Ella’s Americana Folk Art Cafe
5119 N Nebraska Ave, Tampa, FL, 33603
Ella’s Americana Folk Art Cafe Menu
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Appetizers
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Soup & Salads
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Entrees
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Pizza
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Burgers
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Mini Me
Diabetics at Taco Bell
The biggest concern for diabetics is to find healthy food with less sugar at restaurants. The hunt for the right food becomes even more challenging for diabetics when dining at a fast food restaurant. Well, Taco Bell changes that with Fresco style. Simply ask or order an item from the Taco Bell menu in Fresco Style.
Food Suggestions for Diabetics at Taco Bell:
Crunchy Taco Supreme
Nutrition Fact: 190 calories, 11g Fat (4.5g Sat. Fat), 340mg sodium, 15g Carbs, 2g Sugar, 3g Fiber, 8g Protein
Fresco Steak Soft Taco
Nutrition Fact: 150 calories, 4g Fat (1.5g Sat. Fat), 460mg sodium, 17g Carbs, 2g Sugar, 2g Fiber, 10g Protein
Fresco Soft Taco – Shredded Chicken
Nutrition Fact: 150 calories, 6g Fat (2g Sat. Fat), 430mg sodium, 16g Carbs, 1g Sugar, 2g Fiber, 9g Protein
Fresco Soft Taco Beef
Nutrition Fact: 160 calories, 6g Fat (2.5g Sat. Fat), 480mg sodium, 18g Carbs, 1g Sugar, 3g Fiber, 8g Protein
Veggie Power Menu Bowl
Nutrition Fact: 480 calories, 19g Fat (5g Sat. Fat), 970mg sodium, 65g Carbs, 2g Sugar, 13g Fiber, 14g Protein
Bean Burrito
Nutrition Fact: 380 calories, 11g Fat (4g Sat. Fat), 1060mg sodium, 55g Carbs, 3g Sugar, 9g Fiber, 14g Protein
Mini Skillet Bowl
Nutrition Fact: 180 calories, 11g Fat (2g Sat. Fat), 430mg sodium, 16g Carbs, less than 1g Sugar, 2g Fiber, 5g Protein
Foods to Avoid at Taco Bell for Diabetics:
You must avoid all kinds of Drinks and Freezes at Taco Bell if you have diabetes. Almost every beverage offered at Taco Bell contains high sugar content.
High Cholesterol at Taco Bell
Fast food restaurants are known for serving high calorie, greasy food with lots of sugars. Taco Bell changes this trend by offering Fresco Style option where your favorite food item is prepared using pico de gallo as it will cut down 20 – 30 calories easily from the original meal.
Food Suggestions to Maintain Cholesterol Level at Taco Bell:
Mini Skillet Bowl
Nutrition Fact: 180 calories, 11g Fat (2g Sat. Fat), 430mg sodium, 16g Carbs, less than 1g Sugar, 2g Fiber, 5g Protein
Breakfast Soft Taco – Egg & Cheese
Nutrition Fact: 170 calories, 9g Fat (3g Sat. Fat), 330mg sodium, 15g Carbs, less than 1g Sugar, less than 1g Fiber, 7g Protein
Spicy Tostada
Nutrition Fact: 210 calories, 10g Fat (3g Sat. Fat), 440mg sodium, 22g Carbs, 2g Sugar, 5g Fiber, 6g Protein
Fresco Crunchy Taco – Beef
Nutrition Fact: 140 calories, 7g Fat (2.5g Sat. Fat), 300mg sodium, 14g Carbs, less than 1g Sugar, 3g Fiber, 6g Protein
Shredded Chicken Mini Quesadilla
Nutrition Fact: 200 calories, 10g Fat (3.5g Sat. Fat), 490mg sodium, 15g Carbs, less than 1g Sugar, 1g Fiber, 10g Protein
Crunchy Taco Supreme
Nutrition Fact: 190 calories, 11g Fat (4.5g Sat. Fat), 340mg sodium, 15g Carbs, 2g Sugar, 3g Fiber, 8g Protein
Spicy Potato Soft Taco
Nutrition Fact: 230 calories, 12g Fat (3g Sat. Fat), 460mg sodium, 27g Carbs, 1g Sugar, 2g Fiber, 5g Protein
Foods to Avoid at Taco Bell for High Cholesterol:
It is best to avoid Bacon or Steak dishes at Taco Bell as such dishes contain a lot of fat. Also, try to avoid all kinds of Drinks and Freezes which are full of sugars resulting in empty calories.
Healthy Meal suggestions for Ella’s Americana Folk Art Cafe
-
Appetizers
-
Soup & Salads
-
Entrees
-
Pizza
-
Burgers
-
Mini Me
High Blood Pressure at Taco Bell
People with high blood pressure must avoid food with high sodium levels. You can either ask the people at Taco Bell to add less salt in your food or choose the food items with less sodium content or customize your order using Taco Bell's own nutrition calculator.
Food Suggestions to Control Blood Pressure at Taco Bell:
Fresco Chicken Soft Taco
Nutrition Fact: 150 calories, 6g Fat (2g Sat. Fat), 430mg sodium, 16g Carbs, 1g Sugar, 2g Fiber, 9g Protein
Spicy Tostada
Nutrition Fact: 210 calories, 10g Fat (3g Sat. Fat), 440mg sodium, 22g Carbs, 2g Sugar, 5g Fiber, 6g Protein
Grilled Breakfast Burrito - Sausage
Nutrition Fact: 340 calories, 17g Fat (5g Sat. Fat), 730mg sodium, 36g Carbs, 3g Sugar, 2g Fiber, 11g Protein
Veggie Power Menu Bowl
Nutrition Fact: 480 calories, 19g Fat (5g Sat. Fat), 970mg sodium, 65g Carbs, 2g Sugar, 13g Fiber, 14g Protein
Foods to Avoid at Taco Bell for High Blood Pressure:
Taco Bell offers a wide range of Grande Scrambler Burritos, Crunch wraps, and Quesadillas which are high in sodium. It is important to limit the sodium intake at Taco Bell and avoid any meal with over 750-800mg sodium.
Visit below restaurant in Tampa for healthy meals suggestion.
High Cholesterol at Taco Bell
Fast food restaurants are known for serving high calorie, greasy food with lots of sugars. Taco Bell changes this trend by offering Fresco Style option where your favorite food item is prepared using pico de gallo as it will cut down 20 – 30 calories easily from the original meal.
Food Suggestions to Maintain Cholesterol Level at Taco Bell:
Mini Skillet Bowl
Nutrition Fact: 180 calories, 11g Fat (2g Sat. Fat), 430mg sodium, 16g Carbs, less than 1g Sugar, 2g Fiber, 5g Protein
Breakfast Soft Taco – Egg & Cheese
Nutrition Fact: 170 calories, 9g Fat (3g Sat. Fat), 330mg sodium, 15g Carbs, less than 1g Sugar, less than 1g Fiber, 7g Protein
Spicy Tostada
Nutrition Fact: 210 calories, 10g Fat (3g Sat. Fat), 440mg sodium, 22g Carbs, 2g Sugar, 5g Fiber, 6g Protein
Fresco Crunchy Taco – Beef
Nutrition Fact: 140 calories, 7g Fat (2.5g Sat. Fat), 300mg sodium, 14g Carbs, less than 1g Sugar, 3g Fiber, 6g Protein
Shredded Chicken Mini Quesadilla
Nutrition Fact: 200 calories, 10g Fat (3.5g Sat. Fat), 490mg sodium, 15g Carbs, less than 1g Sugar, 1g Fiber, 10g Protein
Crunchy Taco Supreme
Nutrition Fact: 190 calories, 11g Fat (4.5g Sat. Fat), 340mg sodium, 15g Carbs, 2g Sugar, 3g Fiber, 8g Protein
Spicy Potato Soft Taco
Nutrition Fact: 230 calories, 12g Fat (3g Sat. Fat), 460mg sodium, 27g Carbs, 1g Sugar, 2g Fiber, 5g Protein
Foods to Avoid at Taco Bell for High Cholesterol:
It is best to avoid Bacon or Steak dishes at Taco Bell as such dishes contain a lot of fat. Also, try to avoid all kinds of Drinks and Freezes which are full of sugars resulting in empty calories.
Visit below restaurant in Tampa for healthy meals suggestion.
Q&A on Taco Bell
Who owns Taco Bell?
Taco Bell is a restaurant chain subsidiary owned by Yum! Brands, Inc. which controls the restaurant division of PepsiCo.
When does Taco Bell stop serving breakfast?
Taco Bell starts serving breakfast from 6 a.m. which is one hour later than other competitors. However, the restaurant chain continues serving breakfast till 11 a.m. which is half an hour later than other competitors.
When is Taco Bell happy hour?
Happy hour at Taco Bell starts from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Are Taco Bell beans healthy?
Beans are rich in protein, fiber, and minerals like iron and phosphorous. Hence, Taco Bell beans are healthy in nature. However, there are claims that Taco Bell uses a rehydrated slew of mystery ingredients instead of beans. So, simply inquire about the beans before ordering items serving Taco Bell beans.
Which Taco Bell is closest to me?
Use our Restaurant Listings directory to find Taco Bell nearby.
Which Taco Bell sauce is hottest?
Diablo is the hottest Taco Bell sauce.
Which Taco Bell sauce is best?
In terms of popularity, the Mild sauce is undoubtedly the best Taco Bell sauce favored by Americans.
Which Taco Bell sauces are vegan?
Hot and Mild sauces are certified vegan.
Which Taco Bell has nacho fries?
Taco Bell has a habit of discontinuing and relaunching Nacho Fries. You can find the Taco Bell locations nearby to see if the Taco Bell store has Nacho Fries.
Which Taco Bell is open right now?
Taco Bell opens at 6 a.m. in the morning and stays open until 3 a.m. the next day at major locations. In New York city, the Taco Bell stores stay open till 11 p.m. or 12 midnight.
Sorry, No Coupons available for this restaurant.
About Taco Bell
Taco Bell is a haven for Mexican delicacies such as tacos, quesadillas, burritos, nachos, and other specialty items. Owned by Yum! Brands, Inc. Taco Bell is one of the fastest growing American chains of fast food restaurants. The restaurant operates from 7,072 different locations which are mostly run by independent franchisees and licensees.
The background story of Taco Bell is interesting and inspiring for budding entrepreneurs. The fast-food brand is the brainchild of Glen Bell, who started his first food venture as a hot dog seller in San Bernardino, California. The year was 1948. After witnessing long queues outside a Mexican restaurant called Mitla Café across the street, Bell saw the opportunity and demand for hard-shelled Tacos. He reverse-engineered the recipe and later started selling Tacos and called the venture Taco-Tia.
Later, the name changed from Taco-Tia to El Taco. Eventually, Glen Bell sold the company to his partner and opened the first Taco Bell in Downey in 1962. By 1964, the restaurant also got its first franchise in Torrance. The 100th Taco Bell restaurant was opened by 1965. PepsiCo acquired Taco Bell from Glen Bell in 1978 and the restaurant brand is currently a subsidiary of Yum! Brands which looks after the restaurant business of PepsiCo.
Healthy Food Options at Taco Bell
You may believe that a healthy lifestyle doesn't go well at a fast food restaurant. Well, that's not the case with Taco Bell. Surprisingly Taco Bell offers a variety of healthy options, thanks to the in-house registered dietician who monitors the whole menu. The dietician ensures that each item on the menu is free from additives and preservatives, colors, and artificial flavors. The dietician also ensures that the food served at Taco Bell doesn't contain high-fructose corn syrup, low sodium levels, and reduced use of partially hydrogenated oil.
More than 75% of food items served at Taco Bell falls under 500 calories. Taco Bell also features the Fresco Style option which helps the customers to maintain healthy diet plan without missing out on taste. In Fresco style option, Taco Bell switches pico de gallo with cheese, sour cream, guac, and mayo-based sauce. Taco Bell takes care of almost every health preference of its customers.
Tips for Dining at Taco Bell
Diabetics can also try other Fresco styled Taco items such as Fresco Crunchy Taco, Fresco Grilled Steak, and Fresco Soft Taco Beef. These are other healthy alternatives of Tacos for diabetics which contains an adequate amount of starch and minimum or no fat content. Switch the regular sauce or cheese with pico de gallo and you can easily reduce the sodium intake and fat content for your body. It will help maintain blood pressure levels and control high cholesterol.
Q&A on Taco Bell
Who owns Taco Bell?
Taco Bell is a restaurant chain subsidiary owned by Yum! Brands, Inc. which controls the restaurant division of PepsiCo.
When does Taco Bell stop serving breakfast?
Taco Bell starts serving breakfast from 6 a.m. which is one hour later than other competitors. However, the restaurant chain continues serving breakfast till 11 a.m. which is half an hour later than other competitors.
When is Taco Bell happy hour?
Happy hour at Taco Bell starts from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Are Taco Bell beans healthy?
Beans are rich in protein, fiber, and minerals like iron and phosphorous. Hence, Taco Bell beans are healthy in nature. However, there are claims that Taco Bell uses a rehydrated slew of mystery ingredients instead of beans. So, simply inquire about the beans before ordering items serving Taco Bell beans.
Which Taco Bell is closest to me?
Use our Restaurant Listings directory to find Taco Bell nearby.
Which Taco Bell sauce is hottest?
Diablo is the hottest Taco Bell sauce.
Which Taco Bell sauce is best?
In terms of popularity, the Mild sauce is undoubtedly the best Taco Bell sauce favored by Americans.
Which Taco Bell sauces are vegan?
Hot and Mild sauces are certified vegan.
Which Taco Bell has nacho fries?
Taco Bell has a habit of discontinuing and relaunching Nacho Fries. You can find the Taco Bell locations nearby to see if the Taco Bell store has Nacho Fries.
Which Taco Bell is open right now?
Taco Bell opens at 6 a.m. in the morning and stays open until 3 a.m. the next day at major locations. In New York city, the Taco Bell stores stay open till 11 p.m. or 12 midnight.
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Address :
5119 N Nebraska Ave
Tampa, FL, 33603 - Phone (813) 234-1000
- Website https://www.ellasfolkartcafe.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Tue
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Brunch, Dinner
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Hipster
Noise Level : Loud
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
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Natasha P.
Where have this place been all my life. I am in love and enjoy every opportunity to eat here. The food is amazing and in resent visit I had the ahi tuna tar tar which receives a yum yum 99 in deliciousness. I am adding Ella's to my eat everything on the menu list. If I had a bigger belly I would probably have 2 meals at each visit. Every time another customers food comes out I was almost tempted to as for a taste cause the meals look yummy (I know I sound greedy). It's the perfect local spot for a casual romantic date. The decor is very unique and different and welcoming feel to it. 100% Hipster place. Awesome job there!!! The staff is on point and is sure to give you excellent service. Altough my guess and I had a little rough start with our waiter but once I pointed out his error he appolized was on point for the rest of the evening. Ella's located in a section of Tampa thats a little hidden and would have never expected to be located there. At each of my two visit I was told to come on a sunday because the menu is creole food and there is a live band playing, so I my next trip will be on a Sunday Funday for sure. This place puts me in my happy spot.
(5)Tia S.
My first visit to Ella's was for Mother's Day this year. This was a big risk because my mother is a creature of habit and loves traditional southern food. On Sundays though they have Soul Food Sunday so with fingers crossed I hoped my mom would enjoy the selections. I heard lots of great things about the restaurant and the Sunday Brunch specifically so I was excited to try it myself. When we arrived there was a line out of the door and down the block waiting for them to open and begin seating. Ella's does not take reservations by the way so this was both alarming and delightful. I mean the food must be good if people were willing to wait outside in a line down the street. The line moved quickly and we were seated within 30 minutes making the first seating at the restaurant because we were willing to squeeze three in a two top outside. You would've thought we were starved with the amount of food we ordered. Collectively we ordered the funky monkey waffle, cheese grits, chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits, and ribs with macaroni and cheese. My greedy self tried everything and here is my opinion: Funky Monkey Waffle - actually didn't try it but my sister absolutely loved it. She is a big fan of Nutella so that was all that concerned her. Chicken and Waffles - fried chicken was good but not amazing. It also was not cleaned well and had a lot of yellow fat under the skin. The waffle was more savory than sweet. It was crispy on the outside and also just good not amazing. Shrimp and grits - I thought this was a good portion. I was excited to try it and it was good but not the best I've had, but also not the worst. The ribs - these were good. I liked the sauce and the flavor of the meat itself. Cheese grits - Yum! Give me a bowl of these grits any day. Macaroni and cheese - This is good! We ordered it without bacon but this is a solid choice for a side item. I would order it again. Overall we were glad we gave it a try. My mom enjoyed the meal and that's what mattered the most. As for me I wasn't blown away but I wasn't upset with the experience either. After looking at other plates come out I would likely try the fried fish with cheese grits if I returned again for Soul Food Sunday. if it were 2.5 stars that's probably what I would give it because the service was good despite my lack of enthusiasm about the food.
(2)Carey F.
I'm giving this place a three based on the service we received during our visit. We arrived and were happy to see lots of available seating on the patio. That was short-lived as the hostess informed us they were not seating most of the tables on the patio because it was about to start raining. Upon referencing my BN9 app, I saw no bad weather over the area and it never did rain that night. I suspect that was code for being short-staffed...maybe. We grabbed beers from the bar and headed out to the stool/bar area of the patio to wait for out table. While out there we noticed a ton of empty tables, but when we attempted to sit at one while we waited, the hostess came out and basically asked us to vacate the table. Rude! Although we had requested an outdoor table, when we were finally seated it was at a table inside. The booths are very cool looking but not at all comfortable. On top of that, we were directly across from the kitchen which was very chaotic, smelly and smokey. In light of this, instead of all four of us ordering entrees and more drinks, we decided to just split a pizza and finish up our beers. Our server provided really good service and the pizza was pretty good, but overall, the hostess really needs to remember that she gets paid to take care of customers. Her bad service resulted in us spending less that a quarter of what we would have spent. The artwork here is eclectic and fun and the menu has lots of tempting options so I may go back and give it another chance, but I'm really not sure. We were dressed very casually because we'd just come from a food truck rally and I have a feeling that played into the bad service. Just a guess but I'm pretty sure I'm right and that just kind of sucks.
(3)Amy K.
