was my first foray into eating glands. It.... wasn't bad. Texture wise, it was like a very moist poached chicken breast. I'd like to say I ate it all up, but no. I had a small helping and let the others enjoy it. Baby steps. The burger was absolutely perfect, and I really really really dug the leek gratin. I want to try to make that at home. Definitely a great spot for a casual but delicious night out!
(5)
Rose S.
I heard great things about the refinery so I had to check it out! The outside rooftop seating was great, the atmosphere was amazing. They were out of several red wines that night so I had to pick between two. It was good, I just wish I had options. We started with a small plate..the pork belly, it was cooked perfectly, but I felt like it needed a sauce to pull it together. For my entree I had roasted chicken with leeks. The chicken portion was huge, I could of used another side dish and less protein. It was delicious though and the service was amazing! I would like to try again but I will not go out of my way.
(3)
C W.
We had Sunday brunch in late November on their covered rooftop deck and it was absolutely delightful. Prompt pleasant servers were excellent and delivered yummy dishes created from mostly local producers and suppliers. It was our 1st time but we'll be back. (No kids menu, but we made due with all of the available options).
(4)
CJ L.
Let's just keep it simple here. My wife and I stopped by on a Saturday night to try something "different". Our 35 minute wait ended up being a short 10... which is always nice. All the staff was very friendly and eager to discuss the various menu options (food and beverage). I liked the great beer selection and my Ghetto Burger was great. My wife enjoyed the Tofu Tacos - always nice to see GOOD vegetarian options. Highly recommended, we'll be back again since the menu changes weekly.
(5)
Mary J.
Fresh is best and that's the food philosophy followed faithfully by the locally owned and operated Refinery Restaurant. Located in historic Seminole Heights, it fittingly occupies a house where homecooked meals were likely prepared daily. Greg and Michelle Baker provide tasty proof that using seasonal, locally sourced foods allows for a lot of taste and even more creativity. The only drawback is that the menu changes weekly so if you find a favorite, become a frequent guest throughout that week because it will soon make way for another at-its-peak-of-freshness dish. Reservations are recommended because the downstairs dining room is compact. There is a dark bar on the second floor but another option is the open air rooftop patio.
(4)
Zoe L.
I have been coming here since around the time that this place opened and while I used to be an enthusiastic recommender, my feeling towards it has changed over time. The food is less consistent than I feel it was in the early days; last night I went and nothing was really great (while the dessert was decidedly meh). Yet the prices seem higher--maybe this is just my imagination. Service is definitely hit or miss. I understand that things might be a bit slow to come out during a busy time, but having to wait an hour after appetizers for an entree--as I did once on a Friday night--is not okay. The ever-changing menu feels almost more like a gimmick to me now; from my experience, the items that are regular (like the burger) tend to be more consistent, so I wonder if rethinking the new menu approach might be in order (maybe make it seasonal?). Certainly it is possible to go, enjoy your meal and have a great experience, but it also might be disappointing in terms of food quality and/or service. On the plus side, there is a stellar selection of beer and the wine is pretty good.
(3)
Mike L.
First thing's first, I was very very impressed with The Refinery. Approaching it, it looks like an old, two-story home that's been converted into a bistro-type restaurant. The bottom floor is an open, hardwood room with space for about thirty, with a very understated tone in their decor. The top floor is a large, open-air patio with a bar chock full of exotic beers. Where The Refinery really shines is their amazing food and service. They welcome with a smile and always are willing to help you out, whether it be with a complex menu item (there are a few) or your drink. It takes a while to really understand the menu if you're not used to they type of food served (think gastropub). Started out with the poutine, an appetizer, which is a mixture of Yukon Gold fries, carne guisada, and queso blanco. This could have been my meal though because the serving size was much larger than expected. An amazing flavor though. I definitely recommend this if you like a more familiar American flavor. The main courses (split b/t two) were the burger and an order of thyme spaetzle. They grind and craft their own burger here and give it a unique flavor with wasabi, and top it off with avocado and a side of fries. It was absolutely a delight for any burger lover and is tough to pass up. If you haven't tried spaetzle before like me, this is a great place to try it out for the first time. They spice it up with mushrooms, eggplant, and romesco sauce. A very strong and gratifying dish. The price point here is reasonable compared to other gastropubs. You'll get a meal that's just as good, but with about $3-5 knocked off per menu item. Great for quiet dinner nights with a date or small group of people. If you're in the mood for something familiar with a unique twist, make your way to The Refinery and you'll be pleasantly surprised.
(5)
Charles C.
What can I say, but pure class & quality when it comes to food, service, and atmosphere in Tampa! Seminole Heights is the Artistic and now the Culinery creative center of Tampa Bay! The food is locally sourced from local farms and the menu changes every week according to what is available seasonally. Now that is dining worth writing & raving about in my book! On 2 occasions I've had the Flatiron Steak & The Roasted Chicken both bursting with natural flavors, and cooked to perfection. Make sure to check out the rooftop area for dining, with a bar area where one can drink while they wait to be seated. Fridays & Saturdays are the busiest where I highly recommend one get a reservation to avoid the long waits.
(5)
Jeremy S.
The Refinery is a very good restaurant, the price is right compared to it's peer group. The service was excellent, the food came out really quick and food was excellent. They only serve beer and wine, so don't go there looking for alcohol. I love the fact that the menu changes on a weekly basis. We started with Cured Amberjack, a little fishy for my liking...but I knew the risk when ordering. Stuffed peppers filled with Sausage and Heirloom Tomatoes were so good I ordered a second order. Our entrees were Flat Iron Steak, cooked to perfection and seasoned perfect. My favorite was their version of Shephard's Pie. WOW, I could not stop talking about it. Basically, the tastiest version of stew you have ever tried. Exciting menu, great beer, good prices, good service, nice set up...go there!
(4)
Ashley S.
I tried this Seminole Heights staple on a Thursday night - I believe that is the night they change the menu - and I was not impressed. The staff seemed less than thrilled to be working and the food was unimpressive to the point of almost terrible. The menu makes things sound out of this world, but what I received was dry, overcooked, bland chicken. It seemed overpriced and not a place I will return to.
(1)
Dugg A.
Food ok but I understand it changes weekly so maybe an off day. Good beer selection but they should ensure they have it if it's on the menu. I would suggest the popular ones maybe stock some more. Be prepared to wait to order and the same once ordered. That surprised me because it didn't seem that busy. Might consider returning if in the area and hungry with lots of time to kill but I wouldn't make a trip to go back.
(3)
Sean H.
This is very simple... the food here is amazing! --- changing menu offers something new every week which is great. I love how little the menu is - everything is paired well and made a certain we because... well its extremely good. Pork belly = 5, Tomato salad = 5, Beef cheek...hmmm never had that one until this place, its like a potroast flavor but extremely tender = 5, burger-cannot get a better one for $10, heck isn't a burger at those pathetic chain restaurants over 10 bucks? =5 -- I cannot eat fish but the swordfish is said to be fantastic. The atmosphere is killer at this place - laid back, kinda hippy-ish I would say; not to offend anyone, I love it. Sit outside, which is first come first serve - there are so many wonderful beers on tap and in a bottle. The Refinery represents great food and amazing micro brews spot on. My new favorite place in Tampa!
(5)
Prianka N.
I have been to this place a bunch of times and feel somewhat guilty for not getting around to review it yet, because I LOVE it. It's definitely one of my top 5 in Tampa. The local/sustainable concept would be worthless if the food weren't good, but it is. Oooooh it is. I have had a killer meal the every time (10+) I've been here, and for how often the menu changes, that's no small feat. The service is fantastic, the prices are VERY reasonable, thanks to the locally-sourced food (for dinner, a couple beers and/or bottle of wine, your tab will be less than or equal to any of those big box "high end" chains like pf wang's or skeezcake factory but for far better food), and I have not eaten a single thing here that didn't please my palate. I've been here for dinner and brunch and always been delighted. Actually, if you love homemade jam and perfect biscuits like I do, brunch is a must. Their savories and their pancakes are also awesome. I don't know what I love better here, the dinner or the brunch...but I'll take either!
(5)
Diana A.
We really wanted to like this place after hearing the chef was nominated for a James Beard award. We love the restaurant itself - the upstairs bar area and outside not the downstairs part (too small and smoky from the kitchen). The servers are very nice, very knowledgeable and did a great job both times we were there. Unfortunately the food fell short of our expectations. The chef let the food speak for itself but in my opinion a little too much. I kept hoping for more seasoning or herbs - something to brighten the dishes but it didn't happen with several small plates and dinner selections. The tomato soup was amazing but I'm pretty lucky - my husband makes wonderful soups and it tasted a lot like his. We'll likely try it again but wish we had been blown away.
(3)
Mike M.
You should go! Very nice experience. Really good place. The staff were great. Super friendly and engaged. We walked upstairs to go to the outdoor seating area, and the upstairs bartender, instead of just a curt nod, asked us if we'd like to grab a drink before we headed out to the patio. That's how the whole meal went. Super people. The food was really good too, but that's covered in other reviews. I felt like I was in a real neighborhood place. Just so you are aware: We really liked sitting on the outside patio, but the view is nothing great. That's not a knock, just so you're aware that you will be looking at a bakery, or parking lot.
(4)
M W.
Thanks to Yelp we found this place. The atmosphere was really cool. Overall the staff was really good. They were attentive, eclectic and friendly. We sat upstairs and it was a nice scene up there. The food was really good. I had the burger. It was big and juicy. I would recommend it to everyone. The fries with the burger were great. Definitely try this place.
(4)
Eleni D.
Non-stop deliciousness, one plate after another. The menu says "Small Plates" and they are not joking. For what you get and the quality of the food, I feel it's reasonably priced. Probably not the best pick for nightly take-out, but a nice little pay day treat. Great draft list, good wine, awesome service and impeccable food.
(4)
Renee W.
I've been trying to go to this place for MONTHS and I finally got my butt over there last week. Well worth it! First off, I absolutely love that the menu changes every thursday. You'll always have something new to try. (Although I have noticed they usually keep some sort of burger and variations of poutines.) I went on a tuesday right when they opened, so no wait. The waitress was very helpful in picking out everything. (Btw, they have a great selection of craft brews) I decided to be a glutinous beast, so we ordered the shrimp and grits and chirizo, grilled cheese with bleu cheese and strawberries, duck fat fries, tofu tacos, and flat iron steak. With the exception of the fries (eh..), It was so YUMMY. The only bad thing i could say is that the entree portions are still pretty tiny, and a little expensive. GO HERE NOW!
(4)
Jeff C.
I like their practice of changing menu every week. Every dish we ordered last night was very good. Barley risotto was excellent, so was my pork chop. When we walked in around 7p, it was almost empty, but was completely jammed by 8, despite the thunderstorm.
(5)
Jennifer P.
I absolutely love this place! I went there for the first time for brunch last week, and I was so impressed by the food that I immediately made reservations for my birthday dinner for the following week. One downside is that it's not exactly located in the best area; however, you get over it pretty quickly as soon as you step inside the restaurant. The servers are patient and friendly (for the dinner we had a large group and ended up splitting the bill about 10 ways or so, and the servers were very helpful throughout that tedious process) For brunch I had the Early Girl and my friend had Eat Your Greens. I liked The Early Girl, but I preferred Eat Your Greens. The fried grit pancakes on the Early Girl dish was crispy (and soft on the inside!) and worked well with the poached eggs eggs, bacon, spinach and tomato gravy. I thought it was a little bland, but in general I liked it. Next time I will probably try something else though. Eat Your Greens - jalapeno creamed spinach with bacon. FREAKING AMAZING. That's all I have to say about that. The real star of both dishes, however, were the roasted potatoes. I usually don't like potatoes at all - but this time I ate all of mine and tried to sneak them off of my friend's plate when she wasn't looking ;) Dinner - I had the Stuffed Cherry Bomb Peppers as an appetizer. It was awesome - fun, inventive, and tasted great! The peppers were stuffed with pork and rabbit terraine and served as a hot dish. When the dish came out it just looked like two red pepper balls and when you cut it open, meaty goodness just spilled out of it. For my entree I had the hangar steak. The sauce, I'm not sure what it was, but holy crap. Wonderful. It was cooked perfectly, and tasted great. And I got those awesome potatoes again...yummmmm
(5)
Chris D.
Now this is what Tampa needs more of! Nestled away in Seminole Heights, near 'The Independent', this restaurant has a revolving menu every Thursday and uses local farmers for a lot of their menu items. It's truly a unique experience with great food, good beer, very reasonable prices, and interesting menu items. I like the fact that I can keep going back and try something new each time I go. Very hipster atmosphere in the bar upstairs, but the dining room has an eclectic mix of patrons, much like their menu. One of my fave restaurants in the area. I can't believe TGI Friday's used to be my favorite restaurant in high school! My how far I've come in the past 10 years :)
(5)
David C.
It's worth noting that the majority of our conversation whilst dining at The Refinery was why I didn't want to be labeled a 'foodie.' Well, at least the parts in between the mmms and yummms and discussions of how to recreate flavors at home. Hypocritical? Maybe. There's a difference between a person who likes food and a person who chooses to label themselves as an obsessive. I hope that I fall in the former category. We need to eat to live, and towards that end should be encouraged to seek out as nutritious fare as is available. Organic, local, sustainable, vegetarian (for the most part), etc. Consumption outside the realm of necessity is what separates a 'foodie' from a 'living human being.' The Refinery serves good food. Probably great food, but I only tried two dishes so I'm not going to stick my neck that far out. Also, the menu changes every week based on what's available from the local farmers. There's a chalkboard when you walk in on which the local suppliers are listed. This is cool. On the night we went, serenaded by Jake on acoustic guitar from New York, I ate a succulent piece of cod topped by a beet and potato fritter and accompanied by a carrot and red cabbage 'slaw.' They called this 'fish and chips' and, in an abstract way, it was. My lady ordered grilled grit cakes with whipped butternut squash, bleu cheese, and roasted carrots, and hers was equal parts savory, sweet, creamy, and delicious. Well, mostly delicious. As we ate, washing down with microbrews and carefully selected wines, it dawned on both of us that we were no longer contemplating the ramifications of our food choices, or whether there was some moral judgment waiting to be made. Life is simpler in the presence of carefully prepared food. You just eat. And then you're not hungry anymore. It's a pretty good deal, if you can swing it.
(4)
Larry H.
Cool atmosphere in an old house. My wife really liked her steak and potatoes. The seasoning was just right. I had a very nice chicken dish with basmati rice and some cheese on it. It had a nice spice. The salad we shared was great with fresh lettuce, some grapes and just the right amount of dressing. We had a nice Malbec with the meal which was reasonably priced. The menu changes each Thursday to reflect what is fresh and fresh it was. Good service. It was a bit tricky to get to from N. Tampa during rush hour rainstorms with Florida Ave. flooded and backed up in 1 lane.
(5)
Connie M.
I tried the Refinery this week during Restaurant Week. They offered the prix fixe menu for $25 which I felt was a good bargain. I opted for the vegan menu which was very delicious and friend went cow all the way. I had to try the beef tongue and I can say that as a mostly-vegetarian, it was really delicious. I just couldn't think too much about what I was actually eating. The atmosphere is very cool, reminded me of a hip place up north with the wood floors and the bar on the second floor. I will definitely put this place on my list to go-to restaurants, especially since they change the menu every week.
(4)
SH K.
As some of the others said, I too really wanted to like this place. The service is very nice, and you can see the servers are happy to be working there. But you do have to be ok with the mismatched / chipped plates, and food is which is a bit "exotic". If you are squeamish about eating offal / hearts of ducks / liver, this is not the place for you. We tried almost all the sides, and had 1 entree each. Most were ok, a few were really nice, and others were misses..
(4)
Krystle M.
My new favorite restaurant in Tampa! Love that the menu changes weekly, love the hipster vibe and totally dig the outdoor seating. Reasonably priced and a unique atmosphere. A nice change from stuffy Tampa chains.
(5)
Beth L.
Wonderful food, delightful service! NOT your run of the mill cuisine. The zucchini casserole appetizer, sublime. The eggplant entree was a multi-layer taste treat with every bite. And oh, oh, oh....the pumpkin- caramel dessert was delicious, with unexpected changes in texture and flavor. Definitely worth the trip to Seminole Heights.
(5)
Anthony S.
We were really looking forward to our dinner at the Refinery, unfortunately it was a big let down. We had heard so much and liked the idea of the restaurant. The ambiance is cool and the service is nice, the young lady was attentive and there when we needed her. She made suggestions and honestly seemed to like the food on the menu. I don't think Chef Baker was working this night. He couldn't have been. I hate to put a review up like this. The Cream of Bok Choy Soup was OK, a little under seasoned. The grilled quail was nice, very tasty. The Pork Belly was very good, but I didn't care for the red peas, (just me though). My wife had the fried beef liver as an entree, unfortunately it wasn't cleaned very well. It seemed like there was some silver skin left on it and it was a little hard to eat. I had the Amberjack special, not that special. Overcooked and pretty dry. For dessert we shared the devils food cake, please don't do it. We are adventuresome diners, but maybe this was too much of an adventure. Sorry like I said we really wanted to like it.
(2)
Yolonda B.
Three of us dined and we all had one word YUM...the fact that the menu changes weekly is a PLUS, I had the carrot -almond bisque-served chilled. the semolina-quinoa cakes, and we shared both desserts, the whoopi pie, and the chocolate budino with rose-sage maerated berries...I am in LOVE, I will be checking the menu weekly to make sure I don't miss a thing..everything was as fresh as could be ...KUDOS to The Refinery for an amazingly eclectic bunch of flavors
(5)
Fred Z.
Limited menu, bad acoustics, and awkward layout. Food quality was ok, but nothing particularly dynamic or memorable....not hitting my A list with absolute nothing to crave.
(2)
Paula C.
I was a bit conflicted on how to rate this restaurant. I found this on Yelp and was excited to try it, the idea of a rotating menu is very unique and I liked that the menu was created based on local farmers products. Two particularly notable dishes were the steak, and a peanut soup. I had a burger, which was also pretty good. I think my biggest complaint is the restaurant itself. The building is a bungalow that was converted into a restaurant, very cute. However, it was also very small. My party sat literally back to back with another party, it seemed too many tables were crammed into a small room, thus making the dining experience less relaxing than I would have hoped. I didn't explore the second floor, which may have been better. That said, I applaud the owners for the unique approach to dining, as well as selecting to place the restaurant in Seminole Heights, this restaurant is definitely worth trying, but not a place I'd rush back to.
(3)
Alan P.
Great food.....absolutely delicious! I've only been once but look forward to my next visit. Hopefully it's sooner rather than later. Make sure you make a reservation as this place is high in demand. Their menu is seasonal, so be ready for a surprise.
(5)
Jordan O.
My favorite spot in Tampa. Great food that changes weekly...always an amazing dessert offered. Best burger in the area hands down!
(5)
Karen C.
Love this place! We have been here several times for brunch and we always leave full, and impressed. Have been there with our kids for brunch during the day, and drinks with friends at night. Great vibe. Never had a bad meal there! Service was excellent. Price is great. Love the farm to table concept.
(5)
Frani B.
What an eclectic place, the menu, the servers, the people who dine...it is a place for everybody and every "taste". There are vegetarian dishes as well as meats, their hanger steak is always on the menu but prepared differently, I always order and I am never let down! Can't wait to see what inspires the menu next!
(4)
Chris G.
I really wanted to love the Refinery. For some reason, I hadn't been, even after reading raves about it for years. We went early on a Friday night, and the service was good, and the wait nonexistent. I had the pork shoulder and my wife had the snapper and soup. The soup was celery based, and good, but not exceptional. The pork shoulder was tasty, but very oversalted. After my wife tried a few bites of the pork, she realized it was the squash on the pork plate that was the salty culprit. The snapper was well prepared with a crispy finish and tender interior, but the greens on that plate were entirely too salty for my taste, as well. We will probably give the Refinery another chance, but it may be a while.
(2)
Sabrina R.
Great Friday night with my girlfriend! For a little wait (at their 2nd floor bar) we got a cute bistro table on the rooftop deck for a great dinner!!
(4)
Karla K.
Love this place. Very cute little restaurant inside an old house. They have a nice rooftop bar. I love that they use local ingredients and change their menu every week to reflect what is available. They have vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options. I wish they had a few more options for vegan & gluten free combined, but it might just have been what was available this week. Looking forward to my next visit because I know it will be a different food experience each time.
(5)
Jen N.
Different menu every week. Interesting ingredients. Loved the hanger steak, best steak I had in long time.
(4)
Thomas P.
I thought the food here was okay. Nothing special. Sure they have a seasonal menu and it changes all the time, but the food was not as good as I was hoping for. The small bar on the inside was good because we had to wait for our table. We sat outside next to the band that was playing and it was awesome! Loved the view! I wish this place was closer so I could try it more. Hopefully, I can get over there again and give it one more shot!
(3)
David G.
I have been here three times so far because I keep hearing about how great it is and the chef is some kind of award winner. Well if that's the case then I must be from some other planet. Let's see, the first time I went my buddy's were in town from NYC and they insisted we go there. We wanted to sit outside but seeing as there are so few tables upstairs of course they were filled. So we sat in the main dining room. For some kind of award winner it's not anything fancy or even well decorated by any means. Ok now to the food, or the lack there of. I have lived in the south for most of my life, so when I ordered shrimp and grits I had some serious expectations. This "meal" was two shrimp, a 2" grit cake and a little drizzle of sauce. Major disappointment. Everyone else's meal were as bad or worse. The only decent thing was a burger! Really, I mean come on. Ok second time I went it was ok, but nothing special. Now, onto my brunch experience there. This is why I probably will never EVER return. The waiter took forever to come over after I arrived later then my friend. Sorry but for a weekend breakfast I need coffee delivered to me as soon as humanly possible. If I'm going to sit there for 10mins and not asked if I need it, then that's about as bad as a start as it can get. Now to the food. I ordered the "special" of the day, it sounded amazing and if I could eat the words I would have been very happy. The problem was it way under-impressed me. It was supposed to be a blue cheese corn bread egg sandwich. I guess it was all there but I certainly didn't taste any blue cheese and the corn bread was dry, and fell apart. Even worse was my friends meal, she's one of those people who order things a certain way and expect them to be that way. Lets just say they didn't do anything she asked for. And when they offered her a biscuit, it looked and tasted straight from a can, pillsbury style. Now back to the coffee, or not back to it like the waiter, I had to almost get up and refill it myself. And it had a greasy film spots on the surface. I can't believe this place is supposed to be one of Tampas best. Major yuck,
(1)
Amy M.
We always have a great time at the refinery. Great Service and great seasonal food. It is a must for any adventurous eaters.
(5)
Jen A.
If you're feeling adventurous and want a meal that's uniquely eclectic, then this is for you! If you're more in the mood for meat and potatoes, then get a burger - the best in town!! Freshly-ground in-house! The beer selection is great and there's a cool, new bar upstairs. The wait staff is fun and friendly! As if that's not enough, they use produce from local farmers.
(5)
Ottis T.
We should feel lucky that we have people that care about their food as much as these guys do. Menu changes regularly to reflect what is fresh AND cost effective. I have returned to this place almost once a week just to be surprised over and over on the quality of flavor. Lets not forget the big smiles on the service side, they make you feel completely at home. One of the best local places in Tampa Bay, give it a shot!
(5)
Gwendolyn W.
"Epic" doesn't begin to describe my experience this past Tuesday evening. My companion and I were thoroughly impressed with the way the menu read, the food itself, the fact they use local products, and beatnik vibe surging throughout the joint. I was so happy with my dining experience that I completely forgot about my brisk drive through the "ghetto" to reach this establishment. Dinner menu is updated every week on Thursday, which I find to be both a potentially mild annoyance and a blessing but definitely not a hindrance. Reason for the potential annoyance is because I extremely enjoyed a few of the menu items and the unceasing desire to consume those items again my rush over me like a fat-kid freight train. A blessing because I completely support the use of local farms, products, produce, and the like, but I understand that those items can come with limited availability, and I look forward to the change of menu to further my palate expansion. Nonetheless, freshness and quality will always trump the fat-kid freight train. Thank you Refinery for elating my palate.
(5)
C H.
Recently relocated from Gainesville, I was pleasantly surprised to see the hipster seen alive and well in Tampa. I felt immediately at home when our waitress approached with a full arm sleeve tattoo. After reading reviews here I made reservations for inside seating for 8:45, but there weren't many other diners at that time. My friend and I are both vegetarians, so we started by sharing the Baked, Shaken Tofu. I was excited because it was accompanied by a wakame-red pepper-hazelnut pesto, but it was slightly bland, and really just served to provide some moisture to the tofu, which was seasoned and baked perfectly. The portion was pretty small for $8, so I don't think I'll choose that app again. For our main entrees, we both chose the Creamy Gorgonzola Polenta. WOW. It truly was the most delicious polenta I've ever had. Topped with fresh, seasonal vegetables that added a nice chunky texture to the polenta. We both ate our entire bowls! I could foresee becoming obsessed with that dish, so I guess it's a good thing I live 30 min away and can't run over whenever I have a craving. If I hadn't devoured the polenta b/c it was so dang good I would've saved room for dessert, which sounded delish. I'd love to see some tempeh on their menu at some point. The wine list had a lot of diversity with several glasses below $7. Our server was great, she explained the restaurant's farm to table philosophy, promptly removed finished plates, refilled water consistently, and had a very cheery attitude. We finished the evening with a glass of wine on the top porch seating area. I look forward to having my next meal out there when the weather and mosquitoes aren't an issue. While it does face a busy street, it's cool to watch the Cuban bakery across the street pump out the loaves of bread while waiting for your meal. This is the BEST restaurant I've eaten at in Tampa! I have a feeling I'll be bookmarking their weekly menu so i can check regularly to see what amazing tastiness they've created!
(5)
Meghann M.
Hop aboard the Refinery band wagon? Don't mind if I do! This place is, simply put, fan-damn-tastic. First, I'm a huge fan of this rotating menu business. If tomatoes didn't look good that week, I don't want to eat them, so I appreciate them not even being on the menu. We went on a Thursday night, before the weekly menu was posted, and were not disappointed. The burger had apples, Guyere, and horseradish on it. My husband ordered that and I had a bite and had major food envy. I ordered the lamb shank with polenta. Usually, a dining establishment that does not provide salt and pepper on the tables makes me want to have convulsions. Food is usually underseasoned to me. If I were on Hell's Kitchen, Gordon Ramsey would be throwing plates of risotto at my head on a nightly basis and saying, "It's salty! You stupid cow!" Polenta is one of those foods that tends to be underseasoned. This was not. It was perfect combined with the mushroom au jus on top. This place is super reasonably priced. The burger was $10.00 and the lamb was $18.00. We look forward to visiting again for more of a "date night" and eating at a more leisurely place. The coziness of the environment and the friendliness of the staff begs for that. Thanks, Refinery, for giving us a little piece of Portland where we came from...complete with tattooed wait staff...but without the attitude.
(5)
David T.
Went here tonight for dinner after seeing a writeup in Continental magazine. The food was very good. Everything is sourced locally so the menu will change often but my mahi was some of the best I've had. They also have a bar on the second floor with an excellent beer selection.
(5)
Alecia A.
Don't waste your time. We ordered a burger and "the old standby" breakfast. Eggs greasy, burgers undercooked, and fries tasted like they have been fried multiple times, very greasy too. We all wanted a food redo. - 3 meals all sucked. GREAT atmosphere great beers , good beer buzz UNTIL the food showed up. I was ready for the best burger ever. Open minded. It came. Burger was way smaller than the bun. It tasted like Bison. I tried to fill up on the fries but god sooooo greasy. You can see the grease glistening in the sun. If you are going to be all artsy and have a Soup Nazi attitude just make sure your burgers are on point.
(1)
Christina F.
The Refinery is a MUST VISIT if you're in the Tampa Bay area. We have not had one thing here that wasn't absolutely delicious. The menu changes every week, but maintains certain staples like a burger and salad. (This doesn't mean your standard cheeseburger and garden salad, it's a gourmet interpretation, like the choclate chipotle burger my husband had a few weeks ago.) Otherwise, it's based on whatever produce is fresh and organic and available locally. The great, also variable, beer selection always has something to please. We've had everything from quinoa chevre spinach cake, to wahoo fish over pork stew, to mahi mahi seared with smoked chipotle cous cous. And the prices are truly reasonable and affordable for what they offer. As ex New Yorkers, we know an equivalent meal would easily cost double back up north. A great deal, and the best dinners and brunch I have had, probably ever. Even my very picky parents were impressed. And the staff is super friendly and knowledgable. I almost don't want to leave this rave review out of fear we'll not be able to get a table on weekends anymore. But they definitely deserve it. Seriously, eat here.
(5)
James S.
Been there twice now, and it was outstanding both times. Food is all delicious, though not very abundant, by 'Merican standards. Went last night with 6 people, and we all ordered something different off the short, weekly menu. Everything we had was fantastic, as we all shared.
(5)
erik a.
I just love this place. I stop in weekly for a late night burger and beer and they are the best in town! The menu is eclectic and well thought out. Flavors are expertly woven together by chef Greg Baker while his wife Michelle keeps the guests happy. I can't rave enough.
(5)
Barbara V.
I have been meaning to try this place for several months now. I have heard a lot of good things about it and nothing negative and they were right. The salad was really fresh since everything is fresh from a variety of farms. The shrimp quesadillas were very good and had a homemade tortilla. I also had the meatloaf and it was delicious but could of used a little gravy with it. They did service it with some onion and raisin compote but still would of liked a little gravy. Wahoo with the buckwheat pancake and kale was very good as well. The ambiance is very simple downstairs and the bar/patio upstairs seemed like a great place to dine on a nice evening. I am looking forward to going back soon to try some other great dishes.
(4)
Cory M.
I am so glad I found this place even though I dont see myself going back any time soon. Not because its not fantastic, but because I only found it while driving from Ft Myers to Greenville SC and its just a little too out of the way for me. During the roadtrip my girlfriend said we should grab some lunch and so she recommended... Applebees. after which i gave her the evil eye and pulled out my phone to use my yelp app. Luckily I saved us from sit down fast food and got us to The Refinery. We got there right around noon and alot of people still seemed to be eating breakfast dishes which all looked incredible but we opted for the burger of the day and a salad. The burger had sliced red radish, roasted garlic and bacon! the toppings were superb but the great thing about this burger is that the beef patty was the center of attention, you could actually taste the burger patty! what a concept. The yukon gold fries were equally awesome. Our salad was a perfect accompaniment to the burger and just a great fresh dish which consisted of mesclun mix, preserved lemon, sunfower seeds, fresh dill and an insane buttermilk dressing. To top the whole thing off they have a spectacular beer selection, even though its not the biggest. It is definitely one of the best and obviously well thought out. I was even able to get some accurate descriptions of the beers such as " it has some nice grapefruit notes upfront and is followed with a nice malty caramel finish " as opposed to " uhh... i think its a dark one? or maybe its more like a gold one? im not sure... " I also loved the location, it looks like a little beach house or something. yay sustainable food and people that care!!
(5)
Christa S.
This place was perfect!! My boyfriend found this little place with help from yelp!! The atmosphere was friendly and comfortable, the wait staff was knowledgeable. The beer selection was fantastic.. and a REAL burger.. the meat was juicy and delicious topped with roasted garlic and radish.. the fries were perfect. Highly recommend!!
(5)
David H.
The Refinery is the Top Chef of Tampa restaurants. The menu changes weekly. The food is modern and bordering on eccentric. And the results can be a home run or a strike out. Fans of Top Chef know that the food is far beyond what you will find at your local neighborhood grill. Rarely is a plate served without an emulsion, foam, or bechamel. Foie gras, pork belly, and tiger prawns are the norm. If you are anything like me you would love to try these interesting and uncommon concoctions, but have no way of doing so without breaking the bank at a Michelin Star restaurant. (Not to mention Tampa has minimal options for fine dining). In comes The Refinery. The menu featured General Tso's Sweetbreads, Country Style Pate, and Pork Belly with tamarind, roasted radish, pumpkin mole, pepitas, and polenta cakes. And this was just the appetizers. The plates are well thought out and have your tongue working overtime, as it unfurls the different levels of flavor. Despite the complex flavors and eclectic ingredients, the prices give your wallet a much needed reprieve. The appetizers range from $5 to $8. The most expensive items on the menu, including lamb, steak, and swordfish top in at $18. With 4 beers 3 appetizers and entrees, our tab came in under $70. Wow. I can finally try these foods at prices that won't bring tears to my eyes. Just like Top Chef, the taste and execution can vary wildly. With a menu that changes weekly, it is nearly impossible to get the consistent execution that would be expected from a stagnant or even seasonal menu. However, most of the items we had were perfectly prepared and were delightful to eat. Our only complaint was that the Prince Edward Mussels with bacon, tomato, fennel, cream, and Cuban bread badly needed some salt. I couldn't bring myself to ask for a salt shaker, but really wish I had. Other than that, the execution and presentation of our dishes was perfect. The Refinery buys the bulk of their ingrediants from local growers with a focus on sustainability and high ethics. They have an interesting selection of local and seasonal beers as well as the classics. As with everything at The Refinery, the prices are more than reasonable. The Refinery has given me the ability to frequently sample a world of cuisine that was once a rarity. The new menu update has been a treat that I look forward to every week. (Thursday at 5:00). Two thumbs way up for my new favorite restaurant in Tampa.
(5)
Ross B.
I'm going to put this as simply as I can. The food here isn't very good, the portions are tiny and everything is insanely overpriced. There is a very good beer selection though so I'll give them a bonus star for that. Honestly, I don't understand why there is so much high praise given to this place. It's really not good at all.
(2)
Melissa E.
The best of innovative and gourmet cooking cuisine. The food is amazing and the atmosphere is cozy. I love that the menu changes each week and is based on what is available from the local farmers. The owners are so down to earth and offer the best they have.
(5)
Rob H.
Excellent food on an every changing menu as the local options and seasons change. This is just the kind of place I love. Cheerful wait staff are happy to explain all the options. The food tastes great. They do make a big deal about sourcing locally and staying seasonal. Some folks may not like this, but they prolly will after they realize it means the food is just that much better.
(4)
Myrrh R.
For me, comparing food to love is the most accurate analogy I can come up with... You know how sometimes, when you're dating someone and they write you poems, and send you flowers, and serenade you beneath your window? They may have their heart in the right place, but somehow, no matter what they intend, it feels contrived? You can imagine that they would go through the same motions with any other person, because it feels like they are simply in love with the idea of love. Or maybe they're just a player. Many trendy restaurants convey this sensation with expensive decor and froufrou, overpriced food that doesn't taste good so much as it tastes fancy... Then you meet someone who fixes your appliances. They really listen when you talk. They support your dreams and bolster your confidence. You know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that they really love YOU...It's sincerity and heartfelt emotion that you get, not theatrical gestures or hollow words. At the Refinery, you can TASTE this concept... The menu is designed and executed by someone who loves the food and doesn't just seduce it into reductions or unnatural shapes. The ingredients get the respect they deserve and complement each other beautifully. My companion and I had a poached pear, barley risotto, flatiron steak, roast chicken, and an apple tart. We each had our own favorites, but everything was impeccably prepared and perfectly seasoned (there were no salt and pepper shakers in sight - now I see why).The waitstaff was friendly and casual, making us feel welcome friends, not bloated patrons. My overall experience was one that I will talk about as often as I can squeeze it into conversation...such a good meal can sometimes be hard to find!
(4)
Laura L.
Delicious and affordable. I had the soup which was unlike any soup I'd ever had and the trout. Kinda tasted like salmon (I'm no fish expert) but it was delicious. Great sides. Really nice, relaxed service. All in all, loved it. Great find while traveling for work in Tampa
(5)
MissEasy T.
OMG this place is awesome! Delicious everything. Great service, hard-working and humble owners who are passionate about every aspect of the restaurant. Especially love what they do to pork belly. A year in business and a James Beard nomination for Best New Restaurant tells you everything you need to know. I eat here multiple times any time I am in the Tampa Bay area visiting family which was several times last year.
(5)
Allison R.
What we liked about the Refinery - ..................................................Â.... The only reason we gave them two stars was because the wait staff was extremely attentive and comped our entire bill. We were shocked to find that this restaurant received a James Beard nomination....I'm not quite clear on how this happened. Maybe they were having an off week.
(2)
Fran B.
Going to the Refinery is an artistic experience. It is like going to your favorite jazz band for some improv music. You know you will most likely love most of the stuff there but occasionally there are a few pieces you are not so crazy about. That's the magic of the place, they change their menus every week and you never know what will be there. Even when you take a sneak peek of their menu online before you head over there, when you order the dishes, they still manage to surprise you with their creativity. Did I mention the prices are very reasonable too?
(5)
marcie r.
2nd trip last night. Totally different menu. We shared the tamale with mole, grilled quail, frittata, and poutine. The grilled quail was super. It had a cornbread dressing seasoned with poblano and bacon. The only item that wasnt over the top was the peanut butter cookie sandwich with chocolate ice cream. Cookie was great and the ice cream was very tasty, but it was frozen as hard a brick! 10 seconds in the micro and that would have been a winner.
(5)
Jessica H.
I hope that in future months The Refinery becomes my most frequented restaurant. Menu changes weekly on Thursdays. Old bungalow house with very cool feel to it. Owners are always helpful with descriptions and suggestions. The menu is mostly prepared from good from local brews and farms. I leave feeling full and morally aligned.
(5)
James A.
excellent southern comfort food meets modern french. "new" menu every thursday- but very similar flair. friendly staff, quality food, reasonable prices. all food organic and local- i am a fan, and a frequent visitor
(5)
Alyssa K.
Really good food! Got a peanut butter burger and my dad got the sturgeon (very good but my review is on the burger). Both were delicious. One man at a table nearby said that "it was the best burger he has ever had in his life". I can attest that it's quite up there on my ranking of burgers! Yum! They change their menus every week so I apologize if this gets anyone in the mood for peanut butter burger deliciousness. The yuca fries were alright and totally outshined by the burger, though the sauce added a little zing that went well. Be prepared to wait for your burger. I was going to get medium well but that was a 25 min wait. I opted for the medium instead, and we waited about 20 minutes as promised. It was only $11 for great burger! The ambiance was great and we sat outside on the porch- great weather! There were heat lamps around for when it was colder. Christmas lights, odd wall decorations, and esp glass mason jars for water made things feel very hipster but comfortable. Overall, I would TOTALLY recommend this for anyone! I will be returning while on break from college.
(5)
Darrell F.
Interesting, eclectic, flashes of brilliance, and ultimately disappointing. I suggest avoiding any meat besides the burger. Both the duck gizzard small plate and a hanger steak were under cooked and very tough. Non meat items were very good, but small plates were too small to be a reasonable portion . Great draft beer selection, but all 3 we tried seemed flat. Bottle wine prices seemed reasonable and most people we observed were drinking wine.
(3)
Z G.
This restaurant was very disappointing. It started off really well, great atmosphere but then the kitchen was running behind and it was extremely slow to get our food. When I got my entree, it was cold. I told the waitress. The manager/owner came out and she was VERY condescending and said the the plate was scorching her hand. I offered her to taste the food herself and she refused. The plate may have been WARM but the food was NOT. They brought out another entree and the other owner was VERY condescending as well and making unnecessary passive aggressive remarks. The entree was hot but BURNT which I am convinced was done on purpose. My friend took a picture, I wish I could upload it. I definitely will not return to this restaurant. it's a shame because I definitely see its potential.
(1)
Sharon B.
Great place to go if you a looking for something a little different. Very creative and inventive food, cool that they have a local focus. A bit on the hipster side and the old house means the temperature is way too hot and there were flies buzzing around. But the definate highlight is a menu you won't find at many other places in Tampa.
(4)
Lauren R.
This is one of our favorite places. The bar staff sometimes is a little indifferent, but it doesn't matter, because taking a beer outside upstairs is the greatest of everything. We went once to Sunday brunch, but that was a little confining. They have an outstanding blackboard detailing all the local sources of food and hurray for them!
(4)
Jen C.
Apparently this is Tampa's latest foodie outpost and have to say it was pretty good. Plus love the stress on the word "conflabulate" which perfectly described my friend to a tee! Also loved the sign for the hippie entrance. They have an extensive beer list, and their menu changes every Thursday based on what the local farmers have available. My friends and I started with the potato salad and the lamb belly -- loved the lamb belly! So exotic and delicious especially with the bread pudding. For my entree I got the "Namen Ranch Poached Egg" -- sausage balls in dashi broth topped with kim chee and a poached egg. Yes, very out of my comfort zone food choice, but figure you have to be here. It didn't feel right to get the burger even though I really wanted to try it! You could tell the dish was so complex and my taste buds were overwhelmed at trying to dissect it. We also got the left hand milk stout ice cream which was served in mango coulis and candied cashews -- yay, more nuts! No in all seriousness this dessert dish was amazing -- the more you ate of it the more it changed in your mouth. Kind of indescribable -- the mango coulis was a bit acidic but balanced well with the ice cream. And the ice cream was so good it could be served by itself. I pretty much could not stop eating it. And we also got the chocolate brownie with sake-cherry coulis and topped with a house made peanut butter-like whipped cream. Delish! Would love to come back and try more.
(4)
Andy F.
I've been here twice and both times were excellent. I love the building and the laid back nature of the bar upstairs. My first dinner, I had the duck confit which was amazing. My second visit I tried the poutine, chicken wings confit, pokr torchon sliders, and a salad. The poutine wasn't traditional and was very salty, but the addition of pork was a plus. The chicken wings confit were absolutely amazing. The sliders were fatty, but I just had to try them. Beer selection is always good. It's just a pleasant place to stop in once in a while.
(5)
Pat P.
Great meal at the refinery. The pork belly small plate was great and then I had the rabbit, was dying to try something different and it was great. My wife is gluten free and also can't have salt or butter, they were very accommodating. The service was impeccable and will definitely be back many times....
(5)
David H.
Easily the best meal I have had in the past year in the Tampa Bay area. Great service, better food. I brought close friends from Seattle and Chicago, who both are "foodies." They were very impressed, and said I better stop complaining about the food in Florida. I 'm going back this week, and wish I lived closer!
(5)
Ryan D.
The refinery is located in Seminole Heights on FL Ave in a small 2 story renovated bungalow where the restaurant called "bungalow bistro" used to be (let's call it a transitional neighborhood). Nothing like and no relation to "the bungalow" that operates on Kennedy in S. Tampa. The refinery got its name when husband and wife Greg and Michelle Baker took over the restaurant so its previous owners could focus on their spa and natural healing salon next door. Michelle was a local food personality, writer and critic. Greg is a local chef who takes pride in sourcing local, organic ingredients and creating diverse menu selections that change more rapidly than the seasons (weekly). My advice: don't go there because they're the only restaurant in Tampa to ever receive a Beard nomination. Go there because like Greg's ingredients, everything about the restaurant is local and fresh. Go there because of the amazingly unique beer selection. And when you go there don't think that everything you ordered is divine because of its origin and hype, but instead judge it for what it is. It's a locally owned and operated new American restaurant that tries (with occasional fault) to allow ingredients to shine. Avoid Sunday brunch and enjoy an evening with some friends for dinner, live music and a few craft beers on the 2nd floor patio. If its open, be sure to check out the funky retro store next door. It smells funny but they have some extraordinary conversation pieces in there.
(4)
George T.
My favorite restaurant in Tampa. Go for dinner, it's better than the brunch. Sit upstairs on the patio if the weather's nice.
(5)
ErIc A.
I ate at the Refinery about 6 months ago and was frankly underwhelmed. I had a cold soup (I want to say it was squash based), an entree I can't remember (bad sign), chick pea fritters, and some sort of delicious peanut butter pie which is the only thing my friend and I ate that did not leave us underwhelmed. The next day at work my friends who adore the Refinery asked how we liked it and my response was eeehh. I loved the roof top patio (the weather was good) and our server was great but the soup was bland and the entree was entirely unmemorable. My friend was equally unimpressed and has already given it 3 or 4 tries. After reading various yelp reviews tonight I decided to add my 2 cents. There are actually other people like me who have not drunk the Refinery koolade! All I hAve to add is Beard shmeared. Maybe I will give it one more chance, but it better be good. ---------- I posted the above review on 7/26 and today 9/7 I am amending it. I originally gave it 2 stars but today I had a 5 star experience. My wife and I shared delicious muscles to start, a roasted squash entree, and a tasty swordfish filet. And the brownie! The food was phenomenal and just like last time, the service was great. Instead of having wine I had the Tampa-brewed Jose Marti beer and my wife had a refreshing pear cider. We thoroughly enjoyed our meal. So, what's the lesson? The menu rotates so if you have a less than stellar experience, check out the weekly menu on-line and think about giving it another chance. I am glad I did and opted to change my rating to sort of break even between my two dining experiences. We'll go back.
(4)
Whitney R.
Beer selection is great as is the upstairs deck (if the weather allows outdoor dining). Menu was unappealing. My party ordered 4 items. Only 1 was decent. All 4 were overpriced. I am thrilled that it exists, and wish them luck, but the food is no where near as good as they think it is.
