Top 10 Places for a Moms’ Night Out
After almost 20 years in Tampa —and plenty of nights out with girlfriends— I’ve learned that the perfect moms’ night out isn't just about good food. You need great drinks, the right atmosphere, and somewhere you can actually catch up (preferably without anyone asking you to cut their food).
From neighborhood wine bars to places worth getting dressed up for, these are 10 Tampa Bay spots I’d put on the group chat.
Cepas — Carrollwood
Cepas is made for catching up with your closest girlfriends over wine and tapas. Because everything is meant for sharing, I’d save this one for the besties rather than a huge group—the friends you’re happy sharing both your food and your stories with.
THE EDIT: Best for an intimate wine + tapas night with your besties.
Boulon Brasserie — Water Street
Boulon is one of my picks when you want the whole package: a great meal, excellent service and an atmosphere that feels special enough for a night out. The location is part of the appeal—after dinner, step outside and see where the night takes you along Water Street.
THE EDIT: Best for dinner that turns into a night out on Water Street.
On Swann — Hyde Park
A Tampa classic and still one of the places to see and be seen. The food is consistently worth the visit, and being right in the heart of Hyde Park Village means you can shop, grab another drink or simply wander one of Tampa’s hottest neighborhoods before or after dinner.
THE EDIT: Best for great food + quintessential Hyde Park energy.
The Tampa EDITION — Water Street
The EDITION is one of Tampa’s buzziest destinations, and you can make an entire night out of being here. Grab dinner at their Michelin Star restaurant, Lilac —or eat at the bar—and then head to the Punch Room afterward to keep the night going.
THE EDIT: Best for getting dressed up + making a whole night of it.
Bin + Board — Brandon
This is the pick when the real priority is catching up. Order charcuterie, pour some wine and settle in. It’s especially good for book clubs or a smaller group that wants somewhere comfortable to chat and unwind.
THE EDIT: Best for book club, charcuterie + actually chatting.
Sacred Pepper — Carrollwood
When you want a proper girls’ night without making the trek downtown, Sacred Pepper delivers. You can count on great food, service and atmosphere, with occasional live music adding to the night. And if dinner ends but you’re not quite ready to go home, there are options nearby to keep the night going.
THE EDIT: Best for a reliable girls’ night without heading downtown.
OLIVIA — South Tampa
OLIVIA is a go-to when the girls’ night is also an occasion. Think birthdays, holidays, celebrations—or simply an excuse to dress up and have a really good meal.
THE EDIT: Best for birthdays, celebrations + modern Italian.
Sunda — Midtown
Sunda works especially well when your group chat actually manages to get a big group together. The bar is fantastic, the atmosphere is lively, and do yourself a favor: order the espresso martini.
THE EDIT: Best for bigger groups + espresso martinis.
Ponte — Midtown
For the celebratory moms’ night—the birthday, promotion or simply the we deserve this dinner—Ponte brings a more elevated feel.
THE EDIT: Best for a special-occasion girls’ dinner.
Cru Cellars — MacDill
Another Tampa classic and an easy choice for the wine lovers. This is where you go when you want to sit, sip and actually have time to catch up with your girlfriends.
THE EDIT: Best for wine lovers who want to sit, sip + catch up.
What did I miss?
Tampa moms, I want to hear yours. Where’s your go-to spot for a girls’ night? Send me your favorite and it just might make the next Tampa Edit.