Awesome, laid back place to enjoy brunch. I went here with 2 friends this past Sunday and was not disappointed. We hopped on the local Brew Bus and decided that brunch would be best here. We were right! FOOD: Soul food Sunday is not to miss. They have Chicken & Waffles (too much food!), Biscuits & Gravy (biggest biscuits I've ever seen in my life), BBQ to die for and scrumptious sides. I had the Vegan BBQ Sammy. I am NOT a vegetarian but wanted to try something outside of the box. I couldn't finish it as it was overflowing with tempeh and the bbq sauce was amazing. Got fried green tomatoes as my side dish and also could not finish them ($8 for sandwich + side). So delicious! One of my friends had the Funky Monkey Waffle which was also epic ($6.50). My other friend had the Bacon Mac & Cheese ($6). So rich and creamy. If you're looking for a good ole fat kid Southern menu, this is your place! DRINKS: Bloody Mary's (with a big short rib) and Goblet mimosas are $10 on Sundays. Other specialty drinks are around $9-$11. The beer selection is notable and crafts run $6+. Drinks are poured well (not watered down). There is indoor and outdoor seating with fans outside. The decor is awesome and it feels like you're hanging out at a kooky friend's house. Prepare for a long wait, especially on Sundays. My friends and I waited 45 minutes which was well worth it. They take reservations, so make them if you can. If you've never tried Ella's I would highly recommend. I will definitely come back here. It is highly unique and a comfortable place to enjoy Sunday brunch.
(4)Tina J.
We came here for Ella's Soul Food Sundays Brunch. We have heard from others how this is a unique place to come visit as well as eat and we have gotta try their Bloody Ella's! On Sundays, they don't take reservations until 1pm. We didn't want to have a late lunch, so we came here early. They open at 11am and we were there by 10:40, waiting in line. Yes! A line has already formed and we were in the middle/almost tail end of the line before they ran out of seating. We got seated immediately just a few minutes after 11. They were prompt getting their doors opened at 11 and getting everyone seated. By 11:18, the place was packed and they were full, the expected wait time was about an hour. Our server, Caitlin, was super attentive and thorough. She was kind enough to advise us to put in our orders as soon as we know what we want. The place was completely full, so she said everyone that just got seated are all ordering and the kitchen will be super busy and the food will take a while to get to our table. We started off with a sangria and a Bloody Ella's. The sangria was not too sweet, which is a bonus for me, because some places makes it overly sweet that it might as well just be fruit juice. The Bloody Ella's was delicious! I'm a big carnivore, so having a delicious bloody Mary and a rib to start my brunch was a very good beginning! Since I love the rib so much, the hubby and I decided to order a rack of ribs to share with a side of red beans and rice as well as the three side combo - Sweet potatoes fries, fried green tomatoes, and cheese grits. Our friends ordered the Fried Chicken and Waffles. The ribs came with pickles, which had a sweet and spicy seasoning on top. The ribs was not heavily sauced, which I like. I want to enjoy the meat, not have it covered by sauce, that I can't appreciate the smokey flavor of the ribs. Of the sides, my favorite was the cheese grits. The sweet potatoes were also delicious and didn't need ketchup to go with it. The fried green tomatoes weren't as good for me. I got to try my friend's chicken and waffles and that was amazing! I will have to order that next time. The fried chicken's batter had a sweet cinnamon spice because you can taste the hint of sweetness, but it wasn't overly powerful. The portion size were huge and we had leftovers for dinner. We had a great time, come early if you want to eat when they open or come super late, after the brunch crowd dies and order immediately, unless you don't mind waiting a while for your food to come to you. We enjoyed the company as well as the atmosphere, so that didn't bother us. We will be going back, and I will order more of the Bloody Ella's as well as the chicken and waffles!
(4)Kate E.
Yes! Finally out in Seminole heights again! Been dying to try this place and it didn't disappoint. Busy but seated right away at 7:30 on a Friday! We had the chimi changas for an appetizer which were super yummy. I had the special which was steak spinach salad. Loved it. My boyfriend had the chicken roulade which I enjoyed my one bite before he ate it all! Life music at 10. No complaints. Awesome place!
(5)Jen S.
Chef Suz is one of the most creative souls in the Tampa culinary scene. Every dish from her kitchen is amazing! Service is stellar too! Soul Food Sunday is always fun but be sure to visit anytime during the week to try their regular menu!
(5)Celine L.
I've had Ella's bookmarked for a long time & I can see what all the fuss is about. The restaurant has a hipster vibe, which reminds me of a lot places in Orlando, and is located in a quaint, charming building. The food and service is top notch and what's nice is that you don't have to feel guilty about eating bad because there's lots of healthy options that's still delicious & flavorful. (Unlike some menus with a low calorie section containing ordinary, bland food.) We didn't want to eat too heavy so we ordered the edamame tossed in tamari, garlic, and ginger as an appetizer. It reminded me of Thai food. We ordered the tartar tacos with ahi tuna and the special of the day. Always order the specials! The special the day was a skirt steak salad with plantains, avocados, corn, and a churrasco dressing. If all salads were like this, I would eat them everyday! Next time I want to try the Bloody Ella with a rib on top-- that's genius. If only everything was garnished with ribs... or bacon, the world would be a happier place (give or take the high cholesterol). I want to come here for Sunday brunch, but I heard it gets pretty crowded. I came here on a Tuesday while it was storming & the parking lot was still full. That's the only negative about this place--- their small parking lot. There's maybe only 10-12 spots. At least they have a sign of alternative parking places after a certain time, but not sure what people do during the daytime.
(5)CJ V.
Really enjoyed the kitsch gallery feel. Great and creative variety of food and drinks. A surprisingly wonderful amount of vegetarian fare for a restaurant here in Tampa ( Yes I'm a NYC snob, and you all love it) xoxox Love the folk art pieces placed both inside and outside. A great hip and comfortable place to hang with friends or a date. One if those gems you'll be happy to take friend or family when they visit Tampa to show them that we have a lot of hidden treasures. Namaste
(4)Nildalia C.
So Ella's opens up at 11 am on Sunday's....and folks who wanted to dine at the folk American cafe began lining up around 10:15! If that isn't telling, then I don't know what is! I think what draws the crowd in is the size of their portions and reasonable prices. They have pairings of food that seem to work well with one another...such as a chorizo gravy over biscuits! They also make their ketchup in house with a touch of garlic. Their signature drink appears to be their Blood Ella (Mary) with a rib in it....yes like the rib taken out of Adam to create Eve! Overall, it was a great experience! Took a bit long to get an app and my meal could've been warmer. I would definitely recommend this place. However, if you're coming for brunch on a Sunday...get here early or else you'll be waiting in a line that was literally wrapped around the building. Literally!
(4)Paige C.
Good brunch takes patience Drinks, music, chicken, waffles You will leave happy. This place is insanely good. Ok, yeah, there is an entire rib attached to my bloody mary--but we can forgive them for that. Their mac n cheese is great. Their sort of biscuits with sort of gravy is amazing. Their chicken and waffle are of epic proportion--make sure to get that butter. Seriously REMEMBER THE BUTTER. Make sure to get there early... you will be waiting a long time to sit and eat. Like an hour... we did. I'll be planning accordingly next time for sure.
(5)Mallory W.
Ella's is a great place for a unique, wallet-friendly meal that makes you look forward to the next time you get to dine there. While I've never been for brunch, I keep coming back for dinner. There is typically a wait and they don't take reservations, but it has a lively and interesting atmosphere that makes the time pass quickly. My favorite dishes: Appetizers: Crab Stuffed Butternut Squash - huge portion!! I asked them to go light on the hollandaise and was glad I did. Rasta-Far-Fries - Fried potato wedges in a super spicy sriracha that is just the right amount of HEAT EntreeS: The Roots - vegetarian friendly! Grilled sweet potato and grilled feta over a parsnip puree. I'm not a vegetarian but I like this as much as the meat entress I've ordered. The Wino Burger - Grilledburger with melted Gorgonzola, Bacon Apple Jam, arugula and onion. SO. GREAT. Sides: Is it legal to marry fried green tomatoes in the state of Florida?
(4)Jenna A.
If I lived in Tampa I would be here on the patio every Sunday for Ella's soul food brunch. The patio is breezy and spacious, with a gigantic tree in the middle that gives character and shade. We showed up around 1:30 and only had to wait about 20 minutes to sit outside. The jazz music apparently started around 2pm, but unfortunately we couldn't hear very well where we sat. I still had a great time sipping on a couple large watermelon mimosas and people watching and eating good food. Ella's offers like 8 different fresh squeezed mimosa flavors, and I recommend getting the large as the small was very small. For my meal I ordered the chicken and waffles with a side of grits. Having just had the best grits of my life the night before, I wasn't too impressed with Ella's. As far as side dishes I would recommend the bacon Mac & cheese. My fried chicken was amazing and I ate every last bit off the bone. I didn't love my waffle but I generally don't love waffles so take that with a grain of salt. The ribs were pretty fantastic too, and I liked that they could come as a half or full rack. I also sampled the fried catfish and the watermelon coleslaw and I enjoyed them as well. The regular menu looks tempting too, but the bottom line is don't miss soul food Sunday brunch!!
(4)Shelby R.
Ella's is definitely an experience! I've lived in Tampa my whole life, but just made it to Ella's for the first time today. The decor is super cute and eclectic with lots of interesting art pieces. We went on a Sunday afternoon at 1 pm and still had quite a wait (45 minutes for a party of two), but I had high hopes especially considering it was soul food Sunday. While we waited I enjoyed the House Bloody Mary (with a pork rib as a garnish!) and then were seated. For lunch I had the catfish with sweet potato salad and cheese grits! OMGravy was it delicious! There were about 4 other things easily I would want to try, so I'll definitely be back!
(5)Brittany G.
Loved this place! Can't believe it has taken me so long to try, but it was excellent. They have an excellent menu, with lots of soul food as well as more creative items. They have meat, veggie, and vegan options as well. The food was absolutely delicious! The building itself is absolutely adorable, with gorgeous local art on the walls, and beautiful garden patio, and a cute upstairs seating area. They also have a large stage for live music on Fridays and Sundays. Huge plus for supporting local artists/performers! I didn't get to try their drinks today, but it's definitely on my list for next time! They have a long list of creative and traditional cocktails, including mimosas made with 10 different juice types and a Bloody Mary that comes garnished with a pork rib! Definitely a must visit! Reservations recommended if you have a large group or want to go during a busy time, they definitely had a wait for Sunday afternoon.
(5)Desiree D.
I came here a few Saturdays ago for a date, and dang this place sure does get packed. I parked in a parking spot next to the venue, to soon realize it belonged to the apartments next door. I ended up having to park on the side of the pawn shop next door which was kind of sketch. I put my name in to the front desk, and it took about 30 minutes to get a table. Unsure if they take reservations here, but I definitely recommend it if they do. The music inside was REALLY loud, so I asked for a patio table. When my date showed up, I got their Margarita.... Not their best drink for sure. Stuck with wine after that. I also ordered their housemade Hummus.... Wow! It was really good, probably the best I have ever had. It looks like they have a pretty good menu, so next time I come I will definitely bring my appetite. The service was pretty good despite the huge volume. I definitely need to try this place again. I heard their brunch is pretty good, so I think that will be when. I also love myself a good bloody. Can't wait to be able to update my review to 4 or 5 stars :)
(3)Jennifer G.
Best Sunday brunch ever!! Bloody Mary is homemade and flavorful, multiple choices of mimosas, and amazing food to boot. My husband is very picky about his bbq especially ribs and he couldn't stop raving. Best fried green tomatoes I've ever had! Truly I can't say anything bad, well ok you have to wait for the bathroom, there is your complaint. Fabulous food for a family with kids. We WILL be back!!!
(5)Nick S.
This is a fun and folksy decor restaurant that is a social center, popular eatery and live music venue in the thriving Seminole Heights bungalow hipster community. Beards aren't essential, but you will fit in better if you have one. The food is New American comfort and quite good. There's a bar, table and booth area as well as an upstairs. Art of local artists is on display and landscape art and sculptures are also featured. You can also eat outside along the side of the restaurant. Ella's is a hip spot that delivers very good vittles in a fun, artsy and social atmosphere. Mermaid Tavern up the road is cool too. Both get busy.
(4)Alicia P.
Came here for the first time on a Friday night to watch a fellow Yelper's husband's band play and was impressed. We got there right at 10, had to wait quite a while for a table, but kept ourselves busy with a cocktail at the bar and watching the band. The decor is very cool. Different. You could say eclectic but well done. High ceilings in the main dining area and it has an upstairs with additional seating. And there's a very inch outdoor area with plenty of seating as well As we watched the band rock out, enjoying our cocktails, we finally had a table available. The booths can fit 6 fairly comfortably. We were very glad that they served food LATE! I ordered the roots. I am not vegetarian but this was all good non meat selections and nicely seasoned. Had a cup of soup as well. It was tasty. This is definitely a place to come back to and eat with live music in a great setting.
(5)Andrea L.
Can't believe it took me years to make it here. The Bloody Mary is the bomb. It comes with a nice fat rib to munch on while drinking it. I got the biscuits and chorizo gravy as it was soul food Sunday's. The dish itself was great except the bottom o my biscuits were a bit burned but it didn't stop me! The brisket sandwich was also great as well as the fried green tomatoes. I would suggest making a reservation as it was constantly packed while we were there. I will definitely be back to try the regular menu!
(4)Zulekha F.
Definitely one of my favorite places for a Sunday brunch. Great atmosphere, great food, and the people are friendly.
(4)Grace H.
The place was quite busy at Sunday afternoon. The Acme Jazz garage was on the stage. They are a group of skillful musicians playing fantastic jazz music. We had ribs bloody Mary and Blue fin tuna with dirty rice. The food was delicious. We had a great time.
(4)Loreal D.
Cool, fun, and happening place to get some quality eats in the Seminole heights area. I've been here a couple of times, and have tried a variety of things off their menu. The decor is very "hipster" with that retro americana feel. Their pizzas and unique drinks are what keep me coming back to this place! (My favorites are the purple drank and the hog pizza)They serve elevated american fare that wont leave you going home hungry with the portion sizes. For the vegetarians and vegans out there, they have a variety of really good options for you. I really like their Good Burger. You can tell it's not meat, but it still satisfies your hunger without the red meat guilt (if you suffer from that). I also find their curry dish fairly appetizing, but beware it is spicy. The few downsides to this place is the parking and the wait times. This place can get really packed on the weekends so try to come at an off time or early to beat the wait. They do take reservations, so if you are planning to come with a big party call ahead!
(4)Amber D.
This is my second review for Ella's, because it deserves 5 stars and last time I gave it a 4. Everything is always delicious. The outside patio is a relaxing atmosphere. I went there last night our server Sage was on point. We were frequently checked in on by her, or other staff. I got the southern spring salad. My daughter had a giant kids pepperoni pizza, and my girlfriend has the domino burger. All dishes were delicious. We finished off with peanut butter banana chimichangas also extremely flavorful.
(5)Matt S.
I rated Ella's 5 stars, but I would consider it 4.5 stars. Ella's is one of my favorite restaurants in Seminole Heights. It has great food, sometimes with unusual combinations, but does so without trying too hard to have avant garde ingredients served in microscopic portions (I'm looking at you Refinery). First I'll start off with the few negatives. -The menu is not large in comparison with some other venues. -They get crazy busy at times, and you will have wait times. Noon on Sunday for brunch? Bring a good book. -They cook fresh ingredients which means if you come rolling in at 11:20pm on a Friday night they may have run out of some menu items. It has happened to us, but I tried something else and still had a great meal. If you have your heart (or stomach) set on a menu item, showing up at a normal time should alleviate this concern. Positives: Ella's has a very eclectic environment. They serve excellent food, but the atmosphere is very laid back. They have a nice rotating selection of craft beers and a full bar. They have the regular menu and the soul food Sunday brunch menu which are completely separate offerings. Both are excellent, and int he 8-9 times we've been to Ella's for both offerings we've never had anything less than and excellent dining experience. Here are some highlights: BRUNCH The Bloody Ella- a great Bloody Mary complete with BBQ rib. It is only served spicy, so if you think a Bloody Mary is v8, vodka, and a drop of Tabasco it may be more spice than you want. Biscuits and Gravy-the gravy is regular pork sausage and chorizo for nice extra kick. Not overly spicy, but nice variation on the original. Oyster Po' Boy with sriracha slaw-this is a special item, but if it is on the menu I highly recommend it. Nice spice and crunch in the slaw, and the oysters were crispy and plump. REGULAR MENU Wino Burger with Rasta Far Fries-the apple bacon jam on this is fantastic. It makes this one of my favorite burgers period. Henry the Loaf-a great meatloaf with really flavorful root beer gravy. The King Killer-this is out dessert of choice when we visit and one serving is enough for 2-3 to split. Full of fried banana, vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, peanut butter, blueberries, cherries, hot chocolate, and candied pecans it is a diet killer. If you go to Ella's and use some common sense about what to expect based on going to an extremely popular eatery at certain times of day you should have an excellent experience.
(5)Tonia C.
I love Ella's. They have done a great job improving the worst part of this restaurant, parking. They now list three alternate parking lots to use. Make sure if you go at a busy time you make a reservation or are prepared to wait. They have an amazing patio which makes you feel like you are dining in a treehouse. I personally love the Don pizza, fried green tomatoes and the potato chimi appetizer. I think they have some of the best white sangria and the pitcher is HUGE!
(4)Rachel M.
I just had Sunday Soul Food Brunch this past Sunday w/ my awesome Naples friends Paul H. & Arlene H. They were looking for a artsy fartsy industrial vibe w a hip, trendy, chill environment. This happened to be the place inside and out. Outside consisted of a huge wrap-around patio with a great amount of tables to sit at, as well as a lounge area, just to talk with friends. There were pretty cool metal decorations that you would probably find at an art fair, farmers market, or art show that proved that be quite original like mariachi metal bands, & different types of human like figures. There was shade and sun and a cover to protect from rain if needed. It was also a pet friendly environment which fit in with the homey comfy feel of the place. Ella's doesn't accept call ahead seating until about 12:45pm for parties of 8 or more. Brunch starts at 11, and people start lining up around 10:30am ish. These people wait forever. It's that good. They just drink & socialize to pass the time. They have great flavored mimosas including guava, mango, watermelon to name a few & a full bar. After they had waited for a while, we finally got a perfect outside table on the patio. We had an awesome waiter who helped us with our options. I ordered side of shrimp & grits w/ chicken & waffles. My hubby had a rib combo w brisket, ribs, & fried green tomatoes. Our friends ordered bacon, mac & cheese, nutella, banana waffle, HUGE biscuits & gravy w chorizo, & chicken and waffles with fried green tomatoes. We all tried everything and seriously everything was good, and was rich from lots of flavor. It definitely hit the spot. We hung out there for a bit. Took our time since I had a large mimosa ($10). It made for a perfect brunch. I look forward to trying their dinner sometime & as well as their live music.