(2)
David M.
I have never posted a review of a restaurant good or bad in my life, but I am still angry over my experience at this over-rated, ill-mannered restaurant. We got there early in the evening with hardly anyone else there, eagerly awaiting all the good things we had heard about this place. If there's ever a reason to ignore the Best Restaurant Polls, etc in Creative Loafing, this is it. The guy who waited on us appeared to be the manager, and was not very friendly at all. He was arrogant from the start. My wife ordered a hamburger, and I ordered chicken wings and the frittes appetizer. Simple stuff really, but after 15-20 mins the guy came over and said our food would be up any minute now. It was 35 mins overall before our food came. No apology, nothing. Starving we inhaled everything, whereupon Mr Personality reappeared sniffing, "I guess the food was good". When I pointed out that he had starved us for 35 mins, he merely asked if we wanted any dessert. Got the bill and left, suppressing the urge unload on this guy. To top it all off, another group came in shortly before we got our food, and got their food in less than 10 mins. Two of the dishes were the same ones I ordered. NEVER going back there again, BTW the food was okay nothing at all worth bragging about.
(1)
Abby S.
Great atmosphere, very friendly staff, and the choices were all very interesting! My food was a little cold when it came out, but I chalked it up to being in a large group. Overall I would say the food was good, but didn't meet my high expectations, as The Refinery came so highly recommended. But the menu changes all the time, and I look forward to going back!
(4)
Evanlee H.
Five stars for creativity and unique cuisine. We have had brunch here prior to trying it out dinner. We like opportunities to be adventurous when it comes to dining out so we started out with the chicken liver. It had a smooth texture and smoky flavor which went well with the creole crustini. For our entrees we had the burger and hangar steak. Both were very delicious and meticulously prepared Alex our waiter was wonderful and we look forward to coming back.
(5)
Heather M.
Greens, ham and eggs are an excellent brunch choice and the service was quick and excellent.
(4)
Aleema A.
Yes yes yes! I love this place. I have been there twice very recently and I have been very happy each time. I really like that they shake up the menu every week. I would definitely recommend going there for brunch. I would recommend getting the Manmosa. They come in Mason jars which is a very cute touch. They also have HH every weekday from 5-7. The downstairs area is a little small, but they also have an outside patio upstairs. I recently had the frittata with pork belly and it was absolutely wonderful!
(5)
Megan S.
Delicious food, beautiful presentation. The atmosphere is unique and hip. We sat on the roof on a gorgeous day. The menu changes often and they have vegan options as well.
(5)
Jon H.
The Refinery was everything I hoped it would be. I've had this place in my sights for a while and finally made it in on Friday evening. It wasn't ridiculously busy like I thought it would be, but it's still recommended to have reservations. We did and were sat promptly. The food was out of bounds. All the ingredients are fresh and local which appealed to me. The braised short rib was cooked perfectly, tender, and tasted great with the polenta and stout-Dijon-cheddar sauce with caramelized onions. The chocolate trifle was... amazeballs. If I could have stuck my head in the Mason jar it was served in to get every last bit of chocolate pastry cream... I would have. Our server was a friendly guy But I felt kind of rushed by him. I'm not sure if he just has an energetic personality but it seemed he was pressing us to make every decision quickly. A couple of times we told him we needed more time to make our decision and he was polite. Like I said, nice guy but I don't like feeling rushed. I know servers want to turn over tables, but this isn't Applebees. When I'm spending over $110 with gratuity for only two people, I don't want to feel rushed. In a restaurant with stellar food like The Refinery, I want to relax, enjoy my meal and the experience. I was going to end the review there, but I don't want to leave this on a semi-negative note because I believe The Refinery deserves all the praise it's received. If I could, I'd come back weekly to try the new items on the menu. They've been placed on my list of places to take family and friends who are visiting.
(4)
Carlos H.
Seriously one of the best if not the best restaurant in Tampa Bay. The experience is always new because the menu changes every week - the delicious burger I had in December for my birthday dinner was completely different from the goat cheese burger I enjoyed last weekend, however both left me in food heaven. Chef Greg Baker is an impressive chef that mixes things up and the price is just right - allowing you to allow quality food at very reasonable prices. Almost every item on the menu is under $20. You don't have to make the sacrifice of good food vs. affordable food. I like dining on the second floor in the lighted outdoor patio area. It certainly adds a nice mix-up to usual Seminole Heights ambiance, though still something you would expect to find because it just screams local. The pork belly or pork in general is always amazing and the desserts never disappoint! I can't stay away from the burgers because they are 1000x better than any so-called gourmet burger places in town - the quality of the meat is just fantastic. No need for ketchup or mayo - the meat is packed with flavor and the toppings are always delicious. Also only $10-12? Same price as any of the burger joints in town! Red Robin fanatics need to wake-up and go to The Refinery for a real burger. Cool beer selection too, I visited last week during Tampa Bay Beer Week and actually won a gift basket which was cool. My friends from Michigan were enjoying some beer buckets for the occasion. They ordered almost every major entree and loved every item. The place gets slammed, but the wait is absolutely worth it! Chef Baker was nominated for a James Beard award two years in a row, and it's no surprise with such amazing and fresh local food at his establishment.
(5)
OU81 2.
Overpriced Food with Poor Execution of the Menu and Table Service. The service and execution of the menu suffered greatly, due to the stoic and unprofessional demeanor of the wait staff. Although the restaurant was only 1/2 full...NO one even approached our table for almost 15 minutes and when they did...they dropped off several glasses of water and then disappeared for another 10! Beware of the tall (male) lanky waiter...he is an unfriendly, pretentious little douche-bag! As for the menu...most items are overpriced, budget-sized portions...worse than that...they were served to us below temperature like they were sitting at the pass for 15 minutes (coincidence?). I asked for mid-rare, but my four ounce hanger steak was served to me rare and near cold...as well as the teaspoon of mashed potatoes that came with it. The seasoning was good...if that helps - uh not really. The small plate I received before that...was just that...small! For $11 I ordered the pork belly which was (and I'm not kidding) two inches long and was severely overcooked and tough with no fat content...I've had pork belly that melts in your mouth - this surely wasn't even close to that. My wife and another guest had the four foul-smelling shrimp that were drowning in a full inch of broth...and at the very bottom of that was a mushy polenta cake. Yum! ...and only $19! What a deal! There were several other entrees and small plates that our group ordered...and they all failed miserably! I must make mention of the desserts...as they were the Coup de Grâce of the evening! There were only two choices...a 'Naner Pudding Tiramisu and a Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookie; we had both. The pudding was just ok...the lady finger gave it a kinda funny, unwelcome texture; I have had many banana puddings that blow this one out of the water and for less than half the price! mymilliways.com/wp-conte… Finally an $8 cookie should be good right? Maybe served warm? Forget it! They serve these HARD...day old...tooth-busting...cow patties COLD! REALLY???? I live by the law of..."Never Send Food Back"...we ALL know what happens - and if you think it doesnt...your are clueless! So I had to bite the bullet on this...but that wont stop me from sharing my experience here in this review - I would like to believe that this sub-par quality and service wasn't Chef Baker's intention, but that doesnt excuse him for letting it happen. IMHO...every restaurant gets only one shot to make a good impression on their customers. I gave you two stars for effort...
(2)
Allison D.
Service was spectacular! We had the steak and pork shoulder. We had a really nice wine too. Super good atmosphere, really well lit at night. Good dim lighting. The food fusions were fantastic. A really good mastery of blending flavor a together!!!
(5)
No Longer Yelping B.
This place is fantastic. It reminded me of the Spotted Pig in NY, except with a lot more space and a lot LESS smug. (and without all that stupid shit all over the walls.) The menu is small, but perfect for people like me who have a hard time making decisions. The beer selection is good and they have some decent wines as well. Service was amazing and the food was awesome. If you haven't checked this place out yet, definitely do so. You won't regret it.
(5)
Amy C.
I can't say enough about how much I love coming to eat at the Refinery, and bringing friends and family to enjoy the unique menu Chef Greg and his team create on a weekly basis. Affordable gourmet is exactly what it is, and appreciate being able to participate in what otherwise might be out of my budget. Plenty of small plates options for all to choose from, my favorite had been the brussel sprouts, by far. I think we got 3 "refills"! I've had amazingly moist chicken dishes, love their yukon fries and house made ketchup. The Hamburger and steak never disappoint. I don't usually have room for dessert, but had always been a tasty midnight snack. Reservations highly recommended, but the deck works nicely too.
(5)
Scott P.
Still recovering from today's daily special and wishing I could eat their bacon every day of my life.
(5)
Andrew H.
It seriously pains me to say this, it really does but...it needs to be said: The food here has really gone downhill fast. Granted: I only come here once a year (Decemberish), so maybe we just hit it on a bad night. I got the Israeli Couscous...it was both boring and bland, and sickeningly too-rich at the same time. My mom god some sort of mushroom dish...(my mind is totally blanking...it was an interesting vegetarian take on a traditionally meaty-dish..UPDATE: I think it was eggplant bulgogi)..and, it was...by far...the saltiest thing I have ever tasted. It reminded me of swimming in the Gulf of Mexico and accidentally swallowing a gulp of ocean. It actually hurt and stung my mouth, that's how salty it was. The service was great and the beer options are still fantastic. I really hope this was a fluke, and that the food gets better. I'd hate to see Tampa lose one of its few, rare, good eateries.
(2)
Ericka J.
What a unique restaurant. I do have to say it is very different but in a good way. It has that old school hippie feel, but don't let that fool you. The downstairs area is kind of small and intimate so if it's date night this would be the perfect place to go. But on the other hand if you have a small group of people they have an upstairs patio that is outside. The food is great and the service good as well. I'm not a huge beer drinker so I liked the fact that they had some great ciders on the menu. I like the fact that they change the menu weekly so don't except to find the same thing each time you visit. I would give this place a try if you want to try something different.
(4)
D'Angelo B.
The atmosphere is wonderful and places like this are what makes Seminole Heights so great. The food is exceptional and the service is top notch, if you haven't tried it, make sure you do!!
(5)
Amanda M.
After reading all the awesome reviews on this place I must say we were disappointed. We were here about two months ago or so. I don't know why I didn't write a review then. we were disappointed with pretty much our whole meal. In all fairness it could have just been an off night for them. Maybe if we are ever on that side of town again we will check it out again and give it another chance.
(2)
Natalie J.
A coworker asked a bunch of us today a simple q. so so early this morning. If we could be anywhere at this moment... where would we be. I was the 1st to respond. Simple. Brunch at the Refinery. Many others said glorious places in the world. I stand by what I said.
(5)
Melissa Z.
(Drumroll, please) The winner of Best Dinner since moving from Atlanta to Tampa goes to... THIS PLACE! From the atmosphere to the food to the service, every detail here is 5 star quality. Food is exalted to the heavens by a divine chef with the angelic intention to bring diners and their taste buds to the best farm to table culinary experience. So far since my move to the Tampa Bay Area, this is the only place I've found with a stellar seasonal menu that tastes better than even the menu description reads. Seriously, the menu changes weekly, judging by the weekly updated printed menu we received. That's why you won't find a menu online - I looked. But I'm here to tell you, GO! They have something for everyone! From Market fresh fish to the most unique burger or chicken entree you will likely ever get to eat in FLorida, to vegetarian and even Vegans options are here. This restaurant will impress out of town friends or date without breaking the bank. This genius chef is devilish creative with every single menu item down to the ketchup you eat with your fries. No - commercial ketchup is not good enough for this chef's diners; even the ketchup is made in house. I ordered the black eyes pea falafel with a zucchini relish (Greek Southern fusion - are you kidding me!?!); my boyfriend ordered the burger with some sort of fall-inspired beet topping which is typically not his thing, but it was a burger and he was game for something unique. Both were outrageously delicious. The black eyed peas were spicy and so delicately fried it could have passed for baked. The spice from the black eye pea falafel was balanced by the refreshingly cool taste if the zucchini relish. It is a crazy combination, to be sure, but the delicious taste is undeniable. What makes this dining experience so unique is the fusion of flavors and cuisines that you won't find anywhere else. You look at the menu and you will scratch your head wondering if the combination of flavors will work and it DOES. No normal person with average culinary abilities could successfully deliver the perfect tasteful balance like this chef. He seriously should be nominated to go on top chef or iron chef or something. As for service, I've been to a couple of 5 star restaurants since I've been here while the service was good it was not nearly as friendly or good as here. Peter was our waiter and even though we showed up only 20 mins til close he could not have been more gracious. They only serve beer from independent breweries (awesome!) and even let us taste a sample before committing to a full glass. As for atmosphere, it is a hipster trendy setting with a younger crowd then you'll find in other places in FL. It has a fairly elegant main dining room nice enough for a date and the rooftop patio makes an excellent hangout spot for groups. LOVE love this place. I can't recommend it enough.
(5)
Ronald T.
Great eclectic atmosphere, friendly waiter, delish food. Great vegetarian fare for wife and I had the burger. Don't even get me started on the fries. Won't disappoint
(5)
K S.
Love this place! I've dined here for a girls night out, date night, anniversary celebration. It fits all occasions. It's a such a chill, quaint restaurant. Service is always pretty good, but it's on the slower side. It's not a place to rush in and eat and get out. You're taking your time to enjoy the food and drinks. We've had so many dishes here and have enjoy nearly all of it (e.g. chicken breast, burgers, fish, pork, etc.). It's a must try in Seminole Heights.
(5)
Alicia P.
Great find in Seminole Heights. I've heard the hype, expected great things....I was not impressed, although it was good and willing to come back and give it another try. 5 stars for the Farm to Table concept and being locally owned and run. 4 stars for the service. 3 stars for the food. 3 stars for the location. 1 for the wine selection. We walked in downstairs and everyone was dressed a bit more than we were, it was nice outside so we went upstairs where it was a lot more casual. We sat, ordered drinks after a bit of a wait (but it was busy upstairs!) and then finally our entrees. The menu is very short and sweet. You get an option of a fish, a chicken, a burger, and a couple other things but that's it. Whatever's available and fresh that week - that's what you get. I like that they change the menu weekly. I ordered the fish, which was a sea trout. The plate wasn't warmed, but the food was quite hot which I really like. When I tasted my first bite with a tad bit of everything on the plate, the flavors really came together and I thought "this is really good". But when I tasted the fish alone, there was zero seasoning to it. Just fish. I like fish, but I like to have a splash of something on the fish itself. Mixing the flavors together is what made this dish good. Not exceptional, not great....just good. The portion size was a bit small, this happened to work out great for me since there was an after dinner fondue at my house later, but if I were coming here for dinner with no other after dinner plans, it may not have really been enough. Although in true portion sizes that we "should" be eating, it was probably right. But when you compare it to the whole 1/2 chicken my husband was served, he only ate 1/2 of it. There was a distinct difference in portion size from his chicken to my fish. His chicken was also flavored....his dish was better overall in portion, flavor, etc... I was a bit disappointed overall, but feel that another week with a different menu might do me better. And I won't order the fish..... ;) And may try Sunday Brunch instead before returning for dinner....mix it up a little...
(3)
Tiffany B.
Let's start with the positives. Great food. Delicious food. Would I say 5 star food? Probably not. I'd give it a 4.5, which is still very impressive. So. That's where the positives end. Seating is absolutely terrible. We were stuck in a tiny corner, and my chair & table was pushed so closely to the wall that I had to step over the chair to sit down. Look, don't cram as many tables and chairs as you can into a small space just to increase your profit margin. I'd like to be comfortable while I'm eating. God forbid I need to get up to go to the restroom. The service was legitimately terrible. He'd come over, we'd order, and we wouldn't see him for 15 minutes. At one point we wondered if he had forgotten to put our appetizer order in. Same thing happened with dinner. And to add insult to injury, a table who had gotten there quite a while after us received their food before us! Lame. I had high hopes for the restaurant, but sadly it did not live up. Chances are pretty good that I won't be returning.
(3)
Travis S.
It's a very different kind of restaurant. We made reservations for 5PM and got there a little easier to find that they don't open the doors until right at 5. We found this restaurant on a list of the top 10 best Tampa Bay restaurants so we thought it must be a good find. They don't give you any bread to snack on while your waiting for your food to come out. I always order a iced tea with and orange instead of lemon because it makes it so much more flavorful and they didn't have oranges and their tea was really bland and had a weird taste to it. Another person at our table got water and he said that it taste weird as well. There was also lip stick around the rim of several glasses. The fish special today was Cobia so I decided to go for that and another person at the table decided to go for the quail. Let's just say I'm glad I didn't choose the quail as it was a very small portioned. The Cobia was cooked perfectly and it was pretty good but for the price I have had better. Overall there was not much to choose from on the menu and the few choices they had were pretty grim.
Great place! Just stopped in after readin a little bit online on places to check out and this place has a great everything. The staff is super friendly, the patio/bar is awesome and the food is fantastic. Nothing super specific (just because I'm not great at describing things lol) but come and see for yourself! Definitely recommend.
(5)
Todd B.
What a find. Seminole Heights isn't much to look at, but this was an awesome find by my girlfriend in an otherwise lackluster area (I am referring to the general environment, not commenting on any other restaurants, which if they are like refinery, are probably awesome). We showed up here at 10:45 based on the restaurant's yelp page that said they were open until 1. They aren't. The closed at 11:00. Nevertheless, we were treated graciously and very hospitably. One would expect to at least be given a dirty look when you walk in 15 minutes before close, but not here. Maybe they were all just having a good night. Getting to the important stuff, I have to start with the service. Peter was fantastic. Extensive knowledge of the menu, constantly smiling, gracious to a fault (he was a bit like Wesley from Princess Bride, only instead of responding to every request with "as you wish," he responded with "at your service"). He gave us his recommendations, and he wasn't wrong. I was trying to decide between a burger, which looked a bit odd (had beets on it) or a chicken sandwich, which was $7 more expensive, and he pushed me to the burger. The food was incredible. Fresh and delicious doesn't do it justice. There was so much flavor, and even the things you would think wouldn't work (beets on a burger, what?) were awesome. The chef at the refinery might be straddling that thin line between genius and insanity, but everything he did worked. My girlfriend got a falaffel (sp?) thing that she couldn't get enough of either. The menu changes weekly, but don't be concerned about not being able to review the menu online before going. You will like it. A lot. They also have a number of craft brews, different than what you would find elsewhere, but very good. Not much of a beer drinker, but I tried a pale ale (wish I could remember the name) and enjoyed it immensely. I am so looking forward to my next trip here.
(5)
Michelle M.
Wow, wow, wow! I am in love with The Refinery!!! I admit I have not been to the Refinery sooner due to its location in Seminole Heights. I hang my head in shame for my poor judgment. I loved the charming and quirky vibe of the restaurant! The menu prices were surprisingly affordable. Usually "snobby" food gets snobby prices and snobby service, but the Refinery is quite the opposite and super laidback! Be sure to reserve a table upstairs on the balcony. We decided to eat downstairs because there was a thirty minute wait for a table upstairs. Our meal downstairs was fabulous, but the restaurant's atmosphere is so much better upstairs. Expect fresh seasonal items in all of The Refinery's dishes. The menu changes weekly, but favorites like the burger and hangar steak are always present. The sides and toppings will change depending on what is in season. We started off our meal with the most amazing Pork Belly Bun. My husband got a bowl of the Butternut Squash Bisque...whoa, flavor explosion!!! I was torn between ordering the couscous and the pork chop, but decided on the pork chop after our helpful waiter, Peter, informed us pork was the chef's specialty. Wow, was this dish the best pork dish I have ever had!!! The pork was stuffed with cheese and some other indescribable goodness...perhaps love? We finished off our meal with a Blondie with Bourbon ice cream. Also exceptional!!! We unanimously agreed this dessert tasted like a "special" brownie. Maybe the earthy flavor we detected was from the liquor infused ice cream? This was one of the most special meals I have experienced in Tampa. I will definitely be back soon!
(5)
Simon I.
Much praises have been written about Refinery. They are constantly recommended for buying local and keeping a revolving menu. They have a wide selection of beer and wine. They certainly offer a creative touch to each dish served. For example, The Chicken Confit is a great starter ( served with bacon-potato croquette, garlic buttermilk fancy sauce, fennel, lemon) and pair with one of their Pale Ales - a marvelous combination. Move onto the Pan Roasted Chicken Breast ( with bacon mashed potatoes, grilled avocado, dill glazed carrots, ranch) or Fish dish of the day ( during my visit I had a mutton snapper dish ). Each item is pleasing to the eye and bursting with flavor. The indoor seating space ( cozy and small ) requires reservation due to very limited seating, the upstairs patio is open and has a bar - great place to hang out and enjoy drinks. The serving staff are pleasant though nothing special stands out about the service, it is not bad. Refinery is certainly doing its best to serve its patronage with great experience each time and with their revolving menu, you are not bored with repeat visits.
(4)
Ryan Z.
Super hipster spot on the outskirts of downtown Tampa. We walked in through the kitchen entrance (at least it felt that way) but were immediately welcomed and brought to our table. Wine prices were fair and the food was delicious. The standout was surprisingly the buffalo cauliflower with blue cheese slaw appetizer. Two weeks later, I'm still thinking about it. The fish special was delicious. My only gripe was that the quail was too heavily breaded. It was tough to find the meat through all that breading. Other than that, the food was stellar and the service was on point.
(4)
Katy S.
Been here twice, both times for brunch. I had heard so much about The Refinery and living walking distance from there, I always wanted to check it out. First and foremost, the manmosa. It is a mimosa in a mason jar...GENIUS! I don't remember the name of the food item I ordered the first time I was here (Irish Breakfast Bowl, maybe?), but it was the bomb diggety. Scrambled eggs, button mushrooms, grits, sausage, and refried beans - it was a party in my mouth. Yesterday, I ordered the John Denver (pulled pork shoulder, collards, biscuits, and eggs). I definitely liked the first thing I ordered better, but the John Denver was quite delicious as well. I am all about supporting Seminole Heights businesses but was a little worried that this place may be pretentious, just based on their gourmet reputation. Boy, was I wrong. The staff has been so nice both times I've been there and the service was quick, even though we had a larger group the last time I was there. I am definitely looking forward to checking out dinner at The Refinery!
(4)
Adam Y.
Went here with a group of 4 on my girlfriend's birthday because we had wanted to try it for a long time. The restaurant is a two-story house so if you dine inside you have a direct view of the kitchen, it makes you feel like a dinner guest at a close friends, very unique. The service was excellent, I forget the waitresses name but she was very attentive and was not trying to rush us out of there even though we were the last ones left in the dining room @ 9pm. The food tasted excellent, everyone in our party enjoyed what they ordered. The only thing keeping me from a 5 star rating is the price. Their appetizers, while very tasty, are a tad on the small side and $8+. I'll be coming back soon, hopefully to check out the rooftop patio.
(4)
Adam J.
I liked the atmosphere and the farm to table concept is always nice. I also appreciate the inventive menu that is updated regularly. For me I would MUCH prefer a few staple items that you can count on. And while the combinations are interesting, they don't always hit the mark. We started with a broccoli and ham soup that was fine, but just not that tasty. It was unlike anything I have had before, but I wouldn't order it again. Original alone doesn't make a good dish. Our entrees were a hangar steak with bacon, rainbow chard and zucchini. The steak was well prepared and the zucchini was good when you got some of the bacon but wasn't anything phenomenal. Good but not great. The other entree was roast pork shoulder with a beet risotto. The pork shoulder had some bites that were very good but other bites tasted more like bland pot roast - not what I was hoping for. The beet risotto seemed like something that was fun to try in the kitchen but shouldn't have made it to the menu yet. It was pretty boring. Add in the lack of a full bar and the rather pricey menu and it isn't the kind of place I plan to frequent.
(3)
Kim B.
This place speaks for itself. Just go! You won't be disappointed! Had the burger tonight. Excellent!
(5)
Marysol V.
I have had the best Hanger steak here. Nobody else has been able to top it. We came here on a Sunday evening with hopes of sitting on the cute outdoor balcony sitting area. No luck: they were completely booked. We ended up sitting at the bar but still got great service. The Food: Beet Enchilada: Basically an egg roll wrapper stuffed with duck confit and sauced with an amazing red chile and beet sauce. This is much more amazing than it sounds...really. I recommend for the adventurous foodie person! The Hanger Steak: Perfectly cooked and juicy. Awesome flavor and wonderfully roasted wild mushrooms on the side. I took a bite and swooned. The bread pudding was surreal I highly recommend for those looking for an unpretentious and simple meal!
(5)
Patrick L.
I'm glad to upgrade my review. The first time I went, it was with a larger group - and I'm not really thinking this is a larger-group kind of place. Plus, back then the restaurant seemed a little too full of itself, trying too hard to be cutesy with its food without delivering on value at all. This past visit, it just felt like the place on the balance wasn't "trying" as hard - and it was for the better. The menu wasn't as precious, with more of a focus on high quality, fresh, local ingredients. Plus, with a party of 2 rather than a group of 7, I thought the value was miles better. With 2, you can share a few plates, have dessert, and feel satiated without spending THAT much - whereas with 7, the plates weren't going very far at all, requiring more ordering and a proportionately larger bill, somehow. Beef tongue, polenta, and pork shoulder were our choices, but what I had isn't entirely relevant for Yelp review purposes, as the menu will change every week. It's updated on the Refinery's website, so if you're not crazy about the posted menu, just wait a week and give it another look.
(4)
KT C.
Went for dinner on a Friday night. There were no open seats in the dining area so we went upstairs to the bar, which was outside and even more charming, in my opinion. Laid back atmosphere, creative food combinations for the dishes. I had the burger and bf had the fish special for that night- both were excellent. Great service and setting.
(5)
Shrutika S.
Loved our experience at The Refinery - A farm to table experience with mis-matched plates, mason jars and unique combinations of food that (mostly) worked! Enjoyed the small plates more than the mains so would recommend ordering a variety of those to share. The bacon cauliflower panna cotta and chilled roasted brocolli with burrata were examples of interesting pairings that worked!
(5)
Tracey F.
Quaint and fun. Yummy spicy sake bloody Mary's. I had a great hash and biscuit trash. Service was friendly and quick.
(4)
Michael T.
This place is amazing. The burger I had was second to none and nothing will be better. The patio is a great little place to eat some food and hang out drinking brews. Would highly recommend a visit.
(5)
Chris B.
I'm willing to admit I shunned Seminole Heights longer than I should have. I wish I hadn't! I've heard about the Refinery before but assumed it would be pretty expensive as most hipster spots tend to be. Again, I was wrong! We didn't have any food. We came for after dinner drinks. The place was packed at about 8:30 on a Friday. There weren't any seats downstairs so we ventured upstairs to find a table on the patio. Again, nothing, but we did snag two bar stools inside (right in front of the drafts, so I can't complain). The bartenders were all great and worked as a team. The upstairs bar is pretty small, maybe a total of 12 seats, but it was still pretty cool. We looked at the menu and it all looked fantastic, but we were still full from dinner. Next time we will make sure we're hungry, and make reservations so we can eat in their main dining room downstairs! Props, Seminole Heights.
(4)
Taira F.
I have to admit I was not a fan my first few visits. The dishes I tasted never left me desiring to come back. Which was okay since the menu changes weekly. The rooftop patio is great for relaxing with friends and a couple of drinks. I recently went back for a birthday dinner and the chef special was something that finally raised the bar for me. I stopped in today for their brunch and after picking out 3 plates I will proudly say they have the best brunch in Seminole heights. Ella's is their brunch competition and I encourage you to try Ella's once but keep coming back to the refinery because they have better things to offer.
(4)
Marcy L.
I was so disappointed. Started the night by asking for the Malbec (by the glass) and they were out of stock. I inquired about another red wine and was advised that it was "a nice taste of Italian berries", which it was listed on the menu as originating from Spain. We had the Hanger Steak (ordered Medium heat) and I couldn't get over how bloody and tasteless it was. I order the Mahi- Mahi special and again was disappointed with the size of meat and the taste. We finished off with two desserts- a cheesecake and panna cotta. It literally, again, had no significant flavor. Couldn't believe the amount of positive press this establishment has received after a disappointing experience.
(1)
Andrew D.
A group of us came here for beers and half of us had food. The place is all organic, and fresh. Our waiter at The Columbian Restaurant mentioned it at lunch. He was telling us about how Mario Batali was here all night, just last month. It sounded good to us, so popped by. The main dining room downstairs, is rather bare-bones, and homely. What I liked was the upstairs mini bar, and outdoor patio area. I started with a draft Rare Vos Amber Ale. I rarely find this upstate NY beer anywhere, so I was impressed that they had it. I then had a local Tampa draft. I commenced with the burger. The burger with thick cut bacon and homemade chutney was awesome, it tasted fresh and was on a flaky bun. Our waiter explained that for other weeks they will do burgers with peanut butter, or other non-traditional toppings. I don't know about all of those, but this burger was very good. The house made ketchup was different. Certainly not as sweet as Heinz. On their menu they seem to always have a steak, a chicken, a veg, and at least one fish for entrees. Small plates offer items like Sweet Breads (Cow glands) and other interesting stuff. Thus you truly have a mix of experimental and homely cuisine. The service, was friendly, knowledgeable, and non-pretentious. I will most certainly be back for one of my next trips to Tampa.
(4)
Mandy G.
My friends and I have been excited about trying this place for a while and finally got there on a Wednesday night. It was crowded but they were able to seat us at a beautiful outdoor table. The ambience is very nice. It went downhill from there. The waiter mumbled and was annoyed with us from the start. We told him we had never been there and he wasn't trying to impress. We ordered the white bean crostini and all 3 of us took one bite and that was all we wanted. We were never asked why we left the entire plate uneaten. We ordered 2 entrees to share and the best one was the broccoli risotto. But the pork shank which had a hair in it and flank steak were boring. For dessert there were two choices, we chose the jalepeno beignets. They had no flavor and tasted like bad cornbread. I told the waiter we didn't like it and we would like to try the eggnog bread pudding. It was just ok, kind of dry and boring. I am sad to say I won't recommend this place to anyone. The prices are high for the quality and service.
(2)
Ameesh P.
In the many years I have lived in Florida, I've always been meaning to try this place. I was quick to accept an invitation by friends to try this place out for one of our brunch outings. I was pleasantly surprised at the variety of brunch items on the menu that would meet everyone's diverse tastes. I definitely recommend the "Manmosa" if you are there around the brunch hours as this gives you a lot more beverage for your money than a normal "Mimosa." The service and food was served up quite quickly, especially for a party of 9 that we were a part of. Nobody had any complaints and everyone was very satisfied with their order. Much to my surprise, when my check arrived, I was shocked at how economical such a gourmet meal had turned out. A definite must if you are in the area. I'll sure go back again!
(4)
Claudia M.
Absolutely love this place! Dined here with my boyfriend and we were both very pleased. The menu changes weekly so you see something new. They use local ingredients which is always nice to hear when you see that Tampa is full of small businesses. The whole restaurant is small but such a great atmosphere. Downstairs you are feet away from the exposed kitchen. Upstairs is the bar (inside) and the balcony has outside seating with fans and shades to avoid the FL sun in the early evening. My boyfriend had the burger and I had the pulled pork and it was delicious. Everything was compiled in the center (pulled pork, greens, corn bread on top of baked beans) and the tastes all together made a great dish ... I wish they could bring it back! The Refinery even serves local brew from Cigar City! It's worth a try. We arrived about 10 minutes before they opened at there were already people waiting outside the restaurant so I suggest making a reservation or getting there early. I do remember our server telling us the balcony is first come first serve.
(5)
Rush S.
hands down the best biscuits n' gravy we have ever had. I suggest you order 2 orders to prevent fights...
(5)
Dahoniel P.
I have now been to the Refinery three times and I have yet to find anything wrong with my time there. They are as good as it gets in Tampa, Florida. I love what they do and it gets me coming back every single time. The location is perfect for me, as I live in Seminole Heights, and so I hold it close to home. I love that they change the menu every week and that makes it that much more appealing because you never know what you are going to get, and as far as now, it has not proven bad. Whether you are dining downstairs in the dimly lit dining room, or on the deck upstairs, this place just seems to have everything working for it. The space, the location, it all just seems to fit, seamlessly. The staff is always nice and informative and ready to help. Parking has never been a problem for me, but I can see how it might be problematic for a stuffed crowd. Nonetheless, it is definitely worth coming to anytime you need a great dining night out. The food is always fresh and prepared with the upmost respect, it's presentation always an awe to me no matter the dish. Their craft beers are thirst quenching and they always seem to hit the spot. They also offer Buddy Brew coffee after a nice meal and dessert and that is truly the key to my heart. All in all, this is my oasis. The Refinery is my favorite location to go to in the bay area. They have won my heart over and have yet to fail on any one of the categories required to wow a patron. For me, they excel in service, food, and everything in between. The lights always seem to be just right, and the food and acknowledgement right on time. I cannot say enough about my experiences at the Refinery, but I do know that I plan to come back as many times as possible, and I also hope to refer as many people as possible as well. It is always a true pleasure to dine here, and I definitely recommend any Yelpers to go check it out for themselves.
(5)
Erica M.
We heard great things about The Refinery so when my sister bought us a gift certificate here for my birthday (which was a week before we moved to the area), we were psyched! We came for dinner the other night and overall, we were extremely disappointed in our meal. We enjoyed a bottle of white wine (super reasonable prices) followed by a chickpea and okra appetizer, which was tasty. Nothing special, but good. For entrees, my husband got the fish special, which was a wahoo with a chickpea and sausage side. I got the cabbage enchiladas. We waited a very long time for our entrees, and our server never said a word. It was baffling. The wahoo came out INCREDIBLY overcooked. It was some of the most overcooked, dry fish I have ever eaten. My cabbage enchiladas were good, but tasted surprisingly of Indian flavors. Fortunately, I like Indian, but I certainly wasn't expecting those flavors in an enchilada. I saw on the menu that they intentionally use mismatched, chipped dishes. I like the idea of mismatched silverware and servingware, but it wasn't "cute" mismatched...everything just seemed cheap. The silverware was so flimsy and I couldn't even cut the cabbage or okra with my knife. I found the entire experience to be more reminiscent of a diner than a nice restaurant. To top it all off, they wouldn't let us leave tip on our gift certificate, so now we have $20 left in a gift certificate. Can't say I'm dying to go back and use it....
(3)
Kelly Q.
I wasn't super impressed by the Refinery brunch. I definitely was going in with high expectations. I ordered the brioche french toast with fried plantains and walnuts. Sounds good, right? Among everything that went wrong with the dish: The bread was too dry, the plantains too hard, and overall way too much sugar. My side potatoes were delish, however they were a substitute as I was looking to having this bacon that they were outrageously charging $5 for. How could I not get bacon when their logo is a pig? When I expressed to our waitress, "This bacon better be out of this world for $5" she expressed that they were out of their special house smoke bacon and that it would just be regular ol' bacon. My jaw dropped as I said, "And you would still charge me $5?! For regular store bought bacon?!" Pass. I can get a whole packet of bacon at the store for that amount. Secondly, as I couldn't finish my super sweet, kinda unappetizing french toast, I was still hungry and thankfully was able to chow down on some biscuits and gravy that a friend couldn't finish. That dish was definitely an improvement, but the biscuits were really hard to cut through, it took quite a bit of muscle. At this point I might as well add on to my list of complaints by saying my mimosa was warm... I don't know about everyone else but orange juice doesn't taste the best warm, nor does champagne. I was very confused. Overall, The Refinery just shorted me left and right. Everything looked really good to my eyes but I was less so impressed when it got to my mouth. I'm willing to give them one more try, however. Maybe I should try their dinner menu instead.
(3)
Wes B.
If you are looking for an eclectic succulent experience, i would highly recommend this place. The menu is original and revised every week. 3 of us went and tried each other's entrees and love them all!
(4)
Jaclyn V.
Great local place! I saw an article about places in Tampa that use local ingredients, and Refinery was at the top of the list. I came on a Sunday night, and they had live music on the deck. I had the burger, which was delicious, with fries, which were even better. Highly recommend!
(5)
Bruno F.
I have a place 2 blocks away from The Refinery and I cant believe it was this close. I didn't even know it. If you walk up to this place you'll think they have no customers but once you walk thru the door, you'll see its far from it! If you don't want to be inside and prefer to sit outside they have a wonderful patio deck on the roof where you can catch a nice cool breeze from the fans. They serve delicious ice tea in these very cool mason jars. Makes me feel right at home in the South. I started off with the Boiled Peanuts because my god son was in love with them. If you can get a 5 year old to enjoy boiled peanuts, then you know you have to try them. I had the house fish that day, but what interests me the most was they'll have different specials based off what produce is bought from your local farmers. That is by far, pretty freakin awesome. The fish was amazing and the veggies that came with were very delicious and well seasoned. Im not too crazy behind the fact they're very strict on their menu and will not allow you to substitute any item. But, that doesn't bother me too much because I can basically eat anything, it was more for my guests I had with me. If thats their signature then I will have to deal with it. This little Gem is located in Seminole Heights, Hillsborough County and is a must try on your next trip into Tampa.
(4)
Pete W.
Best damn restaurant in Tampa. Easily accommodated our last minute late night large group. Kept the drinks and food flowing, and provided brisk friendly service. And the food? Stupidly good. Put it in your mouth. Go here immediately and do yourself a favor. This place is amazing.
I fancy myself a culinary explorer. On a trip to Tampa, based on a Yelp article, I found The Refinery. This place isn't for everyone. The menu changes frequently based on what's in season and local. I like that. If they're smoking meat, when we were there it was quail sausage, the smoker is on the rooftop patio and makes you smell like a campfire. I like that. They are little on pretense and big on flavor profiles. They made me want to take foodie porn pics. There is a sense of community here and the occasional whiff of great food walking by you. Yeah...I like that.
(5)
Melissa F.
I adore this place! It's a special occasion restaurant for us because it doesn't seem right to go here and not go all out. I had a salad here once that I still dream about - greens with boiled peanuts, a pickled quails egg, and Cheerwine vinaigrette. And someone at the table must always get the pork belly when it's on offer. So much recommend.
(5)
Lauren C.
As an out-of-towner, I've been here twice, and each time it is SUCH A TREAT! Both times we've sat upstairs. I was surpised to see this past Sunday that they have a sun-shield on the roof to make the choice to eat out there a less-hasty one. The coffee is so strong- it's amazing, and they do a great job of keeping it flowing. Jus tmake sure to ask for sugar and/or milk, as they don't bring it as a rule. This strikes me a sa bit odd, but maybe its a Tampa thing? I had the strata with mushrooms and spinach with a side of cheezy grits. Coming from the North, grits are sort of uncharted territory for us. I don't feel like I have a right to say this, but I'm going for it anyway- those were some DAMN good grits. My strata was also cooked to perfection, and absolutly delicious. It had some sort of sauce on top that took this dish out of this world!!! I love that they rotate the menu around too so that they cook with what's fresh, in season, or they're in the mood for. I had just landed from my flight when we went, and one of my ears hadn't popped, and i found our waiter (a softer-talker) difficult to hear. That's the only downside I can think of... but even that was just funny to me... I love this place. I'll be back... and you should go too.
(4)
Michael Z.
I definitely enjoyed my visit to the Refinery. The menu was very interesting with a lot of variety. It's hard to go wrong with pork belly! There are plenty of local brews available and with weekly menu changes you can easily come back without getting bored. The vibe is very hippy and the place could have easily been in San Francisco which I don't particularly care for, but I can overlook the staff trying to be hipsters for the sake of a good meal. I would rave about what I ordered, but in all likelihood it will be gone by the time you go there. Just go with an open mind and be willing to try things you might normally shy away from.
(4)
Daniela S.
Went for my birthday last month, everyone had delicious meal, but I had the best one! Since I'm vegetarian is really hard to find places that get creative and go beyond the veggie burger and salad... Thank you!
(5)
Heather P.
I was excited for upstairs patio seating. However, not very conducive for eating a meal. The seating is more sun bathing seats. That means slouchy chairs or seating with no backs. So not comfortable. I was ready to over look that if the food was great. Yet, I was very disappointed with the food. Has this place heard of salt, pepper, or acid? My sides were flavorless and dry. My main dish should have been labeled over priced flavorless mashed potatoes. Wow what the hell did we just pay for....??? Do yourself a favor and don't waste your time or money if you have taste buds. So many other places to go to in tampa. My husband said square 1 burger had a better burger.....and he had the best dish of the night. Wow, what a miss :(
(1)
Jere A.
A friend that lives in the area recommended the Refinery. We were looking forward to the farm to table food and unique menu items. As we walked down the path to the door, a rat crossed in front of us. Not a welcoming sign. When we entered we were told that we would need to sit on the rooftop area since we did not have reservations. After being seated upstairs, I told my friend that I was going to tell someone about the rat. I felt they would want to know. When I told a tall gentlemen downstairs he just shrugged and said Ok. We ordered and while eating our meals, I saw two more rats run across their rooftop. To say the least, we ordered no more drinks or food, and quickly paid our bill. As we left, I told the same gentleman about the rats upstairs. With a half grin, he said that they must be following me! I told him I would not be back. They certainly should not be taking this lightly.
(1)
Elizabeth L.
This is my absolute favorite restaurant in Tampa! It's in an area I fondly call Hippy Town, and I would eat here very week if possible. The menu changes weekly, which holds my interest, but the savory genius of each dish is what makes my mouth water. To be honest, I don't always understand what I'm reading when viewing the menu selections, but no worries, it's impossible to make a mistake. If you are a true foodie, then just ask the chef to send you whatever he thinks is best. Enjoy!!!!
(5)
Karen F.
We must have hit it on an off night, because the food was far from memorable. The best part of my meal was the small plate of cornbread our party shared as an appetizer. Very delicious. My meal of amberjack was mostly flavorless (other than the grill marks), and I thought the bed of grits (?) it was served on did not help to enhance the flavor at all. The biggest disappointment of the night was my dessert. I had the chocolate donut, and it was hard and stale tasting. It was taken off our bill which I appreciate - although I do think its funny that a chef stopped by to explain to me that it was their "interpretation" of the donut and it was supposed to taste like that. Um..okay. Maybe my dinner expectations were too high. I'll try them for lunch next.
(3)
Salt+Fat+Whiskey Z.
Mirroring the local farm-to-table movement we're privileged to enjoy all over the Pacific Northwest, this spot obviously puts love and care into every plate with a menu changing weekly. Tampa needs more restaurants putting out quality food like this. Worth every dime. My only wish is that they served some creative craft cocktails along with the beer and wine selection. Great ambiance (we sat upstairs) and service. You can read more about my meal at The Refinery and see the photos here: saltfatwhiskey.com/2014/…
(5)
Konstantinos S.
I ate here for the first time and it was amazing- one of the best meals I have had in Tampa! I went back a second and third time and the food became more terrible every time. I decided to bring some guests in town there and give it one last shot and I was embarrassed and disappointed, to say the least. Maybe I've been catching it on bad menu weeks, but I'm only giving the two stars because my first experience there was so great. I have a feeling the chef might have changed... Hope they figure something out!
(2)
Elana L.
If you want to dine inside, you should make a reservation. Otherwise, sit upstairs on the covered patio! It was pouring rain and we were safe and dry, although it was rather loud from the rain hitting the roof. There was live music which was a nice touch on a Sunday early evening. The food was FANTASTIC!! The menu changes weekly, so I won't bother with food details, but just know it was good!
(4)
Ken D.
I had a shit experience the first time I went here and fkn swore I would never go again. BUT! I had an invite from a friend I hadn't seen in 25 years for brunch and we went.I couldn't say no. And all I can say is if you want to write a strong -ass bad review,go to a place a few times cause everyone including you has bad days. The service was impeccable. The menu was extensive,fresh,local and all the amazing things you want from a place and I'm NOT GOING TO LIE....I LOVED IT! This place is cool.not only cool but conscious of what we should be eating.good local fresh food. I cant believe how taken care of we were and I feel bad I ever said a bad word about this place.We actually need more places like this. I'm going to go back and try everything on the menu.I hope you do too.
(4)
haha s.
Smallll menu. If you are vegetarian or cant have dairy don't come here. Overpriced and very very small portions. Honestly wouldnt come back
(2)
Isaak S.
First time here and I was really pleased. Menu apparently changes frequently but the stew and burgers we had were superb and reasonably priced. Ambience was very relaxed with an eclectic mix of people and the wait staff was incredibly helpful, attentive, and polite. Absolutely planning on coming back.
(5)
Kristen M.
Absolutely AHHHmazing food. So tasty and fresh. Great service and warm atmosphere. Def will be back!
(5)
Melissa D.
I definitely consider myself a foodie, and am willing to try anything at least once, but this menu (which changes weekly) made me nervous. Lots of vegan options, pickles, beets, and things I am not typically fond of - I was definitely out of my comfort zone here. Our party had a lot of questions about the menu, and the staff was quick with an answer for everything. We never had an empty glass, and the timing of small plates and entrees was spot on. I had a little difficulty selecting items from the menu (substitutions are politely declined, so the menu says), and in the end I selected a small plate and entree that omitted some of the ingredients I know I'm not fond of: the butternut squash funeral pie and the vegan taco salad. As I am not a vegan or vegetarian, I was not quite sure how the taco salad would go over, but the "nut" meat was actually very pleasant. Was this my favorite meal on earth? No. A fun culinary adventure at reasonable prices? Absolutely.