(5)Kait A.
There is a reason Ella's is one of the highest rated restaurants in Tampa. They pay attention to the details. They have the damn best cocktails in the whole city, and the food is consistently delicious. Plus, you can enjoy eclectic folk art. Yasssssss.
(5)Deanna F.
Great energy and atmosphere We sat outside for a while looking thru the menu and settled on the butternut squash with crab and a burger also a supplemental chicken dish to take home Service was great
(4)W M.
The food here is truly delicious. I highly recommend the fried catfish and collard greens. The restaurant is laid back but the food and cocktails are outstanding. They also have a surprising array of vegan options. In addition to the catfish, the guava mimosas are great.
(4)Kelly H.
Parking is a nightmare, but once u get in it's pretty hip n trendy. I enjoy this place very much. Fun atmosphere, great live bands, foods ok. Nick the bartender is wonderful. Definitely a place the ladies feel comfortable at and we will be back. Great addition to Seminole Heights!
(4)Mari H.
I know I will probably get stoned for this review considering most are good reviews, but after my first experience, I just don't see it. I have heard and read so many good things and maybe our visit was just one of those lemon visits but we were both really disappointed in the food. Brian ordered the Ella Mary and let me tell you, the rib they serve it with was amazing, so I was really excited thinking the rest of our food would be wonderful. We both ordered the Chicken and Waffles as we were there on Sunday and wanted the whole Soul Food Sunday experience. The Chicken was over cooked and very dry. Every piece. The waffle came out cold on both our plates, the taste was still good but it would have been better at least warm. I didn't eat the deviled egg because it is served with sriracha on top and that's just not my thing but Brian ate both of them and then said they were the best part of the meal. The place was really cute and we really wanted to like Ella's but after our trip...I just don't see what the hype is all about.
(2)Thao N.
Different from other Tampa restaurants. Located off of Nebraska.. One would drive pass if you're not trying to look for it. The restaurant looks like a 2 story house with fun outdoor decors. I've only been here twice but the experience is always fun. The food is delicious and portions are huge. The prices are semi affordable but definitely worth it for quality and quantity of the food. A great place for friend get together or date night. Staff are friendly and knowledgable with the menu items. The place gets pretty busy so call ahead if you can.
(5)Brittany N.
I have never been anywhere like Ella's! The atmosphere is artsy and has unique pieces of art and furniture. I have only been there on Sundays for their 'soul food Sunday,' and it is amazing! I usually order two dishes and split them. The itis with ribs and brisket is delicious. The ribs are always cooked to perfection and the brisket is as well. I also love the fried chicken and waffles. I had never tried them before until Ella's. The chicken is my favorite! They don't take reservations which is a negative, but they do take call ahead seating. If you don't call ahead you will be waiting for a while. They have both outside and inside seating, but being Florida, its HOT! Great food, service and atmosphere! Love this place.
(5)Justina M.
Whenever anyone asks about a good brunch place to go to, Ella's is always my first suggestion! Can't beat Soul Food Sunday's! Best to get there early or there might be a wait to be seated. The eclectic old craftsman house turned restaurant is a personal favorite and I never mind making the drive from Pinellas! If you fancy bloody Mary's, best get one with the rib in.
(5)Anglkam2 ..
I had Ella's for my birthday dinner last night. It was nothing short of amazing. We had excellent service and the drinks were nice and strong! I had the chicken roulade for dinner; that was delicious! It came with mushrooms which I don't particularly like but they were seasoned to perfection and went well with the dish. My bf had the pork chop with brussel sprouts and sweet potatoes which was divine! I had never heard of this place but I'm so glad we found it and were able to enjoy it! We will definitely be returning!
(5)Lacy H.
Sunday brunch is the best time of the week. Ella's provides an awesome atmosphere and a very unique menu that caters to different people (vegetarian options!!). I've had the veggie burger several times, and it's always good. There is usually a wait, upwards of an hour, for Sunday brunch so plan accordingly! You can order drinks and hangout on the porch while you wait. $10 (giant) mimosas during brunch! They are very generous with the champagne. *Drew and Pauly are the dream team wait staff. They are attentive, patient, and funny individuals who made this brunch experience worth 5 stars!*
(5)Alexandria A.
Second time going to their Soul Food Sunday Brunch. Had the Fried Chicken & Waffles, fried pickles, sweet potato fries, and bacon mac & cheese. Everything was very good, but the bacon mac & cheese didn't not impress me. It was a little too over done/mushy. They had orange flavored mimosas which were delicious and their bloody Mary's are paired with a rib! The atmosphere is great, with live music and a great drink menu! Fantastic place to experience with friends! I would like to go during the week and try out their regular menu.
(4)Cameron G.
I went Ella's on a Saturday night to grab a drink. I ordered only beer, but I regret that decision. I saw an old fashion made, and it was done with style. Stick to cocktails at this place. My biggest disappointment was how dull Ella's was. I arrived at 10:30 or so, and it was dead. This is a decent place a relaxing drink with a friend, but don't come here expecting a party (at least not on a Saturday night).
(4)John W.
Unfortunately this is my second time at Ella's only to confirm that it is a poorly run restaurant and bar. Without getting to detailed they screwed up our reservation for 10 and are out of 5 menu items at 4:56 PM on Sunday's (mind u there are 12 items on the menu) So that being said I would NOT come to Ella's hungry as odds are half of the items in their menu will be sold out! I tell u what you do get really drunk and eat a lot of food and then comes to ellas to drink water and sober up!
(1)Julie C.
Ella's is the perfect mix of artsy and modern! They're good and drinks are innovative and fresh, and the dishes range from healthy to southern fried. It can be loud when there is a band but the service is on point and the atmosphere is lively and fun!
(5)Dave S.
Absolutely the best dining and cocktail establishment in Tampa. The owner had stocked the place with quirky art, there's a weekly vinyl/LP dj gig and regular bands. And the menu is top notch!
(5)Jenny C.
A review about their weeknight dinner (for those that aren't coming for their brunch): This is hipster central but the food is worth it. We had a group of 8 on a Friday night and we came a little after 5:30 straight from work. I was the first one to arrive so I got parking in the back lot (yay for getting a spot in the back instead of at the other lots across the street). The hostess stand told me once we had half our party, we could be seated. I didn't have to wait very long for the others to arrive. We had to sit outside on the patio though since we were a large group and their whole second floor was booked for a private party that night so one negative. We were under a tree and pollen/leaves/bugs kept getting into our water and food. Next time we will NOT be sitting outside! Nature aside, we all had an awesome time especially since we were celebrating a promotion and catching up. It was happy hour also so $3 wells and drafts beers, $4 house wine, and $2 off speciality cocktails and martinis. Our server was awesome (much nicer than the bartender when I was waiting). Everyone was dressed hipster casual. The food was hipster as well. I ordered a bowl of their crab bisque which had actual lump crab. I could taste curry in the soup also. My entree was their "Henry the Loaf" which is a bacon wrapped meatloaf served with garlic mashed potatoes, gravy, crispy onion strings and seasoned vegetables. Like everything at Ella's, the plate was HUGE. But alas I did not like the meatloaf. It was lacking flavor, even the bacon could not save it. I would not order this dish again. I tried my friend's chicken mole and it was amazing! I will definitely order that instead next time! Others ordered burgers and they looked awesome. I will have to try those also. Our group was also fans of their hummus and rasta-far-fries. For dessert I got their chocolate covered bacon. The menu said two strips but the order came with like 4 dark chocolate covered bacon strips and 2 white chocolate covered pancetta. There were peanuts in the chocolate (allergy alert for those allergic to nuts). Pancetta was my favorite! So hipster! Overall, the neighborhood and restaurant is (did I mention?) really hipster. The food is worth it though and I can't wait to come back to try other items (definitely inside) next time. So yes, Ella's is worth the hype.
(4)Boon C.
Interesting setting of the restaurant that show the picture of musician. They have live music on Thursday, Friday and Sunday. We were very lucky that we have a seat immediately. Parking is challenge since the restaurant have a lot of traffic. If you come after 7:00 pm, you can park at the value pawn shop after they close. Tonight dinner we have begin with crab stuffed butternut squash. Butternut squash is a very difficult cooking material to be use, however, the chef did a very good job to prepare it with crab meat and citrus hollandaise source. The squash filled with crab meat area is extremely soft and sweet to eat. Our main course is chicken mole and beef tenderloin. The chicken is very juicy in curry source top over comb read arepa. Who can think about the combination of the dish. It is getting better with the preparation on the beef tenderloin. The dish come with 2 pieces of 4 oz tenderloin in port wine source. It grilled to perfect with beef juice seal inside. This dish also come with bacon wrap asparagus. Bacon is good with any food but who can think the combination of crispy bacon wrap with bacon juice drip into the asparagus. It also come with mash potato cake. The mash is well season and the top is bake to crispy. I am usually not given out 5 star. The cooking and the mixture of the material and taste is well balance. The food give me a wow and unique factor.
(5)Melissa M.
Love this place. We have been a couple times before, but never for Soul Food Sunday. The wait is something else and we are silly - didn't realize there are sitting areas outside (side) and upstairs. Otherwise, we were sat before we were told we would be. Service is amazing, especially considering how busy it is. The waitress covering the section near us refilled drinks for our table a couple of times and I saw other employees helping eachother out. Drinks are pricy but worth it. Hubby got a spicy Bloody Mary with a whole smoked rib in it! Piña Colada on the rocks was DELISH! Kiddos all got mini chicken and waffles - all 3 plates cleaned! I had the rib & brisket (sweet potato salad on the side). The ribs are SO GOOD! Better than some BBQ joints which was unexpected. Loved the sauce and the way the brisket was sliced (very tender). We were so full when we left - you may need a nap after this meal. :)
(5)Acelyn B.
It's like Ella's is misplaced. The style and feel to it would be something you'd find in SoHo or another popular area, not Seminole Heights. Maybe that's what makes it a little more special, though. We tried to make reservations, but found out that they only do call-ahead's and recommended we call 45 minutes prior to our arrival. We did just that, but still waited an extra hour. So expect to reaalllyyy wait. Mark A. and I shared the chicken porto pesto pizza and ordered a side of sweet potato fries. Both were definitely good, the fries moreso than the pizza, but I wasn't exactly wow-ed by them. After such a long wait and all the hype, I felt a little underwhelmed.
(3)Christina C.
Great good, great drinks, great deals! Any place that has happy hour specials on drinks I actually want gets an automatic thumbs up in my book. We came at about 5:45 p.m. on a Tuesday and happy hour had $2 off any cocktail. I was planning on getting a cocktail anyways so this was just a cherry on top! I was a little worried about how crowded it would be, but at 5:45 p.m. we got a table no problem. By 7:30 p.m. when we left, there was a little wait. You can sit inside or outside. There are heating lamps outside, but I get cold really easily so we opted to sit inside. There is definitely funky art and it has a very hip vibe. However, it doesn't take itself too seriously, so I enjoyed it. Back to the cocktail, I got the nutters and nanners. If you can't guess, it tasted like peanut butter and bananas. This is not a drink for someone who doesn't like sweets or is on a diet. But since I love sweets, and my diet doesn't include drinks, I decided to go for it. It was delicious and I would definitely recommend it. For my entre I got The Roots. Honestly, I thought it was going to be a salad. It is described as "Grilled Sweet Potato and Grilled Feta over Parsnip Puree and Herb Vinaigrette". Ok fine, now that I'm reading it again I have no idea why I thought it was going to be a salad. Anyways, it turned out to be a whole sweet potato cut in half and a little block of feta cheese. I did enjoy the little green salad that came on the side. Overall it was good, but I usually don't eat that much sweet potato. I ended up taking half of it home. Still, it tasted healthy and good. Even if you can't find parking in the back, there is a sign directing you to more parking. I appreciated that. I like this place and if I lived close by I would come more often. Guess I'll just have to wait till I'm in the area again.
(4)Shannan T.
Went here after a referral from a family member who is a self proclaimed "foodie" and he and his wife love this place. After stepping foot on the deck to the restaurant I could see right away why. It is a cool, hip, relaxed atmosphere where their attention to detail is really appreciated by patrons like us. The outside tables are tucked into the deck like they've existed there for many decades and the Adirondack chairs are placed just in the right spaces for people to sit and hang out while they wait for a table. The inside looks like the owners have some of "American Pickers" in their blood. The walls adorn some really cool and eclectic pieces such as antique car grills, antique radios and random lawn art pieces. It ties into the decor very nicely and gives you a chill feeling like you shouldn't be rushed, you should relax and feel at home. Now the food I have to say was excellent. We started off with two specialty drinks, "The Purple Drank" and "The Chilo" both were good but to warn you the Chilo is SPICY! The waiter warned us but I thought I had a good hold on spice. Well I guess I don't since I could barely drink it! The Purple Drank was good and reminded us of grape soda with added alcohol but no fizz. For our appetizer we had the Hippie Fries and the waiter brought us each a side of their house made buttermilk peppercorn ranch dressing. That took those crispy wedge fries to a whole new level! For our entree we chose two items that have been on the menu since Ella's opened so we had a feeling they would be good. And heck yeah they were! We got "Henry the loaf" and "The Stuffed Chicken" the meatloaf was bacon wrapped with a root beer sauce and a side of mashed potatoes. We thought it Might be sweet but it was not, was succulent and savory with and after taste of root beer. Yum. And the stuffed chocked was perfectly pan fried with a creamy luscious Alfredo which was perfectly seasoned. Although if you like lighter calorie fare, these would NOT be the choices for you. Lately, I have to say how outstanding all the wait staff was. Our waiter was constantly providing excellent service and was so happy to help. You can tell he really enjoys what he does and he went out of his way to make us feel at home. He was so good we made a point to track down his manager to compliment him. All in all and excellent experience and we will be back again and again and again.
(5)Anthony C.
Finally a place with some originality. They always have some good live Blues bands playing and their food has always been pretty good. Great atmosphere and friendly staff. Their grilled Ceasar wedge is a must try and Soul Food Sunday's are pretty good.
(4)Mabel R.
Amazing Chicken and waffle. Great ambiance and artsy all over! Does not open until 11a if you are considering a brunch. Love the outdoor dining space.
(5)Grecia P.
Went here with family for our brunch after my cousins wedding. Food was amazing. Their signature drink~ Bloody Mary with a rib was delicious.. the mimosas were great! Service was amazing as well as the ambience. The restaurant is very cool looking, artsy... and the live music was a plus... we got to try a bit of everything (food).. fried chicken, brisket, buisquits and gravy, fried green tomatoes, etc... if in the Tampa area you should def stop on by and enjoy.
(5)Steve E.
Ella's American Folk Art Café is where all of the hip kids hang out to eat, drink, and soak up the sunshine on their big deck. Ella's feels like a very fun Bohemian gathering spot where you can enjoy some great drinks and terrific meals, amid a lot of interesting people and fascinating artwork. Unfortunately I'll never be able to get a job at Ella's since I don't have enough ink or nose jewelry, but that's ok since I can always show up to enjoy a great meal with some fun people. Ella's looks like a two-story home along Nebraska Avenue just south of Hillsborough Avenue in Seminole Heights. You'll see some eclectic metal sculptures in the front yard and up onto the deck, plus you'll notice that the front lawn is edged with semi-sunken bowling balls. How cool is that? Inside the front door and the artistic mish-mash continues with interesting collectibles displayed on the walls. Really fun artwork throughout the restaurant. I've been there twice, once to sit outside and enjoy their classic "Domino" burger for lunch, and today to dive into their soul food southern brunch. The Domino burger is a very excellent classic burger served with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and Cabot white cheddar cheese. Add a side of mac & cheese and an iced tea, and I was happy to enjoy the sunshine with my meal. Today's Sunday brunch started with an extra spicy "Bloody Ella" drink which was vodka infused in-house with garlic, Ancho & Chipotle peppers all loaded into their Bloody Mary mix. On Sundays this drink is garnished with a hickory-smoked pork rib! I ordered the blackened fish burger which was predominantly a grilled salmon burger with their house tartar sauce, lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles on a sesame seed bun. That came which a choice of sides, and I went for my all-time Southern favorite -- collard greens with some crumbled bacon. Ella's also offers a 3-side combo for $10, and so I ordered the fried green tomatoes, cheesy grits, and fried pickles as additional sides. Very delicious and extremely filling! I missed the live music performance today, but very much enjoyed the jazz, blues, and boogie woogie that was playing while I had brunch. Ella's has live music Fridays and Sundays, and you can check their website to see who will be performing. I'm already planning a return trip to enjoy another Sunday brunch with their brisket and ribs along with their house-special Old Fashioned drink. I'm a fan!
(4)Cece C.
Hipster haven - dog friendly - great brunch spot - nice servers - strange/cool art - central location. That about sums it up! I have been here a few times now, with and without the dog, most recently with my longtime friend who suggested Ella's based on reviews. It was a great experience. Our server Joe was really nice and accomodating. The food was filling and good! I do think the menu is limited, but you're bound to find something you like. There are not really any healthy options on Soul Food Sunday, but I guess that's expected. Since I live near USF I usually don't travel all the way into South Tampa just for a meal... so it's awesome that this brunch spot is so close. If only there could be more places like this along Nebraska!
(4)Amber H.
Amazing food and atmosphere!!!! I had a to-die for bloody Mary with a rib garnish!! I attended on soul food Sunday, and my meal, consisting of biscuits and gravy, Mac and cheese, and collard greens did not disappoint. There is a quirky little booth in this restaurant dedicated to Elvis. Only downfall? Parking and the wait times.
(4)Arlene H.