(4)
Thomas D.
My wife and I loved this place, the flavors are great, they use local food and the service was excellent. My only criticism would be that the plates came out a bit quick, but we did have an early reservation and we told our server we were on our way to a concert so it was okay, we did not feel rushed.
(5)
Kevin G.
I echo everything positive anyone has said about this place. You can tell the proprietors of this place love what they do. The food is interesting and always-changing. Even their plain-Jane meals, like a burger, is still rather amazing.
(5)
Emma K.
Took my boyfriend here about a week and a half ago at the suggestion of many friends. We loved it! I had the quail and he had the hanger steak, both were excellent! My favorite part was the pork belly which we shared as an appetizer. It was tender, almost buttery and scrumptious! We sat upstairs at the cute little bar and had the two bartenders serving us. They were very sweet and knowledgable about the beer selection. Though it is a bit of a drive from St. Pete, we'll be back! The perfect place for date night!
(5)
Corey L.
I really enjoyed this place. There is a lot of creativity in their food, yet they mix in some very traditional French aspects to everything. I had to google several of the menu items to figure out what they were, but I am OK with that. The restaurant itself is very cool with an upstairs bar that also serves the full menu. When the weather is nice out there is also a covered patio. Watch out when going down the stairs, it can be slippery. I am not a huge brussel sprouts fan, but their's were awesome. The burger was delicious, and so was the chicken dish. I look forward to going back.
(5)
Derek H.
One of my favorites in Tampa. The menu changes weekly so there always is a variety of dishes to try. Although, I always have to check before going that there is something for my picky vegetarian girlfriend, but more often than not there is. All in all I enjoy the beer selection and the outside balcony seating. The service has been nothing but excellent for everyone of my visits.
(5)
Angelo Z.
I have never been disappointed. Greg Baker is to pork what I.M. Pei is to architecture. Had the clams as an app, which were tasty. Pork shoulder was perfect. I can say, without hyperbole, that the Refinery is the greatest place to eat on Earth for the next 10000 years..... GO NOW!
(5)
Ray S.
I really like this place. It's a small restaurant with a cozy feel. I'm guessing it was an old house converted into a restaurant. The menu is very limited but in my two visits here, everything we ordered was great. I would recommend either the hanger steak or the seared tuna, which we ordered on our last visit. Both were extremely good. The wait staff was very friendly and really the only reason why I am not giving this place five stars is because your selection is a bit limited and there isn't a full bar. That being said, the wine and beer selection had some great picks. I'll be visiting again!
(4)
Nathan B.
This restaurant has amazing food. A little bit overpriced but it's worthy. Not a big fan of the neighborhood. Their wine selection is really good. They could be improve a little bit on the service. Need to add more dishes to the menu.
(4)
Shalane P.
Good place to chill, relax and have a drink. Food is ok. Good for tasting, one or two plates. Not for a formal dinner. But great relaxing place. Beer and wine only. Great service.
(4)
Katie C.
If you're looking for a unique dining experience, you've found it with The Refinery. If you're a picky eater, this might not be the place for you. I don't even know how to begin my description of The Refinery. It is odd! The restaurant is located in a renovated house, and the seating is limited (make sure to book a reservation, or else you might be out of luck). The service is friendly, and the menu is always unique! The Refinery changes their menu weekly, so there is always something new and exciting to test out. I LOVE that they source local products as much as possible, and appreciate that they use ingredients that we aren't always used to seeing on menus (fiddlehead ferns, anyone? Lamb's brain?). I tend to fall in love with the small plate offerings on the menu in comparison to the main courses. Green beans with house made ricotta cheese? Yes please! I will note that they always have a burger on their menu (the ingredients change), and it is KILLER. My husband was practically licking his plate the time he ordered the burger topped with brie and fig jam. Whoa. If you live in the Tampa area, you have to try out this restaurant (and if you're visiting nearby from out of town, head on it as well)!
Finally made it to the Refinery which is right in my neighborhood. It's a quaint little spot in the heart of Seminole Heights. I ordered chicken with mashed potatoes and carrots. Now, as simple as that meal sounds, what was delivered was both pleasing to the eyes and amazingly delicious. You have to experience it in order to understand .
(5)
Adam J.
The food was not great. The prices were very high for the quality. They tried to make fancy food but they sacrificed the taste.
(1)
Zach H.
My most recent visit was every bit as good (possibly better) than my last visit almost a year ago. Not only is the food AMAZING, but they were amazingly accommodating for unexpected schedule changes. I pushed my original dinner reservation back twice (on a Friday night) and when my friend and I finally arrived, we were seated immediately. Because everything on the menu looked so good, we decided to order several dishes to share. The Red Curry Grilled Beef Liver was beautifully plated and had deliciously unique flavor profiles that was served with smoked cauliflower, paper-thin radish slices and garnished with watercress sauce. The House Fennel-Garlic Sausage dish was similar to Jimmy Dean breakfast sausage, but kicked up 100 times better. It was served with pickled radish, creamed cavolo nero (a leafy vegetable closely resembling kale) and all generously doused in a flavor packed sake-ginger sabayon. The Red Wine Braised Escargot Gratin was unique casserole-like dish layered with flavor from the herbed cream, Swiss cheese, turnips and served with Cuban croutes. The last dish was a pan roasted trigger fish served with a delicate croquette, a strawberry-caper relish and rounded out with a kumquat gastrique. An artfully prepared dish that was perfectly executed with all the ingredients working together in sweet, sweet harmony. Our dinner was finished with a Clafoutis dessert that had candied fennel and kumquat that was accompanied by a single scoop of honey creme fraiche sorbet. The clafoutis was a little dense for my preference, but our server assured us that it was the intended texture... but I would have been happy eating a big bowl of the deliciously creamy and not-to-sweet sorbet. Overall, the food and service are impeccable. The care they take in executing every dish and refining the best ingredients makes this place a must-try foodie spot. I promise you will not be disappointed.
(5)
Stephanie C.
For such an inventive restaurant, I'm disappointed in one of the most basic items. I had the burger, which was delicious, but the Yukon gold fries that were on the side were in the saddest state ever! Soggy, greasy and unflavorful. I felt bad wasting my pile of fries - just couldn't eat them.
(3)
Kerry J.
I wish I could give The Refinery a better rating, but my last experience left me feeling a bit cold. I will be back in the near future and I DO plan on writing an improved review then... My review is mostly on account of extremely slow service and being attacked by mosquitoes on the upstairs deck. It literally took an hour for us to get our food (just entrees). We watched as every other person on the deck got their food, even those seated much later than us. As we waited, mosquitoes ate us for dinner and I kept getting a whiff of garbage from below. I'm a patient diner, but my stomach demanded I spoke up. When I asked our waiter where our food was, he kind of snapped at me that they had it under control, and that my dining mate's snapper was holding it up. Here's the thing, if the food is going to take awhile, UPDATE THE TABLE. I'm always understanding when things get backed up in the kitchen, but a server should communicate any hold ups. Be proactive, don't make your customers question what's taking so long. I was annoyed that it got to the point I had to say something, because I HATE being that person. The food deserves 5 stars. You just can't find a menu like this anywhere in Tampa. The adventurous diner will love choices like bone marrow, quail eggs, and duck. I dined here with my friend who just moved from New York City and she couldn't believe we have a place that offers a selection like this in Tampa (she also didn't realize there were hipsters in Tampa... after visiting The Refinery she realizes she was very wrong!). The menu changes weekly, which is both good and bad (be sure not to fall in love with a particular dish). I ordered the chicken which was a huge serving (half a chicken) served over green beans and roasted potatoes. I normally would have chosen one of their more adventurous options but I came HUNGRY and knew this meal would satisfy me. The chicken was wonderful, with crispy skin and juicy meat. The mosquitoes really started swarming once our food came. They were buzzing around our faces as we were eating, and I was certain I would swallow one. I'm not easily grossed out by bugs, but this was pushing it. Light a citronella candle or something, this couldn't have been the only evening that the mosquitoes were this much of a problem. In the end, our server at least tried to make things right and comped my friend's glass of wine. This small gesture made me willing to give them another try. When I come back, I'll make a reservation so I can sit in the downstairs dining room and avoid the mosquitoes upstairs.
(3)
S H.
Imaginative menu! I had the burger, which was cooked to perfection and complemented by PB&J and bacon aioli, an unusual combination that works. The fries came with homemade ketchup! Excellent service from Eric! We'll be back!
(5)
T M.
Hands down the best eats in Tampa. From the friendly staff to the weekly changing menu. You also can't forget the Sunday brunch is simply amazing I'm so glad I've stumbled upon this awesome little place. The chef has some of the oddest pairings of ingredients but they go together so well.
(5)
Joshua G.
I don't always eat this much pork fat or gorge myself on carbs. ...but when I do, I like it to blow my mind. And The Refinery understands my philosophy. I think its their philosophy, too. Think about it. If you're going to get that pain in your gut from eating, you don't want to regret a thing. So come. Get some sweet tea. Put some pork belly on your waffle. Add some fried oysters to your eggs benedict. Eat like you give a damn.
(5)
Mike F.
My wife and I drive past it numerous times. She decided to surprise me for my birthday and took me there. The menu was great, the service was great. I had a butter fried quail on top of dirty rice and green beans. Just simply amazing. The wife had the half of chicken and had enough for a second meal.
(5)
Christina M.
This place definitely exceeded my expectations. I am so glad I came here! I am from Ft Lauderdale so we don't have many places like this. We decided to come here because we wanted to experience a quaint Tampa charm restaurant. When we walked in we were impressed by the calm and relaxing atmosphere. We wanted to sit on the roof but the wait was too long so luckily there was enough room downstairs to sit. We sat down and was immediately greeted by a friendly new age hipster who was very accommodating. The menu changes every week here so on this weeks menu I got the burger which had peanut butter, cantaloupe and bacon. I decided to try it against my better judgment but when I took a bite, I was transported to a euphoric palette bliss filled world. Wow. What an amazing burger! Who would have thought that it was the perfect combination? The meat was fresh and delicious, it was as if I knew the patty was not loaded with preservatives and hormones. The bacon had such a perfect kick to it, too. We ended off the night with a piece of banana bread and it was amazingly fresh that we were tempted to ask for a loaf! It was basked to the perfect warm temperature and had butterscotch on the side which was the perfect touch. This place is definitely one of a kind and I would absolutely recommend this place to anyone who has an adventurous palette.
(5)
Rob B.
Really enjoyed everything about our visit. My only regret is not trying them sooner. Started with the veal sweetbreads which were out of this world good. Flawed by the hanger steak that was coked to perfection and set atop tasty mashed potatoes and veggies. Nice craft beer selection and a great atmosphere on the rooftop dining area. Looking forward to my next visit!
(5)
Dave W.
This funky spot, with it's purple interior, is my favorite location for affordable gastronomic bliss in all of Tampa Bay. The menu changes weekly and truly never disappoints. Everything is fresh, with unique combinations, plenty of vegetarian options, and cautious seasoning, letting the true flavors of heirloom tomatoes, carefully grilled vegetables, pork belly, or whatever else you order, come through. We recently brought a group of 12 here, including several vegetarians, to change things up from the standard safe fare, and everyone enjoyed it immensely. It was casual, with great service, and even better food.
(5)
Kevin D.
The Refinery was hitting on all cylinders last night. An excellent meal matched only by the exceptional service. Fresh, local seafood prepared to mouth watering perfection. I was dining by myself and was paid attention to like I was part of a large party. A must for anyone in the Tampa area.
(5)
Rajh C.
Love the eclectic menu .. We had the sunflower appetizer .. Excellent but portions made for a really small appetite I ordered the special of the night the snapper over spaghetti squash again small portions .. Ended up stealing a few French fries from my husbands plate .. Who ordered the burger with peanut butter .. His words " to die for " great hipster atmosphere with excellent food .. I had the sexual chocolate wine a red from California. ... Mmmm feeling pretty randy ..
(4)
Marc S.
Unbelievably good. Meg had the triggerfish. I had the apple pie burger. My mom had the Porkchop. Outstanding across-the-board.
(5)
Heather W.
We had a great experience our first time here. The waitress was great and the food to die for. Definitely recommend.
(4)
Simone J.
I love this place. The menu changes weekly based upon what they get from local farmers. If you don't like it one week try the next. I love their seasonal sunday brunch. That is my favorite time to go. This place is totally worth going to but I'd check the menu before going to make sure you will be pleased with your options.
(5)
Mike S.
My wife & I showed up on a Monday night @ about 7:30 for small plates & entrees. The small plates were out immediately, as were the well-timed glass of wine & Swamp Head draft beer ($1 off!). Our server was extremely knowledgable about the wine and paired it perfectly with the small plates. The small plates were impeccable! We had fried chicken livers & a scrumptious risotto that melted in our mouths. My wife then ordered the roast chicken & I ordered the burger...we were excited. Unfortunately, we waited almost 30 mins before the manager came out, and let us know that our dishes were cooked incorrectly, and that he would be glad to comp our drinks for the evening, offering even another round on the house! When the food came, we devoured every last morsel of the delectable dishes, until we could not fit another single bite in our engorged gullets! To our surprise, when the check came, our entrees were taken care of as well, and the manager again offered his most sincere apologies! We gladly tipped our server and began planning our next visit to The Refinery. What a classy place. I love this joint!
(5)
Ana E.
So we heard so many great things about this place and decided to give it a try( driving from sarasota) The building is pretty original,downstairs dining room cozy and romantic,but since the weather was nice we sat on the 2nd floor outside(great view and atmosphere) Staff very nice and knowledgeable,very prompt to assist with requests. Food. It was good,but nothing to brag about. Appetizer pork belly was ahh-mazing, on the other side the green beans pretty bad(no flavor,greasy and not thoroughly cooked) We were a party of 4 and all of us ordered the burger medium rare: Great flavor,high quality meat,cooked just right,the only down side of it was a tad too greasy. Everyone at the table enjoyed their entrees,all our plates were empty. Homemade ketchup was alright,so were the fries,a little disappointed,but hey it's just fries. Whenever we will be in the area will give it another shot,for a recently open restaurant they are doing pretty good. Worth a try:)
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Hipster Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Zac B.
great food good vibes, all local..
(5)Steph L.
I've been here 4 times now for dinner and it never disappoints. Excellent craft beer selection, intimate and cool ambiance, and most importantly, delicious foods. How I love thy menu, let me count the ways: 1) Local ingredients 2) Everything made from scratch 3) Ever-evolving, which allows me to try something new and interesting each time I go 4) The whole menu fits on one page, which reduces my "ordering anxiety". Last nite our table had the Pork & Shrimp Shumai Meatballs, which had great flavor but the consistency was perhaps a little off...they seemed wet all the way through and a tad mushy. My redfish entree was huge and amazing, and my husband's Grilled Flatiron Steak was on point. Topped it all off with the Sticky Toffee Pudding dessert which was really unique...spicy and wonderful! I want to try their brunch and lunch ASAP!
(5)W O.
Review Full of Themselves I'm sorry to say that this place may be falling back on the great reputation they built early on... Took my girlfriend there on Wednesday. We got there about 5:20pm. The hostess asked if we had a reservation. We did not. She said she would see if she could seat us downstairs (the level we entered on) and turned away. There were 10, maybe 12 tables on the floor. All empty. A young man came around and said to follow him. Seated us. Menu looked enticing. I had the kielbasa, my girlfriend the burger. After several minutes the waiter came over to bring our drinks. My girlfriend was hungry so I asked if they had bread or something while we waited for our entrees. "No". No? Nope. No bread or anything like that. My girlfriend asked if they had something they could make quick. "Hmmm..., nope." We have small plates but nothing would be out sooner than your entrée. Really? No raw veggies? Nope. Ok. Thanks. Now, across the street is a large Cuban bakery with a "warm bread now" sign lit up. Mmm. Bread. So, I walk across the street and buy a loaf of warm butter bread. We nibbled on that for a minute and our entrées came out. Waiter was none too impressed that we had our own bread. Our food...my girlfriend's burger was great. The kielbasa was great. As for prices, the burger was very reasonable. I think around $9. My kielbasa, I think was $20+ for two pieces of sausage and a small helping of cabbage. Very good, mind you, but reminded me of the fu-fu places that gives you an entree the size of an ice cream scoop and charges a fortune. Not sure I'll return. Oh, and when we left around 6:40, we were still the only ones in the place...sure glad they found us a table!
(2)Vi P.
Decided to try out The Refinery after many friends suggesting this restaurant. First impressions of the building, it looks like a house the has been converted into a restaurant. Nothing wrong with that, I actually thought it was pretty cool. After entering the restaurant, my friend and I decided to go sit in the outdoor patio on the 2nd floor. For Florida weather it was actually quite comfortable, enjoying the breeze. I enjoyed the idea that the menu changes often, due to using fresh local ingredients. For dinner, we started off with the ratatouille. Which was basically grilled veggies served over biscuits. The ratatouille tasted buttery. It is a simple dish, probably not worth the price. For my meal, I had the flat iron steak, with German potatoes. The steak was tender and juicy, lots of flavor. The potatoes were delicious. The server was attentive, friendly, and helpful if you wanted suggestions. She made us feel quite comfortable. Would come again and recommend this place to anyone!
(4)Rachel M.
Finally tried The Refinery, and we were very satisfied. We sat upstairs on the outside patio. It is covered, and they have fans, but the hot and humid of our summer was still dreadful. We had our little dog with us, so we suffered and survived. We had a Sirloin Steak Sandwich on sweet Hawaiian bread with pesto and onion rings on it. It was pretty big so it was good for two people. We also tried their sweet biscuit debris. It's like funnel cake. It was served with blackberry preserves. Both were delicious. We are dying to try their dinner too sometime.
(4)Jean K.
Weekly changing menu including gluten free and vegetarian options. If you like fish and your server tells you that today's special is mackerel which was caught that very morning by the chef, order it! It was fresh, juicy and delicious. If it's nice enough outside, ask to sit on the covered deck upstairs. The view is nothing spectacular but the soft white string lighting is romantic and al fresco dining is always nice when it's available. There is plenty of room with tables spaced fairly far apart. Great little farm to table restaurant in a converted house with delicious, locally sourced eats. Plenty of parking in back. Casual but romantic enough for date night.
(4)Paul P.
This is an interesting place. When you go, make a trip upstairs and visit Tessa at the bar. The bar area, although amall, gives a good vibe. Lots of unique local brews available and good wine too. There is not a full bar but the assortment of beer and wine make up for it. The food was unique and tasty. I had the hanger steak and a couple appetizers. The steak was scrumprious and the appetizers were unique (pig cheek covered in gelatin) and equally as tasty. The service was exceptional. Everyone seemed genuinely happy I was there and went out of thier way to make my experience a good one. There is an outdoor patio on the second floor. It was too hot to be out there when I was there, but I can see the patio being the place to be on a cooler night. Overall cool place with great service, good food, and wine and beer. Be a hipster for a night and give this place a try.
(5)J S.
In a converted Seminole heights home, I enjoyed the roof top patio style seating. However, no lighting up there so plan on eating in darkness. Burgers at $13.50 were good but personally I would have preferred standard ketchup and pickles. They don't "substitute" the sauces or sides. At that price you should be able to get what you want on your burger. Chicken breast at $23.50 should be incredible, but it had no sauce at all, and had no unique flavor, it was just a chicken breast that was a bit overly salted. So we were left wondering about that one. The Swiss cheese soup was quite good. The only complaint was it wasn't served with a spoon, so until we could ask staff to bring a spoon ... Overall, not bad, no real complaints except the chicken was just overpriced plain chicken. The beer was very good! I might not return. Or I might.... But it just wasn't special.
(2)Sara S.
I love the concept of the farm to table, constantly changing menu, and dinner served in an old rehabbed house. The pictures of the food online had me drooling, and I was so excited to finally make my way to The Refinery. Maybe my expectations were too high, because I left a little disappointed. The food was not outstanding like it appeared in the pictures and how reviewers had described. My risotto was inedible unless you scooped from the sides. I removed the broccoli on top to try that first and found an inch pool of green water from the broccoli sitting on the risotto. They really need to drain the broccoli before serving it. The salad was good but overdressed. The micro portion of pork belly (see pic) was the best of the items we tried. It was seared nicely and paired with a cucumber salad. The dining experience was an unpleasant one as well, since we were expecting to be seated having called prior to arriving to confirm they could accommodate us. When we arrived promptly at 5 pm when they open, the tables were all empty in the restaurant and the hostess said they would not accommodate us downstairs, but we could dine upstairs on the patio. It was freezing and the heaters were barely effective in warming us. We consumed what we could of our meal to get out of the cold. I saw the restaurant was still pretty vacant downstairs with tons of tables open when I was leaving. That was the nail in the coffin to an already disappointing meal. We won't be back.
(2)Aarti P.
Eat where the locals eat is their moto.. It's cute, friendly, laid back and fun. With a mimosa in hand, sitting on their upstairs patio and the breeze cooling my back it felt like the perfect weekend.. Now onto the food.. Their menu is small but obviously well thought out and executed.. I had the Black Eyed Betty Loco Moco... Black eyed pea cakes, dressed with coffee velouté, yes say what?!?! Coffee velouté!! It rocked.. Add to that runny fried egg and spicy watercress.. Side of paprika smashed potatoes.. Brunch was served and devoured. BF had the Daddy's Favourite with extra side of cheese grits.. The grits were awesome. The mound that was his Biscuits and Sausage gravy looked like Mt Everest. He said it was good but paled next to my plate of yum!!
(4)Kelly H.
Walked in to a completely empty dining room on a Thursday around 6 and I'm asked if we had reservations? We say no then end up sweating to the oldies on the outside porch upstairs?? Let me tell u there's nothing better then the ladies getting all dressed up to sweat outside((FAIL)) I enjoyed their local craft brew selection when I went one time before so I decided to try the food this time. Let's just say I should have stuck to the beer! I think I read the menu a hundred times and could not find one edible item. I have no idea who this menu appeals to but it's just.... Odd. Not one dish with chicken? My friend and I ended up splitting a burger as a last resort which tasted like creepy meatloaf. In my entire life I have never ordered a burger at a restaurant and especially during ladies night. I will drink here but the food is clearly not for me.
(2)Carey H.
Qwerky, but good. Not the best idea for a group of people. Took quite a while to be sat and we were sat outside where it was very warm. The food was good but nothing really stood out. The ManMosas were good, although the second round had an odd taste to it that I couldn't quite pinpoint. They didn't do anything special for a birthday celebration. No substitutions on meals are allowed and they also will not split a check for parties larger than 6 people. Parking was very limited and we had to park on the street behind them in front of people's houses, which I wasn't very comfortable with. I guess I had high expectations based on all the previous reviews, but they didn't quite meet those standards.
(3)Amber D.
My food was an enormous portion. The atmosphere was amazing. My girlfriend was not impressed with her meal which had more corn than grits. She also was convinced the corn was from a can, which is a false representation of what they are selling. I loved the daddy's something, but I guess the name doesn't matter because I hear their menu changes often. I will go back, just hoping to have better service. Nothing like asking for hot sauce, not getting it and then overhearing your server specifically ask the table next to you if they need any ketchup or hot sauce. Finally when we were almost through eating my girlfriend asked for me a second time. We got it but I feel there should have been a precursor hey we only have hot sauce made from carrots. Which was in fact the most repulsive thing I have ever tasted. I wanted hot sauce, not spicy carrot juice.
(3)Karl G.
I like the small, "living room" type feel this place has to it. Our server was very nice. According to her they change their menu weekly. Also, their fish dish changes daily. This gives me good enough reason to come back. Their water comes in mason jars, food served on chipped place, and jailhouse silverware. This gave sort of a unique feel to the dining experience.
(4)Michelle D.
Food 1 star - for price and quality Service 5 stars - possibly the best service staff I've ever seen Atmosphere 3 stars - very cute, but loud and bad chairs. First off, the food is way over priced, second the fritters were bland and super heavy. Third the chicken was so over salted I couldn't eat it without scraping off the skin, and my veggies were not only bland, partially under cooked, and the texture was unappetizing. The burger which was so raved about, was disappointing at best. I'd give one star, but the staff are all so kind, attentive, and actually work together as a team to care for the tables, I have to give points. Side note, Yelp needs to break down ratings to subsections.
(2)Paul M.
I stopped by here with my family this morning for brunch. The weather was absolutely perfect to sit on the roof and sip some mimosas. That's exactly what we did. We were escorted to the roof and had a wonderful brunch. The service that Chelsea and the crew provided was absolutely exceptional. The "manmosas" are served in mason jars and are amazing! I had the corned beef and kimchi sandwich for the first time. It was fresh and delicious. My fiancé had the frittata special and she loved it. My mom and sister both had the smoked fish on pretzel bread with a sunny side egg. They thought it was fantastic! The ambiance is absolutely wonderful. Do yourself a favor and come by. You will not be disappointed!!
(5)George W.
If your a foodie and within 25 miles I think you should make a point to visit. Food Great food, interesting. The "hmfic" as it says on the website obviously knows his spices and cook times and temps. Service service is attentive but doesn't really have the knack. They really try and overall it's "B" service. Layout Upstairs the Tables are goofy size Patio chairs questionably comfortable Main dining room is where it's at but you'll have to make reservations to be safe. Extras Toys and games, great look, changing menu. Hit the apps in the box on the upper left side of the menu.
(5)Samuel D.
First time. I must say that the location is right on the corner of a busy street; so keep an eye out. Also the Refinery does have a private parking lot in the back of their place. Upon entering our party was already seated and we've been directed to the patio atop. I do like the how The Refinery turned a house into a restaurant. As far as the food. There isn't much of a selection. We had a party of 6 and were able to try out each others plates. To me nothing really stood out to me. I had ordered the Wurst with curry risotto. The wurst was good but the risotto was mooshy. The tomato bisque was pretty good. Service was decent for a non busy Monday night. This is an excellent venue to come if you want a nice chill laid back ambiance without all the noise. Good for groups to talk among-st one another.
(3)Pranam P.
This place. It's so strange! I love it!! I have been here many times and one thing that I love is how the menu changes every week! It's amazing to see how they can keep the menu lively and have great tasting food all of the time. When you go in, ask to sit on the top if it's not a hot night out. It's a beautiful, intimate, romantic spot to sit in. It's such a relaxing spot to just chill and eat some good food with your special friends. Seriously, I have never had a bad meal here. One of my favorite dishes was a chicken dish with this orange sauce that I will never forget. As well as, a sweet potato pancake. The dishes and atmosphere are so outworldly which makes this spot so special and amazing. Though I wouldn't say bad experience, just something that I had to experience was this chile/habanero beer. It was basically pepper bubbles going down your throat and having the pepper burn for about 5 mins after each sip. But this is also one of their strange/cool options that you can choose from! Do I need to say more? Are you here yet?
(5)Bill G.
Amazing place with outstanding service. My wife, kids, and I got there late on a Saturday night. The server was great (Lindsey, I believe). Food was excellent and the beer selection was solid. Loved the atmosphere, the food and the service!
(5)Rob B.
A hidden gem in an unusual part of town. Delightful creativity with many homemade ingredients. We loved the lamb and peanut butter appetizer with mint pickled blueberries. The burger was rock solid. Less loved were the Frickadella meatballs, good but not special. Menu changes everyday, we will be back!
(4)Deidre A.
Our wonderful server, Jen, told us that their menu changes a few times per *week* based on what local, fresh food is available! The ambiance is super casual, gluten free & vegan items are marked on the menu; only beer and wine is available, but those offerings are extensive & unique. I enjoyed the flank steak with green beans & fingerling potatoes; my husband had the fish of the day. Both were excellent, very fresh with unique flavors. The star of the meal was surprisingly the side of collard greens that we split-Delicious! So yummy, in fact, that my husband asked for bread to soak up the juices at the bottom of the bowl! Will definitely be back when we travel to tampa again.
(4)Sam S.
I went to the refinery to grab a beer based on the reviews. This place is awesome. The downstairs was kinda small and when I arrived there was no one there. Turns out the upstairs outdoor patio is the place to go. I opted to sit at the bar and was greeted promptly by the two bartenders. The beer selection was very good. I started with a Delerium Tremens and then had a few Lagunitas Equinox drafts. After looking over the menu for a bit I asked one of the bartenders to order me her favorite. A few minutes later, out came a delicious steak. It was cooked perfectly and had a delicious garlicky sauce over the top. It was served with a carrot salad and some small potatoes sliced thinly. Overall and awesome meal and Lindsey the bartender was awesome. Highly recommend checking this place out if you're in the Tampa area.
(5)Scott G.
Had lunch here today 9/3 was first time dining here after hearing good reviews from friends. Lunch was basic menu but burger had fluff and chicken skin peanut butter. Sounds crazy but was very good burger cooked perfectly and the bread was very good. Friends had the fish and chicken which they said were very good. I will definitely be back with the wife to try dinner. Menu looks very interesting but changes often so we will be in for a surprise. Service was very good super friendly but not overly aggressive. Will be back soon
(5)Carey F.
We had brunch here for Ben F's birthday and absolutely loved it! The restaurant is very homey and casual with super friendly staff. The "manmosas" are a perfect size, making me never want a mimosa in a champagne flute again! And they're made with fresh squeezed OJ...yummy! Everyone in our party thoroughly enjoyed their food. From the bacon that is cured in-house to the cornbread french toast to the perfectly prepared eggs and baked smashed potatoes, everything was fabulous! We are planning to go back sometime to try the dinner menu...I can't wait!
(5)Aaron K.
Food is on point! Try the special. Changes every night and we have never been disappointed. Tonight was divers scallops which were cooked perfectly and served with a tasty Brussels sprout cole slaw. Also had their burger. One of the best I've had in Tampa! They are also dog friendly which is a plus. They have hooks on outside tables and bowls of water for the pups. Great place and worth the wait!
(4)Jason C.
After several years of waiting for my heart to heal, I returned with a visiting friend to give The Refinery a second chance. We were a bit surprised by the weekly menu, as there were a lot more vegetarian options than normal. However, we had a hard time visualizing them and decided to stick to something more carnivorous. For example, we could not conjure enough imaginative alchemy to summon an image of the vegetarian cioppino. I was told that my past experience was perhaps tainted by my vegetarian entree, so I planned to try their meat dishes. For our appetizers, we had the BLT and the Pork and Beans. The BLT ended up being a salad when both of us imagined it being more like a stacked BLT sort of like one of those stacked caprese salads. The Pork and Beans came with a huge chunk of pork belly which was perfectly cooked with a nice crispy exterior and squishy but not greasy interior. I could not discern any beans per se other than potentially in the sauce. The accompaniments with it were fine. I just had imagined something closer to a stew. For my entree, I had the Stuffed Quail. I don't eat beef, so I had some limited options on the menu, as they had already run out of the fish special. The Stuffed Quail was stuffed with chicken liver-wild rice boudin and on top of a flat biscuit with frisee, shallots, and caper vinaigrette. Although I acknowledge the difficulty of thoroughly cooking a stuffed fowl, much of the quail was quite dry. I appreciated that they had de-boned the breast, as I was a bit concerned that I would need to perform emergency quail surgery with only the mood lighting to guide me. The stuffing itself had good flavor, but I didn't find it that exciting. Oddly enough, I was most excited by the flat biscuit and assorted greens. I think the choice of a flat biscuit did make it a bit more dense and drier than I would have liked. Maybe it would have been better if it had something to soak up. The greens were however AMAZING! I loved the mix of bitterness, peppery flavors, and spice that did an exciting tango with the shallots and capers on a vessel of rich biscuity goodness in my mouth. Overall, it was an okay experience. I found it excellent in terms of service and did enjoy the concept of the menu items. And as a full disclosure moment, we were stuffed to the brim with food. I just didn't find most of it to be quite what I wanted. If I return, I think I'll stick with a small plate and happy hour sort of deal.
(3)Norman A.
Truly original, delightfully played and astoundingly tasty food. The truffle mushroom sauce with the flank steak was still a topic of discussion the next day. The salt sear on my swordfish was so beautiful I hesitated to cut into the fish but was soft as butter with the salt adding a nice finish. Go early evening, take your time and enjoy.
(5)Angela H.
I hate giving this place 3 stars because I heard such great things about it. I had brunch on the upstairs patio. Service was friendly but little slow which I attribute to the downstairs kitchen and understand. I had the Grit and corn casserole which had a mountain of corn in it that I couldn't really taste anything else. I can't say it was canned corn but the taste from fresh corn and this were noticeably different. The side of potatoes were ok. The bacon was amazing. Drinks were good. Pricing is reasonable. The upstairs patio deck is adorable. I would go back for dinner to see if I enjoyed something different.
(3)Adam F.
Has always been one of my favorite spots in Tampa. The menu is always amazing, Lindsay is an awesome bartender. Definitely a top spot in Tampa.
(5)Erin S.
HOLY ****! This place is the definition of 5 stars. It might be a little"hipster", but dont let that scare you. The folks at the refinery are very friendly and definitely not pretentious, although it seems like it would be. The Refinery absolutely nails the "farm to table" concept, as their menu changes weekly with what's fresh locally. They have several small plate items available, as well as entree options that are always available (but with different ingredients) like the hanger steak and burger. Tonight I chose a "chicken confit" small plate to start out with. Absolutely incredible. I have no words. It came with some kind of polenta cake that just melted in your mouth. For my entree I choose the hanger steak, which was beautiful atop a bed of mushrooms, zucchini, bone marrow mash potatoes, and a horseradish butter. Good lord..id go back just for those mash potatoes. The steak was rich and cooked perfectly (medium rare). Dessert was both offerings on the menu, chocolate ganache and a "shoofly" pie. The ganache was decadent with candied ginger and a raspberry sauce. The shoofly pie was made with smoked gouda, lemon creme fraiche sauce, and cobbler crumbles...it was a little too "smokey" for my liking from the gouda cheese, but it was still decent. The only thing I wasnt head over heels in love with. The Refinery doesn't have a full bar, but they have a pretty decent selection of craft beers and wines. Our server definitely fit the hipster vibe with his crazy long beard. He was cool and very helpful. I absolutely love how the food is so creative and "fancy", yet without being crazy expensive. The most expensive entree is the steak, at 22$. And to be perfectly honest, it was better than a meal I had at Bern's. I will absolutely be back and will recommend to anyone, for any occasion.
(5)Barbara C.
Went to the refinery on Thursday night with some sorority sisters. The location was great only complaint was the parking. They need more parking space. The restaurant is centrally located in Hillsborough County which is great because some of us live in south county and some of us live in the north part of the county The refinery was a central location which was perfect for us. The menu was interesting to say the least. Some of my sorority had difficult time finding something on the menu that they wanted to eat. I started with the Taytoes as an appetizer which were the Yukon potatoes just saw and vinegar Caramel it was perfectly done it was so tasty. It had a tart and sweet taste at the same time and the potatoes were done just right. For my dinner I had the pot roast with the Vanilla black Eye peas and the red cabbage it was a perfect combination. At first I was kind of worried when I saw the combination on the menu but the combo was perfect the only thing that I needed to add was some more pepper for me I like my food seasoned well. beyond that it was perfect. I also had a glass of Flaco to go with my dinner. I will definitely be back the food was great!
(4)Alice K.
This place was delicious. I had the wahoo special for lunch and it was well prepared and seasoned. Reasonable prices and a cool atmosphere too -- definitely a place to visit for lunch, and I'd imagine the dinner is even better!
(4)Amanda C.
The first time I came to the Refinery was for brunch. I ordered what was corned beef hash, spinach and eggs on top of rye bread with a side of grits. The flavors blended very well together and the grits were AMAZING which is surprising because I don't even really care for grits. I also had a manmosa which is just a larger version of a mimosa that is served in a mason jar. I think it is smart to offer two different sizes of mimosas because after all, more is better! The Refinery is constantly changing up their menu to offer up the freshest ingredients and what is in season at the moment which is exciting that you can always try something new when visiting! The second time I visited the Refinery I came with a friend for a glass of wine and we shared the jalapeno beignets that were drizzled with dark chocolate. It was different tasting but very delicious! The atmosphere at The Refinery is my favorite thing about visiting. Both time I have requested the rooftop seating. It really makes you feel as though you are in another city and not in Seminole Heights at all. Especially at night with the lights it can be rather magical!
(4)Sherman M.
Absolutely loved this place! Great atmosphere, incredible staff, and amazing food. I had the burger and I ended up licking my fingers. Be sure to try the kale started its incredible. Don't expect and honey mustard sauce or hunts ketchup everything is made in house.
(5)Amber H.
The food was simply phenomenal. They are constantly changing their menu, but the biscuits and gravy I had, topped with poached eggs, grits, and collard greens was probably the best meal I've had in a long time.
(4)Kristine A.
I do not give 5 stars very often but this was by far the best restaurant I have dined at in Tampa. For an app, the meatballs were perfectly cooked and sat pretty in a delicious sauce. The curry wurst and the hanger steak were part of the party this night. The cous cous patty that came with the hanger steak was ridiculous. SO GOOD. The curry wurst was the true showstopper. Sausage that crumbled when you cut into it with a nice sear. I was nervous about the peach curry risotto but those flavors killed! All of the plates were wiped clean. Atmosphere - I like the smaller dining, house feel which The Refinery is. Even with no door to the kitchen, it's mostly quiet and you are able to have a conversation without yelling. 2 thumbs up in my book.
(5)Hillary V.
The good: Our waitress was very nice as we're the managers that we came across, and the food was wonderful. The crispy pork belly was served with butternut squash paste. It came on top of some tasty bread and under a quail egg. SO GOOD! The chicken paillard was also awesome, though the kale it came on top of was nothing to write home about. The zucchini-potato latke was a thing of beauty. That spicy tomato butter that came with it was awesome! This is a very tiny restaurant. I'm not sure if that's why I kept passing it or if the Yelp address lied, but beware of that. There's also only one stall which was a little bit awkward, and the Cabernet that I ordered was really not good. The eggplant soufflé was turrible. Well, the bacon and peppers in it were tasty, but that's it. All that aside, I was very pleased and would return. The menu was just too interesting to give it less than a 4.
(4)Glenn G.
Chalk another one up for the trend of "Farm To Table" restaurants... except this one is worth while Located in a charming building; has the feel of the homes located in Historic Hyde Park. And the inside is no different... wood floors and great mill work (floor, ceiling and window moldings), open kitchen, good use of curtains as dividers between tables along the wall (gives the feel of privacy and not sitting right on top of other tables), chalk board walls for beer menu (with shelves showing off wine selection), great fixtures.... But lets jump to what really counts.... FOOD I could post a copy of the menu but that would be "useless" since The Refinery truly is "AS FRESH AS IT CAN BE". The menu is created weekly and is based on what is LOCALLY AVAILABLE.... they prefer produce that was grown in Florida... they prefer vendors that obtain meats and other proteins ethnically... they prefer higher quality provisions... and all of this is done to create the freshest and most delicious meal as possible. Quoted from their website "serve elevated food at prices that don't break the bank". I will attest, we had a delicious meal and they certainly met their goal because the menu was fairly priced.... far from the price gouging I'm used to seeing in Miami. We shared two entrees.... ENTREE No.1 Hanger Steak with cauliflower cream served with easter egg radish barigoule (whatever that is?!?!?) and ENTREE No.2 Lamb Shoulder Chop with lemony brown butter marmalade served with mint cous cous.... BOTH WERE PRESENTED AND TASTED AS GOOD AS THEY SOUND Can't take a chance and be hungry in the hotel later... DESSERT Went with their version of a Swiss Cake Roll... inside had vietnamese coffee cream cheese with a drizzle of hot caramel.... plus a few pieces of candied popcorn.... Unfortunately, it looked better than it tasted.... actually the candied popcorn was AMAZING and if I could've had a serving of just the popcorn alone, I would. One additional thing that really impressed me here.... the STAFF Beyond friendly... and not that fake friendly you find in South Florida all too often. The vibe coming from the staff is "hipster" but the eclectic mix of patrons was impressive (older ladies celebrating something, group of college kids, family beside us with their kids, and what appeared to be a middle aged couple on a first date (they just looked miserable).... some dressed to impress and some quite casual... it's truly a come as you are kinda place...
(5)Yisha B.
This place is top notch! Also a great place for a romantic dinner. At night, out on the balcony, there are lights strung up and make the place seem so whimsical and fairy tale like. My friends and I came for dinner and their menu is always changing. We started with the chorizo pâté which was phenomenal (and this is coming from a pâté snob) and on par to what I had eaten in France and some beer. I was pleasantly surprised that they had the grapefruit Stiegl there. For my entree I had the quail. It was my first time eating quail and it was so decadent. The way it was roasted, it just melted in your mouth. And with the kale and fingerling potatoes and the creamy sauce it came with, my dinner became a gastronomical heaven to my tastebuds. I am definitely going back again soon. Loving this place!
(5)jennifer C.
Always a party for the senses. Interesting combinations that make for a unique dining experience. Roof top bar is a great place to enjoy some beers and relax. Only thing that's bad is having something you absolutely loved and not being able to get it again due to the weekly menu changes, though I do love that as well.
(5)Lexi M.
This place is great. Although a picture menu would have been nice other then that everything was delicious
(5)Tim J.
After having been here several times, I think that I'd put it at a solid four stars. Not everything I've had has been spectacular, but overall it's consistently good. Like most, I love that they change the menu weekly, and part of the excitement is trying something you might not, as it will be gone next week. Also gotta like the upstairs patio which has an eclectic crowd to match the menu. It ranges from the hipster crowd, to date night, to business casual type folks enjoying dinner. The service has been really spotty, I've had great service a few times, but the norm seems pretty average or worse, with one experience I waited over thirty minutes between my soup and entree without even a check back to let me know it would be so long, let alone to order another drink. Although the menu changed, it seems to commonly have a pork belly appetizer and quail, which have been good in all their variations I have tried. The steak and burger are always there, just their preparation changes and is intriguing and fun. Wasn't impressed by the brunch compared to what else I've had around Tampa.
(4)Lou M.
This won't be popular, but I found the menu frumpy, too weird and pricey. The atmosphere is bohemian frat house with wooden school chairs to sit in. I like Seminole Heights and the gentrification happening there, but I would skip this over rated restaurant.
(2)Adrienne V.
Changing menu reflecting local availability and flavors in unexpected combinations. Outdoor seating, great selection of beers.
(5)Tricia T.
Fellow yelpers didn't lie! Food: amazing and delicious. Interesting combinations and fresh ingredients made for an unforgettable dining experience. Menu changes every week. Ambience: very eclectic. We made reservations, but ended up going in about two hours early and had no issues getting seated. It was a beautiful night and we sat on the patio. Very romantic for our date night without kids, but there were families there so everyone can enjoy! Service: friendly, genuine and down to earth servers. We will definitely be returning!!
(5)Jim S.
I have been wanting to try their lunch menu and I happened to be in Tampa today. I rushed over and got there just before 2:00 (their cut off). The server was happy to seat me. I decided on their special....bacon fat seared Mahi with country ham and Manchego potato croquettes, and a tomato/ bourbon sauce. These were huge croquettes, maybe one for lunch. The price I thought was a little high for lunch, $17.00, but it was very good. I asked the server if I could have some extra sauce and she gladly got me more. Maybe with one croquette , the price would drop a little for lunch, I ate it all though. The server was very good and knowledgeable. Yes, the menu is pretty limited, , but you also have to look at the number of tables. I really enjoyed the first time at lunch and will definitely do it again.
(4)Parita K.
At the end of our meal, my husband and I agreed that this was one of the most creative meals we've ever eaten. At first glance, the menu seemed full of contradictory dishes full of ingredients and flavors that wouldn't mesh well together. Well, I was proven wrong! The food was incredible. My husband's burger was particularly standout, as was the chocolate checkerboard pie. We also enjoyed the beer selection and overall ambiance. It was rustic and very welcoming. And the service was top notch. Our waitress was knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful. We will be back!
(5)BK S.
Great food Great service Great environment We are from Portland, OR and it felt like home!
(5)Allison N.
Woohoo! I finally went to The Refinery! After reading so many reviews about this place, I figured I'd give it a shot. I usually stick to my South Tampa restaurants, but decided to branch out for an anniversary dinner. I made a reservation online and we came into the restaurant right as happy hour was ending -- so we got a $5 small plate of chicken liver and my boyfriend got a glass of wine. Since it was an anniversary dinner, we splurged a little. To start, we had the pork belly (very small, but super flavorful and the meat was so tender it cut very easily), the carpaccio (also really good, the meat was thinly sliced and came with a delicious pairing of sauces) and chicken liver (weird texture, probably wouldn't get it again). The appetizers were all pretty good, but the pork belly took the cake. It was easily the best of the bunch, with flavor and satisfaction in every bite. Next, we both had burgers. Now, I am a huge burger lover. Like, I could probably have one for every meal. Not kidding. Hearing about how awesome their burger was is in fact what drew me to The Refinery in the first place. The burger came with bacon, onions, pickles, Swiss cheese and mustard. Sometimes bacon can really overpower a burger, but here that just wasn't the case. The meat was seasoned enough to where all the flavors of the ingredients just formed this beautiful symphony of tastes that just worked. The bacon was really incredible, though and definitely some of the better tasting bacon I've had on a burger. The fries were pretty good too. They remind me a lot of a place I used to frequent in Nashville (foodie paradise) and the ketchup is house made, which is a nice touch. The service was impeccable here. Our waitress was really friendly and efficient. The atmosphere of this place is very unusual when compared with the other restaurants in Tampa. It's a pretty small restaurant downstairs, but there's also an upstairs and a patio so there's still ample seating. The size of the restaurant is great for having a good conversation, something that doesn't tend to happen that often at larger places that get jam packed full of people. The Refinery is truly an innovator in food here in Tampa, which I think makes people think of it so highly. With a menu that changes so frequently (every week), you're bound to keep coming back to try what new items the chefs are serving up. I am definitely going to frequent this place more often, and I'm so pleased that I finally have seen what all the hype is about. 5 well-deserved stars.
(5)Lita L.
Went there for the first time and was not impressed. I ordered the hangar steak sandwich with fries for $10.75. The steak itself seemed under seasoned although there was sauce, but it was mild mannered. The steak was in small pieces, so some either fell out of the bread when taking a bite, or the piece you were biting on ended up being a whole piece. I ordered the fries because they were made fresh, not frozen, but were cooked to dark brown, were not crispy, and tasted very greasy. Probably won't come back, as I found the menu uninspiring and thought I ordered the best thing. One of my friends ordered the burger and fries, which she said was good, but for $13.25? My other friend ordered the zeppoles for dessert and we're so bad, she sent them back. What I did enjoy was the ambience, our server, and the company of good friends.
(2)Chris I.
The Refinery is a difficult restaurant to review, for the reason that I have been there several times, and never once have I had the same thing twice - in fact I never even had the opportunity. For those not familiar with the Refinery concept, the menu changes on a weekly basis based on whatever ingredients are freshest and available, and pending the chef's creative desires - this insures every visit will be a unique experience. Developing a solid menu is no easy task, considering that, it is a feat that the refinery nearly re-invents itself on a weekly basis - with astonishing success. Starters, small plates, mains, sides and dessert - every week new creations. Now there are some commonalities in the menu week to week, the "Craig's List" section nearly always features a burger, hanger steak, and a poultry dish, but the flavors always vary. I have been to several of my favorite restaurants enough times that at this point I only go if the specials interest me, at the Refinery I never have this problem. The restaurant itself is built inside a classic Seminole Heights house. The mood is casual and inviting; the staff is very friendly and knowledgeable - which is good as you are likely to have questions on the menu. In addition to the food, there is a rotating beer selection that is top notch. A great place to casually kick back after a long week, drink a good beer, and enjoy some great food. If you haven't visited yet, you should.
(5)Caitlin O.
Definitely on a different level than ordinary offerings. The flavor profiles and unique pairings of ingredients are creative and beautifully executed. Casual setting. Big flavor. Craftsmanship. I had the tomato bisque soup, which came with two nice cheese toasts and the frikadellar small plate. I really liked the watermelon pickled radishes with the dish, brought a brightness and acidity to a rich offering. Loved it.
(5)Boon C.
Food is ok. Selection of menu is very little. Fine restaurant at dinner serve with paper napkin for the price we paid is not upscale. Server is friendly. The price do not include dinner roll or bread. No much salad selection. Very limited. There should be a lot to offer if they charging a lot of money. Not good with family but good for couple. I am disappointed for price paid and there is no table cloth service. We were surprised that there is no espresso available after meal. I was more surprise when the waiter refer us to the near by coffee shop if we need the espresso. The rule of restaurant usually don't refer the customer to other food franchise or location.
(3)Anousha H.
The menu changes every Thursday people!! And the menu is filled with exciting, new & innovative experiences. The don't substitute anything, although you can ask to leave something out or leave it on the side, so if you are a picky eater well.. That is rare in Tampa Bay & I couldn't be happier to have found this place. I would personally give the Refinery a 5 star review, however my date's meal experience was not a full five & I shall explain in a bit. The first floor is for reservations mostly, although you can walk in & if they have availability they can sit you down on the first floor too. Upstairs bar had a waiting list (which I really want to sit up there next) so we sat downstairs. I could see the kitchen which has an open floor plan from where I was sitting & I enjoyed the guys work around their yum creations. We had already had drinks & appetizers with friends somewhere else so we went straight for the kill & ordered our main dishes. We went with the burger & steak. I absolutely loved my burger, the flavors were yum together & exciting to bite into until the last bite. The steak however came with an anchovy sauce which my date dislikes very strongly so they placed on the side but I think the steak wasn't seasoned as well on its own since it was suppose to come with the anchovy sauce as it was in the menu so it left the meat with bland flavors. For dessert we got the chocolate pot de creame & it was fabulous. Chocolaty & fluffy & the crunchy aspect of macaroons & nuts was perfect with it. The green chile gel sauce on the plate brought out nice earthy tones in the chocolate. I was very impressed. I will definitely be back to try more & more of yum stuff to come!!
(5)Steven P.
Well that lunch was just amazing. Stopped hear on a house-hunting search (moving here from Chicago) and I think this place just sold us on living in this neighborhood. Amazing locally sourced food and wonderfully pleasant and attentive service. Can't wait to be a regular here soon.
(5)Melissa M.
Four years later, I have been to the Refinery many times and I have yet to understand why these people have a James Beard award. The food is consistently inconsistent. I've had clients and foodie family request to dine at the Refinery. All of whom left incredibly disappointed and floored by the rudeness of the owners. I will not dine at the Refinery again. Original Review 11/28/10 Totally disappointed! After all of the great things I've heard, my boyfriend and I brought my foodie cousin who was in town visiting from San Francisco there for dinner. All three of us were not only disappointed with the food, but the smug and snarky attitude of the servers. Our requests for certain items on the side (due to health issues which we did not feel compelled to explain) were mocked not only by the server taking the order but also by the server delivering the order. My roasted chicken was overcooked and painfully dry. The spaghetti squash as undercooked and the burger was served virtually tartar versus the medium rare requested. The highlight of the evening was their take on Poutine and the beer selection (which you can get at the Independent without the sub-par food and bad attitude).
(1)Ryan Z.
Had Breakfast/Brunch here. The food is fucking great. It makes me want to stand on top of a mountain and scream how great the god damn food is but alas, Florida has no mountains. Wish more places like this would open in St. Pete
(5)Josiah G.
This was a very enjoyable experience and The Refinery is another piece of proof that Seminole Heights is killing it in the food scene. I came for brunch and I hate to say that it took me this long to come. The small, quaint dining room is eclectic and welcoming. I'm a mason jar fan and there were no shortage of them here. I love the relatively small menu that is based on what they can get from local farms that week. For this visit I went with the special which was a country fried pork chop with 2 sunny side up eggs on top. This was simply awesome. The thick pork chop was juicy and the coating was super crispy. Between that, the perfectly cooked eggs and those smashed potatoes, I was in my happy place. I am really looking forward to becoming a regular and ordering from the ever-evolving menu.
(5)Elizabeth H.
What a great date night spot. We sat outside on the deck, and although it was about 85 degrees, the fans kept us comfortable. Our server who was also a bartender was very knowledgeable and quick to recommend drinks to our taste. We started with the pork belly, which on a menu that changes weekly seems to be a constant, and for good reason. It was delicious. I had the catch of the day (thyme encrusted wahoo) and it was incredible. Perfectly cooked over a bed of amazing rice and just to top it off, some fried strings of sweet potato. It really couldn't have been better. Adam had the burger, another perfectly executed dish. We left full, and totally satisfied. From the drinks, to the food, to the staff, everything at the refinery was exemplary. We will certainly be back.
(5)david k.
in Tampa for a few days and my friends who were hosting me were dying to try out this place. They made reservations and brought me there. Let me say that the food was nothing to review about, which is why I won't even touch on it. The waitress was very snippy and unprofessional. When asked for additional items, there was always a defensive tone. I even asked if I could take one of their PAPER menus home as a souvenir because I really liked the design and decor, but she said that they need to save as much of the paper menus as possible. Mind you, I was pretty buzzed and I'm fairly easy to please when I am. I wish I had saved my receipt so I can call in and let management know who it was. I felt so bad my friends had a bad experience, I covered the tab. I'll say one thing about their food... for dessert we had the beignets. I really thought that I was eating munchkins with powdered sugar on it. Things always taste better when I'm buzzed, but not in this case. Even in the nooks of northern NJ, I could've had the same dining experience for half the price and with much better service. Sorry, but you can skip the Refinery.
(1)Steve C.
We started our dinner with dessert, as often is my preference. Bread pudding with a rum, raisin beurre blanc sauce. OMG- melt in your mouth delicious. I had the pan seared Cobia as an entree. I'm not a fan of Cobia but fig'd if anyone could change my impression of this wretched fish it would be Chef Greg. And I was right. It was cooked perfectly to the point where the fish was super moist flaky and had a nice panseared crust. If you're looking for an abbreviated menu of farm to table fresh prepared food done perfectly this is your place.
(5)Matthew C.
Five stars! We had the creamed tomato kale, borscht, squash "scallops", cobia special, and chocolate blueberry tart. All were fantastic, fresh, plated well, and composed of unique ingredients. The wait staff was laid back, knowledgable, and sincere. The prices are right for the portion size and quality of food. We loved the broad selection of vegetarian options, which can be hard to come by with gastropub type restaurants. Highly recommended!
(5)Karen P.
I was very excited to check this place out. I live in Colorado but am from Tampa, and heard this was a fun spot. I loved the building and atmosphere. We had a large group of chatty girls and they were very accommodating to us. We decided to order a bunch of different small plates. I loved the gnocchi, liked the broccoli and hated the catfish fritter from the small plates. We also ordered both desserts to split - "chips and salsa". and the olive oil cake. I loved the orange glaze on the cake, and thought the chips and salsa were interesting but didn't have to go back for a second bite. Overall, it was a fun night but the food didn't totally wow me.
(4)Leslie S.
Gambling with your meal is what I feel about this restaurant. Most food is prepared good, and tasted pretty good. I don't agree with some of the review below. I think it just tasted acceptable, but not amazing or good really. It is also pretty expensive for what you get. Alcohol selection is also just OK. Nothing special. Go here if you want to gamble what you will eat or just do not have preference, but come in with deep pocket.
(3)Loreal D.
I have a lot of respect for this restaurant. The use of local ingredients and innovative use of those ingredients are to be commended. I really like the fact that they change their menu for what is available for the time. Though, I think some of their dishes are hit and miss. I went there for the first time recently and ordered a squash cheesecake for dinner with a pork sausage. While I appreciate the take on the dish, I didn't find it something I would order/have on a dinner menu. I probably would have put it on the dessert side. Also, my friend ordered a fried chicken dish with some greens, and it wasn't what we considered as a "southern comfort" food. The greens were way to sweet, almost candied. Granted the rest of the dish was pretty good. To sum this review up I like the restaurant a lot and think there a lot of good and no so good qualities about it. The ambiance is rustic and they have a really great beer menu. Though, I would be weary of some of the more innovative dishes. I feel like I need to try the restaurant again in order to give a better review.
(4)Augusto R.
Maybe I got a weak week... The grilled beef tongue was interesting but needs a finishing touch, the fish of the day was a pan seared mullet with a citrus beurre blanc and was very very good! The burger and the Hanger steak were great. The scalloped squash was good too but NOT great. The pate is more a terrine and comes with radish chunks that were ok... Since the menu changes every week, I will have to be back!!!
(3)Hilary W.
Had a great time at the refinery tonight! Stephanie was super friendly and knowledgable. She gave us great recommendations! The atmosphere is very cute and homey. The food was wonderful ... We had a cucumber dish and cinnamon quail. The jackalope completed our experience ;)
(5)Shuné D.
Smelled very good upon entering. They did have a guest chef the night that we got in. I ended up getting The Burger and it was phenomenal! The service, however, was very slow tonight though. Great environment.
(4)David D.
Fantastic service and food. Lindsey and Jen at the bar were helpful with my beer and food choice, and were a ton of fun! Give these girls a raise!!! Hangar steak....unbelievable. The pave was damn good. Highly recommend, great restaurant. Thanks ladies!!!
(5)Tara A.
We have eaten here numerous times and always found it to be excellent. We hadn't been in a bit (we live about an hour away), I was a bit skeptical to revisit as some of the recent reviews have been iffy. I know that they have opened a new restaurant and I can't imagine what it must take to run one restaurant let alone two, but we personally have always loved everything about our visits and decided to trust in our own experiences as opposed to reviews. Last night we took another couple who had never been before; promising them a real treat, as usual no one was disappointed. The staff was super friendly, knowledgable and attentive, just as they have always been. The menu was very descriptive; a few times I had to ask our server, Stephanie, what an item or ingredient was, she always explained and gave an example that I may be able to compare it to which is super helpful! We ordered four of the available six small plates and they were amazing. Our meals were so imaginative and perfectly executed from seasoning to sauces. I seriously can not say enough good things about the food. All and all, we had a fantastic experience (again), have converted two 'newbies' into die hard fans, and have hushed all the critics (in our own minds at least) that having two restaurants will make one or both suffer. They haven't lost a step and we will continue to eat, rave, introduce and convert for as long as they will have us!
(5)A K.
One of the best restaurants in Tampa! Their cheap date nights on Fridays are fantastic because you can get a bottle of wine for $15 and the small plates are great! Another great time to go is for brunch. The menu is great and they have $3 mimosas. All meals are made with fresh ingredients and you can tell!
(5)Donald H.
Great food...slow service...!
(4)Snoop M.
If you are gluten-free, vegan, or really into locally sourced food, you might like The Refinery. If you just want your stuff to taste good, go to Ella's or one of the other Seminole Heights eateries that offer both style and substance. I appreciate all this innovation. I just don't get The Refinery. The waitstaff recommended the "BLT," which, unfortunately, at $8 turned out to be a pile of limp greens smeared with mayonnaise and topped by a few croutons and bacon bits. My dining companion, who was starving and typically an adventurous eater, could find nothing of interest on The Refinery's ever-changing menu, which seems to feature a lot of dandelion greens. He ended up picking dejectedly at my dubiously-named BLT and shivering (broken heater on the upstairs porch) while I chugged my beer so we could GTFO. On the positive side, the ambience is quirky and the people-watching is fair enough. Someone has written "NICE MARMOT" on the bathroom wall with chalk, so +1 star for the Lebowski reference.
(1)Dominick T.
Wow, I love two things, food made with care, and food that grows here. I can't add more to a great review. This is a fantastic place! There is always a culinary challenge, a new taste, or a new texture. Its hip without pretension. Its homey without being dull. It is a great place to have a great meal, and I can't rate it a six!
(5)Sean F.
Probably my favorite restaurant in Tampa with a good atmosphere, good friendly servers, and even better food. The menu is small but it changes every week. Refinery staff use local foods and whatever is in season. You can taste the love in the food. I go about once a week just to get the burger. I would recommend this place to anyone.
(5)Brian W.
We had Saturday brunch. French toast using Cuban bread was outstanding. Grits were absolutely some of the best I've ever had. My husband had sausage gravy over biscuits. He loved it even though he is not a big fan of sausage gravy. It was well worth the trip. They have creative food pairings which keep your palette engaged.
(5)Cameron G.
I didn't go to the restaurant part, but the bar upstairs was very nice. I had a craft beer and the buffalo cauliflower. Both were tasty. The buffalo cauliflower came with a small blue cheese salad, which was a great addition. I was a little sad that they didn't have Florida Avenue Brewing, but the other beers were great.
(4)Stacy G.
Wonderful food. Who would have thought that beef, brussel sprouts and popcorn butter would have made a fantastic dish. So much fun. Pork chop so good. Honey had the hanger steak and nothing left on his plate. Ordered two desserts - one great other boring. The coffee was good but by the time I put the cream in - it was luke warm - hate that. Don't miss this place food is a lot fun.
(4)Sara R.
The food is amazing! This is a great local business that supports other local businesses. The beer selection is good too.
(5)Steve E.
The Refinery is a spectacular farm-to-table dining experience in Seminole Heights, and I am embarrassed to admit that I had not been there sooner. A business associate and I made reservations for a mid-week dinner this past week, and we spent some time previewing the online menu before our visit. We knew that The Refinery changes their menu each week in accordance with whatever is fresh and available to the chef. As a result, my foodie friend Brian and I had a few choices in our back pocket and we were eager to give this place a try. The Refinery sits along N. Florida Avenue a few blocks south of Hillsborough Avenue and across the street from Mauricio Faedo's Bakery. The Refinery looks like a typical Seminole Heights home with a downstairs kitchen and dining room, and upstairs full-service beer and wine bar and outdoor rooftop deck seating. We chose to sit downstairs, but next time I'd like to sit out on the balcony. Given the eclectic and cozy nature of the restaurant, the menu is actually printed as your placemat on a wooden table. They make no apologies for chipped plates, mismatched silverware, and drinking from Mason jars, and go on to explain that they prefer to put the focus on the food and keep the prices reasonable. A meal here feels like a quirky dinner party in someone's home, and not a highfalutin white tablecloth / stuffy maître d' experience. Chef Baker talks about setting the bar high when it comes to what they put on the plate. If it wasn't grown in Florida or produced using ethically sound methods, you probably won't find it at The Refinery. They make sure each ingredient is of the highest quality and comes from folks who take great pride and care of their processes, employees, and earthly footprint. That mission statement is the essence of The Refinery. Brian and I each had a glass of wine - his was the Estampa Chardonnay and mine was the Argentinian La Yunta Torrontes (excellent red wine!). We followed that with The Refinery's house salad made with very fresh mixed greens, braised radish, sliced strawberries, Cuban croutons, and a lime / shallot / tarragon vinaigrette. For the main courses he ordered the Massaman lamb curry, and I had the roasted chicken which turned out to be half of a seasoned and roasted chicken served with a side of diced ham, collard greens, black eyed peas sitting atop halves of a buttermilk biscuit, and then covered with caramelized sweet onion jam and chipotle sawmill gravy. The meal was absolutely spectacular, and very much lived up to our expectations. Total bill was well under $100 for the two of us. The Refinery is open 7 days a week for dinner starting at 5pm, and on Sundays they are also open from 11am - 2:30pm for brunch. Add this place to your "must try" list for Tampa!
(5)Bob R.
Great brunch all around. Dinner menu is changed frequently and some items are a miss but the burger is always great so is anything w pork belly. Good craft beer selection
(5)Joshua T.
Holy mother of god. I listened to a 30 minute conversation on the falling of Kayne. So the atmosphere is pretty cool. I had the fish special which was amazing. A rich, flaky white fish. Paired with mint and cucumber. It was flavored with a delicate cocktail aioli. All atop delicate and flavorful rice. I had a few Belgium beers that were good. One sour and one peppery. Good quality, average price. Dessert was a wonderful Jalapeño fried fluffy dough. With sugared orange peel and chocolate ganache. Spicy and sweet. Was wonderful. The service was great and quick. Patio was nice with warmers for December night. Go and try it out.
(5)Henry K.
My wife and I went there last night for a late Valentines Day dinner. We opted to go here because we had heard good things and like to support the local guys. Overall I would say the recent reviews on here reflect accurately. Some loved it and some not so much. It does seem that it would be consistently hit or miss. I'd give them high marks for concept and effort but low marks for execution and quality. The menu is so varied, etc. that they're just not sure what they want to be. They had sheepshead as the fresh fish, which I thought was fantastic (being a native Floridian). The use of fresh local ingredients was great but enough with the kumquats already. :-) they used them in two of our 3 dishes. Kumquats are one of those love em or hate em foods. I love them but both times they were the odd man out. Seems like they just try too hard to be original and it comes off flat. Management and staff were very friendly and professional. Ultimately they must stand on the food alone and there was just not much there.
(2)Lila L.
Very cool atmosphere. Very creative menu. Maybe a bit too creative on the night my husband and I went. I had an interesting beet salad he had carrot soup. That we had the he enjoyed the local beer we had the broccoli risottoand the broccoli was undercooked.
(4)Shashank M.
What?!? How is this a thing???? No seasoning, no love, cold rice, over cooked panna cotta with a dog treat on top. Why are we letting this still be allowed. Fellow Tampanians, I want us all to stand up and say no! No more bs! If your going to make food give it flavor, love and surprise people. Having a predominantly vegetarian menu is very hard, seen very few restaurants pull it off well but that's no excuse. Salt, spice, seasoning. I mean my grilled eggplant appetizer tasted like it was doused in gasoline then tenderly dressed up to look the part. I'm sorry but rooster and the till got my hopes up. Now I want to see what ppl can cook on this city. Come on!! On the flip side, service was actually great, decor is hipster and the balcony seating would be a lot better with some pillows I think. Just sayin. Only reason I'm harsh on this place is because I see the potential and I want this place to be better. guy next to me playing guitar, great. String lights and craft brews, perfect. Why can't the food be better
(3)Karyn L.
I don't know if I really understand what the fuss is all about. I get that it's cool to be able to walk to dinner if u happen to live in Seminole Heights. Otherwise, if you have to drive to get there I'm not sure it's worth it. The good: cute little house with minimal tables inside and a nice rooftop bar. The so-so: the waiter raved about the burger: ground in house fresh daily and served with a blackbean sauce. Sounded amazing. However, I've had much better burgers at El Cap in st Pete, and those were half the price. The bad: the open kitchen concept needs waaaaaaay better ventilation. The four of us reeked of grease and smoke from the kitchen after a two hour dinner. Not good.
(3)Carolyn C.
The food was spectacular- in particular, the burger was "life-changing". I've had burgers with peanut butter before, but this one was something special. The dessert- a "S'moreo", was ok- the cookie was so crisp that it was hard to eat and the filling was too light and airy to match up to the dense-ness of the cookie. All in all, a fabulous place with great service that I hope to go to again!
(4)Kathy D.
I know, I know it has been open forever and I just visited them. I was surprised by the downstairs dining room, it was quaint and romantic. I went upstairs, but stayed inside since it was so ---- hot. It like many Seminole Heights restaurants and bars have a very limited wine menu, but if you are a beer drinker they all have you covered. There were maybe 10 red and white wines total to choose from and you got a whole dollar off a glass during their happy hour from 5PM to 7PM. The menu assimilated to about 4 appetizers, 1 soup, 4 entrees, a burger, and 2 desserts. I have heard great things about this place and was anxious to try their food. I found myself torn between the pork belly ( who doesn't love pork belly or bacon) and the burger. The burger was intriguing, it had egg salad, pickled radishes and onions. Hmmm the burger won my final vote, as I had never had anything with these toppings. I asked for the burger medium, it came out well with no seasoning or real flavor on a bakery bun, the bun was okay, but nothing special. I was really surprised at the lack of seasoning on the burger. I tasted all of the components separately at first. The egg salad was meager and nothing special. The very thinly sliced pickeled radishes and onions had a good flavor. I put them all together and you couldn't really taste the egg salad and the pickled vegetables took over the flavor profile. The burger was pedestrian at best and I was quite disappointed. There were a lot of French fries on the plate, too bad they were totally soggy, limp and greasy. WTF they even screwed up fries! The homemsde Ketchup was basic and certinlly nothing to write home about. I am so disappointed in the Refinery. Was it my fault for ordering something so simple? Iove the fact they are an independent and use seasonal ingredients. I am sorry when you mess up a gourmet or plain burger and fries and you are not busy, you have some major in house problems that need to be corrected. The staff was all very pleasant and knowledgeable. The food was no way to represent a fine dining restaurant or a burger joint. I have had much better tasting burgers and properly cooked fries in dive bars, not a restaurant that has been getting 5* reviews Seriously I believe the fries were left over from the day before and refried, that is how bad they were. Shame on you Refinery, there is way too much competition in the restaurant world to rest on your reviews from previous years. I really wanted this to be a good meal....maybe someday, not yesterday. What's a girl to do? Expect what you order to be delicious, prepared to order and not using substandard products, regardless of the price point, it all reflects back on the restaurant. PS: no small plates.......
(2)Darelys M.
The menu is great always changing but still delicious. Served a good amount of food. Cinnamon roll french toast is a must try it's definitely enough for 2 people to share. The rooftop area is really pretty and great service.
(4)Bridget G.
We drove from Florida's east coast to overnight in Tampa and try out The Refinery. We were not disappointed. Every plate was a symphony of flavor... meaning that the center ingredient was even more spectacular with the harmonious sides of vegetables, sauces, and garnishes. Loved the blue cheese croute with the seared watermelon (and perfectly shaved jalapeno.) The lemon-sumac fritters on the chickpea stew were perfectly scented. My husband raved over his appetizer of sweetbreads and hanger steak entree. The greeting upon arrival to the service and the chef's visit to our table, each note demonstrates the commitment to a top notch customer experience.
(5)Bob B.
The Refinery encompasses what is great about Seminole Heights. It is eclectic, unique, and not run-of-the-mill. The menu changes weekly based on what is fresh but there are always a couple desserts and there always a couple types of burgers. Chef Greg Baker is putting out some flavor combos that I would never think to do and that sort of pushing the limits thinking is refreshing especially because it's done right. The prices are good and the service is as well. The rooftop area is great on a beautiful Tampa night, no reservations. So hopefully you can snag a table. The beer list is really good and well thought out. Much more in tune with the craft beer folk than most places, think Harpoon Leviathan. I need to try their brunch. When I do it's update time!
(4)Courtney A.
My sister and I ended up here on a whim when we were at the YesterDaze consignment shop across the way, and saw the happy hour sign. What a hidden gem! So apparently if you want to eat downstairs, you need reservations. Cool, good to know for next time. However, the bar upstairs is first come first serve and they still serve food. Also, it's outside and the weather was perfect, so we were hoping to snag a seat up there anyway. Party time, excellent! The atmosphere and ambience is chill and laid back. We had a few beers and tried the dessert. Prefer the kumquat cheesecake over the 'biscuit and gravy'. The menu looked amazing and reasonably priced, but we passed on ordering food only because we had already ate dinner. Will definitely be back!
(4)Jason W.
one of my favorite restaurants in tampa local sourced food, always have a fish dish wish they were open for lunch, late night and had a better bar area upstairs consistently great, fresh, food great owners
(5)Andrea L.
One of the most eclectic menus in the bay! Delicious,unique food - I had an interesting polenta and salmon meal. It's a small, quant restaurant with an alternative vibe. I will definitely go back again...
(5)M C.
** based on food alone The stewed tomatoes and tomatoe dishes are absolutely fantastic for tomatoe lovers. The pork shoulder was cooked to perfection and the salad accompaniment was a great addition with the olive oil. A must in the Tampa area
(5)Cathy B.
Love that the menu changes weekly and they pride themselves on local fresh farms. Nice improvements the past year on the roof top deck with coverings and shade. Brunch is consistent, careful not to substitute items...they frown on that. The manmosa is a must try!
(4)Priya S.
What to say that hasn't already been said? The reviews on the Refinery speak for itself! I'd suggest to just make the jump and try it out if you haven't. I didn't have reservations so I was seated upstairs. Honestly, I think I would have liked either or. We were given a great selection of which food and beer to choose from. I ended up going with the chicken liver and a vegetarian dish. Both were amazing and got no complaints from me! It's worth it for the price and the ambiance. Try it out guys!
(4)Jimmy S.
Ordered 6 different small plates, the pork belly was fantastically melting in your mouth but the broth was super salty like the Dead Sea. I would return again to try some entrees this time.
(4)David H.
A-OK! We arrived about ten minutes early for our reservation and were seated immediately. I think it is pretty nice that they leave the first floor for reservations and upstairs for walk-ins. Although it would have been nice to sit out on the roof. I appreciate the creativity with the menu and of course the farm to table concept. We started with the porque belly croquette and little neck clams. The pork belly is pulled within the croquette so it is different. Couldn't really tell that it was pork belly in the croquette. It was good though. I liked the crispy barley on the side of the dish. The clams were great and was served with bread soaked in the broth and fish sauce pork shoulder. You could definitely taste the fish sauce in the broth and it was very tasty, especially with the bread. Would have been nice with a bit more clams, but no matter we were very full by the end of our meal. The fiancee ordered the Pork Shoulder Pot au Feu and I got the hanger steak. The pork shoulder was a huge portion. It had a nice curry flavor to it and was served over a bed of creamy grits. My hanger steak was served medium rare just as I ordered, the meat itself was a tad chewy, but had good flavor. The chicken liver chard bread pudding was delightful and made up for the steak being a bit chewy. Finally for our dessert we went with the brownie which was served with a orange-lavender white chocolate emulsion and pistachio. The fiancee loved it, while I thought it was okay. Nothing to complain about on service, our server was very nice and attentive. Would I come back? Yes, definitely since the menu changes every week.
(3)Angie Q.
Fabulous dinner. Flavors of each dish we ordered was so distinct from one another. Fried chicken small plate. Very southern flavors. Love the biscuit...really chewy and dense. Boudin. Um. Kinda different. The squash spread tasted like pumpkin cheesecake so I saved it for dessert. Ragout. Yummy. Tangy and delicious For dinner, I got the PB&J burger. Sooooo delicious. I don't usually eat burgers but I just had to try it. The fries that came with it was bad though. Oily cold and no flavor. Not even sure what it was really so perhaps my critique is unfair for them. The last burger that I like was at Umami Burger in San Fran and that was heaven. This is pretty darn close. Girlfriend got the roasted chicken. Said it was the best roasted chicken she has ever had. Seasoning well distributed. And skin was nice and crispy. Mashed potato side was perfect. An carrots were delicious. The burger and chicken I believe are on menu all the time but the other items change frequently. To top it off, staff is delightful. Cute and friendly.
(5)Occy V.
Wow is a good way to begin my review of this place. You would never expect a place like this or Ella's in the neighborhoods they are in. I wanted to go a second time before posting my review just to make sure i wasnt just crazy hungry my first trip. Oh and I had a burger the first time around and I always am a little partial to good burgers. Food here tastes like food if that makes sense. The combination of being a restaurant that is heavily focused on sustainability and simplicity just really impresses you. I hope this becomes a trend, we need more places like this in Tampa =)
(5)Louis A.
First time there and we loved it! Went on recommendation of a few friends and reviews. We like that vegetables are from local farms. Love that they label meals as Vegan, Gluten Free, etc. Simple clean decor and not much noise, but it was early Sunday afternoon, early evening. Service by Rachel was great. Courteous and just ready to answer our questions. Menu is easy to look at ( I had glanced at it on line before leaving home) and not complicated. Single page, clean and a good sized font that is easily read. I like that versus some other local restaurants where the font is really small and hard to digest (ha, ha)....I had the small plate salad and it was just awesome...well let me just say the entire meal was awesome! The portion size was enough to share with my wife who got the "Frikadellar" -pork & beef meat balls, peach etouffee, Swiss chard, pickled watermelon radish. The radish were thin and just so tasteful. Main dishes were the Vegetarian Biscuit dumplings (fennel, green beans, grilled tomato, eggplant veloute, snow peas, carrots,lemon, olive oil) and I had their fish special-baked Mahi with squash, brown rice and a avocado-lemon creamy sauce/ paste that was out of this world. Dessert was Buddy Brew decaf coffee with a thin slice of chocolate pound cake with beet mousse, maple-blueberry sorbe. The pound cake was dry and not supper moist like your traditional pound cake but supplemented with the mousse and sorbe, a very nice combination. As I said, our meal was amazing and well worth driving 20+ miles and we hope to come back again.
(5)Karen S.
Hate this place. Overpriced ridiculous food and pretentious beyond belief. Will never dine here again or recommend it to anyone. Can not understand people's love of this place.
(1)Brian C.
I have mixed feelings about The Refinery... but overall I had a positive experience. I like that the folks here are trying to usher modern dining and cuisine into a town mostly devoid of exciting food. The farm to table feel is great. I love that the menu changes weekly as well. It makes me feel like I'm still living in the Northeast... or the Northwest. The problem I had with The Refinery was that it almost seemed that they were trying too hard. Overall though, I had a solid meal, some things worked, some things didn't. I do recommend trying it out though, especially for folks who haven't really been very adventurous diners before. You may be very pleasantly surprised!
(4)Cassie P.
You have to be a little adventurous to eat here. The menu changes weekly, based on what local farmers are selling- which I think is a really awesome. I love to support local businesses. However, most of the descriptions had vegetables, spices, and meats that I've never heard of. Even ordering a chicken dish, I kinda had no idea what to expect. They do have a cheap wine list- which was much appreciated, as their entree prices are $13-25 After aforementioned cheap wine, my friend and I decided to go out on a limb and order the "marshmallow s'more mousse topped with lamb". Yeah, you read that right. And yes, I felt like I was in the Friends episode where Rachel puts beef and peas in the trifle. It was interesting. Good. I think. But not sure I would order it again. Atmosphere is cute- it has the charm of an old bungalow home. Service was good, our waiter was very personable and helpful. Tip: They do take reservations and it's a small place, so on a busy night, or for a bigger party, I'd definitely recommend it.
(3)Meg R.
After hearing rave reviews for this place since it opened, I finally organized a girls' night out that started at The Refinery. Overall, I liked the ambiance and concept but didn't find the menu as inventive as I'd hoped it would be or the food to be consistent, especially for the cost. To start, I had the roasted brussels sprouts with jalapeño-apple jam. I liked this dish, though the sprouts could have been crispier. I will say the taleggio cheese was a little too strong for me and I ended up eating around it. My friend had the Boniato & Fennel Torchons as her appetizer, which was incredibly flavorful and easily the best dish I had during our meal. I ordered the Kale Hot Brown open-faced sandwich for my main course. The kale was covered in a delicious, rich sauce, but I found the tofu bacon to be way too salty. Again, I found myself eating around a portion of my dish. The French fries were good, but I was not a fan of the house made ketchup that accompanied them - it had too much vinegar flavor for me. I tasted my friend's flounder, a nightly special, and really wish I had ordered the same. Perhaps the specials are the way to go? We split the S'mor-e-o's for dessert, which was really good, though it takes some brute strength to crack through the cookie. I'm a big fan of the local-sourced concept that's popular right now, and while I did enjoy The Refinery, I don't think it's a place I'll be craving and will probably only be venturing back to if a friend suggests it.
(3)Jen F.
I had the pleasure of trying out the Refinery on a Sunday evening with a group of friends. It is a converted 2 story home with dining offered on the first floor so reservations are a must. While the atmosphere is casual, the food and service are reminiscent of a fine dining experience. I tried the fish of the day which varies depending on availability. It was perfectly cooked and seasoned and came with soba noodles which were a unique treat. We also tried the strip steak, burger and pork shoulder. Everything was exactly as described and even more delicious. I would definitely come back for dinner and visit the second floor bar.
(5)J M.
The pros: Staff was friendly and knowledgable. Appetizers were tasty. Food came out promptly. Nice outdoor patio upstairs. The cons: Service was VERY scattered. Upon arrival we were told three different wait times for a table, even though we had a reservation. Did not receive silverware until 10 minutes after appetizers were delivered, and only after flagging someone down. Empty glasses left on the table, wrong check delivered (although server was super apologetic). Place was not especially busy and there seemed to be ample staff (we are in the restaurant biz ourselves so I feel we can comment here). Entrees were just ok, would definitely not have either again. Will give this place another chance since the appetizers shined and we enjoyed the space upstairs. Really like their concept of using local ingredients and changing up the menu every couple weeks. Hopefully the service will be a bit tighter on our next visit! From this experience alone, I can only say this place is WAY overrated.
(2)Amanda G.
The food was unique and tasty. Great service. Great coffee. Very good experience overall.
(5)Suzanne R.
The Refinery is a true gem. Tampa is lucky to have it. Everything is fresh and made in house. The menu changes weekly! This is amazing. The food was spectacular. I will be coming back. It wasn't cheap, but it was worth every penny. Keep up the good food!
(5)Tara S.
How can you not love this place? If you've never been, The refinery is a small restaurant in Seminole Heights that serves local. They change their menu weekly depending on the ingredients available. Their menu is eclectic, especially the appetizers. On my last visit I ordered the beef kidneys but in the past I've had beef tounge, sweetbreads, bone marrow,etc. All of them delicious. The last item I had there was the pumpkin mousse with the goat cheese dessert. It took me a second to understand what was going on in my mouth but once I got it I got it. Another thing I have to give them props for is their affordable prices. Entrees normally run $15 - $20 and bottles of wine are $18 - $30. Not bad for a semifinalist for the James Beard award. Go there for brunch or dinner and I promise you'll enjoy whatever you order. Its a great place to expand your epicurean horizons.
(4)Kd L.
I am adding my voice to Sara's comments below. My husband and I had the same experience. When we arrived there were tables open downstairs. We asked to be seated downstairs but the host said the tables were reserved and we would have to be seated upstairs. We objected and said we were leaving since the weather was unpleasant that day. It was only then that the host changed his tune and seated us downstairs. We then observed that a couple came in without reservations who was an acquaintance of the owner and thus was seated downstairs without any issue. This restaurant is selective about who sits where and quite frankly I find it elitist and offensive. We will not be back!
(2)Nicole P.
This place is awesome. First of all, they change their menu EVERY WEEK so as to use the farm fresh ingredients they get. Whatever is in season from their local farmers/suppliers, they make menu items out of. My husband and I had the pork belly, a beet salad, the hangar steak and the coq au vin. All was delicious. Seriously delicious. The salad could have had more substance to it but it still tasted great. The entrees were fabulous. The ambiance is great. There is a pretty good sized outside patio on the second floor which is a beautiful place to eat. The staff are very nice and helpful with the menu, etc. The only downside is they don't have cocktails, only beer and wine (also no sangria). I went in the winter so can't wait to go back in all the other seasons to eat things that are in season during those times!! My husband and I will be returning. Oh and by the way, we live in Clearwater, and it is worth the drive. :)
(5)Brett N.
Why 4 stars? Because I haven't had a bad meal yet. --- --- --- The Refinery is definitely not typical. It's weird. It's out there. And that's why it's loved. The dynamic menu changes every week. It's nice to be able to keep things fresh, but it can be annoying when you find something you love and then it disappears off the menu. I've had a burger, and an egg sandwich off the brunch menu - both were very good. The rooftop deck makes you feel like you've left Seminole Heights for a big city. I live in the Heights, but haven't been to the Refinery in way too long. Like Jack said on LOST, "We need to go back!!!"
(4)Meghan M.
Great food! Loved sitting on the deck to enjoy brunch. The Challa French toast was so amazing. I never would have imagine that pesto on French toast would work but this was great. Definitely will return and would recommend.
(5)Meghann A.
Ten months ago, when I first moved to Tampa, a friend sent me a lengthy list of restaurants I had to try in the Tampa area. I've actually done pretty well hitting most of the places she recommended (Cafe Hey, The Bricks, Fly Bar, etc), but there was one high on the list - that she simply RAVED about - that I never visited, but had always been in the back of my mind - The Refinery. I think The Refinery sums up their philosophy pretty well on their website "We buy as much as we can from farmers and suppliers who do it right. Sustainably and ethically right. Then we refine this already beautiful product into something even more amazing and we change it up every week." Sounds like a place I want to be eating at. So what took me so long to eat there? Location. Location. Location. The restaurant is located off a road I rarely drive on, in an area I don't visit very often, with a tiny sign that you'll miss if you blink. So, while it was in the back of my mind, not driving by it meant there was no visual reinforcement reminding me I wanted to eat there. I'm a visual person through and through. Luckily I wasn't the only person that had always wanted to try The Refinery. My good friend set up a girl's night for a few of us to try the restaurant and have a night out on the town without our significant others. The Refinery is tiny inside and only accommodates small parties of 6 or less. It's one of the rare places in Tampa where a reservations are a requirement, otherwise they'll boot you into the cold on the top deck - like they did to us! - good thing there were heaters. I'm sure any other night on the roof would have been great, but we did pick the only cold night in January this year to try the place out. ;) There was an extensive craft beer list that immediately caught my attention, but the mood called for wine, not beer. I had a glass of the cab and casually sipped on it through my meal. The menu was small with just a few items listed. I was warned it would be meat heavy, but I didn't find that to be the case. Out of the five main course options listed, two were vegetarian and one of the two was vegan. All five (vegetarian or not) sounded amazing and it was a tough call deciding what to get. Our table started with the pork belly appetizer which cut like butter and tasted delicious. For the main course, the majority of my table mates and I selected the Edamame Falafel Burger topped with taleggio asparagus fondue, garlic-dill cucumber, and smoked paprika sweet potato chips. The only thing I can say is wow. The falafel burger was full of spice and flavor. I loved the way the rich talegio cheese complemented the burger without overpowering it and thought the slightly pickled cucumbers were a nice sweet touch. Two thumbs up. For dessert the table split the Strawberry Shortcake which had a sweet cornbread base and a strawberry buttercream. It was good, but I wouldn't consider this dish a strawberry shortcake. It was missing another dozen or two of strawberries to make it official. After months of wanting to try The Refinery, I'm so glad I finally had the chance. Not only was the food good, but the vibe from the restaurant and the philosophy behind their menu choices made me want to support them even more. My meal was amazing and I can't wait to go back.
(5)Kim P.
Come here for brunch all the time and love it. We have never had a bad meal here. Highly recommend!!
(5)Jennifer L.
I recently decided to let my best friend decide where to go for Sunday brunch... Sounded like a great idea at the time :/ The mimosa was an overpriced, watered-down variation of a orange-flavored (I think that is what was supposed to be since I couldn't tell what it was other than liquid) fluid. I thought, well, it can't get worse... Sadly, it did! I ordered the Corned Beef Sandwich. The meat was dry and chewy. The fries on the side were greasy and cold. Although I tried to doctor them up with hot sauce, it was beyond any help. The service was lousy to boot as well. Our waitress was very flaky and kept asking if we wanted a refill on our drinks only to walk by without even glancing our way- three times! I will NOT waste my money nor my time there again. I would say it's a huge disappointment for a native Tampanian like myself as I was expecting so much more!!!
(1)Troy C.
I loved this place. Once again I have to do a little California bashing!!! I have been in California for 3 years now and within that 3 years rarely have i come across a restaurant that is better than just average. The Refinery was what I would have expect in CA. Wonderful for so many reasons. - The Building is like a house (Older Classic early 1900's wooden house) - The staff is super knowledgeable and friendly - The menu is eclectic,unique and changes every week. That's freakin rare! Coming up with a new menu every week??? You know a place has to be good to do that! - Quality Chef food - Reasonable prices (especially considering what i just said above) I loved it! Thanks again Florida! I miss you, but i'll be back one day.
(5)Danesh J.
Still a solid A-OK. It feels like the focus is presentation, creativity, then flavor. Haven't had a bad meal, but haven't had a memorable one either in terms of flavor. Maybe I'm ordering the wrong things. Creativity and presentation wise, tons of memories. Overall, worth the try. And I'll be back since the menu changes. They have cider now :D Wish the auxiliary parking was clear like Ella's. Also, to eat downstairs you need a reservation. Upstairs is free game.
(3)Jackie W.
Love this place. The food was delicious and the service was fantastic. The very creative menu changes every Thursday. Can wait to go back!
(5)Stephanie M.
The Refinery was delicious. I really like how their menu changes every week and all of their food is fresh. I got a chicken dish with mushrooms and it was the perfect size for me. The prices are higher than other restaurants, but, to me, it is definitely worth it. They also have a really good craft beer selection, and their servers are all very nice and helpful with menu recommendations. I would definitely recommend this place to friends. While I wouldn't be able to afford to come here every night, it's definitely a nice place for a quiet birthday dinner or date night.
(4)Steve J.
My wife and I finally tried the refinery. Didn't really work for me. The rooftop patio looked really nice, but it was cold out and they put us downstairs and the room was nothing to write home about. Food was just ok, nothing jumped out. I had the burger and my wife had the daily catch. We had a pork appetizer that was basically flavorless. The menu changes completely every single week though, so who knows. Maybe its good one week and average the next. Parking is also a nightmare.
(3)Emily S.
We stumbled in at the right moment ... we were heading to Independent bar when we passed The Refinery (a place we've been meaning to try). We decided to swing by and it just so happened to be right when they opened... there was a line at the door of people waiting to get in! For good reason. The atmosphere - amazing. We sat on the rooftop and enjoyed lovely acoustic music and laid back but attentive service. The food - even more amazing. I had the tomato dumpling app and a short rib dinner. The short rib was soooo good! (they have it until the 5th - I definitely recommend it! Served with friend polenta, caramelized onions and homemade pickled. YUM!) They have a great beer selection too. I will be back!
(5)Joe M.