Living in a generic land far and away makes one pine for a unique foodie experience. With the help of my dear Tampa Bay Yelp community, Ella's Americana Folk Art Cafe has made me salivate every time I rant and rave about it. Holy food adrenaline rush! Will someone ask me if it was worth the hour wait to get a table out on the patio?? Heck yes! The sensation of food enjoyment was not merely from hunger pangs. Ella's was proof of how important it is to involve all of the five senses. So...let's break it down for Soul Food Sunday. Sight: The quaint neighborhood of Seminole Heights made for a perfect backdrop to an old brick building with a wrap around porch and a beautiful patio. Greeted by metal sculptures, you walk up the steps and enter into a colorful palate and textures of all kinds - from the elvis wall installation, beautiful booths, and the beautiful people that adorn AND make up the restaurant. The patio was perfect for large groups and for those who were just enjoying a drink around the bar that's wrapped around a large umbrella-of-an-oak tree. For food sake, the chicken and waffles, chorizo gravy and biscuits, the funky monkey waffles, and bacon mac and cheese were all artfully prepared and simply displayed. My banana slices on the funky monkey waffle were fanned out into a purdy flower, the chicken was breaded to perfection, the mac and cheese always tastes better in a cast iron skillet, and who doesn't like a waffle that is geometrically delectable. (Who would have thought that math can be so tasty?) Smell: The sweet smell of the waffles paired with the smokiness of the chicken couldn't have been a better marriage. I just wish our booth was not sitting close to smokers. Maybe this prevented me from literally inhaling my food Taste: Simply and diversely amazing all at the same time. Simple items were prepared with such wonderful intention and execution. The Soul Food Sunday menu was exciting but manageable to the extent that we weren't second guessing ourselves. Even when we asked for recommendations, we knew that our server's statement that everything was popular was not said for lack of knowledge. I totally got what he meant. The chorizo gravy and biscuits had an exciting spicy flavor, and the monstrous biscuits were flaky but had tooth to support the chorizo gravy. Even though the gravy and biscuits could stand the test of time on their own, it made all the sense in the world when paired together. The bacon mac and cheese was cheesy, but not over sauced, so you could enjoy the natural texture of how bacon should be. You don't want the bacon to drown in the sauce, and this didn't without it being dry. The funky monkey waffle was the ultimate sweet brunch item that was a must to order. I've been a huge fan of Nutella, and with it being paired with nuts and bananas, holy cow! There aren't any other descriptors to describe what it is. The customer service was phenom. Our meal came out quickly after we ordered. There's just a high demand for everything that they were able to pump it out like it was no one's business! I feel like it was such a privilege and experience to be able to enjoy our meal with such great company. (Shout outs to Rachel M. and Fern.) Even though this experience was new for me in my Florida world, it took me back home to Toronto where there is such a diverse crowd and whimsical environment. This place just restored my hope in Florida artistic humanity when it comes to food and everything else that makes up Ella's equation. You will expect my presence again. ROAD TRIP!
(5)Katherine C.
Dined here for brunch on a short trip to Tampa. Let me tell you, the wait for brunch here is ridiculous. The parking was a huge problem too, even though the pawn shop's lot next door was open for the restaurant's patrons. We stopped by around 1:30pm and was quoted an hour and a half wait, which was fine. Everyone was waiting outside the restaurant with a cocktail in hand, sipping, and we joined them. We finally got seated at 3:30pm and while walking upstairs to our seats, we noticed a whole bunch of empty tables. This got us a little upset because we were absolutely famished at that point. They make a really cool bloody mary that comes with a rib on top! My gf said the rib had a lot of flavor and promptly ordered a pork platter. I went with my usual go to-chicken and waffles. The food took a while to come out too so I really just remember how long the wait was for the entire meal versus how the food actually was, which was actually just decent anyway. I liked how they had a live, country-ish band playing. Nothing really left an impression though.
(3)Cleveland L.
God bless Ellas. I have been putting off doing a review of this establishment as I am obviously jaded. My Mom was born on McBerry and my dad was born on Caracas (the two streets that contain Ellas) and I am so goddam proud of this place. It kind of started the great food revolution/Seminole Heights/hipster upswing in Tampa. Community, anti-establishment is the best way to describe It is different and that is what makes it great. It has GREAT food (8$ shrimp and grits with big ass shrimp, catfish ad thick as your foot (yet still flaky!)). Get the three piece appetizer special for a feel of what is southern (real greens, fried green tomatoes, try 'em all). Mango mimosas with a shot of gin, great draft beers and constantly good live music. Your waiter may talk to you for awhile about current local events so lighten up. You come here to spend awhile eating and drinking with friends and family. Beautiful outside patio and great staff (working their asses off) and clientele. This is the kind of place that makes Tampa a better city.
(5)Natalie T.
Everything on the menu is amazing and unique you can't go wrong here, some of my favorites are the stuffed chicken breast with asiago cheese and mushrooms , pork chop with apple bacon jam , beef tenderloin and any of the pizzas. Easily one of the best restaurants in Tampa located in the up and coming Seminole heights area, they have good happy hour specials and the portion size for entrées are big.
(5)Paul P.
Great place to eat and hang out. Special "Soul Food" menu on Sundays is a must. Fried chicken and waffles, collard greens, "the itis" are just a few of the delectable morsels on tap. They also have live music on Sundays and a nice sized outdoor seating area which is nice when the weather is a bit cooler. The regular menu is also packed with a variety of yummy dishes. Ellas is another great local place in Seminole Heights. Give it a try.
(5)Robert B.
I've only been here on Soul Food Sunday for the brunch menu, but it's going to be difficult to want to come any other time! The chorizo biscuits and gravy are phenomenally grand, having amazing flavor and featuring two massive fresh flakey biscuits on the plate, the remnants of which I want to try and sleep upon after attempting to finish them! The Chunky Monkey waffles are also a good option - who knew Nutella, peanuts, and bananas make such awesome toppings for a waffle? If you're not into having breakfast at 11AM or later, there's some great looking barbecue that's offered throughout the day. I have my sights set on the huge chunks of cornbread for next visit! The bar has lots of interesting options and keeps the mimosas flowing. There's a signature Bloody Mary that's tempting me to try it once I get over my hang-ups about having a rib as a garnish. Still, it looks quite popular! You'll want to get there early on a Sunday if you want to avoid a wait. The parking is probably the one setback of the place; however, there's a cool vibe to the venue and lots of eclectic "reclaimed junk to art" pieces to check out inside/outside/upstairs so it doesn't seem like you're standing in line waiting to sit as long as you are. Still, good things are worth waiting for, early birds, and this place is GOOD.
(5)Barbara C.
This is my fourth time going but this time I went for Soul food Sunday Brunch and it was great I had the chicken and waffle brunch with. Smoked Corn in the cob. It was great. The chicken was smoked and then fried. The taste was incredible the smoked taste came through and the crunchiness from being fried was terrific. The meal also came with a deviled egg that was also delish. I had 2 glasses of passion fruit mimosa. The restaurants decor was great as well and they have live music
(4)Ash S.
My family and I came here on a busy Sunday during labor day weekend, needless to say it was packed and they quoted us an hour wait. Our son is only 9 months old so we couldn't wait (left ulele for the same reason moments before that) we figured that would be the case, so we were about to leave. But then a really nice man who worked there told us he might be able to squeeze us in at a table upstairs normally used for waiting. We said absolutely that would be great. He sat us and immediately delivered the best service I had ever received EVER. His name is thomas, and he made sure we had drinks and made sure our baby's grits came out first. And then another employee brought is a plate of fruit to give our baby. This place is hands down the best service ever!! The food was amazing! Chicken and waffles and brisket was awesome. The collard greens were the best I have ever had too. Not to mention they had a very charming ambiance. The art was eclectic and lovely. We will definitely be back- and if Thomas is reading this: you rock!!
(5)D J.
I was so excited for Soul Food Sunday! I was even more excited when we pulled up before 11:00am I there was a long line. I knew when I saw the wait that the food was going to be the best I've had in FL. The restaurant open & began to seat those of us who were waiting but the couple in front of us got the last table so our wait was an hour for a table. While waiting I ordered fried green tomatoes from the bar. The fried green tomatoes were tasty but the coating was thick and doughy. After waiting an hour, we were seated up stairs. Let me tell you guys, this place is cool, artsy, and eclectic. Some of the artwork is slightly creepy but in a good creepy way. I ordered the chicken and waffles w/Mac-n-cheese (no bacon) and collard greens (no pork). ALL OF IT, ALL OF IT was weird! Only because I was anticipating traditional southern soul food. The fried chicken was "smoked", the collards had a weird fancy flavor, and the pasta was for the Mac-n-cheese was overcooked & I think they used smoked cheese in it. The waffle tasted good but it wasn't fresh, it was cold. Keep in mind it wasn't nasty, it was just WEIRD! This food is great for people who like amped up, fancy soul food with out of the box flavors. But I prefer regular old southern soul food. Anyway, I'd like to go back to try their regular menu & hear some live menu.
(2)Yohanis C.
Awesome place, hipster style, very modern. Their food is great, they experiment but they still keep it simple. The atmosphere is amazing.
(4)Mark D.
Happened upon Ella's through a friend's recommendation. What a fun place with excellent food at reasonable prices and a service staff that really enhanced our visit.. We will definitely be back it was a good time.
(5)Snoop M.
Ella's is one of our family favorites. Delicious food, fun drinks, laid-back but interesting vibe. The Sunday BBQ is amazing...you can even get a Bloody Mary with a rib in it! For those of you that remember Viva La Frida Cafe y Galleria...the same people now own Ella's. Different genre, same talent.
(5)Christine D.
My fiancée and I went here last night for dinner with some family after hearing great reviews from our neighbors and we could t be any happier with the service, food and atmosphere that we encountered. Even with a party of 5 and the restaurant being packed, inside and out, we got sat immediately. The drink menu had many options, as did the menu. Even though the menu is only one page, there is a lot to choose from. For the appetizer we chose "Viva La Chimi" and it was to die for. For dinner two of the guests got "The Hippy" and "Chicken Pesto" pizza, other two guest got the "Bacon wrapped Meatloaf" and one got "Sulu Curry w/red snapper and tofu". All the food was amazing in flavor and presentation. The only down fall was the parking. Very limited, but there are signs on the side of the buildings letting you know where to park Definitely putting on my favorites list for restaurants in Seminole Heights. Hopefully this review helps
(5)Allison N.
I'm not sure why it took me so long to make my way to Ella's, but now that I've been, I feel really ashamed for waiting. Ella's is located in the hip, up and coming Seminole Heights neighborhood, which has a ton of great restaurants. Ladies and gentlemen, this restaurant is one of the best. I opted to call ahead on a Friday since I figured they would be busy and they don't take reservations. We were seated immediately inside. It must have been perfect timing because I swear a horde of people came in immediately after us and the wait was bumped up to over an hour. We started with the wings, which were on the special menu. The wings had a jerk chicken flavor to them, and they were damn good wings. They were perfectly coated in the sauce and not too plain with just a kick of spice. Mmm. Being a big burger lover, I chose to get one of Ella's cheeseburgers, the Wino. I initially was going to get the veggie burger until I saw the Wino description: Gorgonzola AND bacon jelly? I was intrigued. The burger came out and was cooked just right. The mixture of flavors between the jelly and the Gorgonzola (as well as the juicy burger) was on point. I was initially going to add bacon onto my burger but am glad I didn't since I think the saltiness of the bacon would have overpowered the rest of the burger. Another thing I enjoyed were the fried green tomatoes as a side option. Fried green tomatoes are perhaps one of my favorite fried concoctions ever, and Ella's does a great job at tomatoes. Well done. My boyfriend ordered the Domino burger. He said it was tasty but rather plain, especially compared to the Wino burger. Service was great and friendly, no complaints here. Although the place was busy I didn't feel like we were ignored. I will definitely come back to Ella's and I'm eager to try their famous Soul Food on Sundays.
(4)Lydia C.
This is a fun place to go! Very eclectic and funky atmosphere! They have a lovely patio area with lots of seating too. I stopped in on Saturday evening and sat at the bar and enjoyed a couple of their yummy cocktails! I ordered the potato wedges and they were excellent. Topped with cilantro, sriracha and house made mustard. The bartender gave me a side of their delicious ranch recommending that I try it with the wedges. Really good stuff! The house made mustard on the wedges is so good too! I also ordered the hog pizza. I took most of it home and it was even better re-heated the next day! The meaty toppings are excellent! Parking was really packed and all of the spots seemed to be for compact vehicles only. Service was pretty good. I would like to go back and check out their brunch & bbq only offered Sundays. Next time I'm in Tampa I will surely go back for more delicious drinks and tasty food!
(4)Christine C.
Review for the soul food sunday brunch. Our first stop after landing at TIA & told us it was a 1.5 hour wait. It actually turned out to be around 45 min. Ordered the famous chicken & waffles, veggie burger & the blacken local catch. The fried chicken was not crispy and lukewarm but the waffles were great. The veggie burger w/ sweet potato fries were flavorful though the burger was huge and hard to eat.
(4)Jeff C.
Had the appetizer special (mango topped toasted bread), which was great...followed by the shrimp vegetable curry, also great! Happy hour specials run till 7 and include $3 drafts. Nice atmosphere (slightly loud) and great food.
(5)Brittany L.
Have been for dinner twice now since we moved here and both times food was really great. I've tried a chicken and pasta dish and a few kinds of pizza and also (I think) meatloaf. All were really good and it's a good-sized portion. Mixed drinks are pretty great and there's a nice selection of craft beers. If you're thinking this place is going to super gourmet or innovative, you're off base. It's mostly comfort-food oriented and it's executed well. There are twists here and there and they work. Sunday is Soul Food Sunday and they're open from 11am-8pm and don't serve their regular menu. It's the only day they're open for lunch/brunch and also the only day they don't stay open until at least 11pm. There's live music on Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays. However, the website isn't updated all that reliably so good luck finding out who's playing. Service was kind of weird once. Our server was friendly and knowledgeable and checked on us, but seemed to have a hearing issue (for real). We asked multiple times for water refills and finally had to flag someone else down. 2 drink orders went unfilled. We had to ask for a box twice. Decor is really with tons of stuff to look at, and they have a great patio with twinkle lights under a big tree. The Elvis Wall makes me think of my grandma, who cried every time she talked about the day he died, even when she was in her 70s...sweet woman. The thing that REALLY annoys me is that they won't do reservations or call-ahead, and that's probably why we don't go there more often. We live 5 minutes away. It's absurd that we have to DRIVE THERE to put our name on the list and then drive back in an hour or more when our table is ready. PITA. They should have a "regular club" where people pay $5-10 to be able to join the club and make reservations. I'd pay for it! The bathroom is really tiny for the size of the place, and the "milling around" near the hostess stand (and everywhere else too) of people waiting for tables is annoying. Yet another reason to take reservations. Don't annoy the patrons that are already there because someone is standing 12" from their table listening to their conversation.
(4)Alicia C.
Unique and tasty dishes. Go for Soulfood Sunday's, you won't regret it. The biscuits and gravy dish is so delicious, it's a fun spin on the traditional dish. Be there 15-20 minutes before it opens to stand in line so you can get a seat right away. I would give it a 5, but I feel the service could improve.
(4)Shari v.
Greeeeaaaaatt food ! Everything from shots, drinks, appetizers, entree and sides were fabulous! No room for dessert. I will be returning to check out soul food Sunday! We were seated inside .. very eclectic views lol The patio looks nice but there was a wait to be seated out there the weather that evening was perfect. The staff at ella's was great our joyful greeting upon entering and our fun waitress made the evening even better.
(5)James E.
A rib in my bloody marie! Bloody great, i say!
(5)Adam F.
This place makes my heart happy. Food, staff and environment are all top notch. Definitely a Tampa staple.
(5)Sonia A.
Amazing food,drinks, and service. A must go to.! Amazing Mac n'cheese, fried chicken, and collard greens. Breakfast shots a must!
(5)Yaqueline V.
It use to be really good until they started cutting back on quality and the service went down along with it, today everything went wrong, my server Emily it was absolutely horrible; rude, and no desire to do her job. My crab squash appetizer was hard and under cooked, I asked her for a new one and she put it back in the oven and gave it back to me, and I sent it back again. Then my Wino burger was extremely dry, they changed the bun it's not like it used to be; I took a bite, ate a fry and sent it back. When I got the check they charged me for it, I requested that Emily take it off my check; she asked me why when I had notified her that I didn't like it. The manager never came out to talk to me but he did charge me for half of a burger I never ate. I'm willing to pay for food that is worth the price, but don't expect customers to pay for food that is not worth it.
(1)Cori W.
So most of the reason my reviews only three stars is based on the dish I ordered for myself. So we got to the restaurant and ordered cocktails. I had the cherry limeade.....I asked if it was sweet she said yes, but it was really really sweet. A bit too much so. I need to stop eating/drinking what the waitresses recommend. My husband had a bloody mary, he wasn't that impressed......especially since it apparently won an award. Food wise we got the tuna for the appetizer....that was nice. My husband got the wino and I ordered the roots......He enjoyed his meal....I did not. I should've complained but I didn't, the roots was inedible. Whatever was in the pesto was so overwhelming that I couldn't handle it. It was gross. That was disappointing. I got a 2nd cocktail....The Beet Bramble which was better than the limeade, but not amazing. I don't know if I was expecting too much, but my experience was definitely underwhelming.
(3)Cristina M.
We were looking for a cool and relaxing place for a great dinner and fun night with friends, when we got there the 30 min wait turn into 1 hour after we complaint to the hostess that there were 3 empty dirty tables. The food wasn't good at all but the drinks were exceptional. The service was very disappointing, our waiter wasn't friendly at all and didn't even introduce himself and the bartender was basically asking for gratuity and at the end made fun of my husband when he was using the wrong door to exit the restaurant. Very poor customer service and horrible food, don't waste your money there.
(1)Chris W.
We were visiting the Tampa area and our daughter recommended Ella's. We went on a Thursday afternoon arriving right at opening, five pm. The folksy arts and crafts on the walls and ceilings provided a comfortable backdrop to the finely crafted meals we enjoyed. The squash and crab appetizer was simply sublime. Another appetizer we enjoyed was the fried potato wedges called Rasta-Far-Fries. We thought the flavors were well balanced and the presentation was excellent. Our dinners included a massive but wonderfully prepared pork chop, the Pauly Chop. The apple bacon jam on top was killer good. Another entrée we loved was the Chicken & the Hoe. The mole negra was excellent. One of our diners ordered the Wino burger. This burger and flavor sensations can only be described as "the earth moved" at the first bite. Highly recommended for foodies of all types.
(5)Julie D.
I think the only reason people like this place is that there are very few choices in Seminole Heights and it is "hip". Do. not. go. on. Sundays. We reserved a table for 10. They only had a table for 6 and did not correct it or seem concerned. Server did not even want us to pull up a 7th chair. My friends were STANDING near our table for an hour until a nearby booth opened up, and they sat behind us. We shared chairs cheek to cheek. I have been to see bands I like (I live 45 min away) 5 times now on Sundays, 4-7p. They run out of nearly all food! I have postponed my bad review for 2 years because my friends like this place, but today was the last straw. At 4:30pm they were out of 5 dishes, and they only have about 10 on the menu. and it is dinnertime. They have been out of several dishes EVERY time I have been here. I understand this is their Sunday only menu. But if you know you are going to run out (they have a whiteboard up front to list what they are out of!) FIX THAT. Serve your normal menu after 5? Order more? Add some items to the menu that correlate with their weekday menu? But also, the food just ain't all that. There is a fun soul food menu but the flavors are bland. (fried pickles too salty, BBQ was tender but weak sauce, shrimp and grits tasted great once we doused it with tabasco, collards were definitely not good. This is Soul Food Sunday and they have not mastered the basics. (and out of cornbread and mac-n-cheese and chicken/waffles and biscuits/gravy. but you could get a salad or veggie burger!!) In fairness, previous times I've visited the service has also been really slow and with that hipster attitude. . But today, Paige our server, was really outstanding, and went out of her way to convince us that we should give this place another shot on any day but Sunday. She was attentive, patient, and understanding. Stellar employee, and I honestly have not experienced that here before. Also parking is a problem, the lot is full at 4pm, with signs that tell you not to park in the neighborhood. I once came once for a Tiki Luau which was also horrendous, $35 and food running out, long lines at a poorly managed buffet... it just strikes you that these are not restaurant people that run it. Every time I am here, it seems like all servers and staff are just in over their heads, confused, like they have been open a week. I really don't know why people put up with this, other than the hip factor and the location. One positive is that the drink menu is phenomenal, come early, or come for the drinks, hope you can park, though you probably won't get a seat at the bar on a Sunday, so sit outside where you can't hear the band.
(1)Jonathan G.
Hipsters everywhere.... Their bloody Mary's come with a spar rib. Hipsters everywhere
(4)Raymond L.
We have now been here 3 times, each time superceding the previous. The food and service are always amazing. This time in particular we had Paul Lee. Paul's depth of knowledge of the menu, and his willingness to go above and beyond to answer all questions was a true testament to the satisfaction this restaurant brings. My girlfriend and I will share many more date nights here. Please note: my girlfriend is a vegetarian and she loves this place for its fresh from scratch offerings, with more of a variety than other places to suit her lifestyle.
(5)Kathy D.
Ella, Ella, Ella can you forgive me? I sure hope so, because I can't forgive myself! I bookmarked you over a year ago, forgot about you and finally got to enjoy you and all you have to offer. I went to this establishment with a group of about 30 people. We were ordering drinks and food at different times, moving around to greet old friends and still everything went off with out a hick up. Our server was the best, I am so sorry I can't remember her name, because she was phenomenal. Ella's is located in Seminole Heights on Nebraska Ave., just south of Hillsborough. It is an old 2 story house that has artfully been refurbished into a great restaurant. They have a beautiful outside patio area, lit up with small white lights and plenty of seating, it looks so inviting. Inside it is decorated eclectic and is really quite fascinating if you take the time to explore. I ordered the bacon wrapped meatloaf, what a treat. It was seasoned superbly, moist and almost reminded you of a steak. The bacon was well done and added a bit of different texture and taste and it was topped with tempura with chives in the batter coated onion rings, totally delicious! This was accompanied by REAL garlic mashed potatoes and a medley of FRESH vegetables. I must adress the vegetables as they were perfection! Most chains give you the frozen medley. Here you get a bit of this and that, all fresh, all seasonal, all perfectly seasoned and cooked. The seasoning was fantastic and had the meatloaf not been so good, the veggies would have been the star of the plate. Others got wedge salads of romaine that were fresh and delicious. Pizza was a big hit with many and I heard no complaints about any food. On to desserts, here is the only mistake of the evening, besides very limited parking. I ordered the peach cobbler, in keeping with have a great home style meal. It was served in a jelly jar warm with a small bit of ice cream. What a let down after a great meal. The small amount of crust was very doughy and undercooked and even worse the peaches certainally did not taste fresh. Their went the 5* review I had planned to give. Ella's is a must try for one & all. Once you go, you will definately want to return. What's a girl to do? Isn't dessert part of dinner?
(4)Adrienne V.
Ella's is pretty good but you definitely have to make reservations. You could really wait like two hours for a table if you don't have a reservation. But if you eat outside you can bring your dog. Also if you go on a night that a band is playing it's really loud which is fine if you like the band but not so fine if you don't like the band.
(3)Chrissy H.
While the food and atmosphere were great, the service was TERRIBLE. I felt like an inconvenience from the moment I walked in. The bartender was nice but our server was slower than molasses. Took us over 40 minutes to get our food when we were seated. Our server told us bold faced lies as excuses for her slowness. Poor management and staffing if that's a normal Tuesday night...
(3)Danielle B.
Fantastic food! Soul Food Sunday has everything from fried chicken and waffles to barbecue. Every hit if it is tasty and leaves you feeling full and gracious!
(5)Julie J.
When wanting Sunday brunch in Tampa, this is the first place that always comes to mind. Their menu on other days is really good but I look forward to going here on Sundays because of their "SOUL FOOD Sundays" menu! My fave cocktail to get is their Bloody Ella (Bloody Mary). A BBQ rub rim, with an olive, pepper, and lime garnish and another garnish they add to top it off is a delicious hickory smoked rib! Yes, it is pretty amazing. Some of their entrees come with a choice of a side or two but if you want one of their Specialty Sides ala-carte, they make you pay an up-charge. I don't even mind paying the up-charge because it's totally worth it! From their Specialty Sides, you can choose large portions of The Shrimp and Grits or The Bacon Mac & Cheese (veg. option avail). I have tried all of them and they are super duper tasty! Probably the best Shrimp and Grits I have ever had in Tampa! For the entrees, I always have a dilemma picking between The Fried Chicken and Waffles and The Fried Catfish. Sometimes I think how easy my life would be if I just order both, but with the amount of sides and drinks I get, I don't think my tummy and wallet would be too happy. If you want to come on Sunday to enjoy their Soul Food Sundays menu, I suggest you come 20-30 mins early and wait in the line that always forms before opening time at 11am. Otherwise, expect a long wait time for a table since they are always packed. They do take reservations in advance for large parties. I am looking forward to my next Sunday visit!! :)
(5)Renee Y.
Nice place in Tampa but a a bit too hipster for families with young kids. Pizzas are large, calamari was good and fried green tomatoes are good.
(4)Karen S.
Love Ella's for dinner, just tried soul food Sundays and wowzers!!! Get there early, get a Bloody Mary with a spare rib, chicken and waffles with an excellent maple bourbon sauce. Tried the fried green tomatoes and the owner have us a sample of fries pickles. Ask for the dip that is served with the fried pickles with your fried green tomatoes- you will be very happy. The owner gets a double thumbs up for customer service, greeting the crowd and making sure everything runs smooth. And extra as Ella's is an homage to his wife's family. Gotta love an owner who cares about hi food family and the customer.
(5)David L.
My wife was taking me out for my birthday dinner and I looked at the various restaurants in the Nebraska/Florida area in Seminole Heights. We had never eaten at any of them, so it was my choice to pick our first. I liked the menu more at Ella's, especially the pork chop and trimmings. I got it and was more than pleased with it, and it was even better the next day as left overs. There is a great selection of entrees as well as appetizers and the specialty drinks...well...you just have to see them to believe the variety. Atmosphere is nice and our waiter, Paulie, no relation to the Pauly Pork Chop, was super. Don't think you'll be disappointed. Just go online and check out he menu like I did.
(5)Erin G.
Ella's has been a favorite restaurant of mine since first moving to tampa 5 years ago. I live in downtown Tampa, so there are many excellent dining options closer to me, but Ella's is worth the drive! Ella's has an evolving, diverse menu, fun atmosphere, and friendly staff. The food is always delicious and comes out in a timely manner after ordering. Negatives are limited parking, long wait times to be seated (call ahead solves this problem though!) and only one bathroom/gender. Outdoor seating area is very nice and pretty, but shade is provided by trees so if it rains, you're out of luck. Today was my first time coming for Ella's "Soul Food Sundays", and I'm upset it took me this long! I woke up with a hankering for biscuits and gravy, and Ella's version of this dish was delicious and unique. It is not your traditional biscuits and gravy, but they use "country gravy and chorizo sausage" with an almost spicy, flavorful taste unlike anything I've had before. The biscuits were light and buttery. It really hit the spot! I also tried my friend's cornbread which was perfection! Served with a yummy molasses spread that complimented it perfectly. My favorite dish ever from Ella's is their Butternut squash ravioli, which is rarely on their menu but I look for it every time! If you have the opportunity, do not miss this item! Tip: Call ahead especially on Sunday!
(4)April S.
Ok so I am undecided about a 2 star or 4 star. So I picked the middle. I decided on a 3 because I love the food and drinks they have. So if it wasn't for the amazing food and drinks I would not go back to this place. I have been here a few time and the last two times I have gone in, the wait staff has not been very good with customer service. One visit my friend ordered a pizza, she took one piece and realized the bottom was really burnt. So we called the waitress over and told her about it. The waitress lifts up the pizza, rolls her eyes, and takes the pizza away, without a single word said. Then Saturday myself and another friend go there. It's an hour wait at 8:00 at night, no big deal we wait, because the food and drinks are amazing. Well we asked for first seating and it's outside. Again, that's fine, it was a cold night, but we had jeans and sweaters on so it's fine. We get our food and our drinks. The waitress ask if we need anything else. I said no just go ahead and bring the check so we can pay and leave when we are done. Again, it's cold outside and we didn't want to wait for the check. The waitress astually laughs and says " Yeah, I'll bringing in a little while" Umm what, excuse me. I want the check on my terms not yours. We never eat all the food and didn't want any more to drink so there was not reason not to bring the check when we asked. We are the customers!!! I will give Ella's another chance only because of the food and drinks. However, if the service it still as bad as it has been I will go to another place. There is plenty more placed popping up on Florida Ave a street over, and even on Nebraska Ave that is similar to Ella's. The things is I have raved about this place and introduce much of my friends and co-workers to Ella's. However, again if the service does not improve I will no longer mention Ella's.
(3)Roza S.
I love this place!!! Best place to go on a Sunday if you're looking for great food and no frills. Located in Seminole Heights, this hipster place is not to be missed! It's very artsy starting with the bowling bowls outside and the coke bottle decorated mirror on the inside. I've only been here on a Sunday where they have a special soul food menu. This place is so great and popular that you will prob wait some time to be seated (45 min to an hour) but trust me it's worth it! Get a drink at the bar! I would recommend their large guava mimosa or their bloody Ella's which comes with a delicious rib on top. If you don't want to wait come around 1030 and wait along with a group of people who stand outside and wait for the doors to open at 11. The owner is a friendly guy and he will greet you at the door as you enter. As I already said the decor is very artsy. The service is always friendly and usually fast unless they are super busy. On to the food! They have the BEST sweet potato fries ever! My other favorite is the veggie burger it's huge and tastes delicious! I also have enjoyed their "Itis" and their chicken and waffles. Honestly everything they make is perfect and I would recommend trying all of them. As far as drinks I love the guava mimosa and I usually get the large size. The Bloody Ella is also great if you like bloody Mary's I'm not a big fan of vodka and tomato juice together. I enjoy them separately. However they make theirs very strong. I've tried their chocolate covered bacon and their funky monkey and both are delicious. Writing this review is making me want to go there now! They have live music on Sundays and probably other days as well. They have outside seating which is perfect in a nice weather. If you haven't been, you haven't lived. I will have to go on another day and check out their regular menu. Must go!!!
(5)Kristi A.
Super fun atmosphere with excellent food and drinks. Loved this place and highly recommend!
(5)Dulian N.
The Wino burger and rasta-far-fries. Thank me later. Pretty well-equipped full liquor bar as well.
(5)JoJo R.
Fried green tomatoes to start with remolaude--excellent. White chicken pesto pizza, beef tenderloin with herb goat cheese mashed potatoes and a Key Lime martini. ALL FABULOUS!!
(5)Keri G.
Just a heads up, don't go to Ella's expect gluten free service! Outside of a salad or bunless burger, your options are limited. Sidenote...thank you to the rude waitress that acted like I was a mad woman for suggesting gluten free pizza dough.... you did have it a while back! And you were kinda rude to our party. Unfortunately, no one at our table was impressed and wants to go back. :(
(1)Ingrid R.
Pizza was delicious, so was their jalapeño margarita!! Great place to relax enjoy good music and good food.
(5)Joel H.
Having been to Ella's a number of times as an audience member, but never a performer, I was excited to finally get out there and try some of the "Americana" food. We arrived there early on a Friday, hungry, and were told that we had a bit of a wait. It was suggested that next time we call ahead and make a reservation. My mother-in-law pulled the out-of-town card and all of a sudden a place opened up for us on the second level. When we made our way up the steps we noticed a number of empty seats. Maybe they were reserved, maybe it was an oversight, either way it wasn't a good start. J-Fur decided to start with an appetizer. The "Viva La Chimi" called to her. This chimichanga is stuffed with roasted garlic mashed potato, fire roasted poblano peppers and mozzarella. It is then served with a Tamarind soy sauce and Chipotle Sour Cream. Eight dollars for an appetizer seemed a bit pricey but we weren't paying so it was all good. When we saw the size of the portions, we knew why. We really could've just eaten those chimichangas as a meal and been fine (and full) with it. These chimis were very crispy and fried to perfection on the outside and heavy and filling inside. She wasn't a big fan of the Tamarind Soy Sauce, so she spent most of her dipping time in the Chipotle Sour Cream. Weird because she can't stand Sour Cream in the real world. Also on the docket for this evening was the veggie burger. Ella's isn't one of those places that only offers a veggie burger for vegetarians. Other main courses I contemplated were the the roots, Sulu's Curry or the Hippy Pizza. What drew me to the veggie burger (called the Good) was that it was a homemade patty topped with some of my favorite toppings: spinach, avocado, tomatoes, crispy onions and a sweet mustard sauce. I also asked for a side of garlic ketchup to dip the burger in. The patty was nutty and had a great texture to it. It, like a lot of homemade veggie burgers, fell apart pretty easily making it less of a burger and more like...a sloppy joe? Pile of beans and nuts? The best part was that it was paired, not with your typical french fries, but with fried green tomatoes. The fried green tomatoes were huge. You received four slices of them. Similar to the chimi, I felt the texture and exterior were fried to perfection. They weren't overly greasy (which would've been detrimental to my pants). They turned out to be one of my favorite side dishes in all of Tampa. J-Fur decided to go with Sulu's Curry for her main dish. I tried to talk her out of it because of her aversion to spiciness but she had her mind set on a big bowl of panang curry in coconut milk with sauteed vegetables, fresh basil, tofu and tea infused Basmati. The curry itself is sixteen dollars. While the taste was pretty good and the size was enough for two meals I felt this was the most ridiculously priced of all the menu items. Maybe it was the vegetable combo or the time it took to create the dish that made it so expensive. I'm sure there is a reason for it. I just know how much it costs me to make a homemade curry and it isn't anywhere near that price. J-Fur wound up leaving a lot of it to me because it was too much for her. I tried to warn her... Ella's Americana Folk Art Cafe is a great place to eat. The food was awesome (especially the side dishes), the portions were large and could easily be shared with friends or family. It is a bit on the pricey side, more of a treat than an every week occurrence.
(5)Jessica M.
We only stopped in for a drink and they had limited hours as it was New Years Day, but we'll be back to get the full experience the next time we're in Tampa. This is a very cool spot with a fabulous outdoor patio with comfortable seating and a decent amount of seating with clean bathrooms with fun decor inside. Live music stage set up. Tasty cocktails. Friendly servers.
(4)Bunny N.
Ella's is amazing. Really glad I got to check this place out before I left Tampa. It is very folk art (duh) punk indie type atmosphere that I love. Cool vintage things are all over the walls. And a fire pit in the back! The menu consisted of very creative food items, such as the chimichanga filled with mash potatoes. I got that along with the fries. So delicious! Be warned though, they do put a bit of Sracha on the fries so it is very spicy. And a lot of mustard too. Our server was very sweet and was great.
(4)Vanessa J.
Yum! What's not to love about Ella's?! Ella's is almost always busy, and we usually have to wait for a table. So, to pass the time I almost always try a new cocktail. I've tried a good amount, but my favorite is the Grapefruit Moon. Can't go wrong with that yummy drink! As far as food goes, I love their pizzas! Specifically, the eggs and bacon. I'll admit that when I first saw it on the menu, I was skeptical. But the nice waiter assured me that I wouldn't regret my decision. He was right! The over easy egg definitely complimented the pizza in an amazing way! Good food and good drinks! What more could you ask for?!
(5)Stephanie K.
Amazinggggggggg this place has the coolest atmosphere. Great bloody rib marys. Pork chops . sweet potato fries soul food bbq its fantastic! The music is great!
(5)Mercy G.
This place has a great vibe going on! Both the service and the menu options are incredible. If you're vegetarian- do not fear - best veggie burger I've EVER had! This is a great spot both for lunch and dinner and definitely for a fun happy hour!
(4)Michael J. C.
I love this place! Such a hidden gem of Tampa, and such a great brunch! Wait can be a bit intense, but well worth it every time!
(5)Erica L.
Grabbed a seat at the bar after pretty much having a territory war with someone over a different set of bar seats and being put on a 35 minute wait at 2:30 on a Sunday. The bartender didn't smile once or greet us.The Bloody Mary has the most delicious RIB I have ever tasted on top of it. Sweet, smoky and tender! The chorizo biscuits and gravy were cold but would have been awesome...maybe if heated back up, there was a burnt area on the biscuit that was cleverly (or not so cleverly) covered with more gravy so that we couldn't tell. The Chicken and waffles were decent. It was disappointing that we had such a long wait overall and watched people eat before us that came in AFTER us and leave before we had even gotten any food. We also had to ask for our food and the manager finally brought it out. I loved the atmosphere and that damn rib on my Mary, so maybe sometime in the distant future I will give it another shot.
(3)Colleen S.
I had the burger. Let me just say the apple bacon jam was devine!! Will definitely be coming back to visit this place. The interior feel and vibe was also amazing. They definitely don't skimp on the alcohol portion of their mixed drinks. This is a must visit place!!
(5)Tiffany H.