So I went back to the refinery last night and I have to say I was a little dissapointed. To start off with the kitchen seemed to be running behind, it was a slow tues night and our apps took about 25 minutes to come out, then another 25 for entrees. The server had good timing, she got our entree order a little befoore the apps were out, but then we waited for a long time to get the main coarse. For appetizers we started with the Bean Soup, Duck wing confit, and Beet salad. The soup was like an italian version of french onion, it had a nice smokey taste from the gruyere but was only good, I would give it a 6 out of 10. The beet salad looked amazing, the beets were perfect, colorful and fresh, but it was just ok as well. Maybe if they crusted some of the beats for a little extra something it would have been great. 5 out of 10 most points for presentation. The duck confit was outstanding, perfectly cooked and the flavor was sweet, and spicy. I give it a 8 out of 10 only because there is so little meat on duck and I wanted more. For entrees we had the Cannelloni and the Game Hen. The cannelloni was good but I just felt like it was missing that bursting flavor I want, especially at this establishment. The cannelloni was cooked to perfections as was the quino and tofu, it actually had a slight yet perfect crunch. 7 out of 10 just missing that special something. The game hen was really good and the ancho-cocoa sweet potato puree was exactly the thing that will bring me back. WHO DOES THAT??? The Refinery does and it worked especially with the glass of red wine I was enjoying. The only thing that I wasn't crazy about was it was a little over salted and I love salt. I actually felt the same way about my pork chops the first time I came. I give this a 8 of 10 mostly because of the over salting. All in all I will be back, I am waiting for that epic experience that allows me to go 5 stars. I know with the risks they take it will happen sooner or later. If you go here and have a bad experience just remember, they are innovative, risky and constantly changing, that is part of the experince, EMBRACE IT.
(4)Jason W.
I love this little gem in Seminole Heights. The menu changes every Thursday and I look forward to reading the details about the innovative dishes. My friends and I have enjoyed multiple culinary creations with much fervor. My only disappointment has been with the desserts. Out of the four desserts I have tried, only one of them was enjoyable. Room for improvement. The atmosphere is very cozy and approachable. Not at all pretentious. Overall, I like The Refinery very much and look forward to my next visit.
(4)gail s.
UPDATE to previous review. Returned to the Refinery last nite to give it another shot. We had great food, great service and a really good dining experience thanks to Melissa and Eric behind the stove. Our quail appetizer was probably the best we have ever had, with a nice presentation - and deboned so we did not have to wrestle with it. Entrees were super including amber jack for the evening's fish. Best part of the meal was our bread pudding for dessert which again was among the best we've had. Many thanks to Melissa and Eric (and Michelle) for a great nite. Looking forward to our return. Thanks! Sigh. The Refinery. What happened? Went tonight for dinner etc. it took at least 45 minutes between appetizers and entrees. Our server initially informed me it would be "four minutes" for our entrees to arrive. After this update, it was an additional 30 minutes with no comments or care from any staff member. Once we received our dinner, Still no word from any server of staff member as to why it took so long - or that anybody cared. It might have been nice for someone to offer an explanation - or offer a few glasses of wine, since after this time our bottle was gone and I was not inspired to order another. Once we finally received our meals, no severs or staff member cared to check if dinner was good, if we needed water nor offer any type of service. If I recall correctly, the staff disappeared from the roof deck for the remainder of the evening. Food was good but by the time we received it I was too tired to care or comment to management on the poor service. We have eaten at the Refinery in the past with good food and matching service. I don't know what the problem is (does the restaurant forget about customers on the deck? - if so, be warned). we won't be back until the service improves.
(5)Chris S.
We were traveling to Tampa to see Radiohead this past February, and wanted to find a really great restaurant with a good beer selection prior to the show. After doing some searching on Yelp, I found the Refinery, and thought we'd give it a shot. The first thing you'll notice about the restaurant is the location itself. It's a charming, converted two story house, with a really great patio area on the second floor with an adjoining inside beer bar. Dining on the porch in the evening was pleasant for a Florida February evening, but make sure to bring your sunglasses. The menu seemed inventive, and we were impressed with several items we ordered. I ordered buffalo duck wings, which came out hot, crispy and in a delicious sweet sauce. It was a unique dish, and I would definitely order again. I also ordered a soup, which was not so great. Essentially chicken stock with a little green onion, I was not impressed. My wife tried several vegetarian based items, and all were good, but not outstanding. The ingredients were clearly fresh though, and everything came out hot. The beer selection was fairly good, with a lot of 750 ml micro brews for sharing. Overall, the Refinery is a fine restaurant.
(3)Janelle I.
What a little gem we found on vacation! Sat upstairs on the deck, seating is not that comfortable but you forget all of that when food comes to your table! Dishes are so thought out, special and dynamic. My fiancé is a chef so I didn't have to use my phone to google what half of the items were so with that being said, this place is for people who appreciate the art behind food and are culinarily cultured. I won't say foodie because the term has been watered down but something along those lines. Service is great, everyone is friendly and knowledgable! Not a place for kids, this is an adult hang out spot. Can't wait to go back again :-)
(4)Robert H.
This place is awesome. I don't know what to say that hasn't already been said. There is something different every week here, and some of the ingredients will make you do a double take... are they really cooking that? But I SWEAR to you ... it is good and worth it to step out of your comfort zone just a little. Good example.. Beef Tongue. Eww, right? Not-so-fast my friend! Picture the best pot roast you have ever eaten... multiply its delicioiusness by 1000, and you are somewhere in the ball park of how good this really was. Everything is incredible. Just try it. See something strange on the menu? that is your cue to order it! Get a bunch of small plates and share them amonst your table... a table of 6 could try most the menu without breaking the bank. And since it is different every thursday, you'll never get into a rut of ordering the same thing over and over (unless you end up ordering the hangar steak, which is always on the menu).
(5)Jessica D.
Delicious! Got the fish special (swordfish with alligator potatoes). Very good. Love the patio.
(5)K M.
Excellent food and good service in a casual and comfortable environment. To me, eating here is like going to dinner at a good friend's house (a friend of course, that knows how to cook quail to perfection). We've always had knowledgable and attentive servers. Yum. This is becoming a favorite.
(4)Beth S.
I was really excited to try this place because clearly the reviews on Yelp are outstanding. It is a really cute little house turned restaurant and has a great vibe. The staff was very friendly and if you like beer they have a great selection. The reason I gave this restaurant three stars is because I just didn't really enjoy my meal. I ordered the "spaghetti" which is squash cut like spaghetti and served with a poached egg. I have had a dish like this before but was surprised when this came out served cold. I didn't enjoy the flavor on the squash as it was very bland and the poached egg was cold too. It's very possible that I should have realized it was cold but maybe my review will help others if they are eyeing this dish. My boyfriend's meal was better, he got the chicken dish. It was $18. I understand they buy local and fresh organic stuff but this seemed a bit pricey for chicken. The chicken was however, very tasty and had a great crispy skin. His side items were so-so. The black eyed peas weren't hot enough and the slaw was decent. I'm wondering if we should have kept it simple with a burger since that seems to be a favorite. I'd like to give this place another shot and update this review.
(3)Rachel H.
Unique place....the menu changes every week and is always creative/innovative/locally derived. We've had hits and misses among the menu items we've tried but most of the small plates are so cheap (3-10$) that it was worth the money to try something crazy. It's not on the menu anymore, but they used to have a weekly poutine that was always incredible. I think it was usually about $5 and it was a steal. I wish they would include more vegan options but vegetarians usually have a wealth of options to choose from. They do have larger plates that range from $9-25 dollars depending on the week. And they always have a burger for around $10 with toppings that change. One week it was covered in white chocolate.
(4)Jeremy B.
My wife and I were looking for somewhere new to try for a belated Valentine's dinner. And while The Refinery isn't the most romantic dinner to blow a lot of money on, it was still very tasty. The big draw to this place is the fact that the menu changes weekly depending on what they can find and purchase locally. So even if you don't see something you particularly want this week, you can check back next week. The downside to this of course is that if you really like something, it may be a while until you can have it again. Oh, and reservations are pretty much a requirement if you want to eat here, so check the menu early on Thursdays when they change it so you can get the reservation you want. The food options are vary inventive and it's not actually likely that you'll be unable to find something you want. My wife started off with a sweet onion soup that was a vegetarian take on the typical French onion soup. The soup had cannellini beans, onions of course, sherry, gruyere cheese, and a giant cracker to dip in it. Even without the beef broth, the soup was very savory and satisfying. I had an heirloom tomato salad with tomatoes in almost every color of the rainbow and fried wild rice balls with fig and cashews. It was a great appetizer to the sturgeon I ordered for an entree. The sturgeon was farmed locally by the Mote Aquarium and was like eating butter because it was so tender and sweet. My wife had eggplant cannelloni (the eggplant was the cannelloni, not stuffed inside pasta) and was stuffed with roasted quinoa and braised greens. While it was a little too acidic for my taste, my wife seemed to enjoy it and was full enough that she could barely get through it. For dessert we split a dessert salad, which was chai spiced apples with cocoa dusted cranberries and a citrus sauce. Very good and just the right amount of sweet to end a meal. I've seen a few reviews elsewhere that mentioned that the service in this place is snobby or just plain rude. I have to strongly disagree with this. Everyone we spoke to, and especially our server, was nothing but polite, helpful, and a pleasure to deal with. The prices in my opinion are just a little high for what you get, but considering you're supporting the local community in the process it is well worth it. Plus you won't see a lot of these dishes anywhere else! Good bottled beer selection too!
(4)Brittany J.
I wasn't a 100% impressed with the decor + service but the flavor of the food was impeccable and the price on alcohol was quite reasonable. I tried two of the vegetarian dishes even though I am not a vegetarian and they were absolute heaven. I also got the fish special which was good but I wouldn't get it again. The service was slow and I had to ask our server about the specials and for the check. The downstairs is definitely a little stuffy so I'm happy we chose to sit upstairs/outside and with the heaters and everything I was quite comfortable. The food is priced well and all of the ingredients are local. I would love to go for there Sunday brunch or just lunch. Overall, there's a few things I wasn't happy with but for the quality, taste and price of the food I would go again.
(4)Linda B.
On my second visit the food was not as good as the first but I discovered a new beer (to me) - Samuel Smith organic ale. $15 but the bottle has like 27 ounces. The small plate, Black Spanish Radishes, consisted of one sliced raw radish, 3 roasted garlic cloves, a little bit of bone marrow butter, a tiny drizzle of preserved lemon sauce with another tiny bit of some type of salt, and three thick slices of very narrow bread (see photo) that was supposed to be warm but was dry and hard. The radish, the main ingredient, seemed the odd man out. I still can't figure out how it was supposed to go with the rest of the components. The bread portion seemed gigantic in comparison to the garlic/butter/lemon/salt components, and the dry toughness of the bread really detracted from the delicate accompaniments. It was listed at $6 but I later discovered I'd only been charged $4, so I can't complain there. So I was left enjoying my beer, wishing I'd chosen a different small plate and with hope for the entree, a chorizo "hash" with grits, green beans and onions (I think) and 3 wedges from a cherry tomato. I couldn't enjoy the chorizo because it was lost in a very salty hash, which I couldn't finish. The grits were fairly salty too, and somewhat bland - or maybe I just couldn't taste whatever flavor it had because of the overwhelming salt. The green beans were fine but those 3 little cherry tomato wedges were the best tasting part of the dish. Oh man. $15, which I think was also less than the menu price, still seemed like too much for this small way over salted entree. But at least I discovered a good beer and look forward to trying other Samuel Smith brews. I was greeted and seated promptly and my server was friendly and helpful, although he seemed a bit nervous. Maybe he was new but whatever the reason it did not detract from the service. I actually like the sort of rustic decor and mix 'n match dinnerware and utensils. In reading all the reviews it seems the most likely conclusion is that Chef Greg is very innovative and not afraid to try new things. Sometimes - more often than not - they work, but sometimes they don't. Or they don't work for everyone. Perhaps that's the nature of having a new menu every week, which must be a pretty big challenge. I respect his innovation, his commitment to using local products and keeping true to his ideas. If I could afford to go once or twice a week, I'd do it just to be able to sample the hits. For people in my position,without the disposable income to chance spending it on one of the misses, I will have to be satisfied with going once or twice a year and hope for the best!
(3)Becky H.
TLDR version: yummy food, inattentive waiter. My boyfriend and I went here for the first time tonight. We had a 9:15 reservation and were seated on time. It took a good 5-10 minutes before our waiter stopped by, however. The menu is small so we had fortunately already made our decisions. The first course took another 20 minutes at least to show up. I was a bit cranky at this point, but the delicious meal made up for it. We had shrimp hush puppies, pork jowl, the chicken, and hanger steak. All were tasty but the hanger steak was a little tough. The lack of service was annoying, but at least all of the staff was very friendly! I'd go here again but it won't be at the top of my list.
(4)michelle l.
We went here for dinner with two other couples last night. I found the outside confusing. There were too many doors, each with separate signs. The inside was fine, but nothing spectacular. Staff was friendly. The wine list is small. It's very reasonably priced, but I would have liked a few higher end options. I don't think that the most expensive bottle on a wine list should be the same price as an entree, there should be a couple bottles that cost a bit more. The beer list, however, is impressive. To start, I had the "liver and onions" (foie gras terrine and pickled onions). Yum! It was on the rich side, but that's part of eating foie gras, I guess. It went nicely with the wine we chose. For my entree, I had the mushroom ragout, which was also great. I was stuffed from the small plate, so it was nice to have a lighter large plate. The mushrooms were nicely cooked, and I loved the freshness of the tomato sauce. I didn't think the beans were necessary with the polenta, but that's just my opinion. My husband had the pork cheek agnolotti and the pork chop. He liked everything but left the restaurant saying things were too rich. My brother in law had the soup and the hangar steak. They undercooked the steak (rare instead of medium rare), so he had to send it back, but everyone seemed gracious about it. We didn't try dessert because we were too full by then. I liked this place, but I didn't love it. I'm not sure why, maybe I had heard too much hype and expected too much.
(4)Nick S.
Refinery has some solid regional food in a fun hip atmosphere. The upstairs patio area is cool. This restaurant is part of the Seminole Heights renaissance and the owners, Greg and Michelle Baker, have a great deal to be proud of. The competition has increased and stepped up the game. Game on.
(4)Paul F.
Meh
(2)Cara A.
If you are bored with the same exact menu items no matter which restaurant you visit, you are in luck. The Refinery puts the "art" into culinary arts with gusto. The menu is both ambitious and adventurous. All the dishes we had were unique and very delicious. If you happen to get a dish that is not executed perfectly, have some patience and faith. Practice would make perfect, but the chef is not interested in giving you the same thing month after month and year after year. I admire the bravery that sentiment takes and am willing to take a little risk participating in that aspiration. I bet you won't regret it either...
(5)Mary R.
This was my 2nd time eating at The Refinery, and I will definitely return the next time I'm in town. We had a large group for brunch. The staff was very accommodating even though we all arrived at different times, and the small restaurant has limited seating. Since they use locally sourced, in season foods, the menu is small as well. My only complaint is that this made the choices limited for me as a vegetarian, and even more so for my vegan friend. Our food was good, pretty typical brunch fare. I think dinner is when they really shine. Our waitress was very friendly and helpful, and the service was excellent. I hope more places like this spring up in the Tampa area.
(4)Danielle R.
Meh. That is how I felt about my dinner at The Refinery. We had heard a lot of hype about this place and finally checked it out, but I was underwhelmed. It's a cute, eclectic place, but I wasn't that impressed with the food. I ordered a chicken dish which I wasn't that thrilled with. My sister, a vegetarian got a BBQ mushroom dish that came with cornbread. She thought the mushrooms were okay, but the cornbread wasn't good at all. My husband and her boyfriend ordered the burger, which they were happy with the flavor, but both of their burgers weren't cooked how they asked. The medium came out, medium well, and the medium rare was much more on the rare side. We didn't complain because it took a very long time to get our good. Maybe this is normal due to the small kitchen, but it would have been nice for the staff to acknowledge the long wait. Finally, it states on the menu they will not do any substitutions, which I find annoying. With all the dietary restrictions and preferences out there, I think it's a little much to decline any changes to a menu item.
(3)Lisa C.
Oh Refinery, How I wish thee were five minutes to my house. I would visit weekly to try out the new items on the menu. Hard to really comment on what I ate because when someone reads the review, well it won't be on the menu to try it! But that is the beauty and the nature of this fine establishment as well as the torture. It's like a pop up kitchen every week in the same location. You have the most amazing dish and want to come back to have it again but instead, something even more amazing is in it's place. Fresh, seasonal, sustainable and knock-your-socks-off flavor profiles. Produce from local farms, the best goat cheese which is like a crack addiction, pork shanks and pbr mussells. I mean seriously... the menu reads like a Shakespearean sonnet for the 21st century hipster. I feel like we have an ouce of coolness and can hang with the bigger cities who have these types of establishments on every corner in San Fran or Eugene, Oregon. With the land of Tampa strip malls and the culinary collection of chain after chain, please take a moment and try this place out. It's not fancy, it's not pretentious, and it's not trying to be anything other than great. It accomplishes it on many levels. We get a bottle of wine, a couple apps, a main entree to share and a dessert to split and I think our bill was like $60 bux with tip. Where else can you dine so well on a pricepoint like that?? nom, nom, nom
(5)Brad R.
My wife and I went out for a date night and it was amazing! Had great selections for all dietary needs. My wife is vegan and I'm a meat eater (ironic, I know) and had no problem finding something for the both of us. The boiled peanuts were incredible. Definitely coming back!
(5)Danielle V.
Try it! The restaurant will be busy on a Friday or Saturday night but seating on the upstairs balcony is romantic and first-come, first-serve! The combinations are eclectic (e.g, mashed potatoes with peaches and pecans with haddock) but trust the chefs! The beer is great but make sure you go when you have time to wait because the service is always extremely slow. Also, with such hipster establishments, substitutions are declined. Otherwise, great place to eat when the menu is to your liking!
(4)Lisseth C.
Relaxed place with good food.
(4)Rebecca C.
I wasn't totally impressed. I found this place because it was supposed to be the Best of Yelp for when I was in the area. I had mentally equated it to one of the best places in Miami, Whisk Gourmet. And it totally lacked. First off, you can't sit at a dining room table unless you have a reservation. And regardless of when you call, there aren't any left the day of on a weekend. Pooey. Only option, wait upstairs for an outdoor table on the balcony. We waited a good 45 minutes and luckily they have seats indoors for you to wait at the bar. You can even get some things from the limited bar menu if you want. The outdoor seating is nice - I probably would've preferred it to an indoor area, but I didn't get to see the regular seating place since you go straight up the stairs to the bar if you don't have a reservation. The food was just alright. We left satisfied but not full, our bank accounts very depleted. Portions are small and this is the kind of place that TRIES to be cool. No offense. It uses fancy ingredients to make interesting combinations. Some good, some just okay. The menu has changed since our visit so it could be better now. We tried things like a mac and cheese plate, that was alright. A tomato mozzarella appetizer that was pretty good. A roasted tomato bruschetta plate that was better. And for meals we got a polenta platter that was pretty yummy, and something else that I've already forgotten since it wasn't too memorable. The best was the polenta. We also tried both desserts and they were both alright too. I remember us bickering about whether we should order more food since we weren't full yet, but realized the bill was rather large already. Maybe the hype was too large, but the food didn't live up to it, atleast for our experience.
(3)Andrew P.
The food here is amazing and the atmosphere is even better! The food itself is made from ingredients from local farms and everything has a very fresh taste. The food is also very original with spin offs of some of your favorite dishes such as Kim cheese cake. The menu changes every Thursday and this is where I couldn't give it the fifth star, although I loved everything I tried I could see how some people with more acute taste may be limited on the already smallish menu. The drink choice is very unique with May craft beers all the way to root beer from Germany. I would highly recommend going to this restaurant, although you can walk in I do recommend making a reservation as it started to fill fast. I could see my self going back there every Thursday to try the new menu every week.
(4)Wendy C.
Like -- the menu changes weekly depending on what fresh local ingredients are available. The place proudly declares "local is the new black" Like -- cool relaxed vibe, without trying too hard. Mismatched plates and drinking mason jars are all nice touch. Food -- Hmmm, maybe it was an off day, maybe I ordered the wrong dishes, anyway I did not have the awe-inspiring food some other reviewers had written about. The "scallop" app was fantastic, king oyster mushrooms that are made to look like scallops tasty delicately woodsy and meaty. The flat bread with fried oyster and sausage, on the other hand, tasted a little flat on flavour no pun intended. The bread itself is doughy and quick thick. We also had grilled beef tongue, and amberjack main course, good not great. Given other reviews, I'd try to go back and try something different.
(3)Jeff O.
I like the idea of this place... Gourmet food and craft beers. The rooftop patio with a newly installed sun covering is a great place to bide your time with some friends, so long as the sunset light isn't smacking you in the face. They could install a shade on the West side of the patio to fix this. The food wasn't quite as good I was was hoping for. I tried the tomato cheese cake which was like a loaf of cracker spread. Decent. The burger was very good, but the house-made ketchup was a veritable disaster. It tasted like tomato paste mixed with indian spices or something. Fries were good, though mega salty and again, no standard ketchup for them. I also tried a pork meatball with plum glaze. It was interesting, yet forgettable. I would like to see the upstairs staff make an effort to dress presentably. Each guy looked like he working a garage sale. Kind of inconsistent with the whole "this place has a renown gourmet chef" selling point. 3 stars. I hope to return to give them another chance.
(3)Jill W.
I absolutely love this place. Sitting upstairs is amazing with the string of little lights at night. The staff is always friendly and helpful with suggestions. Their creative menu changes pretty often, if not weekly and they work with local farms which means fresh ingredients! I think that's fantastic and more places should practice this. They do have a few staples on the menu, burgers and such, in case someone you're bringing has a reserved palette.
(4)Peter Z.
The Refinery is a unique restaurant in that it is set-up in a renovated two-story house. The exterior and interior of the restaurant are decorated pleasantly and the ambiance of the restaurant is quite relaxing. This restaurant is certainly meant for couples or small groups, it does not appear to be a spot that is able to readily accommodate large parties. The service during our trip to The Refinery was great and our server was quite friendly and attentive. The Refinery boasts a wide array of beers and ciders. Their menu rotates weekly depending on what the farmers in the area have to offer from their harvests. The food was excellent. I had a polenta dish that was had an array of mixed vegetables and mozzarella, the other two people in my party ordered a cheeseburger and a chicken dish with roasted potatoes. Both of their dishes were well-cooked/prepared and very flavorful. We were very pleased with our meals. The Refinery is highly recommended.
(4)Layla C.
What a great find. My boyfriend and I enjoyed a wonderful late night dinner out on their deck. Delicious wine, well recommended by our server, complemented his burger and my polenta/roasted veggies. The menu was so interesting, the worst part was deciding what to order. Great music. Great service. The atmosphere makes a grab to steal the show, but the food is creative and solidly prepared. Some of the flavors could have been a bit bolder for my liking, but it was a delicious meal with that even said. Great date restaurant! Even for quasi snobby tourists from NYC that think they have the market cornered on cute, locally derived restaurants. :)
(4)Jennifer C.
I really liked this place. The service was a little slow (it took a little over 45 minutes for our food and almost that long for refills as well). It's a cozy restaurant where you can sit inside out up on a deck (which is cozily setup to obstruct the ugly view of busy N Florida Ave). They have a unique menu which changes based on what was available at the local market and serve local beverages (Florida cracker, yum!). The night I went, the menu was a little more vegan than expected (I love meat!) so I ordered 1 of the few choices which was a burger. I have been so used to cooking with 98% lean ground beef, I forgot how delicious it could be with a little fat on it. The overall bill was a little pricey for food that was good, but not amazing. I would try it again because the concept is brilliant, but my husband wasn't impressed. He was a little taken aback at how expensive it was when we are pretty affluent to how much things cost from local markets. As I said, I like it, I would go there again..someday, but it wouldn't be my top go-to places. $50 for 2 burgers and 2 beers, mmmm, not really my style. And I would've loved to try some other things, but like some other viewers, I'm not willing to spend $10 on soup either. But hey, I say give it a try!
(4)Sylvester M.
I love this place. As locally sourced as one can get. Menu changes weekly, prices are reasonable. Great beer and wine selection. On the negative side, the downstairs seating tends to feel like there is poor ventilation and form the kitchen. The upstairs seating on the patio they won't take reservations for so you have to make a reservation for downstairs then wait for a table upstairs. They do have a very small bar upstairs with a handful of seats, so its not terrible. Still it's worth the effort for a James Beard nominated chef at super reasonable prices. In addition parking can be a bit tight.
(5)Derek S.
This is a cool place to try once. It has a great atmosphere. We sat outside on the upstairs patio. They have a good beer selection and I was very happy to see they had Swamp head brewery beer on tap. The menu is very pricey and there is not a large selection of food. I probably will not be going back because I can not spend $18 for chicken noodle soup that my mom can make. If you are in the are and want to try something trendy then check this place out.
(2)Mark H.
We ate brunch here over a year ago, so I don't recall the exact dishes we ordered, but it was eggs with black beans, sausage, potatoes and some OJ. Pretty good stuff, but not 5-star-OMG-I-can't-wait-to-go-back good; it was just average and honestly I probably could have conjured up something better at home for 1/3 of the price hadn't we been so lazy. The atmosphere was nice and the staff was pleasant, but I just haven't been able to convince myself to revisit.
(2)Kiera B.
I'll keep this short and sweet. The food is good. Not O-M-G amazing, but good. The main reason why I wouldn't rush to eat here again is that the portions are simply too small for my liking, especially with the pricing of their dishes. I hate leaving a restaurant not having my fill, which sucks because everything else about this restaurant I would give a high rating. Seeing that Seminole Heights still lacks on ample dining choices I will probably come back in the future to hang out upstairs and just eat a hardy meal elsewhere.
(3)Lance S.
Fantastic Restaurant!! Highly recommend!! Went here with the wife very early one Friday night. had reservations. We were the first table seated in a very small downstairs dining area. that could seat maybe 40. The server was excellent as he explained the menu and gave us some drink recommendations. I saw beef tongue sliders on a special menu and the waiter told us that the small plates were all happy hour priced at $5.00 so i ordered it along with a beer and wine for my wife. t was pretty good, but i was a little nervous as the sandwiches were only about two bites each. it had me worried for our entrees. My wife ordered the Hanger steak $20.00 with mushroom, pintos, frisee, radish, orange, crème flourette. It came out with field greens. This dish was fantastic. The steak was cooked to perfection and the blend of beans, mushroom and creme flourette was an unbelievable combination of tastes. I ordered the The Burger with house cured and smoked bacon, home made peanut butter, cantaloupe, and honey-red pepper-pumpkin chutney. I questioned our server about this before ordering and he assured me it was one of their best sellers. I know it sounds like a very strange combination but, it was the best burger i have ever had. The flavors seemed to come at you separately, first the peanut butter, then the smoky bacon flavor, followed by the cool cantaloupe, then the beef burger followed by the heat of the red pepper. The bun must have been baked that morning because it was soo soft, yet held together while eating. I couldn't get enough of it. It was served with sweet potato fries which were also very good, but the burger was the star. We received our check,and with tip and two drinks, appetizer, two entrees meal was $52. A fantastic value. As we were waiting for our food we noticed people coming in and the server telling them that the table were taken, but they could go upstairs. We went upstairs afterwards and there is a really cool casual upstairs patio bar with a canopy over it where you can eat and have a drink, or just go up there and drink. Next visit may try to go on a cool night and eat up there.
(5)Chris Y.
Thank you Tampa Yelpers! Everything was delicious. The portions are modest, which is excellent because that means you can try more wonderful things. If I went back I would be tempted to order one of each of the small plates. We started with Pastelon, which was tasty - plantains, chorizo, and a cheesy sauce. I could have gone for spicier chorizo. For the main dish I had porcini crepes. The crepes are over the top! This couldn't be simpler - crepe with bechamel, swiss, and mushrooms. Heavenly! There was a side of swiss chard. I'm not a "greens" eater, but they may have converted me. The greens were wonderful and a nice complement to the richness of the crepes. I finished with the whoopie pie, which was tasty goodness. A slightly crisp cookie sandwich with a whipped creme filling with pears. It's sort of in the gingerbread realm of flavor. On top of the wonderful food they have a great beer list. A good selection of draft beer and more in bottles. I had Terrapin Rye Pale Ale and Hennepin Belgian White. Both were excellent. The service was excellent. Our server was attentive, helpful, funky, and unpretentious. I live 1,000 miles from here, but I will be back.
(5)Lauren H.
I really can't think of one thing to complain about. The place is in what used to be a house. The kitchen is open. I felt like I was in someone's living room so it felt very homey and welcoming. Apparently we came at the perfect time (around 6) on a Saturday because shortly after we got there it started to get packed. Actually saw a few people leave because there was no room and they didn't want to wait. So word to the wise: come early or make a reservation. Service was great. Our server's name was Peter. He was really nice. Beer selection is pretty extensive. The list was so long I just told Peter to pick something good for me. It was called a Hooker something or other. It was delicious. Food was awesome! I had the BBQ Chicken Consomme, the Alligator Ceviche and the Apple Galette for desert. All were awesome. Unfortunately the burger of the week had a broccoli mustard cheese sauce on it. My boyfriend does not like anything green or mustard or cheese. So he just got a plain burger. It was still delicious. Then I had an amazing idea that he should dip his burger in my consomme. It was like a French Dip Burger. Off the meter. And all for less than $50!!! I would totally return the next time I'm in the area.
(5)Kathy M.
We were taken to The Refinery last night by our daughter, who is an enthusiastic regular. I think we might have skewed the age group a bit higher last night than is usual, but we had a thoroughly enjoyable dinner. Set up on an old bungalow, the crew has done a wonderful job of making each table feel like its own space. The burlap curtains don't impact the noise level, but they do give tables a sense of privacy. The menu is imaginative and interesting, changing each Thursday for the week. Some picks were better than others. The salads were delicious. I had the white onion gazpacho with frozen grapes as my starter, it was amazing. The cool emulsion, the warm,slightly spicy flavor, and the frozen grapes came together in a successful cool soup. Our vegetarians sampled the summer squash and veggie burgers. Both were good.. The same was true of my grilled shrimp. I didn't identify a real "grilled" flavor or texture, which would have helped to set off the tomato polenta. It was good, but not great. My husband's chicken, however, was truly great, moist, flavorful, completed by the pozole on which it lay. it was one of those dishes I wouldn't make at home, because that kind of creativity and imagination just don't live in my kitchen. My daughter is queen of french fries....she orders them everywhere (I do the same with cole slaw!)....and her side of fries were amazing, hot, well cooked, crispy on the outside, soft on the inside. Great french fries are her indicator of a favorite restaurant. We are big on service, and weren't sure what to expect in such a casual and kinda hipster place. Well, the service, although not very formal, was as good as a much fancier restaurant. Our server was well versed, and did all possible to ensure that we enjoyed our meal. The first bottle of Pinot Grigio we ordered came at room temperature. My husband mentioned, midway through our glass of wine, that the wine had been served warm (although it did come in a very nice ice bucket!!) The server brought a new, well chilled bottle as a replacement. It was the right thing to do, but so few restaurants really do the "right thing" anymore! That little note of grace and service did as much to enhance our enjoyment of the experience as anything else!
(4)Mike S.
Have eaten there several times since it opened. Delighted to support a local restaurant now earning national acclaim, and surprisingly on N. Nebraska Avenue, which had a rep for a rougher menu. Lots of fine dishes, with constant rotation of menu. Some basic variations keep repeating due to popularity, such as poutine (Montreal-style frites/fries with gravy/sauce and curds/cheese). As noted by others, portions are modest and prices are above average....but reasonable considering the creativity and focus on using fresh, seasonal, local-origin ingredients. The choices of beers/wines also invite experimentation. Dining space is limited, as is the parking, but since seating is also limited, there is less competition for parking.
(4)Summer B.
With the ever-changing menu, made up of creative concoctions from local, farm-fresh ingredients, it's hard to go wrong at The Refinery. I've tried foods I never imagined I would, like beef tongue and sweetbreads. You come to trust Chef Greg Baker and give it a whirl. My husband and I are rarely disappointed. Don't feel adventurous? There is always a burger of the week and the most melt-in-your-mouth hangar steak you may ever have the pleasure of tasting. It's usually busy though. Make a reservation, or be patient, sit at the bar and enjoy their craft beer and wine selection. Full disclosure: I have been personal friends with Greg and Michelle Baker since before they even opened the restaurant. That said, I'm not one to be so supportive that I'd eat crappy food a couple times a week to make anyone feel good. Go there and try something crazy. You'll be glad you did.
(4)Odion B.
Ugh. Was looking forward to my return to the Refinery after over a year. The evening started off right, good draught beer (Abita). Appetizers were good- had the pork belly, with a little pancake and pickled cabbage. 5 minutes into the appetizers the entrees came out, without any questions as to whether we were ready or apologies for them coming out early. As i finished my appetizer, my hanger steak grew cold and my disappointment grew larger. Had a chocolate mole cake with a smoked lard icing with a blue pepper glaze- interesting flavors, perhaps I was way past jaded at this point, so I'd say it was just ok. Will not write it off completely, but poor service led to cold food which led to disappointment. Would like to give it 2.5 stars, but that is not an option on yelp.
(3)Kelleigh M.
Creative menu, ample portion sizes and friendly staff make the refinery an excellent selection for a nice evening out. The dining room is on the small side so I would recommend reservations.
(5)Nicole E.
My friends had been raving about The Refinery for weeks, so I finally went to try. First off, the restaurant itself is a very sweet old 2 story in Seminole Heights that has been converted. We started off drinking at the bar on the second floor. Beer selection was fun and different, and both bartenders really friendly and helpful. Once we went downstairs to eat the only complaint we had was the length of time it took. We went on a Friday night, but it was early and relatively empty. It still took an eternity to get our meals. My burger and fries were delicious. A friend ordered dessert however and it took 20 minutes to arrive (not exaggerating). So yes, I think The Refinery is worth the experience. Also smart to review their weekly menu online beforehand.
(4)Montgomery R.
I've dined at the refinery several times and I continue to go back from time to time. The refinery is not for those on a budget, as most entrees (except for the burgers) range from $15-$20 per plate. The portions can sometimes be a little on the small side as well. The food is usually good, although I'm certainly a fan of some items more than others. The burgers are OK (but then again, I grill some mean burgers at home so I'm biased), and I'd not recommend the flank stank as it's $19-$20 and usually pretty tough.. But most items on the menu are quite tasty and high quality. Some items on the Refinery's menu may strike some folks as a little unusual, so I'd recommend checking the Refinery's menu online before going over, as it changes on a weekly rotating basis. If you don't like this week's selections, try back next week as it will have changed. Oh, and the Sunday Brunch is FANTASTIC. Yummy! We used to walk over for that from time to time when we lived in the area. There's a bar upstairs as well, with outdoor seating, which thankfully now is covered, which comes in handy on those hot summer days. The service is always good, and the owners have always been very cool towards us.
(4)J R.
Small plate pork belly was dry--was excited to order this but was underwhelmed. Quail was very good, as were the flavors in the roasted chicken. The dessert--we opted for the shortbread cookies--baffled me. Horrible, strange presentation and conflicting flavor combos with two very thin cookies. Bad way to end a meal. Service was adequate.
(3)R C P.
As tourists in the Tampa area on a Sunday, we were delighted to learn that this place was rated so highly on yelp and was so near us, so we decided to try it out. At first we were slightly surprised by the short menu with only 8-10 selections but decided to give it a try, since we like farm fresh food, but the "no substitutions" rule, so extensive that they would not even allow a side of raw onion to be ordered off menu, led my dad to cancel his order. However, the waitress assured us that the daily salad would be prepared appropriately for the vegetarian in our party. We waited for our four dishes for a good 45 minutes. When they finally arrived, we were shocked to see bacon on my mom's salad. We sent the salad back but were informed initially that the salad could not be redone because they were out of greens, but within a minute or two the waitress brought us back the salad, along with the news that a new bag of greens had been found. Lo and behold, as mom started to eat the salad, she found -oh yes - tiny bits of bacon. They had just picked the bacon off the salad and sent it back. restaurant fail. a few moments later one of the restaurant owners came to us and apologized for what had happened, but it all came too late for my mom to be ready to take the dandelion greens salad she was offered in the other salad's place. We had waited way too long for this meal. The woman's apology was sincere and appropriate, and at least the rest of the food was very good, which is why I have given the two star review rather than one star, but as I reflect I am extremely unhappy with how that meal ended. Two people - my parents at that- didn't eat, and we were lied to by staff. I hope they are able to prevent these problems from happening to future patrons. As for us, we won't be coming back to this restaurant.
(2)Shannon T.
Great atmosphere! Service was a bit spotty, but food options and beer selection evened out! BTW- They're down to cook meat Pittsburgh-style, too, if you seek it.
(5)Julia C.
I can't believe I haven't reviewed The Refinery yet. It's our favorite restaurant in Tampa and we've dined here at least a dozen times in the last year. It's the first place we think of to take family and friends visiting Tampa, as much for the carefully-chosen and ever-changing menu (it changes weekly every Thursday) as for the laid-back, friendly and helpful staff that make the experience comfortable and casual. We love their locally-sourced and farm-fresh philosophy and their innovative dishes. The food is always fantastic, including the great selection of gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian dishes so it's always a great choice if you are dining with people who have special diets. I always choose one of the vegetarian entrees and I have yet to be disappointed. The price is right too, with appetizers usually less than $10 and entrees anywhere from $11-20 each. They have a unique beer and wine selection too, certainly not THE best in town but we've never had a hard time finding something new and different to try out. As others have said, it DOES get loud inside the restaurant but we have never felt that this detracted from our experience here, we just keep that in mind when selecting a restaurant for dinner with certain friends/family members who prefer a quieter setting. Also to note, since it is a small restaurant you'll want to make a reservation, although they also have first-come first-served seating upstairs in the bar and on the patio, but I can't comment on the ease of getting a table there since we've always had a reservation. The last thing I want to mention is how eager to please the staff have always been. When my sister in law ordered a steak cooked to medium and it came out on the rare side of medium-rare, they were incredibly gracious about the mistake. She was hesitant to return it but we convinced her that she ought to have it prepared the way she wanted it. When it was mentioned to the server, she was so apologetic and quickly whisked the steak back to the kitchen. When she returned just a few minutes later with the perfectly cooked medium steak, our waitress apologized again and they took the price of the steak off our check for the inconvenience. As I said, they are classy and wonderful beyond belief here and I recommend The Refinery without hesitation to anyone looking for a delicious, unique and enjoyable experience.
(5)Dacia M.
I was sooooo looking forward to finally getting over to the Refinery, but after our experience a few weeks ago, I doubt we will be back. The potato salad app was great, and the beer selection and upstairs patio were cool , but my dinner left everything to be desired. ee The pork chop was dry and flavorless, and the vinegar soaked greens only tasted like vinegar (to the point you want to choke). The only starch on the plate was a pepper biscuit but it was really dry. The dish needed a moist starch to accompany the pork and give it some juice. My hubbys burger was dry (he asked for medium) and nothing special. Dinner was so disappointing I didn't even want to try a dessert. That's bad. It was a Sunday night and looked like the head Chef/ Owner wasn't there (I know because peeked in the kitchen to get a look... from the website he looks like a serious hottie!). Since the menu changes every week it seems unfair not to give it a go again. Hopefully I'll be able to update my review!!!
(2)The S.
Great food with a good amount of gluten-free options.
(4)Pam D.
My partner and I used to frequent this building when it was the Bungalow Bistro. The BB was not perfect, but it had very many good dishes. We've been to The Refinery a couple of times since then. We went recently, after having visited year or two ago, and the service has only gotten better. The food didn't wow me (I had a squash and rice dish with goat cheese, I believe) - it was good, but not amazing. However, the beer selection was impressive and I thoroughly enjoyed the Amber Ale I had (twice). There were only two dessert choices (our party ordered both) and they were absolutely outstanding. So, it was a pretty good visit, but because we don't live in Seminole Heights any more, we probably won't make it out again.
(3)Tyler J.
The Refinery is hands down the best restaurant in Tampa. Every week is something new and exciting to try. The top deck is a great dinner spot and the bar has plenty on tap. I can't recommend The Refinery enough.
(5)Amy L.
Every week, the menu is changed according to local offerings. You can't get much better than that! The atmosphere is chic, homey and on trend for its location. I have NEVER had a bland, or unsatisfying meal here. The Sunday Brunch (seasonal menu) is always delicious and perfect. I spend every special occasion here: birthday(s), anniversary, New Year's Eve dinner, any time friends or family are in town we go here! I would list food recommendations, but the menu is always changing! You can never go wrong with their weekly burger, though. Always fresh, unique and filling! My absolute favorite restaurant.
(5)Katie C.
I'm really happy that places like this exist in Tampa, places that take advantage of the good weather and craft beer scene. The dishes we had were great (one dining companion described it as "the best burger she's ever had") but they were a little heavy on the salt. Nevertheless, if I find myself back in Tampa, I'll make it a point to return and see what they're cooking.
(4)Blake M.
This is a restaurant I'd like to give a 3.5 star rating for. But I can't, so I'll stick with 4. I've eaten here twice now. I love the concept, farm to table, a new menu every week, and always two vegetarian entree options. Usually about half of the small plates are vegetarian as well. However, I do wish that they distinguished between vegan and vegetarian on the menu. Also, this past Saturday I came here with my mom and boyfriend. Though my boyfriend doesn't eat meat, he still has a gigantic appetite. He ordered the calabaza squash with mushroom mole. Honestly, the serving was pathetically small. One tiny slice of squash with a spoonful of sauce on top. He ate it in about three minutes. Come to think of it, I think his plate was missing the cabbage slaw it was supposed to have. I understand that this isn't Applebee's, and the portions aren't meant to be gigantic. However, for $13 I expect more than one slice of squash. Being a kind girlfriend, I parted with one of my pieces of edamame falafel, which was a shame, because it was probably the best falafel I've ever had and I really didn't want to share. Overall, the food is great, but you might need to drop a lot of $$$ to leave feeling even comfortably full.
(4)Dale M.
Went on a Sunday evening with a 6pm reservation for our son's 21st Birthday celebration (a previous reviewer cautioned about Sundays). I ordered the pan roasted pork shoulder, which our server described as "a specialty". Other diners ordered flank steak (2), fish of the day (2) and chicken (1). The steak, fish and chicken were very good (but nothing outstanding). However, the pork shoulder was terribly dry to the point of cracking open on top and should have been easily visible to the chef, server, etc. I inquired with our server, who took it away to the kitchen ~ this is where things went sideways (and a first time experience like it for me). The server could be seen presenting it back to the 'chef', who accompanied by another kitchen worker, began cutting it open in several locations to 'check' my description....THEN the server returns the plate to me WITH the hacked up meat and says, "you are correct that this portion (pointing to 2/3 of it) is overcooked and dry". He then says, "that puts us in an interesting position...what would you like to do". I told him I was originally thinking they could just give me a less dry piece of meat. Ultimately we decided on replacement, which took so long that the server offered to box it to go before I could even suggest that. We also ordered deserts...2 'wookie pies' and 1 orange pie (which the server raved about during his description of it). The 2 'wookie pies' arrived, however no orange pie and no initial explanation. The server then returned and said, "I just can't serve you the orange pie, it wouldn't be right...it didn't set up properly". My son had been here previously and raved about the quality of the food. I really wanted to like this restaurant. From this experience, I'd say 'no need to return'. Errors occur and no one is perfect ~ but don't hack food and return it to table and put the burden back on the customer. The previous advice from the other reviewer stands for me "avoid Sundays".
(1)Cc R.
Very good food. The people I was with flipped out about some kind of pork belly they had on their chocolate dessert-- it was dark and they thought the pieces on top were chunks of chocolate. Guess I'd suggest paying careful attention to what you're eating, as it's not your typical Florida eatery (which I mean in the best possible way)
(4)Sammie L.
Super smokey. Maybe the staff has forgotten what its like to breath fresh air? We were immediately questioned about the status of a reservation, upon hearing we had none, the server/host started offering platitudes. No reservation? But there was plenty of empty tables. We went to Domani's down the street and had a great meal!
(1)Sydney H.
The Hanger Steak was quite possibly one of the best meals that I have ever had, without exaggeration. Well worth the price. Great service, atmosphere, and beer selection. Loved it.
(5)Jesse C.
This place has an awesome concept, fresh menu every week. This is the type of true farm-to-table kind of place one expects. Everything was delicious! I had a chicken dish that had each part of the chicken including a breast, a leg, a thigh and fried chicken liver. They were all really good. The carrots came with a honey butter sauce that was amazing as well. Our appetizer was the pork belly which was delicious. Since this place has a new menu every week, it is hard to get tired of their offerings.
(5)Thomas A.