Man, I had high expectations of Ella's. Between the solid reviews here and what one of my friends told me about it before, I guess I was expecting an amazing experience. It was a bit above average, unfortunately. We made our stop on a Saturday night. An extremely busy Saturday night. We had to park on the next block on the side of a building (sort of shady) because there was no parking to be found. I guess we should have taken it as a clue we would be in for an hour-long wait. I'm not sure if that's the norm because we saw a small chartered bus picking up a huge party as we left. We picked up a buzzer and tried to find a spot at the downstairs bar. Nope. Did spot a kid taking up a seat there playing a game or something though. Tried to flag down a bartender for ten minutes and then someone (a manager I guess) pointed us to the upstairs where we could order drinks at a secondary bar. Fantastic. The bartender up there was quick and we went to find a seat. A couple snatched the small sofa up there but someone bussed a small table that faces the stairs for us. We spent the next 45 minutes looking at the menu so we could order immediately once we were seated. We're still not sure why we couldn't have ordered and eaten where we were. It had more room than the downstairs bar, and we definitely saw people eating there... Well, the buzzer went off and we wandered back downstairs. We got our orders in quickly, and the long wait definitely left us super hungry. Our starter was out came in almost no time. We split the mashed potato and poblano chimichangas. Solid appetizer right there. It had a nice flavor profile, good texture, and came out hot. I still had high hopes of the wait being worth it at this point. A little later we got our main dishes out. I ordered the steak tartar tacos. I was a little thrown off by having an over-sized wonton as a shell (it's not really a taco then), but the flavor profile was decent. There was some funky slaw with it and it worked, but I'm not sure if this dish alone constitutes a meal. My friend ordered a stuffed chicken and pasta dish. I stole a bite and found the pasta was super heavy on the dairy and the chicken was missing something. It wasn't the best thing I've ever had but it was a huge portion, I'll give them that. So, the experience wasn't really worth the wait. I think I would have given it a higher mark if we didn't have the crazy wait or if my expectations weren't as high as they were. I will say the interior is really funky and has a fun vibe going on. I think that's the only reason I didn't round down to a 2. I'm not sure there's much of an incentive to get back there though since it's quite a drive from home.
(3)Farin F.
I love Ella's - the pizza is delicious and the service is great. It's a cute place with funky decor - fun atmosphere and they have live music weekly I believe.
(4)Matt M.
Let me first start off by saying, Ellas is one of my favorite places to eat in tampa. From their dinner menu to their Soul Food Sunday, it is a must try. The low review is only to hope that Ernie reads this. Recently I had had their chicken and waffles and it was mind blowing (smoked and then fried chicken, a recent change). Unfortunately other customers were unaware that smoked chicken will come out with a pinkish color. Due to this and the multiple orders being sent back to the kitchen, they no longer smoke their chicken prior to frying it. I truly hope that Ellas brings back the new process of smoking and frying the chicken and just educates the customer prior to ordering that due to the chicken being smoked it will have a pinkish color. Not to say that their chicken and waffles isn't good, but the smoked and then fried chicken was game changing. I love the new cut off the pork chop, it looks like something that you would see on the Flintstones. Every table around was staring and came over to ask what we had ordered. Ask for Stephanie, she is amazing!!
(2)Shane B.
Absolutely loved this place, very hip atmosphere, excellent friendly service and excellent tasting food! We visited for the first time on a Saturday evening at 7:30 with another couple and were promptly seated inside at a booth. Though we had called ahead to put our name in, there were a few open tables and I believe we could have walked in and been seated right away anyhow. Maybe the monsoon rains all day held the crowds back..... Found easy parking at the pawn shop next door. We ordered the hummus, crabmeat stuffed squash, chicken mole, pork shank and filet and all of us were amazed at the flavors! Can't wait to go back!
(5)Sarah W.
Ok, their Moscow Mule? Delicious! And Soul Food Sunday - oh, it was all that it was promised to be. Those fried green tomatoes were amazing. I wish they hadn't run out of so many things around dinner time (all the fish choices were out, etc.) by the time we were ordering at 7ish, but ... who cares when the BBQ is good! We loved their fried green tomatoes, too. Those were divine.
(4)Matt B.
This restaurant came highly recommended, but the food came up well short of our expectations. Expect a very cool eclectic atmosphere, a healthy menu featuring signature cocktails and craft beers. We tried the butternut squash stuffed with crab....very interesting appetizer, but not sure the combination works together, although the crab was yummy. Our Chicken Curry and Chicken Molé entrees were both lacking. I recommend the place, but go with the sure fire winners on the menu. We had fun looking at the Elvis Wall, and the crazy folk art....and the "purple drank" was like sipping adult kool Aid!
(2)Jennifer C.
My experience here was fantastic. When we first walked in, they said a 45+ minute wait (we ended up only waiting 10 min). I don't know if it was because I was super hungry (when am I not?) but everything from the bread to the chimi appetizer, and my burger, was on point. The drinks are a little bit of a hit or miss, but our super nice waitress had absolutely no problems with our distaste to their special cocktails being served that night. That was the only disappointment. I think this place has crawled up to one of my favorite places in Tampa.
(5)Brian C.
My girlfriend and I were vacationing in Tampa for the weekend to getaway from the snow in Denver. I was craving southern soul food for brunch. Several people recommended this gem for Sunday brunch, which focuses on BBQ & soul on Sunday. I ordered the open face brisket and pork plate with cheese grits....the meat was cooked perfectly---juicy, tender, flavorful; the bbq sauce was on point as well. I also ordered corn bread, beans and rice, and fried green tomatoes....which I knew I couldn't finish them all but I had to taste for sure! Nothing disappointed...this place made me forget about most of the Denver brunch spots that I love. The server was energetic and funny. Ella's property is adorned with amazing metal sculptures that are whimsical and fun....one included a preying mantis taking a picture of a fallen horse. If you are looking for brunch on a Sunday with a soulful kick, you gotta come here! The only downfall is the wait....we waited about 1 hour, but the best remedy for that was having a couple of Sunday cocktails on the wood patio!
(5)Michael M.
Great atmosphere. Long wait was cut in half. Busy place. Moscow Mule. I had the meatloaf & the Rasta Fries.
(5)Brett M.
By all means you must ask for Marie. She was so attentive to our every need. Thanks again. The food is great! You must try; the artfully crafted dish was stunning in appearance and tasted even better. If you don't show up here tomorrow, you are surely missing out on a great experience.
(5)Shannon O.
Ella's was the perfect boozy brunch experience to help me survive the day after a late night. We called ahead to put ourselves on the wait list (party of 2). After we checked in I went to the bar to order a drink. I was a little out if it and the bartender sought me out and asked if I wanted a drink. WHAT? I've never had a bartender do that for me! As soon as I ordered my drink our table was ready. Definitely call ahead. Joe was our server and he is great! He greeted us with a smile and an awesome attitude! I had a mango mimosa (YUM!), a pineapple mango vodka slushie, and a cigar city beer (Florida white ale). All were sooo good! The slushie was a little sweet for me, but it was still very good. The decor in the restaurant is awesome! They have a whole wall the the right of the bar dedicated to Elvis art! We sat inside but the outside seating was all shaded which is muy importante for FL. Watermelon was brought to the table in the same way that bread is. The watermelon was alright, not the absolute best, we got more green/white than pink. We ordered a veggie burger with fried pickles and fried chicken and waffles with the bacon mac n cheese. Everything was great! I couldn't place what cheese they used for the mac n cheese. I forgot to ask our server and I didn't read it on the menu. I just went off what other tables had, and they all had that Mac n cheese! So if someone knows please tell me! If I am ever in Tampa again with my BFF cecec we will be back!
(4)Eric E.
Crowded, but great food and good atmosphere. I ate here on a Tuesday night, alone, as I was traveling for business. I sat at the bar, where I met some very interesting folks. I don't normally like being elbow to elbow with people, but the kind who visit Ellas seem to be off a more fun loving variety. The food was great. I had a spicy blackbean soup to start, then moved into the curry with chicken. Both were great. This place has a great vibe and food you can't find elsewhere. If you are in Tampa give it.a shot. It seems a little pricey, but portions are huge, ask them to cut it in half and give you a to go up front. If I had to make any negative observations it would be because of the noise. Large groups beware, you will be yelling across tables. At the bar it wasn't too bad, but I'm the main seating are there was a definite swell in volume. 8/10, simply for the noise level. Big space and bad acoustics, but the fits and atmosphere make it a must stop.
(4)Lis L.
Attended Soul Food Sunday - while I am unable to speak for the other days of the week, this had me saying 'praise the lord and pass the corn bread!'. We were prepared to wait - wait in line to get in... wait for a server... wait for our food. While the pace was somewhat slow we took a European attitude and enjoyed the fact that there was no rushing. Our server was pleasant and came quickly with drinks. Since this was a first visit our table decided to sample as much as possible on the menu. We devoured the following: fried green tomatoes, collard greens, corn bread, the 'itis', bloody mary's, cheese grits, okra, watermelon, and catfish. All was absolutely delish - although the catfish was a modest disappointment (slightly overcooked and the ratio of flour to cornmeal was debated). We chillaxed to the sounds of the bluesy keyboardist. This was a terrific meal and ranks up there with a gastronomic experience for those who like good ol' southern cooking - not easy on the waistline, but excellent for the spirit!
(5)Lisa A.
We visited on a recent week night and called ahead for seating. The hostesses greeted us and said it would be a few minutes. The bartender Drew greeted us with a smile. After a few questions, he knew exactly what I needed, You Fancy, a delicious martini. Our table was ready as the rest of our party arrived. We were seated in a booth upstairs. It took a while for our server to arrive. She said hello and went to get waters. Two of us needed drinks and after confirming a bourbon brand, both ordered, bourbon and water and a You Fancy. Ten minutes later, the server returned empty handed to say they were out of the bourbon. Another was chosen and another 10 minutes passed before the bourbon arrived...still no You Fancy. Another 10 minutes before the You Fancy. Unfortunately for us, our server had 1 party of 8, 3 tables of 4 plus our table. After 25 minutes we finally ordered the Viva la Chimi. Delicious! We had a burger, a salad, tuna tacos and a chicken dish. Everything was great. We didn't get to try dessert. The service was so slow that by the time we were finished with dinner we were ready to leave PLUS our server never offered. Everyone I know loves Ella's. We may try it again and request a table downstairs but with do many options in Seminole Heights why settle for poor service?
(3)Rachel H.
They have a happy hour!!!!!!! Holy mackerel I love me some Ella's and now I can get cold craft beer for $3 a pint. Thank you lord. Ella's service is always kind of slow (which used to make me kind of cranky, I'm nice-cranky not bitchy-cranky just to be clear) and now I won't even know my food is made to order (shocker, I know) because I'll be sippin' Tampa Bay Brew Bus' Rollin Dirty until my dinner comes. Side note, they always have that and it is my favorite. They also had some other local craft beers which is super groovy. *Five stars because Ellas is amazing and any dig about their sloth like ability to get food on the table is forget-able because their food is amazing. And their servers are so nice. It just takes a long time for food to come out of that kitchen.
(5)Sandra C.
If you are in the Tampa area be sure to stop in at this awesome cafe!! We ordered the brisket, ribs, chicken and waffles, biscuits and gravy with the smoked beans, bacon Mac and cheese, cornbread, corn on the cob and fried pickles as sides!! Love the brisket, chicken, waffle, cornbread, beans, and fried pickles. Not too crazy about the rest. I will tell you portions are large so we Did not have room for dessert. I also did not get to try one of their famous bloody Mary's. Only reason I did not give a full 5 stars is that finding parking is tough when it is busy.
(4)Ash P.
I drive from Orlando for the chicken and waffles. There's nothing like them. Can't get enough of the adorable artsy atmosphere.
(5)Jeff D.
this place is fantastic for Sunday brunch for that matter any meal. I enjoyed the chicken and waffles and my companion had a fantastic salad, the beer list is large and the service was very good. if you go on a Sunday make sure you get there before the place opens you'll see a line around the block.
(5)Cynthia S.
Had dinner at Ella's tonight and had an amazing experience! Our server Pauly was spot on with recommendations and extremely attentive which is rare. The food was too notch. If I get hit by a bus on the way home that's ok because the red velvet cake I had was the best dessert I've ever had!!! Thanks Pauly see you guys again soon!!!
(5)Allison D.
One of the best experiences ever. Not only was the food absolutely amazing but our server was impeccably patient with us. Ian was our server and he was more than joyful to help us through all of our questions as first timers. I have the beef medallions and we also had the steak tacos. The food was amazing the cocktails were absolutely innovative. I had a beet cocktail or something that was insane to which they actually in fuse beets into their own gin at Ellas themselves. I want to desert so badly but couldn't even fit if I tried. I highly recommend this place to anybody who is new to seminole Heights Tampa even Clearwater. The prices are amazing the food was fantastic the atmosphere is unparalleled. we met the manager Stephanie just to brag about Ian and she was just as sweet to explain their brunch menu which we can't wait to try!!
(5)Mandi L.
I LOVE this place! Cool, artsy-folksy interior, Tampa hipster-ness in effect. Don't miss the bowling balls on your way in. Our waiter couldn't have been any better- courteous and knowledgeable, funny and nice. He was more than happy to help a few of us decide between 2 different entrees. The menu is so good , you'll find yourself torn, it all looks so good!! Even better when you actually get the food :) We had the tuna tartare appetizer - perfect. Sushi-grade tuna & wonton chips with ginger/soy flavor accents, and hot sauce dotted on the sides of the plate. I had the root vegetable plate as my entree, which may sound boring to some, but it had amazing flavor. It includes a small grilled block of feta cheese, and a salad with dressing that is so robust and goes with everything on the plate. The cocktails are fabulous too - many options for any taste.
(5)Brett N.
Why 4 stars? Because the consistency issues have been solved. --- --- --- I think there was a rough time in the beginning where Ella's was somewhat new, and getting too popular, too quickly. As is the nature with many-a-hipster joint, it seemed that staff turnover was running a bit rampant, which is my guess as to why I had such a range of experiences at Ella's. I've been back a few times lately, and seem to get generally the same solid quality each time. One of my favorite places atmosphere-wise, to eat in Tampa Bay, is the Ella's porch on a nice day. Ahhhh the zen.
(4)Jami S.
We brought our kids, age 2 and 5, for soul food Sunday brunch. We ordered drinks at the bar (the strawberry martini is a fun brunch cocktail) then sat on the patio waiting for our table. A gentleman brought our kids a plate of fruit to snack on which was a very thoughtful gesture. Our kids shared the Funky Monkey Waffle, who doesn't love Nutella on a waffle with bananas?? My husband ordered the chicken and waffles, he's 5th generation born and raised in Tampa so he knows his fried chicken and said it was good. I had the market fish which today was scallops. They were blackened on a bed of rice with a tomato based sauce. They had a little bit of spice to them and were cooked perfectly. The sauce and rice were awesome, I cleared my plate but refrained from licking it. The atmosphere is relaxed, the patio is a great place to enjoy brunch, especially on beautiful, breezy days like today. I asked my husband why we just now tried Ella's, I'm sure it will become a new go-to of ours. I highly recommend it.
(4)Jordan D.
The experience at Ella's is usually awesome and the food is great. The owner is a great guy and is involved with the business. We had an hour wait and he went above and beyond to offer us drinks on the house along with fresh fruit for my daughter when we sat down. This level of service is second to none. We will continue to be loyal patrons here!
(5)Crystal H.
Ella's has been on my "must try" list for several months now. When we found ourselves hungry in Tampa with no plans I instantly thought of Ella's. We found the place easily with the directions through the Yelp app. Upon walking in, the place was packed. There were random people standing everywhere and we were a little unsure of where to go or what to do. After asking someone we found the hostess stand and put in our names. It took a long time to get seated, but we weren't worried about it. We had time. We ordered a few drinks (I really like the Orange You Glad) and hung out beside the bar watching the food go out and planning our method of attack.We knew what we wanted by the time we were seated. I was disappointed that mac n cheese was not on the menu since I heard that Ella's was great. I was actually really happy that they seated us upstairs because it was less busy and didn't have people standing everywhere. We ordered the Rasta-Far-Fries for our appetizer because I had heard so much about them. They were fantastic on the initial bite and then they started tasting a little too oversauced and monotonous. There was definitely way too much mustard on them and I found myself just wanting ketchup. Our waitress at this point had promised us water 10 minutes earlier and had forgot about it. Our mouth's were on fire! Luckily she brought it a few minutes after we started eating these Fries. I am happy I tried them, but I wouldn't order them again. For our entrees we had "Henry the Loaf" and Stuffed Chicken. I loved Henry the Loaf. I am not a fan of root beer and was a little worried about the gravy, but I found it different and delicious. My Husband found it too sweet for him. The meatloaf was served with veggies that included brussel sprouts. Those brussel sprouts were the only thing I didn't like on the plate. They were hard, undercooked and underseasoned. It also had a "potato cake" that was delicious. It was more like formed (and maybe lightly grilled?) mashed potatoes than a cake. Who cares, it was yummy. My Husband liked his Stuffed Chicken but said it was nothing spectacular especially for the steep $18.50 price tag. Overall, I really liked Ella's and I am intrigued by it enough to try it again. Just know that you may not be able to order the things that you have seen pictured on Yelp since they apparently have different menus on Sundays. You also may have to wait for awhile to be seated.
(4)Jason W.
great place, great atmosphere need to update menu - for this crowd, need more veggie, seafood, healthy choices also wish it was open late night and lunch time *update - Ella's now has extended their hours to later at night. Great move!
(4)Lisa C.
Rarely do I hand out 5 Stars but this place just solidifies what I love about indie places. It's pure rock n roll. Both in the art, the owners, the food and the patrons. If Ella's was in St. Pete, I would probably take up residence there. I have been a few times but waiting to see if I really was in love before I reviewed it. Every dish I have had there is amazing... from pizza, to their vegetarian squash dish, to appetizers and to handcrafter cocktails. All HITS! They also bring in some amazing music which is a big draw for me. I highly love the love of this place and hope it continues to stay the same for years.
(5)Kelleigh M.
I hate giving them 3 stars because I really, really wanted to love this place, but I didn't. We arrived around 7pm on a Saturday. Yes they were busy, but not slammed. We were seated outside after only waiting 10 minutes. Our server quickly greeted us, but that's where the quickness ended. We ordered the hummus of the day-spinach and feta. You would have thought we ordered a very complicated appetizer because it honestly took about 20 minutes to receive. It was good, but not worth the $8 nor the wait. For dinner I ordered the "roots" which basically had a really great arugula salad with pecans/balsamic dressing, parsnip purée with a semi cooked sweet potato on top. Like I said, the arugula pecan salad was really good but that was about it. My hubby ordered a chicken Cesar salad. Good but not worth the $17 price tag. Sadly this took about another hour to receive. All in all, a hummus app and 2 easy entrees cost us 2 hours! I don't know what the deal was, but honestly we should have been in and out in a little over an hour considering the entrees we ordered. Would I go back? Yes but to try their soul food Sunday experience.
(3)Missy N.
My new favorite restaurant! Food is soooooo good! I can't wait to go back.
(5)Carmen F.