Dang!...I wish someone on Yelp would have advised as to the loudness of this place. I went there with a cousin I hadn't seen for a decade, to spend some time catching up in a nice local spot, and it was unbelievably (unacceptably) loud for a Sunday brunch. It was so loud, I could not hear the server speak (I have perfect hearing). Luckily I knew what I wanted and could just shout it to him. It seemed like he had some great things to say about the food, and questions my cousin had, but alas, I will never know. Perhaps turning the music down would be an option? The ambient noise level was one of the loudest I have experienced in any restaurant. During lulls between songs, it was much better...but when the music was on (and loud) everyone in the place tries to talk over it, making the issue a lot worse. My voice was hoarse after the meal, since I had to speak so loudly to my cousin (who sat right next to me). Anyhoo - the food was great. I had the "Big Daddy" biscuits and gravy with scrambled eggs and house potatoes (I recommend the "carrot" natural/local hot sauce , you just have to ask for it). However, the biscuit-to-gravy ratio was chintzy and was barely enough for a single biscuit (they may have been running low on gravy so they skimped it - they were also sold out of the French toast). My cousin had the "John Denver" and loved it. My girlfriend had the Benedict (served over biscuits) - and it was also very good. I would love to come back for dinner, but I like to spend a nice meal talking with my companions - so it will have to wait till the weather is cooler and we can sit outside. As much as I love playing pantomimes and practicing lip-reading, that's not the environment I prefer to dine in.
(3)Constance C.
Cool atmosphere, excellent service, great food, fab beer selection.
(5)J.T. M.
Stopped by after making a reservation. Was greeted nicely and given a table in the middle of a small dining room. The place is very quaint but very loud for its size. Not sure if they have an online menu but when my date and I looked at the menu, we weren't happy with the selections. We'd never heard of most of what was on it. Unfortunately we weren't happy with the selections and decided to eat elsewhere. I'm not giving a bad review, but can't really give one based on the food.
(3)Stale V.
We had a table for 8 people reserved for 8:00, we didn't get seated until 9:30 and our orders wasn't taken until 10. By the time we got our food we were so hungry that everything should have tasted amazing. The food was good, but most of it seemed to lack a little something. I had the fish, and it was perfectly cooked, however the dish came with a piece of pork that did absolutely nothing for the dish, it disappeared completely in the other flavors, and might as well have been left out. Had the pork belly as a starter and, here as well the flavors were a little bit off, bordering to bland. The soup however (i think it was a sweet potato bisque) was very good. Would try it again, but not with a larger party than two.
(3)Cara D.
We have been here several times since it became the Refinery, and we have never really been disappointed. Service was a little slow, but nothing horrible, and the food was worth it! I had Dirty South Benedict, my husband had Daddy's Favorite. Both were amazing. My dish was a creative interpretation of Eggs Benedict, with pulled pork, kale, spinach and cornbread (and of course, eggs). It came with either potatoes or cheese grits. I can't believe I ate all of the generous portion- but it was so good! Daddy's Favorite was their take on beef and gravy on biscuits....it was perfect. The dining room was 95% full, so I recommend a reservation via Open Table to avoid a wait, as there is really no place to wait. The coffee was excellent, although at $3 a cup (refills included), it seemed a bit pricey. All in all, The Refinery continues to provide a unique and delicious dining experience in our neighborhood, and Tampa in general...we are super lucky to be able to walk here in under 5 minutes!
(4)William M.
Not bad and not too good. The beer selection and pricing was good and so was the service. On the other hand, the food was so-so; less interesting than the menu would suggest and less well executed than I had hoped, i.e. the sweetbreads couldn't be tasted or seen underneath the scrambled eggs and on top of the thick bread. I wouldn't avoid it and can't speak to other options in Tampa, but it was not as good as I had hoped based on the Yelp reviews and menu.
(3)Lisa B.
Wow, this restaurant is incredibly wonderful. I've tried the Craig's List burger, poutine, pappardelle pasta with fiddle heads, pork belly, and bone marrow. They were all delicious. They offer really upscale items but so reasonably priced and prepared in a way that really makes the food taste the way it's supposed to taste. Service is always warm and friendly and their beer and wine list pairs well with their foods. Please go visit! You will enjoy it! And you'll be supporting local farmers too :D
(5)Anish Z.
Went back again this pat week... love that the menu is varied so often and still recommended overall though I would not recommend the pent butter soup dessert (sorry)
(4)Cymen V.
I went twice in one week. I wish we'd gone every night. Great local food, excellent beer selection and a cool outside deck plus the upstairs bar. I'm from Chicago and I'd say Lula's Cafe is very very roughly similar here.
(5)Tyler J.
You have to go to the Refinery! And go with an open mind. Chef Greg comes up with some amazing food combinations that will amaze you. With a menu that changes weekly (take that every other restaurant!) there is always something new and creative to try. I've been going here for years, before it gained popularity. My only complaint is that I have to remember to make reservations now because its so busy, but I'm glad they're doing so well. I can't comment on any single dish because they won't serve it again, but everything is truly fresh, fresh from a farm and fresh in the new way it is being prepared. Their breakfast menu is spot on. Just straight up delicious. And for dinner, get something out of the norm. This is a 5 star restaurant for sure
(5)Yuki J.
After reading all the hype, I was disappointed with my experience here. To be fair, I've been only once but it was such that I have no desire to go back. The staff was good, friendly and efficient. However, the two other main things that are most important to me in restaurant are food and ambiance--both of which are only mediocre here. I had the tongue appetizer and it was good. But my issue was with the main entree I ordered, coq au vin (chicken). It was extremely salty and dry. While I usually enjoy and seek out a small, vintage and quaint environment, this place didn't really have any character to me. Just felt like I was eating in an old house without a soul. Sorry, Refinery, you may have better dishes than the ones I tried, but I will never know because I won't be back.
(3)Christine S.
This place is trying too hard to be something it's not. Design elements are off, from the open and unattractive kitchen area to the crooked paintings. It reminded me of Austin's up and coming east side hipster joints, but it doesn't quite make it to their level. Mushroom verrine app was tasty and presentation was creative. Pork chop with oyster stuffing was good, but nothing special. Potato mash was way too salty. Some guy upstairs bought my friend and me a round of drinks. That was cool and also somewhat amusing. I'm not too familiar with what the Tampa scene has to offer, but props to Refinery for offering something a bit off the beaten path. I like that their menu changes often, but maybe that prevents them from fully developing a dish before it's shuffled off.
(3)Manisha K.
The refinery such an awesome, cozy place for dinner! If its nice out you must sit on their 2nd floor balcony and enjoy the weather! This place is probably the one place I do not get bored while waiting on a table. They have board games galore! I love how they take pride in their food, only buying from local farmers and changing their menu weekly according to what the farmers have growing. Our waiter was awesome, he knew so much about the menu and beer selection.. i loved it! They also support local breweries, they always have local beer on tap. The prices are pretty reasonable for the amount of food you get. Everything tastes so fresh, they even make their own ketchup! It's hard to recommend something since the menu changes so often, if they ever bring certain things back.. I would definitely recommend the watermelon salad, it was the perfect solution for a hot summer day! I had the crispy tofu this past week, it was topped with mint raita that was delicious! The deserts here are always so unique and yummy, if you go with others you must get both and share!
(4)Mark K.
Went to the Sunday brunch. Food was fresh and pleasing. To the eye and the taste. We sat upstairs, they were busy but the service was good and the noise level fair.
(4)Anthony F.
Everything you want in a small independent restuarant. Atmosphere is great, its a renovated house with a nice open deck up top. Menu is all local and constantly rotating based on supply. I tried several things and it was all good. Not another burger and fries restaurant. They offer several vegetarian meals as well as meats. Pretty good beer selection which a good amount of craft brews to choose from. The chef/owners obviously take a lot of pride in originality and quality.
(5)Denise S.
I had been trying to get to this restaurant for weeks and every time I was supposed to go, something came up and I had to cancel. The Refinery menu changes every week and like a good little foodie, I would check out the menu on-line each week, just because. The menu is like something you would see on a Top Chef challenge. The products used are from local growers. Everything they are about I'm about too, so my hopes and expectations were high, maybe a little too high. From the outside The Refinery looks like a house, I mean, someones home. Inside the look is sparse and eclectic. Pictures are askew on the walls, and no condiments on the table. I chalkboard advertises drinks and specials of the day. The menu is divided into three sections, small plates, more than a small plate and desserts. Since foodie and friend had just left a wine and cheese lesson, which I'll tell you about in another post, we went for the small plates. I had a chicken liver mousse ,with a gelee glaze and my friend had a pear salad with vinaigrette and we spilt a fancy pear beer. I didn't miss condiments but my friend who loves black pepper did ask for some for her salad. The waiter and I talked her out of it and she actually tasted her food and loved it. Everything is fresh, I had no complaints but I wasn't blown away. I will go back on a day when I have not already eaten and try a larger plate. If you are looking for something different, this is the place to go. You will get gourmet food on a beer budget. I wish them much success as should all Tampa residents because The Refinery is all about the locals. If any of you do visit please let me know what you think. Happy eating.
(3)Collin S.
I saw everyone on here raving, so I had to try it. And it lived up to the hype and more. I'd recommend what I had (lemongrass chicken, and a bananas foster with Sriracha hot chile sauce... seriously), but the menu changes every Tuesday. Just bring yourself and a willingness to allow your palate to experiment. That it's housed in a converted bungalow is appropriate, as there is no pretense here. It's all about the food. And the very reasonable prices are a testament to their desire to bring delicious cuisine to everyone. With an emphasis on using local produce and products, it's also a model of sustainability. What I had was incredible. The shiitake mushrooms with my entree were wonderful, and I don't even like mushrooms. But to even consider using hot sauce in an ice cream dessert shows the kind of experimentation and pushing of the culinary envelope that they're trying to do here. And it was maybe the best dessert I've ever had. Just amazing stuff. It's very small and we ate outside on the rooftop deck, which gives a nice view of the Seminole Heights area. Because of its tiny size, I would highly recommend reservations as the word about this place is starting to get out. But the upstairs deck is always first come, first serve. It is wonderful to have a place in the city that is trying to do different and innovative things while being a part of and a partner in the community. Plus getting nominated for a James Beard Award while serving you drinks in a mason jar is a pretty damn impressive feat. Look out Bern's, Tampa might be close to having a new signature restaurant.
(5)Michael B.
Grrrrr. My second visit and more disappointing than the first. A lot gets lost in the translation of whatever the chef is trying to do. Some things are very amateurish like a stuffed zucchini that seemed like it came from a good housekeeping magazine from 1975. They seem to be able to cook basic things quite well - the roast game hen was very straightforward but well done... Including a nice touch of smoked eggplant fluffy stuff that was awesome. There was an excessively fishy dish of Cobia on barley that was cooked or laden with fishy liquid... 4 people tried to eat it and half of it was left. The thing that actually pissed me off was dessert of some carrot cupcake that was 2 uninspired cupcakes served ice cold from the fridge. If I spent the day baking and it was served with so little care, I'd be livid. Decent wine list with great bottle pricing; friendly but inexperienced staff (totally fine). I really wish they would get their shit together and step it up on execution. Either that or stop using fancy words in menu items that require Wikipedia lookups. I'll try one more time as I really, really want them to be successful as an alternative to the corporate fine dining chains that dominate Tampa.
(3)Raj P.
If you're in the mood for a dinner that takes 2hrs and 15 minutes then this is your spot. Our server was nice enough and our drinks were always refilled but their kitchen is painfully slow. Our server stated it was because they were unexpectedly busy. There was also a constant smokey smell in the dining room as if their ventilation fans were not working. In regards to the food, all our small plates ranged from OK to delicious. The mains on the other hand turned out horribly. Half our tables dishes were cold and while the overall presentation was nice most lacked flavor or were overcooked. I'm sure I'll give them another if I'm in the neighborhood but I certainly won't go out of my way to come here.
(2)David J.
Now that they have the rooftop deck covered and lit, this place is just about perfect!
(5)Tim B.
This review is based on the bar only. A very short menu but since I was early, tired and had no intention of waiting an hour for my reservation (which was my own fault). The menu changes every Thursday, a concept I wish more places were daring enough of to attempt this. Cold sweet pea soup was brilliant, Hobo pie was fun (served in Aluminum Foil) and a Watermelon granita and cream cheese ice cream. The flavors were great, cooking was perfect and over and above all else the service was amazingly friendly and fast. Looking forward to my next trip back and the full menu. tip - make reservations. I saw so many people without one "stop by" and the wait can be well over an hour at dinner.
(4)Jane E.
Great place for a nice dinner. Feels like someone's home that is like a barn or out in the middle of the country. Love the fact that the menu is so simple and changes daily based on the fresh ingredients. I had a chicken dish that had the most amazing crust but it was made of the chicken!!! Just amazing. It was perfectly cooked and beautiful to look at. I am getting hungry just thinking about it. I recommend going to this place for a good home cooked meal but at affordable prices. Great concept!
(5)Diana G.
I had really high expectations for this establishment which is probably not a good practice when it comes to trying new restaurants. The first thing that threw me off was that when I called to make reservations the hostess said they were completely booked but that she will do her best to accommodate my 9:00pm reservation request. However, when we arrived there were only about 3 full tables. Maybe it was because of the rainy weather and some people did not show up for their reservations but I still found it odd. The entrance is confusing, and I think we went in through the wrong door. Perhaps, a sign indicating the correct entrance will help solve this issue. The wine selection is decent, much cheaper to buy the bottle that by the glass. The menu changes every week and it uses locally grown ingredients which is always a plus!. The food was great! I had the pork chop stuffed with oysters and some yummy veggies. I also tried the Colbia which was super tender and the sauce that accompanied was not overpowering. My friend had the Hanger Steak which was the only disappointment..she wanted it cooked Medium-Well but I guess the server understood Medium-Rare. The steak was pretty much rare. However, they were very accommodating and they gladly cooked the steak to right temperature. The food took a while to come out which can be a problem if you are trying to get a quick bite under an hour. We did not really mind since we were just enjoying our wine and catching up. It seemed like maybe they were understaffed. Overall, this place is worth a try, they have an eclectic menu which goes well with their artsy décor and staff.
(3)Jaima S.
So the Refinery....what can you say? A James Beard nominated chef, a dinner menu that changes weekly, a brunch menu that changes seasonally, a chalkboard with listing of local farms goods featured that week, friendly staff, mason jars for drinks and a newly finished covered deck....oh yeah, and the food is pretty darn good. I've been to the Refinery about 6 times over the past few years. I've been for brunch three times and dinner three times. The most recent time I went was to take a friend for a birthday brunch. We made reservations, which I recommend since the dining room is small and the upstairs outdoor deck fills up fast. My husband and I shared the brioche can bread french toast with carmelized plantains and chantilly cream, as well as scrambled eggs and a biscuit. The french toast was a huge round piece of brioche covered in syrup with a dollop of chantilly cream and a few small slices of plantain. It was so rich and sweet, like dessert for breakfast. It was amazing, but we were glad we had the scrambled eggs to balance the sweetness. By the way, I have this thing about restaurants being terrible at making scrambled eggs, but these were actually fluffy and flavorful, not like the dried out thin strips of egg I usually get elsewhere. The biscuit was good, very buttery and you could literally peel it apart by layers. My only complaint was that it wasn't warm when I got it and despite my sweet bites of french toast I was wishing for some homemade, seasonal strawberry jam to go with it. Don't let the location fool you, this place has some of the best food in Tampa. If you're not an adventurous eater the dinner menu at first read can be intimidating, but trust me when I tell you that chef knows what he's doing, so my tip is just to ask your server for recommendations and dive into the menu. Vegetarian and vegan options are available, and for goodness sake, don't go modifying your order.....again, chef knows what he's doing and all those things are on your dish for a reason!
(4)Blake W.
Wednesday night. Very good by the bottle, beer list. Good, and very reasonably priced wine list. We ended up with a bottle of Cab Franc for $18, which was very good for the price. Had appetizers in the upstairs waiting area, then proceeded to the deck for dinner. Somehow watched the table next to us, who ordered after us, finish their dinner before we were even served ... ordering much the same things we did. When we asked the server, he told us that we had ordered much after the other table, then came back and began to argue with us on the exact timing ... he obviously forgot to turn in our ticket, and we waited nearly an hour for a burger and sausage. I cannot begin to describe how unprofessional he was. We heard the other wait staff begin to joke about "what time his orders went in", after he obviously shared that we had questioned what was going on. My wife about took his freak'n head off at this point. We were quickly served at this point, and the food was very good (4 star), but the waiter brought the entire experience down to 2 stars ... He was a TOTAL 0! If you miss this character, or they figure out that he needs to "move on to explore new opportunities", and fire his ass, I think you will enjoy the experience. Good luck, until then.
(2)Patrick K.
Hello everyone! Well Last Thursday Night Katie and I did our Date Night at a local Restaurant that I had heard about called the Refinery. thetamparefinery.com I had heard all sorts of great things about this little Gem in Seminole Heights just about on the corner of Florida and Hillsborough. We actually made a reservation, even though it was Thursday night. They could have seated us without it but if you are going on the weekends or a special occasion with more than 4 diners I would make a reservation. I believe that I counted 11 or 12 tables inside and then there is a second story balcony bar that has room for more but we didn't make it up that far. This converted bungalow is truly a gem! With an ever changing menu (check every Thursday) a decent wine list and very knowledgeable staff, oh and a great chef this was a place that we will visit again. An appetizer of Andouille Sausage Tourchon for Me and Katie had the Korean Barbecue Tostada and two main courses of Mangrove Snapper and the Roasted Chicken followed up by Ginger Vanilla Froyo and a Camino Rosco Terrine made for a splendid meal. I am not spending a lot of time on the meal itself other than to say that it was great due to the menu change each week. I am sure that you will find something to your liking here and I will say that we will come back.
(5)Luke H.
Hipster 5-star. Brake out your wallet, twist your dreads, rub some dirt in your old Chuck Taylor's and get ready to be blown away by the chef. I recommend everything. It is a cozy place in the locals only area of Seminole Heights, but it is a shining star in this eventual up and coming area.
(5)Jim G.
Menu shows vegan options on some very select items, like salad but this night was anything but vegan friendly. The menu makes it clear that there are NO substitutions. Want the smoked eggplant but don't want the flank steak. ...sorry you have to buy the steak and. ... put it in. ...a doggy bag or something. I guess the V thing on the menu is just to look hip but not really cater to those kind of folks. But the few V things we did have was good and the place is really cool and a great vibe overall.
(3)Joseph A.
I really wish I could give The Refinery more than 3 stars. The concept of high-end food at a low-end price in an economical setting that makes fine cuisine available to those who want it but may not be able to afford going to a restaurant like Mise En Place (or the like), is a wonderful idea....an idea that deserves support. But sadly, The Refinery is just ok, not great. The food is nicely done, but it's far from outstanding. I had the burger which was good, but there's better available around Tampa at BGR, Burger 21 or Burger Monger. My dinner companion had the chicken which was serviceable but not memorable. But here's the biggest problem: the service...while good-hearted and eager, it's painfully slow. It took 45 minutes for our orders to arrive, and there were only two other tables in play. I understand that fine cooking takes time but 45 minutes is unacceptable. Nevertheless, I encourage you to support this business because the core-concept is a noble one....but as for me, I doubt I'll be back.
(3)Jonathan T.
The refinery is a great idea poorly executed. My wife and I have been here about 5 times and have yet to have a meal we would come back for, not that we could because the menu is changed weekly. My instinct was not to come back after the first let down but upon the recommendation of almost all my fellow Seminole heights friends I wanted to give them a few chances- I really wanted to like this place. I had the pork chop which was huge and expensive and wasn't much better than what you could throw on the grill at home.The burgers there are okay and usually have some interesting twist on them and are the only item I could regularly recommend. The vegetarian options are few and unimpressive. The atmosphere is good- upstairs anyway. The staff is friendly and the bar tenders upstairs are great. They also have a good selection of craft beers to choose from. If you want a good local sit down restaurant in Seminole heights check out Ella's or the front porch.
(3)Jacqueline L.
Went here once shortly after they opened. Here are the cons: it is a crowded setting it is severely overpriced they try to be artsy with a rotating menu, but fail miserably because there aren't enough options on the menu to make up for the $13 3 small sausages on a plate with some bullshit sauce drizzled on top. The portions are awful the servers are quite snobby. pros: you get a fairly good view of the kitchen when they prepare your food, but it's not so much by choice as it is they just don't have the room to divide it all out. I would rather go to an outdoor seated restaurant in the middle of a boiling summer than to The Refinery any day of the year ever again. Y'all can keep this hipster bullshit you think is all artsy.
(1)Laura E.
Tampa may not be the food capital of the world, but when it comes to food owners Greg and Michelle Baker know how to bring seasonal to their amazing weekly menu! Upon visiting on a Wednesday night, we learned their menu changes every Thursday to cater to the new flavors of the season. My first meal there was a classic risotto with a poached egg - simple, classic with a twist. My taste buds were pleased! We were so impressed with the friendly staff and amazing meal that we came back the following night to try their new menu. Kicking it off I enjoyed a chilled beet soup and for my main, pasta with fresh morels! Now a month later, I checked out their menu to only drool over my keyboards as I read "Chocolate Cupcake with bacon-cream cheese icing" When is the next plane leaving Phily?! Worth the drive. Worth the wait. Worth the reservation!
(4)Joshua S.
This place was a great Yelp find a few weeks back... The menu changes often, so you probably won't find what I got there anymore. The restaurant itself isn't in the nicest area, but once you walk in or up to the terrace, you forget about that. The inside is a bit odd and somewhat cold (in design, not in temperature), but the food was the star here. We got shrimp and grits for an appetizer with house-made andouille on top. SO tasty, but too small to share (unfortunately). Next time, we'll get two EACH! Nom nom nom! I got the pan-seared sturgeon (farm-raised, of course), which was served over lentils. I had never had sturgeon before, but it was GREAT! Slightly oily and served medium (as requested). Very buttery/flaky but also with a bit more heft than most any other white fish I've ever had. Would definitely get it again. The lentils were OK; a bit cold by the time I had finished savoring the fish. My sister had a burger, which was also very good. It was thick, juicy and flavorful; when I first saw it, it reminded me of one of those hamburgers that your mom made as a kid where she pattied the meat, but when it was cooked it ended up as tall as it was wide. However, unlike with mom's old hockey pucks, it ended up being really quite tasty and the fries were great too. I will definitely be back here. The prices were on-par with the chain eateries around, but the food was SO much more imaginative and satisfying.
(5)Jodi F.
Fun, funky and just 'OMG I wish I had more of this' delicious. The atmosphere is casual, but the food here just blew me away. I had dinner on Friday night with some friends and even though it is days later, I can not stop thinking about the mushroom fries. On a side note, I love the way this Tampa eatery is utilizing Instagram. Especially since my face was too busy to even think about taking pictures. A fun and affordable wine list, but if you want to drink something more serious a $15 corkage fee. I can't wait to go back. Check out their Instagram photos on Facebook at facebook.com/pages/The-R… .
(5)Aaron K.
I'm an out of towner with friends who live nearby, and have been to the Refinery every time I come to Tampa. I love this place. The ethic of sustainable and local food permeates everything they do. The folks who run the Refinery and all of the employees are dedicated to it. Their cuisine is complex, and yet somehow unpretentious at the same time. You can't settle into a routine at the Refinery, because the menu changes every week. That means the AWESOME dish you had last time will not be there the next time. Get over it. Explore. Be willing to step outside of your comfort zone and try a protein or a flavor that you usually wouldn't. Rest assured that the chef and staff have thought about it, a lot. I love smart, challenging culinary experiences, and that's the charm of the Refinery for me. Highly recommended.
(5)Beth M.
Although it's small, it's awesome and worth the wait. Reservations are highly recommended (I can't stress that enough). It's got a hipster vibe with mason jars, mismatched plates, and cool decor. Great for a date night. Customer service was terrific and really friendly. Menu is unique and only offers a few items because they change up the food based on what's in season. Everything we ordered was more than delicious. It isn't in an ideal part of town and has a tiny parking lot. Other than that, I'm so excited to go back. Beth's Tip: Check the website for current menu.
(5)Jerry S.
The place is small and not in the best part of town, but the food and atmosphere are great. Reservations are highly recommended if you don't want to sit outside. The customer service was really friendly. Most everything we ordered was more than delicious. We will definitely be going back to try a few more menu items. We had the Grilled Shrimp Brochette (cherry and grape tomatoes, horseradish, tarragon aioli) and the Caprese (hunsader tomato, house made mozzarella, sherry peaches, smoked paprika, baby greens) for starters. The tarragon aioli was a little salty for our tastes and shrimp over cooked. The Caprese however was right on and very good. The Roasted Chicken (serrano chile brine, tomato-cherry bomb pepper relish, fingerlings, roasted okra) was really good but maybe a little more heat, as well as the Flatiron Steak (house made 'steak sauce', pickled onion, roasted potatoes, roasted green beans) both cooked perfectly and the steak sauce was the best. For dessert we had both the Ginger-Vanilla Fro Yo (house made yogurt, spiced oat crumble, blueberry) and the Peach Cobbler (pastry, lemon balm crème fraiche) both are recommended. The Fro Yo was a very tasty and refreshing end to a great dinner.
(4)C C.
I am in love with this place. Everything I have tried so far has been excellent and it's an awesome atmosphere. I love the ever-changing menu, it's nice seeing something different every time.
(5)Eric N.
I picked this place because it was one of the highest rated joints in town.. All I can say is wow. The refinery is nestled on a block of industrial waste, and run down homes. Certainly, and unexpected oasis, amongst the ruins. I got there early, and was the only patron in the homey, mostly wood dining room. The waiter was very pleasant, and intoduced me to the locavore style of the menu. The beer list was quite large, and offrered a number of seasonal, microbrew choices. I started with a their house salad, which had mesculun, onions, goat chese, homemeade croutons, and fantastic buttermilk jalepeno dressing. It was very larg, and only 7 bucks. For my main dish, I had the horseradish brined roast chicken. It was perfectly cooked, with a wonderful brown crust. The chicken was placed atop an incredibly tasty green bean casserole(unlike what your Mom makes for Thanksgiving), and a side of yukon gold potatoes. The cream sauce over the green beans was good for dipping the chicken into. After the meal, I felt compelled to talk with the chef in the open kitchen. Between the meal, the staff, and the welocoming environment, this was as close to a perfect meal as possible.
(5)C-Mac W.
Hooray for The Refinery! Love the rotating menu; love the fresh, eclectic/fun mix of food; love the whole concept! If you go on a week when they are serving Pastelon or Harissa Bread Pudding, I highly encourage you to order these two delightful dishes. So. Good. The Pastelon is outstanding!!! I mean, WOW! Highly, highly recommend. I will definitely be a frequent flyer at The Refinery...with an ever-changing menu, how could I not be?
(5)Adam Y.
Yesterday was our anniversary, and my wife surprised me by getting a reservation at the Refinery, a place I have heard of and wanted to try but thus far not eaten there. She brought home that week's menu and I have to admit I was very apprehensive. I don't consider myself an overly picky eater, but get a bit intimidated when I can't figure out half of what is in a dish without a dictionary. So off we went, and part of me was hoping we'd make a last minute change of plans to a more familiar place, something safer given it was a special day. But once we got to the restaurant and were seated, I relaxed and was able to figure out 2 or 3 choices that I would like, with only a modest amount of help from our very attentive server. Probably the only mistake I made was ordering the salad without checking and finding out that the dressing was actually a blue-cheese (which I can't eat). Fortunately my wife had ordered the soup and she was more than happy to just switch and the issue was averted without any fuss. Our entrees came out in perfect time (I had heard they could be slow, but that was not the case). We tried the Hangar Steak and Tanglewood Chicken and both were excellent. They had a BBQ dish and a fish that both looked great but we were happy with our choices. We left some room for dessert and those were excellent as well. Including a bottle of nice Cab, our meal came to $135. Not cheap, but it was a special occasion and certainly I've spent a lot more than that at other places and the meal was not as stellar. I was told the downstairs was noisy, and it is, but it wasn't terrible. There wasn't any music, which I consider a plus. I'd been told parking was a problem, and I can see that being a possibility but we were fortunate to arrive just as someone was leaving so we were kind of lucky. The only thing I would take points off for was the length of time it took to get a bill. We sat for well over 10 minutes after we had long finished our desserts, and the plates had already been cleared. This is a major pet peeve of mine when servers lose attention and forget that the meal isn't truly done until you pay. And with 4 empty tables by 9pm, it wasn't as if they were sold out. But we will be back at some point. This is a great place to try something different.
(4)Alex Z.
I would recommend The Refinery. Overall, it had a pleasant atmosphere, competent service, and the food ranged from very good to excellent. We ordered a few small plates and one large plate. Two of them were excellent (the country pate and the pork cheeks). The chili dusted calamari would have been excellent, but for the incongruous white chocolate dipping sauce. Too sweet, and not sufficiently balanced out by the chili dusting. The beet and okra salad was unremarkable. As for the large plate, we shared the green chile with pork and dumplings. The flavor was very good, and the pork was beautifully done. The dumplings were lost in the mix, and given the heaviness of the dish, I think it would have been better as a small plate. The space itself was comfortable--tables nicely spaced, enough room to move. The ground floor gets quite loud, so it can be hard to hear. But as long as you're not aiming for a quiet dining experience, it's not a problem.
(3)Brian S.
Amazing food. Menu changes weekly. Locally sourced. Very knowledgeable staff. My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed our dinner.
(5)Michael Angelo R.
We wanted to be low key today for Easter. Our friend Charles had been telling us about this restaurant and hearing from client's nothing but wonderful things. All true. We were able to get in short notice and service was friendly, quick and quite frankly we were very impressed. We ate downstairs, because we did call ahead to reserve a table, and if you do, they will seat you downstairs. However, if you take your chances, they have a beautiful upstairs, outdoor patio that is covered. The perfect day for it, although we choose to stay indoors. Best ManMosa I've ever had, The bisquits were something my grandmother would make. Besides the great food, ALL the STAFF enjoys working there! Friendly smiles welcome you and they are proud to let you wander through to check out the place. VERY, VERY WELCOMING! On my top 5 list in tampa now. We will be spending lots of time there...Thanks for great EASTER brunch...
(5)Annette G.
Wow!!! That's really... all I can say. This place was pure, WOW! And not in a frilly, super fancy-shmancy, food snob kind of way (talking about you, Ravenous Pig Orlando). The Refinery is one place you can count on for a really great meal, paired with some very delicious beer. Luckily for me, everyone in the party was cool with sharing. I sampled the burger, roasted quail with mole sauce, leek gratin, poutine and... wait for it... SWEETBREAD! Yeah. This was my first foray into eating glands. It.... wasn't bad. Texture wise, it was like a very moist poached chicken breast. I'd like to say I ate it all up, but no. I had a small helping and let the others enjoy it. Baby steps. The burger was absolutely perfect, and I really really really dug the leek gratin. I want to try to make that at home. Definitely a great spot for a casual but delicious night out!
(5)Rose S.
I heard great things about the refinery so I had to check it out! The outside rooftop seating was great, the atmosphere was amazing. They were out of several red wines that night so I had to pick between two. It was good, I just wish I had options. We started with a small plate..the pork belly, it was cooked perfectly, but I felt like it needed a sauce to pull it together. For my entree I had roasted chicken with leeks. The chicken portion was huge, I could of used another side dish and less protein. It was delicious though and the service was amazing! I would like to try again but I will not go out of my way.
(3)C W.
We had Sunday brunch in late November on their covered rooftop deck and it was absolutely delightful. Prompt pleasant servers were excellent and delivered yummy dishes created from mostly local producers and suppliers. It was our 1st time but we'll be back. (No kids menu, but we made due with all of the available options).
(4)CJ L.
Let's just keep it simple here. My wife and I stopped by on a Saturday night to try something "different". Our 35 minute wait ended up being a short 10... which is always nice. All the staff was very friendly and eager to discuss the various menu options (food and beverage). I liked the great beer selection and my Ghetto Burger was great. My wife enjoyed the Tofu Tacos - always nice to see GOOD vegetarian options. Highly recommended, we'll be back again since the menu changes weekly.
(5)Mary J.
Fresh is best and that's the food philosophy followed faithfully by the locally owned and operated Refinery Restaurant. Located in historic Seminole Heights, it fittingly occupies a house where homecooked meals were likely prepared daily. Greg and Michelle Baker provide tasty proof that using seasonal, locally sourced foods allows for a lot of taste and even more creativity. The only drawback is that the menu changes weekly so if you find a favorite, become a frequent guest throughout that week because it will soon make way for another at-its-peak-of-freshness dish. Reservations are recommended because the downstairs dining room is compact. There is a dark bar on the second floor but another option is the open air rooftop patio.
(4)Zoe L.
I have been coming here since around the time that this place opened and while I used to be an enthusiastic recommender, my feeling towards it has changed over time. The food is less consistent than I feel it was in the early days; last night I went and nothing was really great (while the dessert was decidedly meh). Yet the prices seem higher--maybe this is just my imagination. Service is definitely hit or miss. I understand that things might be a bit slow to come out during a busy time, but having to wait an hour after appetizers for an entree--as I did once on a Friday night--is not okay. The ever-changing menu feels almost more like a gimmick to me now; from my experience, the items that are regular (like the burger) tend to be more consistent, so I wonder if rethinking the new menu approach might be in order (maybe make it seasonal?). Certainly it is possible to go, enjoy your meal and have a great experience, but it also might be disappointing in terms of food quality and/or service. On the plus side, there is a stellar selection of beer and the wine is pretty good.
(3)Mike L.
First thing's first, I was very very impressed with The Refinery. Approaching it, it looks like an old, two-story home that's been converted into a bistro-type restaurant. The bottom floor is an open, hardwood room with space for about thirty, with a very understated tone in their decor. The top floor is a large, open-air patio with a bar chock full of exotic beers. Where The Refinery really shines is their amazing food and service. They welcome with a smile and always are willing to help you out, whether it be with a complex menu item (there are a few) or your drink. It takes a while to really understand the menu if you're not used to they type of food served (think gastropub). Started out with the poutine, an appetizer, which is a mixture of Yukon Gold fries, carne guisada, and queso blanco. This could have been my meal though because the serving size was much larger than expected. An amazing flavor though. I definitely recommend this if you like a more familiar American flavor. The main courses (split b/t two) were the burger and an order of thyme spaetzle. They grind and craft their own burger here and give it a unique flavor with wasabi, and top it off with avocado and a side of fries. It was absolutely a delight for any burger lover and is tough to pass up. If you haven't tried spaetzle before like me, this is a great place to try it out for the first time. They spice it up with mushrooms, eggplant, and romesco sauce. A very strong and gratifying dish. The price point here is reasonable compared to other gastropubs. You'll get a meal that's just as good, but with about $3-5 knocked off per menu item. Great for quiet dinner nights with a date or small group of people. If you're in the mood for something familiar with a unique twist, make your way to The Refinery and you'll be pleasantly surprised.
(5)Charles C.
What can I say, but pure class & quality when it comes to food, service, and atmosphere in Tampa! Seminole Heights is the Artistic and now the Culinery creative center of Tampa Bay! The food is locally sourced from local farms and the menu changes every week according to what is available seasonally. Now that is dining worth writing & raving about in my book! On 2 occasions I've had the Flatiron Steak & The Roasted Chicken both bursting with natural flavors, and cooked to perfection. Make sure to check out the rooftop area for dining, with a bar area where one can drink while they wait to be seated. Fridays & Saturdays are the busiest where I highly recommend one get a reservation to avoid the long waits.
(5)Jeremy S.
The Refinery is a very good restaurant, the price is right compared to it's peer group. The service was excellent, the food came out really quick and food was excellent. They only serve beer and wine, so don't go there looking for alcohol. I love the fact that the menu changes on a weekly basis. We started with Cured Amberjack, a little fishy for my liking...but I knew the risk when ordering. Stuffed peppers filled with Sausage and Heirloom Tomatoes were so good I ordered a second order. Our entrees were Flat Iron Steak, cooked to perfection and seasoned perfect. My favorite was their version of Shephard's Pie. WOW, I could not stop talking about it. Basically, the tastiest version of stew you have ever tried. Exciting menu, great beer, good prices, good service, nice set up...go there!
(4)Ashley S.
I tried this Seminole Heights staple on a Thursday night - I believe that is the night they change the menu - and I was not impressed. The staff seemed less than thrilled to be working and the food was unimpressive to the point of almost terrible. The menu makes things sound out of this world, but what I received was dry, overcooked, bland chicken. It seemed overpriced and not a place I will return to.
(1)Dugg A.
Food ok but I understand it changes weekly so maybe an off day. Good beer selection but they should ensure they have it if it's on the menu. I would suggest the popular ones maybe stock some more. Be prepared to wait to order and the same once ordered. That surprised me because it didn't seem that busy. Might consider returning if in the area and hungry with lots of time to kill but I wouldn't make a trip to go back.
(3)Sean H.
This is very simple... the food here is amazing! --- changing menu offers something new every week which is great. I love how little the menu is - everything is paired well and made a certain we because... well its extremely good. Pork belly = 5, Tomato salad = 5, Beef cheek...hmmm never had that one until this place, its like a potroast flavor but extremely tender = 5, burger-cannot get a better one for $10, heck isn't a burger at those pathetic chain restaurants over 10 bucks? =5 -- I cannot eat fish but the swordfish is said to be fantastic. The atmosphere is killer at this place - laid back, kinda hippy-ish I would say; not to offend anyone, I love it. Sit outside, which is first come first serve - there are so many wonderful beers on tap and in a bottle. The Refinery represents great food and amazing micro brews spot on. My new favorite place in Tampa!
(5)Prianka N.
I have been to this place a bunch of times and feel somewhat guilty for not getting around to review it yet, because I LOVE it. It's definitely one of my top 5 in Tampa. The local/sustainable concept would be worthless if the food weren't good, but it is. Oooooh it is. I have had a killer meal the every time (10+) I've been here, and for how often the menu changes, that's no small feat. The service is fantastic, the prices are VERY reasonable, thanks to the locally-sourced food (for dinner, a couple beers and/or bottle of wine, your tab will be less than or equal to any of those big box "high end" chains like pf wang's or skeezcake factory but for far better food), and I have not eaten a single thing here that didn't please my palate. I've been here for dinner and brunch and always been delighted. Actually, if you love homemade jam and perfect biscuits like I do, brunch is a must. Their savories and their pancakes are also awesome. I don't know what I love better here, the dinner or the brunch...but I'll take either!
(5)Diana A.
We really wanted to like this place after hearing the chef was nominated for a James Beard award. We love the restaurant itself - the upstairs bar area and outside not the downstairs part (too small and smoky from the kitchen). The servers are very nice, very knowledgeable and did a great job both times we were there. Unfortunately the food fell short of our expectations. The chef let the food speak for itself but in my opinion a little too much. I kept hoping for more seasoning or herbs - something to brighten the dishes but it didn't happen with several small plates and dinner selections. The tomato soup was amazing but I'm pretty lucky - my husband makes wonderful soups and it tasted a lot like his. We'll likely try it again but wish we had been blown away.
(3)Mike M.
You should go! Very nice experience. Really good place. The staff were great. Super friendly and engaged. We walked upstairs to go to the outdoor seating area, and the upstairs bartender, instead of just a curt nod, asked us if we'd like to grab a drink before we headed out to the patio. That's how the whole meal went. Super people. The food was really good too, but that's covered in other reviews. I felt like I was in a real neighborhood place. Just so you are aware: We really liked sitting on the outside patio, but the view is nothing great. That's not a knock, just so you're aware that you will be looking at a bakery, or parking lot.
(4)M W.
Thanks to Yelp we found this place. The atmosphere was really cool. Overall the staff was really good. They were attentive, eclectic and friendly. We sat upstairs and it was a nice scene up there. The food was really good. I had the burger. It was big and juicy. I would recommend it to everyone. The fries with the burger were great. Definitely try this place.
(4)Eleni D.
Non-stop deliciousness, one plate after another. The menu says "Small Plates" and they are not joking. For what you get and the quality of the food, I feel it's reasonably priced. Probably not the best pick for nightly take-out, but a nice little pay day treat. Great draft list, good wine, awesome service and impeccable food.
(4)Renee W.
I've been trying to go to this place for MONTHS and I finally got my butt over there last week. Well worth it! First off, I absolutely love that the menu changes every thursday. You'll always have something new to try. (Although I have noticed they usually keep some sort of burger and variations of poutines.) I went on a tuesday right when they opened, so no wait. The waitress was very helpful in picking out everything. (Btw, they have a great selection of craft brews) I decided to be a glutinous beast, so we ordered the shrimp and grits and chirizo, grilled cheese with bleu cheese and strawberries, duck fat fries, tofu tacos, and flat iron steak. With the exception of the fries (eh..), It was so YUMMY. The only bad thing i could say is that the entree portions are still pretty tiny, and a little expensive. GO HERE NOW!
(4)Jeff C.
I like their practice of changing menu every week. Every dish we ordered last night was very good. Barley risotto was excellent, so was my pork chop. When we walked in around 7p, it was almost empty, but was completely jammed by 8, despite the thunderstorm.
(5)Jennifer P.
I absolutely love this place! I went there for the first time for brunch last week, and I was so impressed by the food that I immediately made reservations for my birthday dinner for the following week. One downside is that it's not exactly located in the best area; however, you get over it pretty quickly as soon as you step inside the restaurant. The servers are patient and friendly (for the dinner we had a large group and ended up splitting the bill about 10 ways or so, and the servers were very helpful throughout that tedious process) For brunch I had the Early Girl and my friend had Eat Your Greens. I liked The Early Girl, but I preferred Eat Your Greens. The fried grit pancakes on the Early Girl dish was crispy (and soft on the inside!) and worked well with the poached eggs eggs, bacon, spinach and tomato gravy. I thought it was a little bland, but in general I liked it. Next time I will probably try something else though. Eat Your Greens - jalapeno creamed spinach with bacon. FREAKING AMAZING. That's all I have to say about that. The real star of both dishes, however, were the roasted potatoes. I usually don't like potatoes at all - but this time I ate all of mine and tried to sneak them off of my friend's plate when she wasn't looking ;) Dinner - I had the Stuffed Cherry Bomb Peppers as an appetizer. It was awesome - fun, inventive, and tasted great! The peppers were stuffed with pork and rabbit terraine and served as a hot dish. When the dish came out it just looked like two red pepper balls and when you cut it open, meaty goodness just spilled out of it. For my entree I had the hangar steak. The sauce, I'm not sure what it was, but holy crap. Wonderful. It was cooked perfectly, and tasted great. And I got those awesome potatoes again...yummmmm
(5)Chris D.
Now this is what Tampa needs more of! Nestled away in Seminole Heights, near 'The Independent', this restaurant has a revolving menu every Thursday and uses local farmers for a lot of their menu items. It's truly a unique experience with great food, good beer, very reasonable prices, and interesting menu items. I like the fact that I can keep going back and try something new each time I go. Very hipster atmosphere in the bar upstairs, but the dining room has an eclectic mix of patrons, much like their menu. One of my fave restaurants in the area. I can't believe TGI Friday's used to be my favorite restaurant in high school! My how far I've come in the past 10 years :)
(5)David C.
It's worth noting that the majority of our conversation whilst dining at The Refinery was why I didn't want to be labeled a 'foodie.' Well, at least the parts in between the mmms and yummms and discussions of how to recreate flavors at home. Hypocritical? Maybe. There's a difference between a person who likes food and a person who chooses to label themselves as an obsessive. I hope that I fall in the former category. We need to eat to live, and towards that end should be encouraged to seek out as nutritious fare as is available. Organic, local, sustainable, vegetarian (for the most part), etc. Consumption outside the realm of necessity is what separates a 'foodie' from a 'living human being.' The Refinery serves good food. Probably great food, but I only tried two dishes so I'm not going to stick my neck that far out. Also, the menu changes every week based on what's available from the local farmers. There's a chalkboard when you walk in on which the local suppliers are listed. This is cool. On the night we went, serenaded by Jake on acoustic guitar from New York, I ate a succulent piece of cod topped by a beet and potato fritter and accompanied by a carrot and red cabbage 'slaw.' They called this 'fish and chips' and, in an abstract way, it was. My lady ordered grilled grit cakes with whipped butternut squash, bleu cheese, and roasted carrots, and hers was equal parts savory, sweet, creamy, and delicious. Well, mostly delicious. As we ate, washing down with microbrews and carefully selected wines, it dawned on both of us that we were no longer contemplating the ramifications of our food choices, or whether there was some moral judgment waiting to be made. Life is simpler in the presence of carefully prepared food. You just eat. And then you're not hungry anymore. It's a pretty good deal, if you can swing it.
(4)Larry H.
Cool atmosphere in an old house. My wife really liked her steak and potatoes. The seasoning was just right. I had a very nice chicken dish with basmati rice and some cheese on it. It had a nice spice. The salad we shared was great with fresh lettuce, some grapes and just the right amount of dressing. We had a nice Malbec with the meal which was reasonably priced. The menu changes each Thursday to reflect what is fresh and fresh it was. Good service. It was a bit tricky to get to from N. Tampa during rush hour rainstorms with Florida Ave. flooded and backed up in 1 lane.
(5)Connie M.