It truly saddens me to give such a low rating to a very hip and popular locale. My issue with Ella's began on the phone when I tried ordering for pickup and they had run out of over 50% of tier menu items(everything I wanted lol). The hostess was informed enough to guide me to a less desirable item with the promise that it was equally delicious. I came in to pick up my order and decided to sit down and enjoy this famous "Bloody Mary" the Bloody Mary was hands down the most disgusting beverage I have ever consumed. It tasted like they put BBQ sauce in the drink mix along with sriracha. There was no option for spicy or not, only super spicy and what made the bar experience the absolute worst was that the female bartender on duty saw me sit down and instead of taking my drink order she was to busy on her cell phone in direct view of all guests especially this thirsty one. I eventually was asked by a bar-back what I wanted and the bartender continued on her phone. I left the full Bloody Mary on the counter when given my food and hightailed it out of there. I ordered the pork sandwich with apple and watermelon slaw as well as fried green tomatoes. The sides were epic and wholly original, I wish I could say the same for the bland under seasoned pork. Disappointed doesn't even begin to explain how I feel right now. I'd love my money and time back but I will learn my lesson and completely avoid Ella's on Sundays. I will give the location one more try in a normal day and pray that the food is deserving of these lengthy praising reviews. The only reason I am giving this place two stars is because the staff I did speak with were extremely polite( that bartender at my bar would be fired) and the atmosphere is original and festive. I hope my second visit allows me to raise my score.
(2)Robert M.
Ate their for brunch on Sunday and the food was amazing! My fiance and I split the Fried Chicken and Waffles, the beef brisket, collard greens, shrimp and grits, and finally the bacon mac-n-cheese. While everything was good, the Fried Chicken and the Bacon mac were by far the highlights of the meal. The fried chicken was just how you want it, crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The bacon mac, before I could finish my first bite I already had my fork loaded up and ready to go for my second. My other half also had the Bloody Mary which was spicy, but sweetened out a little bit by the giant brown sugar crusted smoked rib that came on top of it. We will 100% be coming back. The place was busy so I would recommend calling ahead for Sunday brunch.
(5)Karen F.
I love this place, and tonight reminded me I need to visit more frequently. Usually we go on Soul Food Sundays (world's best fried catfish plus guava mimosas...mmm!) but it is normally mobbed then, and loud, and food and drinks can take awhile. We went tonight around 6 pm, got sat right away, and enjoyed a very mellow and relaxed atmosphere. Our server was on the ball, and the food came out so promptly even she commented on it. Started with a cherry mojito and spiced edamame - both of which were very unusual, but incredibly tasty. For my entree I had the veggie burger, which was so thick and hearty, I actually forgot I wasn't eating meat. The burger was served with fried green tomatoes, which I love here and get every time I visit. Then a good, but not great, rum cake for dessert. It was moist, but tasted like it had been heated in the microwave, because there were temperature differences throughout. Per usual, I left happy and stuffed.
(4)Bethany M.
One of the best veggie burgers Ive ever had in my life. A meat-eating friend of mine actually recommended The Good Burger when he heard we were going there for dinner. According to him, "It was so good I forgot it was a veggie burger". Color me intrigued. My biggest pet peeve is restaurants sneaking pre-made Boca Burgers on their menu for $6 and up. Ella's is not that kind of restaurant. The Good Burger's menu description says sweet things like "House made" and "Sunflower Shoots" oh and "Curried Mayo". Stop it Ella's. Just stop it already. It was fantastic. I've been craving it ever since. I can't remember what my husband or friends ordered because I forgot about everything else but my burger. I remember the sweet potato fries and fried green tomatoes being good though. I'll be back for you Good Burger.
(4)Aaron B.
This place is great and a go to for my wife and I. The chicken mole and meat loaf are great. Also, you need to get the appetizer wings. The service is always fantastic and the atmosphere is incredible. For drinks, I personally like the Irish monkey a lot.
(5)Maggie F.
Once again, it's really the staff that seals the experience for me. I always have the best service here from Stephanie and Joe. We miss Caitlin but hear a rumor that she will be back at Ella's again soon. The cocktails are delicious. Cool art. Great music. Great food. Great service. We are vegetarian and appreciate the meatless and vegan options!
(5)Rachel W.
As one of the OG's to the gentrification that has taken over the evolving Seminole Heights and as someone who lives in the Heights you gotta have love for this place. Yes, the have brunch on Sundays but also have 5 other days of the week that are equally as good. The staff is awesome from the owners, to chef, and bartenders. As a mom-and pop place having some solid food and drink options with art and live music, it is a staple of Tampa
(4)Brian C.
Came here for the Soul Food Sunday Brunch. Excellent! The wait can get a bit long so come right when it opens. I love the ambience, the artwork is very interesting, and the industrial feel is very modern. - I had the Bloody Ella, Ella's version of the bloody Mary and it was quite good! Spicy, flavorful, and a beautiful rib tops the drink. That rib made me want to get an entire rack of ribs. It was warm, tender, fall off the bone good and seasoned perfectly. - The biscuits and gravy were delicious. Gigantic biscuits topped with oozy, melty, delicious gravy. - The fried chicken and waffles were good, but nothing to write home about. I'm a fan. The portions are huge, you will definitely not leave hungry.
(4)David b.
Yummy food, excellent cocktails. Sunday brunch is a little farther from the breakfast spectrum than I normally like but it is awesome either way. Love the sunday bloodies with the rib
(4)Tiffany B.
I went here with a few family members for Soul Food Sunday and we were all blown away! Everything, and I mean everything, was absolutely delicious! My husband had BBQ, which he scarfed down before I could try it, but I'm told it was great! The sweet potato fries and cornbread also get a big thumbs up. I had chicken n' waffles and let me tell you... that was the best damn fried chicken I think I've ever had! It was almost too good for the waffle they served it on, which wasn't bad, but hey, it's just a waffle. I had a side of bacon mac n' cheese which was also mind blowingly good. Our dining companions also gave their food a big thumbs up, especially for the collard greens which I sadly did not get a chance to try. I docked a star because the band, which was really good, was just obnoxiously loud. It didn't help that we were seated right in front of them. Next time I'll call ahead and make sure we get a seat in the far, FAR back so we can actually hear one and other speak.
(4)Molly N.
By far the best brunch in Tampa. Home cookin at it's best. Bloody Mary's and mimosas. What more could you ask for? Plus cool outdoor seating area to hang out.
(5)Nessa H.
Poor customer service. Our server was wearing sunglasses. I got the chicken and waffles and it was burnt and the gravy didn't pair well. Not a good place to go too.
(1)Brandy M.
Had to amend my original review. My husband and I love this spot and frequent it but I saw it on the dirty dining list with a total of 59 very disgusting violations... I won't go into detail as I don't want to gross anyone out but let's just say you should def avoid eating there... Guess I will have to find a new Sunday brunch spot!
(1)Bob B.
I really enjoyed my visit to Ella's. It's taken me a long time to come here, but hey, there are a lot of favorites on my list in this area. Betty and I came here for dinner with another couple and it was apparently one of the few nights they didn't have live music, oh well. It allowed us to have a normal conversation instead of shouting as I could tell if there were live music it would probably get pretty noisy. The men got the bacon wrapped meatloaf and the women got the special, butter bean pork bolognese over parsnip puree. Both dishes were very good. The meatloaf is fairly heavy and definitely a large portion of meat, potatoes, and veggies. The beer selection was kind of a let down. They had some Brew Bus and a couple others and that was all. The atmosphere and service were both very nice and I would come back here, especially to try their Sunday Brunch.
(4)Karine P.
Joe took great care of us last night at Ella's. This place has an awesome drink list, one of the best in Tampa. Fun menu and great atmosphere. We will be back!
(5)Greg A.
Score another one for the Yelp app when I'm out of town. This restaurant is located in what looks like a gentrifying area, and it's pretty much everything you would expect with a heavy hipster/found-art aesthetic and people dressed in the trendy greaser/pin-up style. While some might bristle at hipster douchey-ness, the food here is legit, and I can't wait to go back to Tampa to eat here again. I went with a friend and we started off with the crab-stuffed butternut squash, which was every bit as delicious as it sounded on the menu. She was more of a fan of the squash, but I loved the crab meat filling. The rasta-far fries - potato wedges sprinkled with cilantro and drizzled with sriracha and mustard were outstanding. Even if you don't order a burger, these are a must have. The burgers were nice sized and she enjoyed the burger, but I had the beef tenderloin which came with a garlic mash potato cake and bacon-wrapped asparagus. I didn't leave a single bite on the plate. Everything was delicious, and the portion sizes were good. In addition to their entrees, they have quite an extensive menu of specialty drinks. I can tell you right now, don't order the Nuts and Nanners - it's just way too heavy, but we also tried the Orange You Glad (har har) and Purple Drank and both were really tasty. Service was a little on the slow side, but friendly, and overall I had a really nice time here and left completely stuffed.
(5)Amber S.
I ate here twice whilst staying in Florida. Great service, eclectic atmosphere, and tasty crafty cocktails. Great vegetarian options are offered and the Rasta fries are delicious! Leave room for their key lime pie! They have live music scheduled often. Definitely worth checking out if you are in the area.
(4)Steph W.
A group of us went there for the first time tonight. We ran the gamut from New Yorkers to Puerto Ricans o Southerners and everyone enjoyed every single thing. I am fairly sure that, between us all, we tried almost everything on the menu and everything was delicious!!! My favorites were hands down the watermelon apple slaw and the cornbread. We also sampled the cheese grits, greens, fried pickles, fried green tomatoes, fried catfish, brisket, ribs, desserts.... There was not one complaint and everyone agrees that this is one of the best restaurants in Tampa.
(5)Katy S.
I love me some Ella's. My biggest recommendation is to check it out on a Sunday. During the week, Ella's still has some great things on the menu. I love their pizzas and salads and they frequently have really good food specials. Their sangria is really good and the beer menu frequently changes. Sunday, though, is where its at. The sides alone are enough to draw me in: friend green tomatoes, okra, baked beans, sweet potato fries. The bbq meats are really tasty and, although I haven't ordered it, the chicken and waffles looks pretty darn good. The atmosphere is great here with a real Seminole Heights feel to it. Great music a few times a week too!
(4)Sarah B.
Ella's is a restaurant like no other in Tampa. It's a super "hipster" type place that features local bands and has walls filled with art work from local artists. I love it! Food wise.... Honestly.... Although you will have to wait I suggest coming on Sunday for soul food Sunday! The chicken and waffles is delicious and you can't go wrong with the BBQ ANYTHING (I usually get The-itis which has brisket, pork or ribs). The sides served on Sunday are the best! I have never had anything I didn't like... I tend to get the fried green tomatoes, fried pickles and mac and cheese. This menu is only offered on Sunday ... get there early and call ahead... this place is famous for this. If you decide to come on a non-soul food night the food is still great. I'm a big fan of the grilled romaine salad (enough food for 2) served with bacon, feta and a yummy peppercorn dressing. All of the pizza's I have had here are good but my favorite would have to be the Tenderloin, which has beef tenderloin, cheese, cherry tomatoes and topped with arugula. I highly recommend trying a salad and pizza and splitting it with a friend. The nights they have local music is awesome and people tend to stay pretty late just hanging out and drinking, plus they have a fire pit on the porch that is supper cozy for cold nights. Ella's is a must try restaurant while in Tampa.
(4)Theresa R.
Very cute, artsy place. Unique food choices. I had a curry dish. My kids had a sweet potato and baked feta dish. My mom had a meat loaf with root beer gravy. I liked the vibe
(4)Josi J.
This is the first time yelp has ever let me down. =/ reviews were so great that I think I expected too much. I had the catfish, mac and chz, and corn. Nothing special...fish was a bit bland. But I will say that I plan to try it again due to how large the crowd was...I figure I may have had a bad meal choice
(2)Parke S.
Lives up to the rep status. Kinda turned into a regular here. Just keeps getting better!
(4)Jaime W.
I've been waiting over an hour for my food. At this point the service has been so bad that it really doesn't matter how the food is. Server has never bothered to tell us sorry for the wait or even acknowledge they knew how long we were there waiting. The food was very good. But the service ruined my dinning experience.
(1)Ray L.
The first thing that you will notice is the interesting artwork here. Ella's is deserving of high marks for its decor. I came here to try the Ella's Sunday soul food menu and it did not disappoint. The bloody ella is delicious and in a bit of a ridiculous - but tasty - twist, it comes with a rib. The rib was delicious and was a great advertisement for getting a full rib course on my next outing here. The drink itself though seemed to lack in the alcohol department so that was unfortunate. Taste wise, it wasn't bad. I ordered the fried chicken which was good though I have had better fried chicken. It was flavored well, though not as crispy as I would prefer. The underside got a little soggy sitting in its own grease. The waffle was okay, slightly dry. The portions here are quite generous to say the least. The fried chicken comes with 2 legs and a thigh and the biscuits and gravy comes with two enormous biscuits. Overall a good experience here.
(4)James O.
One of my favorite places in FL. It was at least a year since I had the fortunate experience of spending an evening here enjoying great food, drinks (they really know how to FILL up the wine glasses), and lively atmosphere. Showed up looking for a table for 3 on a Friday at 730 pm...and it was a 2 hour wait! I love Ella's but was not about to spend the next 2 hours awkwardly in a corner bumping into all the servers and other hungry Tampons (you know, another name for those so blessed to be living in good ol' Tampa, FL). Anyways, we were fortunate enough to stumble on a couple at the bar who was about to get up, which allowed us to grab 3 bar stools in a row and sit at the bar for dinner. I usually order the filet medallions with goat cheese, but today I decided to go for one of their enormous salads (the Plane Jane) with added salmon. These salads are HUGE and fresh - it was exactly what I was looking for. Also shared an Ella's custom, homemade soup - some concoction of South African mixed with a bunch of amazing flavors from elsewhere. My god was it unbelievably good. I can't even begin to describe what was in it. All i know is that it was a sort of stew like texture with notes of coconut milk and a bunch of other unknown spices. Anyways, I was glad to be able to get a spot here for the evening. Glad to see this place is still doing well and the quality hasn't suffered one bit.
(4)Robert W.
Without a doubt this is one of the coolest places to eat in Tampa. This place fits me like my most comfortable shirt. The fried green tomatoes were good. The shrimp and grits made you want to weep they were so good. The ribs killed, and the biscuits and gravy tasted like they were made by angels with some help from the devil himself. The beer was smooth and cold. Ok...most importantly the atmosphere was nothing but pure goodness. Everyone not only looked happy you could feel a subtle happy vibes throughout the whole place. The band was wonderful. My young daughters danced Luke no one was watching on the balcony while I sat back and with my wife enjoying a truly wonderful Sunday. I have been looking for this place for a long time. I am glad I found it. Thanks so much
(5)Erin B.
Love this place!! Amazing food (fun and unique options!!) and great drink options as well..could look around the place all day with the fun atmosphere! Great staff as well!
(5)Ashley D.
Great vibe here. Loved the ribs, they were fantastic. Sangria was very tasty. The sweet potato salad left a little to be desired. It wasn't super impressive. Service was great. The music inside was a little too loud for my taste but eating outside was a great alternative.
(4)Walter P.
I normally give this place 4 stars. But our party of 6 came in at 535 to get a bite before zoo lights. We did not get our food until an entire hour later. The longest service I've experienced anywhere and to boot when my meatloaf came out it was just luke warm which would suggest it had set in the window for quite a while. Not a great experience.
(2)Aram G.
I was at your restaurant and what is the deal with one of.your waiters stepping in the face and yelling at one of your customers in front of her family as well as kids, and all of us customers. Honestly I will never come back due to the fact that it was so unprofessional. Properly train your staff immediately
(1)Ben V.
We stopped in on a busy Sunday night for their Sunday Supper thingamahjig. We were excited but left sort of scratching our heads. I've always been a fan of the Seminole Heights district and we've had our eyes set on Ella's for quite some time. Moving from Tampa to Philadelphia our options for anything Southern- whether true low country to creative- post modern like Ella's in quite limited. We have to sadly say though that we were a bit underwhelmed with our experience at Ella's this day. I suspect it was an off day or perhaps even an off meal for us. With the exception of the Mac and Cheese everything was either heavily overseasoned (greens) or heavily underseasoned (shrimp and grits). We just left disappointed due to the high expectations we had. Will we be back? Not sure- again we think it was just an off batch but when you throw down a considerable amount of money for an fairly wide sampling of their menu you leave confounded and lose a touch of confidence. We'll see...
(2)David C.
Great atmosphere, lots of energy. Tuna appetizer, presentation was appealing and the tuna was spot on, hollandaise was flavorful but had the mouth feel of butter which was not appetizing and the cracker was rock hard and distracting. Pork chop entree was perfectly cooked and tasty. No complaints. Pork belly with grits - ok, so it was tasty. Grits were the best I've ever had and the tomato Lima bean succotash was tasty. Pork belly was good, but I was hoping for a crispy skinned pork belly that would have added texture to the dish not the thick bacon slice. I get the whole southern preparation, but a little crispy skin pork would have been perfect. No idea why the sour cream was on the dish. Service was fantastic, not overbearing or snobby. Portions, both drink and food were generous. Menu is interesting. Price was extremely reasonable for the product and experience. I'll be back to sample more...
(4)Dale H.
Ella's was a random selection, on a random night, in a random part of town. Ella's was the best random decision I've made all year! Quite possibly the best food I've eaten all year as well! They take culinary staples such as coleslaw and potato salad and make them their own (watermelon coleslaw, and sweet potato salad). I arrived with little to some expectation thanks to other reviews, but I wasn't anticipating how delicious it would really be! I went later in the day so unfortunately they were out of Chicken N' Waffles, but that didn't matter because they were firing on all cylinders and everything was fabulous! I can't wait to go back.
(5)Danesh J.
Still a fan. Service is still great. Parking is still clear. Finally had the chocolate covered bacon. A nibble was enough to know that I would not order it again. Once you get past the chocolate, it's just salty. Maybe I was eating it wrong, but I recommend to at least give it a try to say you did, unless you know you hate bacon that makes its own juices since this is that kind of bacon. Try the Polentas. By their description you do not expect something shaped like cheesecake, but that tastes like sunny-side up eggs and marinara sauce (if you're not familiar with how that tastes, the Polentas also "sort of" taste like chickpeas). They are really light too. Highly recommended if you like goat cheese since they are topped with it. For main dish, if you're looking for meat go for the Filet Medallions, or if they have their Steak and Potatoes special, go for that because that special was super, super satisfying. The best meal I had to date here was that special. Filet Medallions are delicious, but I could do without the asparagus wrapped in bacon. I order this one rare or medium rare. Stay away from the IceCreamMan. Nothing but carbonated trouble.
(4)Ron P.
Excellent food. Paul Lee was our waiter and took great care of us. His recommendation of the Pork Chop was spot on. Probably the best pork chop I've ever had.