I tried the Refinery this week during Restaurant Week. They offered the prix fixe menu for $25 which I felt was a good bargain. I opted for the vegan menu which was very delicious and friend went cow all the way. I had to try the beef tongue and I can say that as a mostly-vegetarian, it was really delicious. I just couldn't think too much about what I was actually eating. The atmosphere is very cool, reminded me of a hip place up north with the wood floors and the bar on the second floor. I will definitely put this place on my list to go-to restaurants, especially since they change the menu every week.
(4)SH K.
As some of the others said, I too really wanted to like this place. The service is very nice, and you can see the servers are happy to be working there. But you do have to be ok with the mismatched / chipped plates, and food is which is a bit "exotic". If you are squeamish about eating offal / hearts of ducks / liver, this is not the place for you. We tried almost all the sides, and had 1 entree each. Most were ok, a few were really nice, and others were misses..
(4)Krystle M.
My new favorite restaurant in Tampa! Love that the menu changes weekly, love the hipster vibe and totally dig the outdoor seating. Reasonably priced and a unique atmosphere. A nice change from stuffy Tampa chains.
(5)Beth L.
Wonderful food, delightful service! NOT your run of the mill cuisine. The zucchini casserole appetizer, sublime. The eggplant entree was a multi-layer taste treat with every bite. And oh, oh, oh....the pumpkin- caramel dessert was delicious, with unexpected changes in texture and flavor. Definitely worth the trip to Seminole Heights.
(5)Anthony S.
We were really looking forward to our dinner at the Refinery, unfortunately it was a big let down. We had heard so much and liked the idea of the restaurant. The ambiance is cool and the service is nice, the young lady was attentive and there when we needed her. She made suggestions and honestly seemed to like the food on the menu. I don't think Chef Baker was working this night. He couldn't have been. I hate to put a review up like this. The Cream of Bok Choy Soup was OK, a little under seasoned. The grilled quail was nice, very tasty. The Pork Belly was very good, but I didn't care for the red peas, (just me though). My wife had the fried beef liver as an entree, unfortunately it wasn't cleaned very well. It seemed like there was some silver skin left on it and it was a little hard to eat. I had the Amberjack special, not that special. Overcooked and pretty dry. For dessert we shared the devils food cake, please don't do it. We are adventuresome diners, but maybe this was too much of an adventure. Sorry like I said we really wanted to like it.
(2)Yolonda B.
Three of us dined and we all had one word YUM...the fact that the menu changes weekly is a PLUS, I had the carrot -almond bisque-served chilled. the semolina-quinoa cakes, and we shared both desserts, the whoopi pie, and the chocolate budino with rose-sage maerated berries...I am in LOVE, I will be checking the menu weekly to make sure I don't miss a thing..everything was as fresh as could be ...KUDOS to The Refinery for an amazingly eclectic bunch of flavors
(5)Fred Z.
Limited menu, bad acoustics, and awkward layout. Food quality was ok, but nothing particularly dynamic or memorable....not hitting my A list with absolute nothing to crave.
(2)Paula C.
I was a bit conflicted on how to rate this restaurant. I found this on Yelp and was excited to try it, the idea of a rotating menu is very unique and I liked that the menu was created based on local farmers products. Two particularly notable dishes were the steak, and a peanut soup. I had a burger, which was also pretty good. I think my biggest complaint is the restaurant itself. The building is a bungalow that was converted into a restaurant, very cute. However, it was also very small. My party sat literally back to back with another party, it seemed too many tables were crammed into a small room, thus making the dining experience less relaxing than I would have hoped. I didn't explore the second floor, which may have been better. That said, I applaud the owners for the unique approach to dining, as well as selecting to place the restaurant in Seminole Heights, this restaurant is definitely worth trying, but not a place I'd rush back to.
(3)Alan P.
Great food.....absolutely delicious! I've only been once but look forward to my next visit. Hopefully it's sooner rather than later. Make sure you make a reservation as this place is high in demand. Their menu is seasonal, so be ready for a surprise.
(5)Jordan O.
My favorite spot in Tampa. Great food that changes weekly...always an amazing dessert offered. Best burger in the area hands down!
(5)Karen C.
Love this place! We have been here several times for brunch and we always leave full, and impressed. Have been there with our kids for brunch during the day, and drinks with friends at night. Great vibe. Never had a bad meal there! Service was excellent. Price is great. Love the farm to table concept.
(5)Frani B.
What an eclectic place, the menu, the servers, the people who dine...it is a place for everybody and every "taste". There are vegetarian dishes as well as meats, their hanger steak is always on the menu but prepared differently, I always order and I am never let down! Can't wait to see what inspires the menu next!
(4)Chris G.
I really wanted to love the Refinery. For some reason, I hadn't been, even after reading raves about it for years. We went early on a Friday night, and the service was good, and the wait nonexistent. I had the pork shoulder and my wife had the snapper and soup. The soup was celery based, and good, but not exceptional. The pork shoulder was tasty, but very oversalted. After my wife tried a few bites of the pork, she realized it was the squash on the pork plate that was the salty culprit. The snapper was well prepared with a crispy finish and tender interior, but the greens on that plate were entirely too salty for my taste, as well. We will probably give the Refinery another chance, but it may be a while.
(2)Sabrina R.
Great Friday night with my girlfriend! For a little wait (at their 2nd floor bar) we got a cute bistro table on the rooftop deck for a great dinner!!
(4)Karla K.
Love this place. Very cute little restaurant inside an old house. They have a nice rooftop bar. I love that they use local ingredients and change their menu every week to reflect what is available. They have vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options. I wish they had a few more options for vegan & gluten free combined, but it might just have been what was available this week. Looking forward to my next visit because I know it will be a different food experience each time.
(5)Jen N.
Different menu every week. Interesting ingredients. Loved the hanger steak, best steak I had in long time.
(4)Thomas P.
I thought the food here was okay. Nothing special. Sure they have a seasonal menu and it changes all the time, but the food was not as good as I was hoping for. The small bar on the inside was good because we had to wait for our table. We sat outside next to the band that was playing and it was awesome! Loved the view! I wish this place was closer so I could try it more. Hopefully, I can get over there again and give it one more shot!
(3)David G.
I have been here three times so far because I keep hearing about how great it is and the chef is some kind of award winner. Well if that's the case then I must be from some other planet. Let's see, the first time I went my buddy's were in town from NYC and they insisted we go there. We wanted to sit outside but seeing as there are so few tables upstairs of course they were filled. So we sat in the main dining room. For some kind of award winner it's not anything fancy or even well decorated by any means. Ok now to the food, or the lack there of. I have lived in the south for most of my life, so when I ordered shrimp and grits I had some serious expectations. This "meal" was two shrimp, a 2" grit cake and a little drizzle of sauce. Major disappointment. Everyone else's meal were as bad or worse. The only decent thing was a burger! Really, I mean come on. Ok second time I went it was ok, but nothing special. Now, onto my brunch experience there. This is why I probably will never EVER return. The waiter took forever to come over after I arrived later then my friend. Sorry but for a weekend breakfast I need coffee delivered to me as soon as humanly possible. If I'm going to sit there for 10mins and not asked if I need it, then that's about as bad as a start as it can get. Now to the food. I ordered the "special" of the day, it sounded amazing and if I could eat the words I would have been very happy. The problem was it way under-impressed me. It was supposed to be a blue cheese corn bread egg sandwich. I guess it was all there but I certainly didn't taste any blue cheese and the corn bread was dry, and fell apart. Even worse was my friends meal, she's one of those people who order things a certain way and expect them to be that way. Lets just say they didn't do anything she asked for. And when they offered her a biscuit, it looked and tasted straight from a can, pillsbury style. Now back to the coffee, or not back to it like the waiter, I had to almost get up and refill it myself. And it had a greasy film spots on the surface. I can't believe this place is supposed to be one of Tampas best. Major yuck,
(1)Amy M.
We always have a great time at the refinery. Great Service and great seasonal food. It is a must for any adventurous eaters.
(5)Jen A.
If you're feeling adventurous and want a meal that's uniquely eclectic, then this is for you! If you're more in the mood for meat and potatoes, then get a burger - the best in town!! Freshly-ground in-house! The beer selection is great and there's a cool, new bar upstairs. The wait staff is fun and friendly! As if that's not enough, they use produce from local farmers.
(5)Ottis T.
We should feel lucky that we have people that care about their food as much as these guys do. Menu changes regularly to reflect what is fresh AND cost effective. I have returned to this place almost once a week just to be surprised over and over on the quality of flavor. Lets not forget the big smiles on the service side, they make you feel completely at home. One of the best local places in Tampa Bay, give it a shot!
(5)Gwendolyn W.
"Epic" doesn't begin to describe my experience this past Tuesday evening. My companion and I were thoroughly impressed with the way the menu read, the food itself, the fact they use local products, and beatnik vibe surging throughout the joint. I was so happy with my dining experience that I completely forgot about my brisk drive through the "ghetto" to reach this establishment. Dinner menu is updated every week on Thursday, which I find to be both a potentially mild annoyance and a blessing but definitely not a hindrance. Reason for the potential annoyance is because I extremely enjoyed a few of the menu items and the unceasing desire to consume those items again my rush over me like a fat-kid freight train. A blessing because I completely support the use of local farms, products, produce, and the like, but I understand that those items can come with limited availability, and I look forward to the change of menu to further my palate expansion. Nonetheless, freshness and quality will always trump the fat-kid freight train. Thank you Refinery for elating my palate.
(5)C H.
Recently relocated from Gainesville, I was pleasantly surprised to see the hipster seen alive and well in Tampa. I felt immediately at home when our waitress approached with a full arm sleeve tattoo. After reading reviews here I made reservations for inside seating for 8:45, but there weren't many other diners at that time. My friend and I are both vegetarians, so we started by sharing the Baked, Shaken Tofu. I was excited because it was accompanied by a wakame-red pepper-hazelnut pesto, but it was slightly bland, and really just served to provide some moisture to the tofu, which was seasoned and baked perfectly. The portion was pretty small for $8, so I don't think I'll choose that app again. For our main entrees, we both chose the Creamy Gorgonzola Polenta. WOW. It truly was the most delicious polenta I've ever had. Topped with fresh, seasonal vegetables that added a nice chunky texture to the polenta. We both ate our entire bowls! I could foresee becoming obsessed with that dish, so I guess it's a good thing I live 30 min away and can't run over whenever I have a craving. If I hadn't devoured the polenta b/c it was so dang good I would've saved room for dessert, which sounded delish. I'd love to see some tempeh on their menu at some point. The wine list had a lot of diversity with several glasses below $7. Our server was great, she explained the restaurant's farm to table philosophy, promptly removed finished plates, refilled water consistently, and had a very cheery attitude. We finished the evening with a glass of wine on the top porch seating area. I look forward to having my next meal out there when the weather and mosquitoes aren't an issue. While it does face a busy street, it's cool to watch the Cuban bakery across the street pump out the loaves of bread while waiting for your meal. This is the BEST restaurant I've eaten at in Tampa! I have a feeling I'll be bookmarking their weekly menu so i can check regularly to see what amazing tastiness they've created!
(5)Meghann M.
Hop aboard the Refinery band wagon? Don't mind if I do! This place is, simply put, fan-damn-tastic. First, I'm a huge fan of this rotating menu business. If tomatoes didn't look good that week, I don't want to eat them, so I appreciate them not even being on the menu. We went on a Thursday night, before the weekly menu was posted, and were not disappointed. The burger had apples, Guyere, and horseradish on it. My husband ordered that and I had a bite and had major food envy. I ordered the lamb shank with polenta. Usually, a dining establishment that does not provide salt and pepper on the tables makes me want to have convulsions. Food is usually underseasoned to me. If I were on Hell's Kitchen, Gordon Ramsey would be throwing plates of risotto at my head on a nightly basis and saying, "It's salty! You stupid cow!" Polenta is one of those foods that tends to be underseasoned. This was not. It was perfect combined with the mushroom au jus on top. This place is super reasonably priced. The burger was $10.00 and the lamb was $18.00. We look forward to visiting again for more of a "date night" and eating at a more leisurely place. The coziness of the environment and the friendliness of the staff begs for that. Thanks, Refinery, for giving us a little piece of Portland where we came from...complete with tattooed wait staff...but without the attitude.
(5)David T.
Went here tonight for dinner after seeing a writeup in Continental magazine. The food was very good. Everything is sourced locally so the menu will change often but my mahi was some of the best I've had. They also have a bar on the second floor with an excellent beer selection.
(5)Alecia A.
Don't waste your time. We ordered a burger and "the old standby" breakfast. Eggs greasy, burgers undercooked, and fries tasted like they have been fried multiple times, very greasy too. We all wanted a food redo. - 3 meals all sucked. GREAT atmosphere great beers , good beer buzz UNTIL the food showed up. I was ready for the best burger ever. Open minded. It came. Burger was way smaller than the bun. It tasted like Bison. I tried to fill up on the fries but god sooooo greasy. You can see the grease glistening in the sun. If you are going to be all artsy and have a Soup Nazi attitude just make sure your burgers are on point.
(1)Christina F.
The Refinery is a MUST VISIT if you're in the Tampa Bay area. We have not had one thing here that wasn't absolutely delicious. The menu changes every week, but maintains certain staples like a burger and salad. (This doesn't mean your standard cheeseburger and garden salad, it's a gourmet interpretation, like the choclate chipotle burger my husband had a few weeks ago.) Otherwise, it's based on whatever produce is fresh and organic and available locally. The great, also variable, beer selection always has something to please. We've had everything from quinoa chevre spinach cake, to wahoo fish over pork stew, to mahi mahi seared with smoked chipotle cous cous. And the prices are truly reasonable and affordable for what they offer. As ex New Yorkers, we know an equivalent meal would easily cost double back up north. A great deal, and the best dinners and brunch I have had, probably ever. Even my very picky parents were impressed. And the staff is super friendly and knowledgable. I almost don't want to leave this rave review out of fear we'll not be able to get a table on weekends anymore. But they definitely deserve it. Seriously, eat here.
(5)James S.
Been there twice now, and it was outstanding both times. Food is all delicious, though not very abundant, by 'Merican standards. Went last night with 6 people, and we all ordered something different off the short, weekly menu. Everything we had was fantastic, as we all shared.
(5)erik a.
I just love this place. I stop in weekly for a late night burger and beer and they are the best in town! The menu is eclectic and well thought out. Flavors are expertly woven together by chef Greg Baker while his wife Michelle keeps the guests happy. I can't rave enough.
(5)Barbara V.
I have been meaning to try this place for several months now. I have heard a lot of good things about it and nothing negative and they were right. The salad was really fresh since everything is fresh from a variety of farms. The shrimp quesadillas were very good and had a homemade tortilla. I also had the meatloaf and it was delicious but could of used a little gravy with it. They did service it with some onion and raisin compote but still would of liked a little gravy. Wahoo with the buckwheat pancake and kale was very good as well. The ambiance is very simple downstairs and the bar/patio upstairs seemed like a great place to dine on a nice evening. I am looking forward to going back soon to try some other great dishes.
(4)Cory M.
I am so glad I found this place even though I dont see myself going back any time soon. Not because its not fantastic, but because I only found it while driving from Ft Myers to Greenville SC and its just a little too out of the way for me. During the roadtrip my girlfriend said we should grab some lunch and so she recommended... Applebees. after which i gave her the evil eye and pulled out my phone to use my yelp app. Luckily I saved us from sit down fast food and got us to The Refinery. We got there right around noon and alot of people still seemed to be eating breakfast dishes which all looked incredible but we opted for the burger of the day and a salad. The burger had sliced red radish, roasted garlic and bacon! the toppings were superb but the great thing about this burger is that the beef patty was the center of attention, you could actually taste the burger patty! what a concept. The yukon gold fries were equally awesome. Our salad was a perfect accompaniment to the burger and just a great fresh dish which consisted of mesclun mix, preserved lemon, sunfower seeds, fresh dill and an insane buttermilk dressing. To top the whole thing off they have a spectacular beer selection, even though its not the biggest. It is definitely one of the best and obviously well thought out. I was even able to get some accurate descriptions of the beers such as " it has some nice grapefruit notes upfront and is followed with a nice malty caramel finish " as opposed to " uhh... i think its a dark one? or maybe its more like a gold one? im not sure... " I also loved the location, it looks like a little beach house or something. yay sustainable food and people that care!!
(5)Christa S.
This place was perfect!! My boyfriend found this little place with help from yelp!! The atmosphere was friendly and comfortable, the wait staff was knowledgeable. The beer selection was fantastic.. and a REAL burger.. the meat was juicy and delicious topped with roasted garlic and radish.. the fries were perfect. Highly recommend!!
(5)David H.
The Refinery is the Top Chef of Tampa restaurants. The menu changes weekly. The food is modern and bordering on eccentric. And the results can be a home run or a strike out. Fans of Top Chef know that the food is far beyond what you will find at your local neighborhood grill. Rarely is a plate served without an emulsion, foam, or bechamel. Foie gras, pork belly, and tiger prawns are the norm. If you are anything like me you would love to try these interesting and uncommon concoctions, but have no way of doing so without breaking the bank at a Michelin Star restaurant. (Not to mention Tampa has minimal options for fine dining). In comes The Refinery. The menu featured General Tso's Sweetbreads, Country Style Pate, and Pork Belly with tamarind, roasted radish, pumpkin mole, pepitas, and polenta cakes. And this was just the appetizers. The plates are well thought out and have your tongue working overtime, as it unfurls the different levels of flavor. Despite the complex flavors and eclectic ingredients, the prices give your wallet a much needed reprieve. The appetizers range from $5 to $8. The most expensive items on the menu, including lamb, steak, and swordfish top in at $18. With 4 beers 3 appetizers and entrees, our tab came in under $70. Wow. I can finally try these foods at prices that won't bring tears to my eyes. Just like Top Chef, the taste and execution can vary wildly. With a menu that changes weekly, it is nearly impossible to get the consistent execution that would be expected from a stagnant or even seasonal menu. However, most of the items we had were perfectly prepared and were delightful to eat. Our only complaint was that the Prince Edward Mussels with bacon, tomato, fennel, cream, and Cuban bread badly needed some salt. I couldn't bring myself to ask for a salt shaker, but really wish I had. Other than that, the execution and presentation of our dishes was perfect. The Refinery buys the bulk of their ingrediants from local growers with a focus on sustainability and high ethics. They have an interesting selection of local and seasonal beers as well as the classics. As with everything at The Refinery, the prices are more than reasonable. The Refinery has given me the ability to frequently sample a world of cuisine that was once a rarity. The new menu update has been a treat that I look forward to every week. (Thursday at 5:00). Two thumbs way up for my new favorite restaurant in Tampa.
(5)Ross B.
I'm going to put this as simply as I can. The food here isn't very good, the portions are tiny and everything is insanely overpriced. There is a very good beer selection though so I'll give them a bonus star for that. Honestly, I don't understand why there is so much high praise given to this place. It's really not good at all.
(2)Melissa E.
The best of innovative and gourmet cooking cuisine. The food is amazing and the atmosphere is cozy. I love that the menu changes each week and is based on what is available from the local farmers. The owners are so down to earth and offer the best they have.
(5)Rob H.
Excellent food on an every changing menu as the local options and seasons change. This is just the kind of place I love. Cheerful wait staff are happy to explain all the options. The food tastes great. They do make a big deal about sourcing locally and staying seasonal. Some folks may not like this, but they prolly will after they realize it means the food is just that much better.
(4)Myrrh R.
For me, comparing food to love is the most accurate analogy I can come up with... You know how sometimes, when you're dating someone and they write you poems, and send you flowers, and serenade you beneath your window? They may have their heart in the right place, but somehow, no matter what they intend, it feels contrived? You can imagine that they would go through the same motions with any other person, because it feels like they are simply in love with the idea of love. Or maybe they're just a player. Many trendy restaurants convey this sensation with expensive decor and froufrou, overpriced food that doesn't taste good so much as it tastes fancy... Then you meet someone who fixes your appliances. They really listen when you talk. They support your dreams and bolster your confidence. You know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that they really love YOU...It's sincerity and heartfelt emotion that you get, not theatrical gestures or hollow words. At the Refinery, you can TASTE this concept... The menu is designed and executed by someone who loves the food and doesn't just seduce it into reductions or unnatural shapes. The ingredients get the respect they deserve and complement each other beautifully. My companion and I had a poached pear, barley risotto, flatiron steak, roast chicken, and an apple tart. We each had our own favorites, but everything was impeccably prepared and perfectly seasoned (there were no salt and pepper shakers in sight - now I see why).The waitstaff was friendly and casual, making us feel welcome friends, not bloated patrons. My overall experience was one that I will talk about as often as I can squeeze it into conversation...such a good meal can sometimes be hard to find!
(4)Laura L.
Delicious and affordable. I had the soup which was unlike any soup I'd ever had and the trout. Kinda tasted like salmon (I'm no fish expert) but it was delicious. Great sides. Really nice, relaxed service. All in all, loved it. Great find while traveling for work in Tampa
(5)MissEasy T.
OMG this place is awesome! Delicious everything. Great service, hard-working and humble owners who are passionate about every aspect of the restaurant. Especially love what they do to pork belly. A year in business and a James Beard nomination for Best New Restaurant tells you everything you need to know. I eat here multiple times any time I am in the Tampa Bay area visiting family which was several times last year.
(5)Allison R.
What we liked about the Refinery - ..................................................Â.... The only reason we gave them two stars was because the wait staff was extremely attentive and comped our entire bill. We were shocked to find that this restaurant received a James Beard nomination....I'm not quite clear on how this happened. Maybe they were having an off week.
(2)Fran B.
Going to the Refinery is an artistic experience. It is like going to your favorite jazz band for some improv music. You know you will most likely love most of the stuff there but occasionally there are a few pieces you are not so crazy about. That's the magic of the place, they change their menus every week and you never know what will be there. Even when you take a sneak peek of their menu online before you head over there, when you order the dishes, they still manage to surprise you with their creativity. Did I mention the prices are very reasonable too?
(5)marcie r.
2nd trip last night. Totally different menu. We shared the tamale with mole, grilled quail, frittata, and poutine. The grilled quail was super. It had a cornbread dressing seasoned with poblano and bacon. The only item that wasnt over the top was the peanut butter cookie sandwich with chocolate ice cream. Cookie was great and the ice cream was very tasty, but it was frozen as hard a brick! 10 seconds in the micro and that would have been a winner.
(5)Jessica H.
I hope that in future months The Refinery becomes my most frequented restaurant. Menu changes weekly on Thursdays. Old bungalow house with very cool feel to it. Owners are always helpful with descriptions and suggestions. The menu is mostly prepared from good from local brews and farms. I leave feeling full and morally aligned.
(5)James A.
excellent southern comfort food meets modern french. "new" menu every thursday- but very similar flair. friendly staff, quality food, reasonable prices. all food organic and local- i am a fan, and a frequent visitor
(5)Alyssa K.
Really good food! Got a peanut butter burger and my dad got the sturgeon (very good but my review is on the burger). Both were delicious. One man at a table nearby said that "it was the best burger he has ever had in his life". I can attest that it's quite up there on my ranking of burgers! Yum! They change their menus every week so I apologize if this gets anyone in the mood for peanut butter burger deliciousness. The yuca fries were alright and totally outshined by the burger, though the sauce added a little zing that went well. Be prepared to wait for your burger. I was going to get medium well but that was a 25 min wait. I opted for the medium instead, and we waited about 20 minutes as promised. It was only $11 for great burger! The ambiance was great and we sat outside on the porch- great weather! There were heat lamps around for when it was colder. Christmas lights, odd wall decorations, and esp glass mason jars for water made things feel very hipster but comfortable. Overall, I would TOTALLY recommend this for anyone! I will be returning while on break from college.
(5)Darrell F.
Interesting, eclectic, flashes of brilliance, and ultimately disappointing. I suggest avoiding any meat besides the burger. Both the duck gizzard small plate and a hanger steak were under cooked and very tough. Non meat items were very good, but small plates were too small to be a reasonable portion . Great draft beer selection, but all 3 we tried seemed flat. Bottle wine prices seemed reasonable and most people we observed were drinking wine.
(3)Z G.
This restaurant was very disappointing. It started off really well, great atmosphere but then the kitchen was running behind and it was extremely slow to get our food. When I got my entree, it was cold. I told the waitress. The manager/owner came out and she was VERY condescending and said the the plate was scorching her hand. I offered her to taste the food herself and she refused. The plate may have been WARM but the food was NOT. They brought out another entree and the other owner was VERY condescending as well and making unnecessary passive aggressive remarks. The entree was hot but BURNT which I am convinced was done on purpose. My friend took a picture, I wish I could upload it. I definitely will not return to this restaurant. it's a shame because I definitely see its potential.
(1)Sharon B.
Great place to go if you a looking for something a little different. Very creative and inventive food, cool that they have a local focus. A bit on the hipster side and the old house means the temperature is way too hot and there were flies buzzing around. But the definate highlight is a menu you won't find at many other places in Tampa.
(4)Lauren R.
This is one of our favorite places. The bar staff sometimes is a little indifferent, but it doesn't matter, because taking a beer outside upstairs is the greatest of everything. We went once to Sunday brunch, but that was a little confining. They have an outstanding blackboard detailing all the local sources of food and hurray for them!
(4)Jen C.
Apparently this is Tampa's latest foodie outpost and have to say it was pretty good. Plus love the stress on the word "conflabulate" which perfectly described my friend to a tee! Also loved the sign for the hippie entrance. They have an extensive beer list, and their menu changes every Thursday based on what the local farmers have available. My friends and I started with the potato salad and the lamb belly -- loved the lamb belly! So exotic and delicious especially with the bread pudding. For my entree I got the "Namen Ranch Poached Egg" -- sausage balls in dashi broth topped with kim chee and a poached egg. Yes, very out of my comfort zone food choice, but figure you have to be here. It didn't feel right to get the burger even though I really wanted to try it! You could tell the dish was so complex and my taste buds were overwhelmed at trying to dissect it. We also got the left hand milk stout ice cream which was served in mango coulis and candied cashews -- yay, more nuts! No in all seriousness this dessert dish was amazing -- the more you ate of it the more it changed in your mouth. Kind of indescribable -- the mango coulis was a bit acidic but balanced well with the ice cream. And the ice cream was so good it could be served by itself. I pretty much could not stop eating it. And we also got the chocolate brownie with sake-cherry coulis and topped with a house made peanut butter-like whipped cream. Delish! Would love to come back and try more.
(4)Andy F.
I've been here twice and both times were excellent. I love the building and the laid back nature of the bar upstairs. My first dinner, I had the duck confit which was amazing. My second visit I tried the poutine, chicken wings confit, pokr torchon sliders, and a salad. The poutine wasn't traditional and was very salty, but the addition of pork was a plus. The chicken wings confit were absolutely amazing. The sliders were fatty, but I just had to try them. Beer selection is always good. It's just a pleasant place to stop in once in a while.
(5)Pat P.
Great meal at the refinery. The pork belly small plate was great and then I had the rabbit, was dying to try something different and it was great. My wife is gluten free and also can't have salt or butter, they were very accommodating. The service was impeccable and will definitely be back many times....
(5)David H.
Easily the best meal I have had in the past year in the Tampa Bay area. Great service, better food. I brought close friends from Seattle and Chicago, who both are "foodies." They were very impressed, and said I better stop complaining about the food in Florida. I 'm going back this week, and wish I lived closer!
(5)Ryan D.
The refinery is located in Seminole Heights on FL Ave in a small 2 story renovated bungalow where the restaurant called "bungalow bistro" used to be (let's call it a transitional neighborhood). Nothing like and no relation to "the bungalow" that operates on Kennedy in S. Tampa. The refinery got its name when husband and wife Greg and Michelle Baker took over the restaurant so its previous owners could focus on their spa and natural healing salon next door. Michelle was a local food personality, writer and critic. Greg is a local chef who takes pride in sourcing local, organic ingredients and creating diverse menu selections that change more rapidly than the seasons (weekly). My advice: don't go there because they're the only restaurant in Tampa to ever receive a Beard nomination. Go there because like Greg's ingredients, everything about the restaurant is local and fresh. Go there because of the amazingly unique beer selection. And when you go there don't think that everything you ordered is divine because of its origin and hype, but instead judge it for what it is. It's a locally owned and operated new American restaurant that tries (with occasional fault) to allow ingredients to shine. Avoid Sunday brunch and enjoy an evening with some friends for dinner, live music and a few craft beers on the 2nd floor patio. If its open, be sure to check out the funky retro store next door. It smells funny but they have some extraordinary conversation pieces in there.
(4)George T.
My favorite restaurant in Tampa. Go for dinner, it's better than the brunch. Sit upstairs on the patio if the weather's nice.
(5)ErIc A.
I ate at the Refinery about 6 months ago and was frankly underwhelmed. I had a cold soup (I want to say it was squash based), an entree I can't remember (bad sign), chick pea fritters, and some sort of delicious peanut butter pie which is the only thing my friend and I ate that did not leave us underwhelmed. The next day at work my friends who adore the Refinery asked how we liked it and my response was eeehh. I loved the roof top patio (the weather was good) and our server was great but the soup was bland and the entree was entirely unmemorable. My friend was equally unimpressed and has already given it 3 or 4 tries. After reading various yelp reviews tonight I decided to add my 2 cents. There are actually other people like me who have not drunk the Refinery koolade! All I hAve to add is Beard shmeared. Maybe I will give it one more chance, but it better be good. ---------- I posted the above review on 7/26 and today 9/7 I am amending it. I originally gave it 2 stars but today I had a 5 star experience. My wife and I shared delicious muscles to start, a roasted squash entree, and a tasty swordfish filet. And the brownie! The food was phenomenal and just like last time, the service was great. Instead of having wine I had the Tampa-brewed Jose Marti beer and my wife had a refreshing pear cider. We thoroughly enjoyed our meal. So, what's the lesson? The menu rotates so if you have a less than stellar experience, check out the weekly menu on-line and think about giving it another chance. I am glad I did and opted to change my rating to sort of break even between my two dining experiences. We'll go back.
(4)Whitney R.
Beer selection is great as is the upstairs deck (if the weather allows outdoor dining). Menu was unappealing. My party ordered 4 items. Only 1 was decent. All 4 were overpriced. I am thrilled that it exists, and wish them luck, but the food is no where near as good as they think it is.
(2)David M.
I have never posted a review of a restaurant good or bad in my life, but I am still angry over my experience at this over-rated, ill-mannered restaurant. We got there early in the evening with hardly anyone else there, eagerly awaiting all the good things we had heard about this place. If there's ever a reason to ignore the Best Restaurant Polls, etc in Creative Loafing, this is it. The guy who waited on us appeared to be the manager, and was not very friendly at all. He was arrogant from the start. My wife ordered a hamburger, and I ordered chicken wings and the frittes appetizer. Simple stuff really, but after 15-20 mins the guy came over and said our food would be up any minute now. It was 35 mins overall before our food came. No apology, nothing. Starving we inhaled everything, whereupon Mr Personality reappeared sniffing, "I guess the food was good". When I pointed out that he had starved us for 35 mins, he merely asked if we wanted any dessert. Got the bill and left, suppressing the urge unload on this guy. To top it all off, another group came in shortly before we got our food, and got their food in less than 10 mins. Two of the dishes were the same ones I ordered. NEVER going back there again, BTW the food was okay nothing at all worth bragging about.
(1)Abby S.
Great atmosphere, very friendly staff, and the choices were all very interesting! My food was a little cold when it came out, but I chalked it up to being in a large group. Overall I would say the food was good, but didn't meet my high expectations, as The Refinery came so highly recommended. But the menu changes all the time, and I look forward to going back!
(4)Evanlee H.
Five stars for creativity and unique cuisine. We have had brunch here prior to trying it out dinner. We like opportunities to be adventurous when it comes to dining out so we started out with the chicken liver. It had a smooth texture and smoky flavor which went well with the creole crustini. For our entrees we had the burger and hangar steak. Both were very delicious and meticulously prepared Alex our waiter was wonderful and we look forward to coming back.
(5)Heather M.
Greens, ham and eggs are an excellent brunch choice and the service was quick and excellent.
(4)Aleema A.
Yes yes yes! I love this place. I have been there twice very recently and I have been very happy each time. I really like that they shake up the menu every week. I would definitely recommend going there for brunch. I would recommend getting the Manmosa. They come in Mason jars which is a very cute touch. They also have HH every weekday from 5-7. The downstairs area is a little small, but they also have an outside patio upstairs. I recently had the frittata with pork belly and it was absolutely wonderful!
(5)Megan S.
Delicious food, beautiful presentation. The atmosphere is unique and hip. We sat on the roof on a gorgeous day. The menu changes often and they have vegan options as well.
(5)Jon H.
The Refinery was everything I hoped it would be. I've had this place in my sights for a while and finally made it in on Friday evening. It wasn't ridiculously busy like I thought it would be, but it's still recommended to have reservations. We did and were sat promptly. The food was out of bounds. All the ingredients are fresh and local which appealed to me. The braised short rib was cooked perfectly, tender, and tasted great with the polenta and stout-Dijon-cheddar sauce with caramelized onions. The chocolate trifle was... amazeballs. If I could have stuck my head in the Mason jar it was served in to get every last bit of chocolate pastry cream... I would have. Our server was a friendly guy But I felt kind of rushed by him. I'm not sure if he just has an energetic personality but it seemed he was pressing us to make every decision quickly. A couple of times we told him we needed more time to make our decision and he was polite. Like I said, nice guy but I don't like feeling rushed. I know servers want to turn over tables, but this isn't Applebees. When I'm spending over $110 with gratuity for only two people, I don't want to feel rushed. In a restaurant with stellar food like The Refinery, I want to relax, enjoy my meal and the experience. I was going to end the review there, but I don't want to leave this on a semi-negative note because I believe The Refinery deserves all the praise it's received. If I could, I'd come back weekly to try the new items on the menu. They've been placed on my list of places to take family and friends who are visiting.
(4)Carlos H.
Seriously one of the best if not the best restaurant in Tampa Bay. The experience is always new because the menu changes every week - the delicious burger I had in December for my birthday dinner was completely different from the goat cheese burger I enjoyed last weekend, however both left me in food heaven. Chef Greg Baker is an impressive chef that mixes things up and the price is just right - allowing you to allow quality food at very reasonable prices. Almost every item on the menu is under $20. You don't have to make the sacrifice of good food vs. affordable food. I like dining on the second floor in the lighted outdoor patio area. It certainly adds a nice mix-up to usual Seminole Heights ambiance, though still something you would expect to find because it just screams local. The pork belly or pork in general is always amazing and the desserts never disappoint! I can't stay away from the burgers because they are 1000x better than any so-called gourmet burger places in town - the quality of the meat is just fantastic. No need for ketchup or mayo - the meat is packed with flavor and the toppings are always delicious. Also only $10-12? Same price as any of the burger joints in town! Red Robin fanatics need to wake-up and go to The Refinery for a real burger. Cool beer selection too, I visited last week during Tampa Bay Beer Week and actually won a gift basket which was cool. My friends from Michigan were enjoying some beer buckets for the occasion. They ordered almost every major entree and loved every item. The place gets slammed, but the wait is absolutely worth it! Chef Baker was nominated for a James Beard award two years in a row, and it's no surprise with such amazing and fresh local food at his establishment.
(5)OU81 2.
Overpriced Food with Poor Execution of the Menu and Table Service. The service and execution of the menu suffered greatly, due to the stoic and unprofessional demeanor of the wait staff. Although the restaurant was only 1/2 full...NO one even approached our table for almost 15 minutes and when they did...they dropped off several glasses of water and then disappeared for another 10! Beware of the tall (male) lanky waiter...he is an unfriendly, pretentious little douche-bag! As for the menu...most items are overpriced, budget-sized portions...worse than that...they were served to us below temperature like they were sitting at the pass for 15 minutes (coincidence?). I asked for mid-rare, but my four ounce hanger steak was served to me rare and near cold...as well as the teaspoon of mashed potatoes that came with it. The seasoning was good...if that helps - uh not really. The small plate I received before that...was just that...small! For $11 I ordered the pork belly which was (and I'm not kidding) two inches long and was severely overcooked and tough with no fat content...I've had pork belly that melts in your mouth - this surely wasn't even close to that. My wife and another guest had the four foul-smelling shrimp that were drowning in a full inch of broth...and at the very bottom of that was a mushy polenta cake. Yum! ...and only $19! What a deal! There were several other entrees and small plates that our group ordered...and they all failed miserably! I must make mention of the desserts...as they were the Coup de Grâce of the evening! There were only two choices...a 'Naner Pudding Tiramisu and a Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookie; we had both. The pudding was just ok...the lady finger gave it a kinda funny, unwelcome texture; I have had many banana puddings that blow this one out of the water and for less than half the price! mymilliways.com/wp-conte… Finally an $8 cookie should be good right? Maybe served warm? Forget it! They serve these HARD...day old...tooth-busting...cow patties COLD! REALLY???? I live by the law of..."Never Send Food Back"...we ALL know what happens - and if you think it doesnt...your are clueless! So I had to bite the bullet on this...but that wont stop me from sharing my experience here in this review - I would like to believe that this sub-par quality and service wasn't Chef Baker's intention, but that doesnt excuse him for letting it happen. IMHO...every restaurant gets only one shot to make a good impression on their customers. I gave you two stars for effort...
(2)Allison D.
Service was spectacular! We had the steak and pork shoulder. We had a really nice wine too. Super good atmosphere, really well lit at night. Good dim lighting. The food fusions were fantastic. A really good mastery of blending flavor a together!!!
(5)No Longer Yelping B.
This place is fantastic. It reminded me of the Spotted Pig in NY, except with a lot more space and a lot LESS smug. (and without all that stupid shit all over the walls.) The menu is small, but perfect for people like me who have a hard time making decisions. The beer selection is good and they have some decent wines as well. Service was amazing and the food was awesome. If you haven't checked this place out yet, definitely do so. You won't regret it.
(5)Amy C.
I can't say enough about how much I love coming to eat at the Refinery, and bringing friends and family to enjoy the unique menu Chef Greg and his team create on a weekly basis. Affordable gourmet is exactly what it is, and appreciate being able to participate in what otherwise might be out of my budget. Plenty of small plates options for all to choose from, my favorite had been the brussel sprouts, by far. I think we got 3 "refills"! I've had amazingly moist chicken dishes, love their yukon fries and house made ketchup. The Hamburger and steak never disappoint. I don't usually have room for dessert, but had always been a tasty midnight snack. Reservations highly recommended, but the deck works nicely too.
(5)Scott P.
Still recovering from today's daily special and wishing I could eat their bacon every day of my life.
(5)Andrew H.
It seriously pains me to say this, it really does but...it needs to be said: The food here has really gone downhill fast. Granted: I only come here once a year (Decemberish), so maybe we just hit it on a bad night. I got the Israeli Couscous...it was both boring and bland, and sickeningly too-rich at the same time. My mom god some sort of mushroom dish...(my mind is totally blanking...it was an interesting vegetarian take on a traditionally meaty-dish..UPDATE: I think it was eggplant bulgogi)..and, it was...by far...the saltiest thing I have ever tasted. It reminded me of swimming in the Gulf of Mexico and accidentally swallowing a gulp of ocean. It actually hurt and stung my mouth, that's how salty it was. The service was great and the beer options are still fantastic. I really hope this was a fluke, and that the food gets better. I'd hate to see Tampa lose one of its few, rare, good eateries.
(2)Ericka J.
What a unique restaurant. I do have to say it is very different but in a good way. It has that old school hippie feel, but don't let that fool you. The downstairs area is kind of small and intimate so if it's date night this would be the perfect place to go. But on the other hand if you have a small group of people they have an upstairs patio that is outside. The food is great and the service good as well. I'm not a huge beer drinker so I liked the fact that they had some great ciders on the menu. I like the fact that they change the menu weekly so don't except to find the same thing each time you visit. I would give this place a try if you want to try something different.
(4)D'Angelo B.
The atmosphere is wonderful and places like this are what makes Seminole Heights so great. The food is exceptional and the service is top notch, if you haven't tried it, make sure you do!!
(5)Amanda M.
After reading all the awesome reviews on this place I must say we were disappointed. We were here about two months ago or so. I don't know why I didn't write a review then. we were disappointed with pretty much our whole meal. In all fairness it could have just been an off night for them. Maybe if we are ever on that side of town again we will check it out again and give it another chance.
(2)Natalie J.
A coworker asked a bunch of us today a simple q. so so early this morning. If we could be anywhere at this moment... where would we be. I was the 1st to respond. Simple. Brunch at the Refinery. Many others said glorious places in the world. I stand by what I said.
(5)Melissa Z.
(Drumroll, please) The winner of Best Dinner since moving from Atlanta to Tampa goes to... THIS PLACE! From the atmosphere to the food to the service, every detail here is 5 star quality. Food is exalted to the heavens by a divine chef with the angelic intention to bring diners and their taste buds to the best farm to table culinary experience. So far since my move to the Tampa Bay Area, this is the only place I've found with a stellar seasonal menu that tastes better than even the menu description reads. Seriously, the menu changes weekly, judging by the weekly updated printed menu we received. That's why you won't find a menu online - I looked. But I'm here to tell you, GO! They have something for everyone! From Market fresh fish to the most unique burger or chicken entree you will likely ever get to eat in FLorida, to vegetarian and even Vegans options are here. This restaurant will impress out of town friends or date without breaking the bank. This genius chef is devilish creative with every single menu item down to the ketchup you eat with your fries. No - commercial ketchup is not good enough for this chef's diners; even the ketchup is made in house. I ordered the black eyes pea falafel with a zucchini relish (Greek Southern fusion - are you kidding me!?!); my boyfriend ordered the burger with some sort of fall-inspired beet topping which is typically not his thing, but it was a burger and he was game for something unique. Both were outrageously delicious. The black eyed peas were spicy and so delicately fried it could have passed for baked. The spice from the black eye pea falafel was balanced by the refreshingly cool taste if the zucchini relish. It is a crazy combination, to be sure, but the delicious taste is undeniable. What makes this dining experience so unique is the fusion of flavors and cuisines that you won't find anywhere else. You look at the menu and you will scratch your head wondering if the combination of flavors will work and it DOES. No normal person with average culinary abilities could successfully deliver the perfect tasteful balance like this chef. He seriously should be nominated to go on top chef or iron chef or something. As for service, I've been to a couple of 5 star restaurants since I've been here while the service was good it was not nearly as friendly or good as here. Peter was our waiter and even though we showed up only 20 mins til close he could not have been more gracious. They only serve beer from independent breweries (awesome!) and even let us taste a sample before committing to a full glass. As for atmosphere, it is a hipster trendy setting with a younger crowd then you'll find in other places in FL. It has a fairly elegant main dining room nice enough for a date and the rooftop patio makes an excellent hangout spot for groups. LOVE love this place. I can't recommend it enough.
(5)Ronald T.
Great eclectic atmosphere, friendly waiter, delish food. Great vegetarian fare for wife and I had the burger. Don't even get me started on the fries. Won't disappoint
(5)K S.
Love this place! I've dined here for a girls night out, date night, anniversary celebration. It fits all occasions. It's a such a chill, quaint restaurant. Service is always pretty good, but it's on the slower side. It's not a place to rush in and eat and get out. You're taking your time to enjoy the food and drinks. We've had so many dishes here and have enjoy nearly all of it (e.g. chicken breast, burgers, fish, pork, etc.). It's a must try in Seminole Heights.
(5)Alicia P.
Great find in Seminole Heights. I've heard the hype, expected great things....I was not impressed, although it was good and willing to come back and give it another try. 5 stars for the Farm to Table concept and being locally owned and run. 4 stars for the service. 3 stars for the food. 3 stars for the location. 1 for the wine selection. We walked in downstairs and everyone was dressed a bit more than we were, it was nice outside so we went upstairs where it was a lot more casual. We sat, ordered drinks after a bit of a wait (but it was busy upstairs!) and then finally our entrees. The menu is very short and sweet. You get an option of a fish, a chicken, a burger, and a couple other things but that's it. Whatever's available and fresh that week - that's what you get. I like that they change the menu weekly. I ordered the fish, which was a sea trout. The plate wasn't warmed, but the food was quite hot which I really like. When I tasted my first bite with a tad bit of everything on the plate, the flavors really came together and I thought "this is really good". But when I tasted the fish alone, there was zero seasoning to it. Just fish. I like fish, but I like to have a splash of something on the fish itself. Mixing the flavors together is what made this dish good. Not exceptional, not great....just good. The portion size was a bit small, this happened to work out great for me since there was an after dinner fondue at my house later, but if I were coming here for dinner with no other after dinner plans, it may not have really been enough. Although in true portion sizes that we "should" be eating, it was probably right. But when you compare it to the whole 1/2 chicken my husband was served, he only ate 1/2 of it. There was a distinct difference in portion size from his chicken to my fish. His chicken was also flavored....his dish was better overall in portion, flavor, etc... I was a bit disappointed overall, but feel that another week with a different menu might do me better. And I won't order the fish..... ;) And may try Sunday Brunch instead before returning for dinner....mix it up a little...
(3)Tiffany B.
Let's start with the positives. Great food. Delicious food. Would I say 5 star food? Probably not. I'd give it a 4.5, which is still very impressive. So. That's where the positives end. Seating is absolutely terrible. We were stuck in a tiny corner, and my chair & table was pushed so closely to the wall that I had to step over the chair to sit down. Look, don't cram as many tables and chairs as you can into a small space just to increase your profit margin. I'd like to be comfortable while I'm eating. God forbid I need to get up to go to the restroom. The service was legitimately terrible. He'd come over, we'd order, and we wouldn't see him for 15 minutes. At one point we wondered if he had forgotten to put our appetizer order in. Same thing happened with dinner. And to add insult to injury, a table who had gotten there quite a while after us received their food before us! Lame. I had high hopes for the restaurant, but sadly it did not live up. Chances are pretty good that I won't be returning.
(3)Travis S.
It's a very different kind of restaurant. We made reservations for 5PM and got there a little easier to find that they don't open the doors until right at 5. We found this restaurant on a list of the top 10 best Tampa Bay restaurants so we thought it must be a good find. They don't give you any bread to snack on while your waiting for your food to come out. I always order a iced tea with and orange instead of lemon because it makes it so much more flavorful and they didn't have oranges and their tea was really bland and had a weird taste to it. Another person at our table got water and he said that it taste weird as well. There was also lip stick around the rim of several glasses. The fish special today was Cobia so I decided to go for that and another person at the table decided to go for the quail. Let's just say I'm glad I didn't choose the quail as it was a very small portioned. The Cobia was cooked perfectly and it was pretty good but for the price I have had better. Overall there was not much to choose from on the menu and the few choices they had were pretty grim.
(3)Karla N.
I have never had a bad meal here but it's been a little while since I been there. I remember eating a Mexican chocolate soufflé so out of this world that everything I go back I ask when is going to be in the menu again.
(4)Aeric S.
Great place! Just stopped in after readin a little bit online on places to check out and this place has a great everything. The staff is super friendly, the patio/bar is awesome and the food is fantastic. Nothing super specific (just because I'm not great at describing things lol) but come and see for yourself! Definitely recommend.
(5)Todd B.
What a find. Seminole Heights isn't much to look at, but this was an awesome find by my girlfriend in an otherwise lackluster area (I am referring to the general environment, not commenting on any other restaurants, which if they are like refinery, are probably awesome). We showed up here at 10:45 based on the restaurant's yelp page that said they were open until 1. They aren't. The closed at 11:00. Nevertheless, we were treated graciously and very hospitably. One would expect to at least be given a dirty look when you walk in 15 minutes before close, but not here. Maybe they were all just having a good night. Getting to the important stuff, I have to start with the service. Peter was fantastic. Extensive knowledge of the menu, constantly smiling, gracious to a fault (he was a bit like Wesley from Princess Bride, only instead of responding to every request with "as you wish," he responded with "at your service"). He gave us his recommendations, and he wasn't wrong. I was trying to decide between a burger, which looked a bit odd (had beets on it) or a chicken sandwich, which was $7 more expensive, and he pushed me to the burger. The food was incredible. Fresh and delicious doesn't do it justice. There was so much flavor, and even the things you would think wouldn't work (beets on a burger, what?) were awesome. The chef at the refinery might be straddling that thin line between genius and insanity, but everything he did worked. My girlfriend got a falaffel (sp?) thing that she couldn't get enough of either. The menu changes weekly, but don't be concerned about not being able to review the menu online before going. You will like it. A lot. They also have a number of craft brews, different than what you would find elsewhere, but very good. Not much of a beer drinker, but I tried a pale ale (wish I could remember the name) and enjoyed it immensely. I am so looking forward to my next trip here.
(5)Michelle M.
Wow, wow, wow! I am in love with The Refinery!!! I admit I have not been to the Refinery sooner due to its location in Seminole Heights. I hang my head in shame for my poor judgment. I loved the charming and quirky vibe of the restaurant! The menu prices were surprisingly affordable. Usually "snobby" food gets snobby prices and snobby service, but the Refinery is quite the opposite and super laidback! Be sure to reserve a table upstairs on the balcony. We decided to eat downstairs because there was a thirty minute wait for a table upstairs. Our meal downstairs was fabulous, but the restaurant's atmosphere is so much better upstairs. Expect fresh seasonal items in all of The Refinery's dishes. The menu changes weekly, but favorites like the burger and hangar steak are always present. The sides and toppings will change depending on what is in season. We started off our meal with the most amazing Pork Belly Bun. My husband got a bowl of the Butternut Squash Bisque...whoa, flavor explosion!!! I was torn between ordering the couscous and the pork chop, but decided on the pork chop after our helpful waiter, Peter, informed us pork was the chef's specialty. Wow, was this dish the best pork dish I have ever had!!! The pork was stuffed with cheese and some other indescribable goodness...perhaps love? We finished off our meal with a Blondie with Bourbon ice cream. Also exceptional!!! We unanimously agreed this dessert tasted like a "special" brownie. Maybe the earthy flavor we detected was from the liquor infused ice cream? This was one of the most special meals I have experienced in Tampa. I will definitely be back soon!
(5)Simon I.
Much praises have been written about Refinery. They are constantly recommended for buying local and keeping a revolving menu. They have a wide selection of beer and wine. They certainly offer a creative touch to each dish served. For example, The Chicken Confit is a great starter ( served with bacon-potato croquette, garlic buttermilk fancy sauce, fennel, lemon) and pair with one of their Pale Ales - a marvelous combination. Move onto the Pan Roasted Chicken Breast ( with bacon mashed potatoes, grilled avocado, dill glazed carrots, ranch) or Fish dish of the day ( during my visit I had a mutton snapper dish ). Each item is pleasing to the eye and bursting with flavor. The indoor seating space ( cozy and small ) requires reservation due to very limited seating, the upstairs patio is open and has a bar - great place to hang out and enjoy drinks. The serving staff are pleasant though nothing special stands out about the service, it is not bad. Refinery is certainly doing its best to serve its patronage with great experience each time and with their revolving menu, you are not bored with repeat visits.
(4)Ryan Z.
Super hipster spot on the outskirts of downtown Tampa. We walked in through the kitchen entrance (at least it felt that way) but were immediately welcomed and brought to our table. Wine prices were fair and the food was delicious. The standout was surprisingly the buffalo cauliflower with blue cheese slaw appetizer. Two weeks later, I'm still thinking about it. The fish special was delicious. My only gripe was that the quail was too heavily breaded. It was tough to find the meat through all that breading. Other than that, the food was stellar and the service was on point.
(4)Katy S.
Been here twice, both times for brunch. I had heard so much about The Refinery and living walking distance from there, I always wanted to check it out. First and foremost, the manmosa. It is a mimosa in a mason jar...GENIUS! I don't remember the name of the food item I ordered the first time I was here (Irish Breakfast Bowl, maybe?), but it was the bomb diggety. Scrambled eggs, button mushrooms, grits, sausage, and refried beans - it was a party in my mouth. Yesterday, I ordered the John Denver (pulled pork shoulder, collards, biscuits, and eggs). I definitely liked the first thing I ordered better, but the John Denver was quite delicious as well. I am all about supporting Seminole Heights businesses but was a little worried that this place may be pretentious, just based on their gourmet reputation. Boy, was I wrong. The staff has been so nice both times I've been there and the service was quick, even though we had a larger group the last time I was there. I am definitely looking forward to checking out dinner at The Refinery!
(4)Adam Y.
Went here with a group of 4 on my girlfriend's birthday because we had wanted to try it for a long time. The restaurant is a two-story house so if you dine inside you have a direct view of the kitchen, it makes you feel like a dinner guest at a close friends, very unique. The service was excellent, I forget the waitresses name but she was very attentive and was not trying to rush us out of there even though we were the last ones left in the dining room @ 9pm. The food tasted excellent, everyone in our party enjoyed what they ordered. The only thing keeping me from a 5 star rating is the price. Their appetizers, while very tasty, are a tad on the small side and $8+. I'll be coming back soon, hopefully to check out the rooftop patio.
(4)Adam J.
I liked the atmosphere and the farm to table concept is always nice. I also appreciate the inventive menu that is updated regularly. For me I would MUCH prefer a few staple items that you can count on. And while the combinations are interesting, they don't always hit the mark. We started with a broccoli and ham soup that was fine, but just not that tasty. It was unlike anything I have had before, but I wouldn't order it again. Original alone doesn't make a good dish. Our entrees were a hangar steak with bacon, rainbow chard and zucchini. The steak was well prepared and the zucchini was good when you got some of the bacon but wasn't anything phenomenal. Good but not great. The other entree was roast pork shoulder with a beet risotto. The pork shoulder had some bites that were very good but other bites tasted more like bland pot roast - not what I was hoping for. The beet risotto seemed like something that was fun to try in the kitchen but shouldn't have made it to the menu yet. It was pretty boring. Add in the lack of a full bar and the rather pricey menu and it isn't the kind of place I plan to frequent.
(3)Kim B.
This place speaks for itself. Just go! You won't be disappointed! Had the burger tonight. Excellent!
(5)Marysol V.
I have had the best Hanger steak here. Nobody else has been able to top it. We came here on a Sunday evening with hopes of sitting on the cute outdoor balcony sitting area. No luck: they were completely booked. We ended up sitting at the bar but still got great service. The Food: Beet Enchilada: Basically an egg roll wrapper stuffed with duck confit and sauced with an amazing red chile and beet sauce. This is much more amazing than it sounds...really. I recommend for the adventurous foodie person! The Hanger Steak: Perfectly cooked and juicy. Awesome flavor and wonderfully roasted wild mushrooms on the side. I took a bite and swooned. The bread pudding was surreal I highly recommend for those looking for an unpretentious and simple meal!
(5)Patrick L.
I'm glad to upgrade my review. The first time I went, it was with a larger group - and I'm not really thinking this is a larger-group kind of place. Plus, back then the restaurant seemed a little too full of itself, trying too hard to be cutesy with its food without delivering on value at all. This past visit, it just felt like the place on the balance wasn't "trying" as hard - and it was for the better. The menu wasn't as precious, with more of a focus on high quality, fresh, local ingredients. Plus, with a party of 2 rather than a group of 7, I thought the value was miles better. With 2, you can share a few plates, have dessert, and feel satiated without spending THAT much - whereas with 7, the plates weren't going very far at all, requiring more ordering and a proportionately larger bill, somehow. Beef tongue, polenta, and pork shoulder were our choices, but what I had isn't entirely relevant for Yelp review purposes, as the menu will change every week. It's updated on the Refinery's website, so if you're not crazy about the posted menu, just wait a week and give it another look.
(4)KT C.
Went for dinner on a Friday night. There were no open seats in the dining area so we went upstairs to the bar, which was outside and even more charming, in my opinion. Laid back atmosphere, creative food combinations for the dishes. I had the burger and bf had the fish special for that night- both were excellent. Great service and setting.
(5)Shrutika S.
Loved our experience at The Refinery - A farm to table experience with mis-matched plates, mason jars and unique combinations of food that (mostly) worked! Enjoyed the small plates more than the mains so would recommend ordering a variety of those to share. The bacon cauliflower panna cotta and chilled roasted brocolli with burrata were examples of interesting pairings that worked!
(5)Tracey F.
Quaint and fun. Yummy spicy sake bloody Mary's. I had a great hash and biscuit trash. Service was friendly and quick.
(4)Michael T.
This place is amazing. The burger I had was second to none and nothing will be better. The patio is a great little place to eat some food and hang out drinking brews. Would highly recommend a visit.
(5)Chris B.
I'm willing to admit I shunned Seminole Heights longer than I should have. I wish I hadn't! I've heard about the Refinery before but assumed it would be pretty expensive as most hipster spots tend to be. Again, I was wrong! We didn't have any food. We came for after dinner drinks. The place was packed at about 8:30 on a Friday. There weren't any seats downstairs so we ventured upstairs to find a table on the patio. Again, nothing, but we did snag two bar stools inside (right in front of the drafts, so I can't complain). The bartenders were all great and worked as a team. The upstairs bar is pretty small, maybe a total of 12 seats, but it was still pretty cool. We looked at the menu and it all looked fantastic, but we were still full from dinner. Next time we will make sure we're hungry, and make reservations so we can eat in their main dining room downstairs! Props, Seminole Heights.
(4)Taira F.
I have to admit I was not a fan my first few visits. The dishes I tasted never left me desiring to come back. Which was okay since the menu changes weekly. The rooftop patio is great for relaxing with friends and a couple of drinks. I recently went back for a birthday dinner and the chef special was something that finally raised the bar for me. I stopped in today for their brunch and after picking out 3 plates I will proudly say they have the best brunch in Seminole heights. Ella's is their brunch competition and I encourage you to try Ella's once but keep coming back to the refinery because they have better things to offer.
(4)Marcy L.
I was so disappointed. Started the night by asking for the Malbec (by the glass) and they were out of stock. I inquired about another red wine and was advised that it was "a nice taste of Italian berries", which it was listed on the menu as originating from Spain. We had the Hanger Steak (ordered Medium heat) and I couldn't get over how bloody and tasteless it was. I order the Mahi- Mahi special and again was disappointed with the size of meat and the taste. We finished off with two desserts- a cheesecake and panna cotta. It literally, again, had no significant flavor. Couldn't believe the amount of positive press this establishment has received after a disappointing experience.
(1)Andrew D.
A group of us came here for beers and half of us had food. The place is all organic, and fresh. Our waiter at The Columbian Restaurant mentioned it at lunch. He was telling us about how Mario Batali was here all night, just last month. It sounded good to us, so popped by. The main dining room downstairs, is rather bare-bones, and homely. What I liked was the upstairs mini bar, and outdoor patio area. I started with a draft Rare Vos Amber Ale. I rarely find this upstate NY beer anywhere, so I was impressed that they had it. I then had a local Tampa draft. I commenced with the burger. The burger with thick cut bacon and homemade chutney was awesome, it tasted fresh and was on a flaky bun. Our waiter explained that for other weeks they will do burgers with peanut butter, or other non-traditional toppings. I don't know about all of those, but this burger was very good. The house made ketchup was different. Certainly not as sweet as Heinz. On their menu they seem to always have a steak, a chicken, a veg, and at least one fish for entrees. Small plates offer items like Sweet Breads (Cow glands) and other interesting stuff. Thus you truly have a mix of experimental and homely cuisine. The service, was friendly, knowledgeable, and non-pretentious. I will most certainly be back for one of my next trips to Tampa.
(4)Mandy G.
My friends and I have been excited about trying this place for a while and finally got there on a Wednesday night. It was crowded but they were able to seat us at a beautiful outdoor table. The ambience is very nice. It went downhill from there. The waiter mumbled and was annoyed with us from the start. We told him we had never been there and he wasn't trying to impress. We ordered the white bean crostini and all 3 of us took one bite and that was all we wanted. We were never asked why we left the entire plate uneaten. We ordered 2 entrees to share and the best one was the broccoli risotto. But the pork shank which had a hair in it and flank steak were boring. For dessert there were two choices, we chose the jalepeno beignets. They had no flavor and tasted like bad cornbread. I told the waiter we didn't like it and we would like to try the eggnog bread pudding. It was just ok, kind of dry and boring. I am sad to say I won't recommend this place to anyone. The prices are high for the quality and service.
(2)Ameesh P.
In the many years I have lived in Florida, I've always been meaning to try this place. I was quick to accept an invitation by friends to try this place out for one of our brunch outings. I was pleasantly surprised at the variety of brunch items on the menu that would meet everyone's diverse tastes. I definitely recommend the "Manmosa" if you are there around the brunch hours as this gives you a lot more beverage for your money than a normal "Mimosa." The service and food was served up quite quickly, especially for a party of 9 that we were a part of. Nobody had any complaints and everyone was very satisfied with their order. Much to my surprise, when my check arrived, I was shocked at how economical such a gourmet meal had turned out. A definite must if you are in the area. I'll sure go back again!
(4)Claudia M.
Absolutely love this place! Dined here with my boyfriend and we were both very pleased. The menu changes weekly so you see something new. They use local ingredients which is always nice to hear when you see that Tampa is full of small businesses. The whole restaurant is small but such a great atmosphere. Downstairs you are feet away from the exposed kitchen. Upstairs is the bar (inside) and the balcony has outside seating with fans and shades to avoid the FL sun in the early evening. My boyfriend had the burger and I had the pulled pork and it was delicious. Everything was compiled in the center (pulled pork, greens, corn bread on top of baked beans) and the tastes all together made a great dish ... I wish they could bring it back! The Refinery even serves local brew from Cigar City! It's worth a try. We arrived about 10 minutes before they opened at there were already people waiting outside the restaurant so I suggest making a reservation or getting there early. I do remember our server telling us the balcony is first come first serve.
(5)Rush S.
hands down the best biscuits n' gravy we have ever had. I suggest you order 2 orders to prevent fights...
(5)Dahoniel P.
I have now been to the Refinery three times and I have yet to find anything wrong with my time there. They are as good as it gets in Tampa, Florida. I love what they do and it gets me coming back every single time. The location is perfect for me, as I live in Seminole Heights, and so I hold it close to home. I love that they change the menu every week and that makes it that much more appealing because you never know what you are going to get, and as far as now, it has not proven bad. Whether you are dining downstairs in the dimly lit dining room, or on the deck upstairs, this place just seems to have everything working for it. The space, the location, it all just seems to fit, seamlessly. The staff is always nice and informative and ready to help. Parking has never been a problem for me, but I can see how it might be problematic for a stuffed crowd. Nonetheless, it is definitely worth coming to anytime you need a great dining night out. The food is always fresh and prepared with the upmost respect, it's presentation always an awe to me no matter the dish. Their craft beers are thirst quenching and they always seem to hit the spot. They also offer Buddy Brew coffee after a nice meal and dessert and that is truly the key to my heart. All in all, this is my oasis. The Refinery is my favorite location to go to in the bay area. They have won my heart over and have yet to fail on any one of the categories required to wow a patron. For me, they excel in service, food, and everything in between. The lights always seem to be just right, and the food and acknowledgement right on time. I cannot say enough about my experiences at the Refinery, but I do know that I plan to come back as many times as possible, and I also hope to refer as many people as possible as well. It is always a true pleasure to dine here, and I definitely recommend any Yelpers to go check it out for themselves.
(5)Erica M.
We heard great things about The Refinery so when my sister bought us a gift certificate here for my birthday (which was a week before we moved to the area), we were psyched! We came for dinner the other night and overall, we were extremely disappointed in our meal. We enjoyed a bottle of white wine (super reasonable prices) followed by a chickpea and okra appetizer, which was tasty. Nothing special, but good. For entrees, my husband got the fish special, which was a wahoo with a chickpea and sausage side. I got the cabbage enchiladas. We waited a very long time for our entrees, and our server never said a word. It was baffling. The wahoo came out INCREDIBLY overcooked. It was some of the most overcooked, dry fish I have ever eaten. My cabbage enchiladas were good, but tasted surprisingly of Indian flavors. Fortunately, I like Indian, but I certainly wasn't expecting those flavors in an enchilada. I saw on the menu that they intentionally use mismatched, chipped dishes. I like the idea of mismatched silverware and servingware, but it wasn't "cute" mismatched...everything just seemed cheap. The silverware was so flimsy and I couldn't even cut the cabbage or okra with my knife. I found the entire experience to be more reminiscent of a diner than a nice restaurant. To top it all off, they wouldn't let us leave tip on our gift certificate, so now we have $20 left in a gift certificate. Can't say I'm dying to go back and use it....
(3)Kelly Q.
I wasn't super impressed by the Refinery brunch. I definitely was going in with high expectations. I ordered the brioche french toast with fried plantains and walnuts. Sounds good, right? Among everything that went wrong with the dish: The bread was too dry, the plantains too hard, and overall way too much sugar. My side potatoes were delish, however they were a substitute as I was looking to having this bacon that they were outrageously charging $5 for. How could I not get bacon when their logo is a pig? When I expressed to our waitress, "This bacon better be out of this world for $5" she expressed that they were out of their special house smoke bacon and that it would just be regular ol' bacon. My jaw dropped as I said, "And you would still charge me $5?! For regular store bought bacon?!" Pass. I can get a whole packet of bacon at the store for that amount. Secondly, as I couldn't finish my super sweet, kinda unappetizing french toast, I was still hungry and thankfully was able to chow down on some biscuits and gravy that a friend couldn't finish. That dish was definitely an improvement, but the biscuits were really hard to cut through, it took quite a bit of muscle. At this point I might as well add on to my list of complaints by saying my mimosa was warm... I don't know about everyone else but orange juice doesn't taste the best warm, nor does champagne. I was very confused. Overall, The Refinery just shorted me left and right. Everything looked really good to my eyes but I was less so impressed when it got to my mouth. I'm willing to give them one more try, however. Maybe I should try their dinner menu instead.
(3)Wes B.
If you are looking for an eclectic succulent experience, i would highly recommend this place. The menu is original and revised every week. 3 of us went and tried each other's entrees and love them all!
(4)Jaclyn V.
Great local place! I saw an article about places in Tampa that use local ingredients, and Refinery was at the top of the list. I came on a Sunday night, and they had live music on the deck. I had the burger, which was delicious, with fries, which were even better. Highly recommend!
(5)Bruno F.
I have a place 2 blocks away from The Refinery and I cant believe it was this close. I didn't even know it. If you walk up to this place you'll think they have no customers but once you walk thru the door, you'll see its far from it! If you don't want to be inside and prefer to sit outside they have a wonderful patio deck on the roof where you can catch a nice cool breeze from the fans. They serve delicious ice tea in these very cool mason jars. Makes me feel right at home in the South. I started off with the Boiled Peanuts because my god son was in love with them. If you can get a 5 year old to enjoy boiled peanuts, then you know you have to try them. I had the house fish that day, but what interests me the most was they'll have different specials based off what produce is bought from your local farmers. That is by far, pretty freakin awesome. The fish was amazing and the veggies that came with were very delicious and well seasoned. Im not too crazy behind the fact they're very strict on their menu and will not allow you to substitute any item. But, that doesn't bother me too much because I can basically eat anything, it was more for my guests I had with me. If thats their signature then I will have to deal with it. This little Gem is located in Seminole Heights, Hillsborough County and is a must try on your next trip into Tampa.
(4)Pete W.
Best damn restaurant in Tampa. Easily accommodated our last minute late night large group. Kept the drinks and food flowing, and provided brisk friendly service. And the food? Stupidly good. Put it in your mouth. Go here immediately and do yourself a favor. This place is amazing.
(5)S. N.
Amazing steak, amazing service, and amazing atmosphere. Would come here again and again for all three. Perfect for a romantic evening or to catch up with a friend. The food was very fresh and filling. No small bites at this place. Love the décor and lighting -I felt like I was eating at someone's house.
(5)Valerie B.
I fancy myself a culinary explorer. On a trip to Tampa, based on a Yelp article, I found The Refinery. This place isn't for everyone. The menu changes frequently based on what's in season and local. I like that. If they're smoking meat, when we were there it was quail sausage, the smoker is on the rooftop patio and makes you smell like a campfire. I like that. They are little on pretense and big on flavor profiles. They made me want to take foodie porn pics. There is a sense of community here and the occasional whiff of great food walking by you. Yeah...I like that.
(5)Melissa F.
I adore this place! It's a special occasion restaurant for us because it doesn't seem right to go here and not go all out. I had a salad here once that I still dream about - greens with boiled peanuts, a pickled quails egg, and Cheerwine vinaigrette. And someone at the table must always get the pork belly when it's on offer. So much recommend.
(5)Lauren C.
As an out-of-towner, I've been here twice, and each time it is SUCH A TREAT! Both times we've sat upstairs. I was surpised to see this past Sunday that they have a sun-shield on the roof to make the choice to eat out there a less-hasty one. The coffee is so strong- it's amazing, and they do a great job of keeping it flowing. Jus tmake sure to ask for sugar and/or milk, as they don't bring it as a rule. This strikes me a sa bit odd, but maybe its a Tampa thing? I had the strata with mushrooms and spinach with a side of cheezy grits. Coming from the North, grits are sort of uncharted territory for us. I don't feel like I have a right to say this, but I'm going for it anyway- those were some DAMN good grits. My strata was also cooked to perfection, and absolutly delicious. It had some sort of sauce on top that took this dish out of this world!!! I love that they rotate the menu around too so that they cook with what's fresh, in season, or they're in the mood for. I had just landed from my flight when we went, and one of my ears hadn't popped, and i found our waiter (a softer-talker) difficult to hear. That's the only downside I can think of... but even that was just funny to me... I love this place. I'll be back... and you should go too.
(4)Michael Z.
I definitely enjoyed my visit to the Refinery. The menu was very interesting with a lot of variety. It's hard to go wrong with pork belly! There are plenty of local brews available and with weekly menu changes you can easily come back without getting bored. The vibe is very hippy and the place could have easily been in San Francisco which I don't particularly care for, but I can overlook the staff trying to be hipsters for the sake of a good meal. I would rave about what I ordered, but in all likelihood it will be gone by the time you go there. Just go with an open mind and be willing to try things you might normally shy away from.
(4)Daniela S.
Went for my birthday last month, everyone had delicious meal, but I had the best one! Since I'm vegetarian is really hard to find places that get creative and go beyond the veggie burger and salad... Thank you!
(5)Heather P.
I was excited for upstairs patio seating. However, not very conducive for eating a meal. The seating is more sun bathing seats. That means slouchy chairs or seating with no backs. So not comfortable. I was ready to over look that if the food was great. Yet, I was very disappointed with the food. Has this place heard of salt, pepper, or acid? My sides were flavorless and dry. My main dish should have been labeled over priced flavorless mashed potatoes. Wow what the hell did we just pay for....??? Do yourself a favor and don't waste your time or money if you have taste buds. So many other places to go to in tampa. My husband said square 1 burger had a better burger.....and he had the best dish of the night. Wow, what a miss :(
(1)Jere A.
A friend that lives in the area recommended the Refinery. We were looking forward to the farm to table food and unique menu items. As we walked down the path to the door, a rat crossed in front of us. Not a welcoming sign. When we entered we were told that we would need to sit on the rooftop area since we did not have reservations. After being seated upstairs, I told my friend that I was going to tell someone about the rat. I felt they would want to know. When I told a tall gentlemen downstairs he just shrugged and said Ok. We ordered and while eating our meals, I saw two more rats run across their rooftop. To say the least, we ordered no more drinks or food, and quickly paid our bill. As we left, I told the same gentleman about the rats upstairs. With a half grin, he said that they must be following me! I told him I would not be back. They certainly should not be taking this lightly.
(1)Elizabeth L.
This is my absolute favorite restaurant in Tampa! It's in an area I fondly call Hippy Town, and I would eat here very week if possible. The menu changes weekly, which holds my interest, but the savory genius of each dish is what makes my mouth water. To be honest, I don't always understand what I'm reading when viewing the menu selections, but no worries, it's impossible to make a mistake. If you are a true foodie, then just ask the chef to send you whatever he thinks is best. Enjoy!!!!
(5)Karen F.
We must have hit it on an off night, because the food was far from memorable. The best part of my meal was the small plate of cornbread our party shared as an appetizer. Very delicious. My meal of amberjack was mostly flavorless (other than the grill marks), and I thought the bed of grits (?) it was served on did not help to enhance the flavor at all. The biggest disappointment of the night was my dessert. I had the chocolate donut, and it was hard and stale tasting. It was taken off our bill which I appreciate - although I do think its funny that a chef stopped by to explain to me that it was their "interpretation" of the donut and it was supposed to taste like that. Um..okay. Maybe my dinner expectations were too high. I'll try them for lunch next.
(3)Salt+Fat+Whiskey Z.
Mirroring the local farm-to-table movement we're privileged to enjoy all over the Pacific Northwest, this spot obviously puts love and care into every plate with a menu changing weekly. Tampa needs more restaurants putting out quality food like this. Worth every dime. My only wish is that they served some creative craft cocktails along with the beer and wine selection. Great ambiance (we sat upstairs) and service. You can read more about my meal at The Refinery and see the photos here: saltfatwhiskey.com/2014/…
(5)Konstantinos S.
I ate here for the first time and it was amazing- one of the best meals I have had in Tampa! I went back a second and third time and the food became more terrible every time. I decided to bring some guests in town there and give it one last shot and I was embarrassed and disappointed, to say the least. Maybe I've been catching it on bad menu weeks, but I'm only giving the two stars because my first experience there was so great. I have a feeling the chef might have changed... Hope they figure something out!
(2)Elana L.
If you want to dine inside, you should make a reservation. Otherwise, sit upstairs on the covered patio! It was pouring rain and we were safe and dry, although it was rather loud from the rain hitting the roof. There was live music which was a nice touch on a Sunday early evening. The food was FANTASTIC!! The menu changes weekly, so I won't bother with food details, but just know it was good!
(4)Ken D.
I had a shit experience the first time I went here and fkn swore I would never go again. BUT! I had an invite from a friend I hadn't seen in 25 years for brunch and we went.I couldn't say no. And all I can say is if you want to write a strong -ass bad review,go to a place a few times cause everyone including you has bad days. The service was impeccable. The menu was extensive,fresh,local and all the amazing things you want from a place and I'm NOT GOING TO LIE....I LOVED IT! This place is cool.not only cool but conscious of what we should be eating.good local fresh food. I cant believe how taken care of we were and I feel bad I ever said a bad word about this place.We actually need more places like this. I'm going to go back and try everything on the menu.I hope you do too.
(4)haha s.
Smallll menu. If you are vegetarian or cant have dairy don't come here. Overpriced and very very small portions. Honestly wouldnt come back
(2)Isaak S.
First time here and I was really pleased. Menu apparently changes frequently but the stew and burgers we had were superb and reasonably priced. Ambience was very relaxed with an eclectic mix of people and the wait staff was incredibly helpful, attentive, and polite. Absolutely planning on coming back.
(5)Kristen M.
Absolutely AHHHmazing food. So tasty and fresh. Great service and warm atmosphere. Def will be back!
(5)Melissa D.
I definitely consider myself a foodie, and am willing to try anything at least once, but this menu (which changes weekly) made me nervous. Lots of vegan options, pickles, beets, and things I am not typically fond of - I was definitely out of my comfort zone here. Our party had a lot of questions about the menu, and the staff was quick with an answer for everything. We never had an empty glass, and the timing of small plates and entrees was spot on. I had a little difficulty selecting items from the menu (substitutions are politely declined, so the menu says), and in the end I selected a small plate and entree that omitted some of the ingredients I know I'm not fond of: the butternut squash funeral pie and the vegan taco salad. As I am not a vegan or vegetarian, I was not quite sure how the taco salad would go over, but the "nut" meat was actually very pleasant. Was this my favorite meal on earth? No. A fun culinary adventure at reasonable prices? Absolutely.
(4)Thomas D.
My wife and I loved this place, the flavors are great, they use local food and the service was excellent. My only criticism would be that the plates came out a bit quick, but we did have an early reservation and we told our server we were on our way to a concert so it was okay, we did not feel rushed.
(5)Kevin G.
I echo everything positive anyone has said about this place. You can tell the proprietors of this place love what they do. The food is interesting and always-changing. Even their plain-Jane meals, like a burger, is still rather amazing.
(5)Emma K.
Took my boyfriend here about a week and a half ago at the suggestion of many friends. We loved it! I had the quail and he had the hanger steak, both were excellent! My favorite part was the pork belly which we shared as an appetizer. It was tender, almost buttery and scrumptious! We sat upstairs at the cute little bar and had the two bartenders serving us. They were very sweet and knowledgable about the beer selection. Though it is a bit of a drive from St. Pete, we'll be back! The perfect place for date night!
(5)Corey L.
I really enjoyed this place. There is a lot of creativity in their food, yet they mix in some very traditional French aspects to everything. I had to google several of the menu items to figure out what they were, but I am OK with that. The restaurant itself is very cool with an upstairs bar that also serves the full menu. When the weather is nice out there is also a covered patio. Watch out when going down the stairs, it can be slippery. I am not a huge brussel sprouts fan, but their's were awesome. The burger was delicious, and so was the chicken dish. I look forward to going back.
(5)Derek H.
One of my favorites in Tampa. The menu changes weekly so there always is a variety of dishes to try. Although, I always have to check before going that there is something for my picky vegetarian girlfriend, but more often than not there is. All in all I enjoy the beer selection and the outside balcony seating. The service has been nothing but excellent for everyone of my visits.
(5)Angelo Z.
I have never been disappointed. Greg Baker is to pork what I.M. Pei is to architecture. Had the clams as an app, which were tasty. Pork shoulder was perfect. I can say, without hyperbole, that the Refinery is the greatest place to eat on Earth for the next 10000 years..... GO NOW!
(5)Ray S.
I really like this place. It's a small restaurant with a cozy feel. I'm guessing it was an old house converted into a restaurant. The menu is very limited but in my two visits here, everything we ordered was great. I would recommend either the hanger steak or the seared tuna, which we ordered on our last visit. Both were extremely good. The wait staff was very friendly and really the only reason why I am not giving this place five stars is because your selection is a bit limited and there isn't a full bar. That being said, the wine and beer selection had some great picks. I'll be visiting again!
(4)Nathan B.
This restaurant has amazing food. A little bit overpriced but it's worthy. Not a big fan of the neighborhood. Their wine selection is really good. They could be improve a little bit on the service. Need to add more dishes to the menu.
(4)Shalane P.
Good place to chill, relax and have a drink. Food is ok. Good for tasting, one or two plates. Not for a formal dinner. But great relaxing place. Beer and wine only. Great service.
(4)Katie C.
If you're looking for a unique dining experience, you've found it with The Refinery. If you're a picky eater, this might not be the place for you. I don't even know how to begin my description of The Refinery. It is odd! The restaurant is located in a renovated house, and the seating is limited (make sure to book a reservation, or else you might be out of luck). The service is friendly, and the menu is always unique! The Refinery changes their menu weekly, so there is always something new and exciting to test out. I LOVE that they source local products as much as possible, and appreciate that they use ingredients that we aren't always used to seeing on menus (fiddlehead ferns, anyone? Lamb's brain?). I tend to fall in love with the small plate offerings on the menu in comparison to the main courses. Green beans with house made ricotta cheese? Yes please! I will note that they always have a burger on their menu (the ingredients change), and it is KILLER. My husband was practically licking his plate the time he ordered the burger topped with brie and fig jam. Whoa. If you live in the Tampa area, you have to try out this restaurant (and if you're visiting nearby from out of town, head on it as well)!
(5)Randi H.
good food, terrible service!
(3)Marcellus W.
I love this place. My entrée was simply great. I would comment on the entrée but with an ever evolving menu it probably isn't there. Will try the Hangar steak next time. Nice homey atmosphere and very friendly staff made us feel we were with friends. Prices are a little on the moderately high side, but we found them very reasonable, especially since the owner insists on local products. Deserves 5 stars.
(5)Bernadette A.
Finally made it to the Refinery which is right in my neighborhood. It's a quaint little spot in the heart of Seminole Heights. I ordered chicken with mashed potatoes and carrots. Now, as simple as that meal sounds, what was delivered was both pleasing to the eyes and amazingly delicious. You have to experience it in order to understand .
(5)Adam J.
The food was not great. The prices were very high for the quality. They tried to make fancy food but they sacrificed the taste.
(1)Zach H.
My most recent visit was every bit as good (possibly better) than my last visit almost a year ago. Not only is the food AMAZING, but they were amazingly accommodating for unexpected schedule changes. I pushed my original dinner reservation back twice (on a Friday night) and when my friend and I finally arrived, we were seated immediately. Because everything on the menu looked so good, we decided to order several dishes to share. The Red Curry Grilled Beef Liver was beautifully plated and had deliciously unique flavor profiles that was served with smoked cauliflower, paper-thin radish slices and garnished with watercress sauce. The House Fennel-Garlic Sausage dish was similar to Jimmy Dean breakfast sausage, but kicked up 100 times better. It was served with pickled radish, creamed cavolo nero (a leafy vegetable closely resembling kale) and all generously doused in a flavor packed sake-ginger sabayon. The Red Wine Braised Escargot Gratin was unique casserole-like dish layered with flavor from the herbed cream, Swiss cheese, turnips and served with Cuban croutes. The last dish was a pan roasted trigger fish served with a delicate croquette, a strawberry-caper relish and rounded out with a kumquat gastrique. An artfully prepared dish that was perfectly executed with all the ingredients working together in sweet, sweet harmony. Our dinner was finished with a Clafoutis dessert that had candied fennel and kumquat that was accompanied by a single scoop of honey creme fraiche sorbet. The clafoutis was a little dense for my preference, but our server assured us that it was the intended texture... but I would have been happy eating a big bowl of the deliciously creamy and not-to-sweet sorbet. Overall, the food and service are impeccable. The care they take in executing every dish and refining the best ingredients makes this place a must-try foodie spot. I promise you will not be disappointed.
(5)Stephanie C.
For such an inventive restaurant, I'm disappointed in one of the most basic items. I had the burger, which was delicious, but the Yukon gold fries that were on the side were in the saddest state ever! Soggy, greasy and unflavorful. I felt bad wasting my pile of fries - just couldn't eat them.
(3)Kerry J.
I wish I could give The Refinery a better rating, but my last experience left me feeling a bit cold. I will be back in the near future and I DO plan on writing an improved review then... My review is mostly on account of extremely slow service and being attacked by mosquitoes on the upstairs deck. It literally took an hour for us to get our food (just entrees). We watched as every other person on the deck got their food, even those seated much later than us. As we waited, mosquitoes ate us for dinner and I kept getting a whiff of garbage from below. I'm a patient diner, but my stomach demanded I spoke up. When I asked our waiter where our food was, he kind of snapped at me that they had it under control, and that my dining mate's snapper was holding it up. Here's the thing, if the food is going to take awhile, UPDATE THE TABLE. I'm always understanding when things get backed up in the kitchen, but a server should communicate any hold ups. Be proactive, don't make your customers question what's taking so long. I was annoyed that it got to the point I had to say something, because I HATE being that person. The food deserves 5 stars. You just can't find a menu like this anywhere in Tampa. The adventurous diner will love choices like bone marrow, quail eggs, and duck. I dined here with my friend who just moved from New York City and she couldn't believe we have a place that offers a selection like this in Tampa (she also didn't realize there were hipsters in Tampa... after visiting The Refinery she realizes she was very wrong!). The menu changes weekly, which is both good and bad (be sure not to fall in love with a particular dish). I ordered the chicken which was a huge serving (half a chicken) served over green beans and roasted potatoes. I normally would have chosen one of their more adventurous options but I came HUNGRY and knew this meal would satisfy me. The chicken was wonderful, with crispy skin and juicy meat. The mosquitoes really started swarming once our food came. They were buzzing around our faces as we were eating, and I was certain I would swallow one. I'm not easily grossed out by bugs, but this was pushing it. Light a citronella candle or something, this couldn't have been the only evening that the mosquitoes were this much of a problem. In the end, our server at least tried to make things right and comped my friend's glass of wine. This small gesture made me willing to give them another try. When I come back, I'll make a reservation so I can sit in the downstairs dining room and avoid the mosquitoes upstairs.
(3)S H.
Imaginative menu! I had the burger, which was cooked to perfection and complemented by PB&J and bacon aioli, an unusual combination that works. The fries came with homemade ketchup! Excellent service from Eric! We'll be back!
(5)T M.
Hands down the best eats in Tampa. From the friendly staff to the weekly changing menu. You also can't forget the Sunday brunch is simply amazing I'm so glad I've stumbled upon this awesome little place. The chef has some of the oddest pairings of ingredients but they go together so well.
(5)Joshua G.
I don't always eat this much pork fat or gorge myself on carbs. ...but when I do, I like it to blow my mind. And The Refinery understands my philosophy. I think its their philosophy, too. Think about it. If you're going to get that pain in your gut from eating, you don't want to regret a thing. So come. Get some sweet tea. Put some pork belly on your waffle. Add some fried oysters to your eggs benedict. Eat like you give a damn.
(5)Mike F.
My wife and I drive past it numerous times. She decided to surprise me for my birthday and took me there. The menu was great, the service was great. I had a butter fried quail on top of dirty rice and green beans. Just simply amazing. The wife had the half of chicken and had enough for a second meal.
(5)Christina M.
This place definitely exceeded my expectations. I am so glad I came here! I am from Ft Lauderdale so we don't have many places like this. We decided to come here because we wanted to experience a quaint Tampa charm restaurant. When we walked in we were impressed by the calm and relaxing atmosphere. We wanted to sit on the roof but the wait was too long so luckily there was enough room downstairs to sit. We sat down and was immediately greeted by a friendly new age hipster who was very accommodating. The menu changes every week here so on this weeks menu I got the burger which had peanut butter, cantaloupe and bacon. I decided to try it against my better judgment but when I took a bite, I was transported to a euphoric palette bliss filled world. Wow. What an amazing burger! Who would have thought that it was the perfect combination? The meat was fresh and delicious, it was as if I knew the patty was not loaded with preservatives and hormones. The bacon had such a perfect kick to it, too. We ended off the night with a piece of banana bread and it was amazingly fresh that we were tempted to ask for a loaf! It was basked to the perfect warm temperature and had butterscotch on the side which was the perfect touch. This place is definitely one of a kind and I would absolutely recommend this place to anyone who has an adventurous palette.
(5)Rob B.
Really enjoyed everything about our visit. My only regret is not trying them sooner. Started with the veal sweetbreads which were out of this world good. Flawed by the hanger steak that was coked to perfection and set atop tasty mashed potatoes and veggies. Nice craft beer selection and a great atmosphere on the rooftop dining area. Looking forward to my next visit!
(5)Dave W.
This funky spot, with it's purple interior, is my favorite location for affordable gastronomic bliss in all of Tampa Bay. The menu changes weekly and truly never disappoints. Everything is fresh, with unique combinations, plenty of vegetarian options, and cautious seasoning, letting the true flavors of heirloom tomatoes, carefully grilled vegetables, pork belly, or whatever else you order, come through. We recently brought a group of 12 here, including several vegetarians, to change things up from the standard safe fare, and everyone enjoyed it immensely. It was casual, with great service, and even better food.
(5)Kevin D.
The Refinery was hitting on all cylinders last night. An excellent meal matched only by the exceptional service. Fresh, local seafood prepared to mouth watering perfection. I was dining by myself and was paid attention to like I was part of a large party. A must for anyone in the Tampa area.
(5)Rajh C.
Love the eclectic menu .. We had the sunflower appetizer .. Excellent but portions made for a really small appetite I ordered the special of the night the snapper over spaghetti squash again small portions .. Ended up stealing a few French fries from my husbands plate .. Who ordered the burger with peanut butter .. His words " to die for " great hipster atmosphere with excellent food .. I had the sexual chocolate wine a red from California. ... Mmmm feeling pretty randy ..
(4)Marc S.
Unbelievably good. Meg had the triggerfish. I had the apple pie burger. My mom had the Porkchop. Outstanding across-the-board.
(5)Heather W.
We had a great experience our first time here. The waitress was great and the food to die for. Definitely recommend.
(4)Simone J.
I love this place. The menu changes weekly based upon what they get from local farmers. If you don't like it one week try the next. I love their seasonal sunday brunch. That is my favorite time to go. This place is totally worth going to but I'd check the menu before going to make sure you will be pleased with your options.
(5)Mike S.
My wife & I showed up on a Monday night @ about 7:30 for small plates & entrees. The small plates were out immediately, as were the well-timed glass of wine & Swamp Head draft beer ($1 off!). Our server was extremely knowledgable about the wine and paired it perfectly with the small plates. The small plates were impeccable! We had fried chicken livers & a scrumptious risotto that melted in our mouths. My wife then ordered the roast chicken & I ordered the burger...we were excited. Unfortunately, we waited almost 30 mins before the manager came out, and let us know that our dishes were cooked incorrectly, and that he would be glad to comp our drinks for the evening, offering even another round on the house! When the food came, we devoured every last morsel of the delectable dishes, until we could not fit another single bite in our engorged gullets! To our surprise, when the check came, our entrees were taken care of as well, and the manager again offered his most sincere apologies! We gladly tipped our server and began planning our next visit to The Refinery. What a classy place. I love this joint!
(5)Ana E.
So we heard so many great things about this place and decided to give it a try( driving from sarasota) The building is pretty original,downstairs dining room cozy and romantic,but since the weather was nice we sat on the 2nd floor outside(great view and atmosphere) Staff very nice and knowledgeable,very prompt to assist with requests. Food. It was good,but nothing to brag about. Appetizer pork belly was ahh-mazing, on the other side the green beans pretty bad(no flavor,greasy and not thoroughly cooked) We were a party of 4 and all of us ordered the burger medium rare: Great flavor,high quality meat,cooked just right,the only down side of it was a tad too greasy. Everyone at the table enjoyed their entrees,all our plates were empty. Homemade ketchup was alright,so were the fries,a little disappointed,but hey it's just fries. Whenever we will be in the area will give it another shot,for a recently open restaurant they are doing pretty good. Worth a try:)
(4)