(5)Bret A.
Excellent Fare with Outdoor Dining! The color and design stand out as you drive by with its rich, brown color and outdoor terrace. My group was seated outside on a beautiful Tampa evening and we had plenty of room despite a full house. Service was attentive and helpful without being intrusive. Warm bread and butter are set out before the meal. Happy hour runs until 7 and they have plenty of wine by the glass. The menu has a broad assortment of salads, pasta and entrees. Running from about $10-30 entrees. The loaded mashed potato is a must! The filet was tender and tasty, if the port wine reduction a bit sweet. The asparagus wrapped in proscuitto a nice touch although I should note that the veggie is soft cooked instead of crisp which was a little odd. The meal was very good overall and the atmosphere friendly and fanstastic. They have theme type days that I definitely want to try out. I will be back!
(4)Michael G.
Went on a Fri night and surprisingly got seated fairly quickly. Server was very attentive and able to assist with recommendations. Appetizers were great. The spicy fries were good but the prize of the night was the jerk smoked barbecue wings they are now adding permanently to the menu. Awesome flavor and plump with a touch of spice. The tenderloin medallion main dish was perfectly cooked and flavorful. Never disappointed each time we come.
(5)Will Y.
Visited Ella's tonight. This makes my second time visiting. Though the first where I actually got to go in to the place. First the good: - Food is decent, albeit somewhat over priced. - Hosts/servers are fairly friendly. - The vibe is fun. Now the bad, which outranks the good, and justifies my 2 star rating: - Like all places in Seminole Heights the hype for this place is unjustifiably insane. That means parking is non-existent. Though I found out tonight with help from a friend they do have overflow parking at neighboring businesses. Apparently they have a very small, hardly legible sign near the front of the restaurant directing you to one of those lots. However, even with those parking is a huge challenge and the reason why I didn't even get to go in the first time I visited. - The outside seating area is a joke. This is Florida, no restaurant in this state with outside dining doesn't have it covered. Tonight it started pouring down rain and everyone outside had to run in which pushed the wait time for a table through the roof! At one point the wait time was 1.5, Berns rarely has an 1.5 wait. Let that sink in. - They have live music several days a week, but the venue is frankly a terrible live music venue. If you happen to be there to see the performer and there is a wait for a table don't expect to get one for the performance. It's not going to happen. The stage is so small it's quite difficult for the performers to actually perform on. And the room is so large that even the most carefully mixed musician is going to not sound their best. - The bathroom is a single toilet for each sex. I'm not sure how that is even allowed given the capacity of the restaurant, but it's the way it is. I'll likely go back because I love live music. Maybe they'll make improvements and I can re-review them. For now, Ella's is a classic, overhyped, Seminole Heights spot that seems to be suffering from an identity crisis. Pick one thing Ella's and be good at it. You can't be a restaurant, gallery and live music venue. It's just not working out for you.
(2)Rick D.
The staff was very unorganized and extremely rude to our group. It took us over an hour to be seated which is not a big deal since it is busy but the staff gave us serious attitude because we say at the table before they had a chance to clean it off. After that we left and will not go back there again. I understand waiting on tables is not the most pleasant job but it does not give someone the right to speak that way to a nice group of people.
(1)Charles C.
another quick write up, pork and sweet potatoes amazing! and the sangria is off the wall!
(5)Maribel P.
Omg! The veggie burger is amazing and huge!! Atmosphere is great also but go early cuz everyone knows how great this place is.
(4)Amanda C.
So happy I finally got to try Ella's! I came here for their soul food Sunday brunch and was very pleased! While waiting for a table we sat outside which was shaded by a huge tree and I enjoyed the mango mimosa. I wasn't bothered by the wait for a table because we got to take in the scenery and there are various places to hang out while waiting for a table which I loved. Their cocktail menu was huge and they have so many different mimosas. I tried the mango, watermelon and pineapple and all three were delicious! A friend of mine got the famous "Bloody Ella" which was very good but a bit spicy, I will definitely get one next time if not for the photo opportunity alone! For my meal I had the sliced beef brisket and bacon Mac n cheese as my side. The brisket was so tender and lean I didn't even use the bun while eating it. The bacon mac n cheese was very rich but I have a feeling I won't be able to turn it down on my next visit! One thing I do wish is that they had more breakfast options on their brunch menu. Overall I loved the atmosphere, drinks and food. I cannot wait to return with first timers!
(5)Nichole L.
At first my friends and I were super excited about Ellas. We arrived there to a 25-30 minute wait which was no big deal. We grabbed a drink at the bar checking out the restaurant then eventually sat outside. There was a booth open outside for at least 20 minutes before being seated, then eventually another booth opened for at least 15 minutes with no prospects. When we asked the hostesses if we could sit there since at this point it had been a 45-60 minute wait with no one else behind us they said there was a 4 person minimum and they had to ask the manager. Again we were patient with the staff and seating arrangements grabbing another drink from the bartender who asked for gratuity because she was leaving ellas for another job and wanted to make sure she got tipped well, before being seated in the booth. The waiter that came to the table was showing the least amount of interaction that he could like he needed a hug or to be off for the night. Again we were ignored for most of the night. With cocktails left to finish we moved inside to finish them which took 2 minutes. When we tried to leave the same bartender yelled across the bar you can't go out that way use the other door. As we walked towards the other doors that were locked she laughed to friends "this isn't a golf resort that door is closed too." I would NEVER recommend Ellas nor will I eat there again. The drinks were good even if they came from a horrible bartender but most of the people in there act like they are better than everyone even when you spend a lot of money!
(1)Bob R.
This place used to be a regular spot of mine but has sadly gone down hill. They now specialize in macro beers and old craft IPAs that should have been consumed months ago. The food is not consistent anymore. They still seem to be doing well, but with the plethora of places opening around them I doubt business will keep up unless they change.
(2)Claire K.
I had to sit on this rating for a day or two after brunch. Here goes: The Line Up: Bacon Mac & Cheese The Funky Monkey Chocolate Bacon The Verdict: The food was good. Not anything crazy, but just...good. This is where I had some serious issues that made me process my experience for a few days: I was in a party of 14. We had reservations for 3 weeks. The service was slooooow....if you can't handle a party of 14, say so and don't take the reservation. I'm going to timeline this... 12pm - 10 of our party sat 12:20pm- everyone was present and drink orders placed & some delivered 12:40pm - everyone's food orders were placed 1:38pm- Some sides were served 1:50pm- Some entrees were delivered, stagnated....took a few minutes. By the end of the whole debacle, it was 2:50pm before we were leaving. THREE HOURS? Gilligan's Island. If we had been a party of 45, ok! None of the food was complex (yes, I understand fried chicken may take 20 mins and they were busy for brunch). I loved the decor. The menu was interesting. I want to go back to see how things go, but I was absolutely incredulous that I spent 3 hours there. The waiter never refilled the waters and was kind of hard to flag down. Parched.
(3)Todd B.
It was ok. Nothing great and nothing too bad. Would be helpful if the server could remember what people ordered rather than screaming over the music.
(3)Sondra C.
Ella's is easily one of my favorite restaurants in Tampa, and I sadly don't get there as often as I would like to! They're one of the pioneers of the burgeoning Seminole Heights culture scene, and for good reason. First off, you drive up and see this dark red building with art in the yard from recycled materials - metal sculpture by a local artist, sunken old bowling balls lining the walks and out front. There's a beautiful deck that's wonderful for outdoor seating, filled with more recycled art. Inside, it's artsy and fun, with decoupaged walls like The Elvis Wall, local art adorning the walls too. That just sets the tone for the fun, enjoyable evening you're about to have. I like the hummus very, very much. It's seasonal and always delish, served with veggies and pieces of warm pita, all creamy and delectable. Their entire menu is seasonal and does get switched out, but you have classics like The Roots, grilled root veggies with feta cheese over parsnip puree with root vegetable chips and a pecan salad. So delicious! Did i mention this place is very vegetarian and vegan friendly? I love the pizza there. Homemade dough, eclectic toppings, yum! It's a bit crisp, which I love, and big enough to share with someone, with maybe an app on the side. I love The Don, which has red sauce, goat cheese, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, parmesan and basil. I've also had their glorious veggie burger, the best veggie burger I've ever had, with curried mayo (oh man, so good), avocado relish and crispy onion strips. They also have bands play, and a Soul Food Sunday that I have yet to try but will! The service has always been top notch, no matter if you're eating outside or inside. The wait can be long on a weekend, but not horrendous. It's because people know this place has some darn good eating! Well done, Ella's, well done!
(5)Lawrence K.
Beautiful decor and friendly, attentive staff await you at Ella's. The food is incredible, especially for the price. I had blackened snapper on a bed of dirty rice and herb salad, all with a spicy tomato sauce. It was some of the best fish I've ever eaten. Our server was funny, always available, and took care of everything. Highly reccomend Ella's for taste, presentation, decor, and service.
(5)Danielle P.
Everything was fantastic!! I highly recommend giving this place a try!! Came out to try their Soul Food Sunday menu and I will be sure to come back and try their regular menu!! :)
(5)Jennifer R.
I was in town visiting a friend and we woke up on Sunday craving a Bloody Mary. She said she knew the perfect place and BAM we are at Ella's. We started our Sunday brunch with an Ella's Mary that had a RIB in it, yes a RIB. We also ordered a shot called the Breakfast of Champions and this is literally will be in my dreams for the next month. For food I went with the chicken and waffles and I was not let down. This meal came with three pieces of chicken that were as big as my head, a delicious waffle and a side of cheese grits. My friend ordered the biscuits and gravy, which they have ordered previous and my bite of that was just as delicious. My dessert was a drink called Nuts and Nanners. I didn't think it could get better but I was wrong... this drink was amazing. I'm a huge fan based on the brunch menu alone... I will be back. SPOT ON ELLA'S!
(5)Bruno F.
The hostess was amazing and helped us get in quick and get some drinks and food without waiting 2 hours for a seat. We sat outside in the lounge chairs and ordered drinks and food from the bar. The bartender was snotty and did not want me to order food from the bar, but she quickly realized I wasn't a snotty customer and eventually decided to have the server bring the food out to me. I tip extremely well and that would have been the worst decision for herself. My friend and I will definitely be back to this place
(4)Dilo G.
Decided to give this place another try on the drinks side. Once again 20-30 mins wait. Advice hostess that I wanted a table outside just for a few drinks, she put me on a waiting list to find out after waiting more than that, that tables outside were only for customers that wanted to eat. That if I was only drinking I needed to seat at bar, inside or at the metal chairs around the restaurant. I left the place and definetly will never go back to this joke of a restaurant.The hostess was sarcastic and unprofessional. Poor service, horrible food and can care less about customers. Too bad because the restaurant is beautiful!!
(1)A. C.
The first time I visited and I fell in love with this place. It is pretty dang amazing. Super chill but awesome decoration, friendly staff that give awesome recommendations and a full on blown bar with amazing drinks and food that are to die for. Whatever you do, please try the Passion Fruit mimosa and the Habanero chicken wings, they are simply amazing. Their menu is full of possibilities and delicious options as well as the drink menu and honestly, it is a pretty comfortable place. They have live music on weekends too! I'm so glad that I found this place, it will be my to go cafe from now on!
(5)Elana L.
I can't remember what we ate...I remember thinking it was ok but nothing awesome. I was a little disappointed when walking in because I was thinking that there would be an abundance of artwork all over the place. There are some cool pieces hanging up inside but I think they could use more. The drinks were good and I think I'd go back for a drink and sit outside. They have an abundance of outdoor seating and even have a fire pit.
(3)Stephanie S.
I live in Seminole Heights and Ella's is def the most popular restaurant around here (in an up-and-coming foodie neighborhood that is getting quite competitive). While I love this place, I also feel that it is overrated somewhat and while the menu is good, the sheer volume of customers they deal with is a large burden on the small kitchen. This has become evident when there are super long waits and occasionally, sub par food. That being said, Ella's is truly unique to Tampa and it is one of my favorite places to eat. First of all, you need to try the wino burger- I'm telling you to get it with bacon, bacon jam, and avocado relish on it. I know I substituted a few things, but this is the best burger I've ever had. My mouth salivates just thinking about it. Also, they make a mean dirty martini with the best blue cheese stuffed olives in Tampa. If you are not a vodka fan, try the campfire whiskey drink. It's a bonfire in your mouth, in a good way. Those are my passionate recommendations, but there's a ton of other great stuff on their menu. Also the restaurant itself is gorgeous and unique with tons of metal creations and art and they have live music most nights. When it gets cooler outside, it is lovely to hang out on the patio and socialize. Give it a chance! and if you happen to have a bad experience... give it another chance.
(4)Cassie P.
Located on Nebraska, adjacent to a pawn shop and likely some "street workers", Ella's is a hidden gem of Tampa. After hearing many great things, I finally got a chance to dine here last weekend. The atmosphere and decor are very hipster- and Sunday night for "soul food sunday" they had a band playing. The whole sound system was a little loud for my personal opinion- so definitely not a quiet place to catch up with friends. The outside is much quieter but there was a 45 minute wait for the patio. My salad was delicious- and came with 6 large dollops of goat cheese! (A nice change from the usual skimping that most restaurants do with goat cheese) Red sangria was also delicious! Comparable to Mellow Mushroom (my fav)- not too sweet and comes in a big glass. Our waitress had an interesting personality....kind of contributed to the whole overall experience :) Looking forward to going back to Ella's soon!
(4)Tara F.
Nice atmosphere. Absolutely delicious food. The wedge salad is so simple and yet SO amazing. Really everything we had there was fabulous and left me wanting to come back ASAP. Parking was a little tricky as it was a busy night when we went, but I still was able to find a spot.
(5)Joey S.
My favorite neighborhood restaurant nuff said. Just like eating underneath trees
(4)Monica S.
What's my favorite indoor/outdoor Sunday brunch Tampa retreat? Clearly, this place. I hung out around the Seminole Heights hood to find a smattering of spots that were obviously established to attract people like myself. Among them, Ella's. With its wonderfully stocked bar, live jazz, hand muddled caipirinhas (although you won't find them on the cocktail menu), sprawling tree laden deck space and comfort food options, I was instantly blissful. We bellied up to the stools surrounding the massive tree and sucked down a handful of muddled beverages. First mojitos and then caipirinhas. Nearby, I couldn't help but be completely awe-struck by the Bloody Marys. Where a celery stalk should be, is that a pork rib? Yes, that's a rib in your Bloody Mary. Despite not liking Bloody Marys, I can't turn down ribs and so our half-buzzed group occupied a booth space. Everything was awesome and Ella's is definitely going to happen again.
(4)Zach H.
Found in an "interesting" part of town, this place has got the whole package... without a doubt, one of my favorite restaurants in Tampa. A great atmosphere, the service is excellent, and the food definitely has the "wow" factor. The regular menu is superb with amazing burgers and spin on the classic meatloaf (called "Henry the Loaf") which is Angus Beef & Pork wrapped in Bacon atop a Garlic Potato Cake served with seasonal veggies and garnished with a lot of delicious, crispy onions. Now at this point, it's already awesome but they don't stop there. Soul Food Sunday is absolutely fantastic. They have the best Shrimp & Grits I've ever had... which I will probably continue to have dreams about... and the Chicken & Waffles have, undeniably, the best fried chicken I've had in an extremely long time. If you're a fan of the Bloody Mary, you definitely have to try the Bloody Ella (one of their special Sunday-only cocktails)... forget the celery stalk, it has smoked rib in it! Awesome? Yeah, I thought so too. I wish it was Soul Food Everyday here, but it's probably best that it's not because otherwise I'd probably be spending a lot more time/money here. Side note-- expect at least a 30 min wait any day of the week (longer on weekends), so plan ahead... and yes, it is worth the wait. One tiny complaint though... parking can, and will, be difficult as there is a very small lot behind the restaurant but a couple neighboring businesses are used as overflow lots.
(5)Alissa W.
Every time I have gone have been consistent with great food, ambiance and comfort. I love their southern eclectic flair on all they do from the food to the decor. The Mac and Cheese, Chicken Mole and Fried Green Tomatoes are all great choices off their menu. If you go on a chilly night be prepared to relax by the fire on the deck with a great drink from the bar and a loved one by your side- the experience can't be duplicated in that neighborhood. All around well done in my opinion.
(4)Candice M.
My husband and I arrived 25 minutes before Ella's opened on Sunday, and in no time there was a wait outside the door, wrapping around to the parking lot. We immediately felt good vibes from Ellas. I was impressed that so many people were waiting to eat there; they made me even more eager to dig in to Ella's talked-up cuisine. When the doors opened, hungry customers rushed into the restaurant to snag their seat at the bar or outside. We landed a beautiful seat under the shady tree on the deck. Our server arrived immediately with waters and an appetizer suggestion: fried green tomatoes. It being our first time at Ellas, we were ready for anything. The fried green tomatoes were AMAZING. They aren't vegan (probably cause of the batter), but for a somewhat healthy fried food (if that statement exists), the warm, crunchy tomatoes hit the spot. I've been craving BBQ for a long, long time. At last, I spotted the most perfect combination of foods I've ever read on a menu: Vegan BBQ Sammy. Heaven. Maybe it was just my overly satisfying craving, but this BBQ mix of mushrooms and tofu between a toasty bun has soul food written all over it. For vegetarians, it is hard to come across such diversity in the average restaurant. Many, many kudos! I paired my BBQ with a side of collard greens, which were seasoned perfectly, I couldn't get enough. My husband ordered the VEGAN MAC N' CHEESE. BEST mac n' cheese I've EVER had (and I LOVE my vegan mac n chese!) But Ella's...perfection. The smoky flavor of the "cheese" and vegan bacon bits and combination of spices blended like nothing I've ever tasted. Overall, a phenomenal experience. I am DEFINITELY going back for all of the above. The sweet potato fries also tasted homemade and were baked at a lovely consistency. Our new favorite spot, hands down!
(5)Katherine W.
I love Ella's. My favorite time to go is Sunday morning for Soul Food Sunday, where I always get the Chicken and Waffles. The food is delicious, well-prepared, and fresh. It's gourmet. The restaurant is in a cute space, and although I wish there was a little more space to wait for a table (there's the bar, and a little bit of space outside), really I can't complain. As I said, I love Soul Food Sunday, but I also love the dinner menu. I've had the pizza, the burger (both beef and veggie), the meatloaf, and a few other things I'm forgetting. Everything I've had has been wonderful, I literally do not have a single complaint. The veggie burger is made in house, and it's awesome. There are a lot of vegetarian options on the menu, as well as many carnivorous options! The bloody Mary, for instance, can be served with a BBQ pork sparerib. That's kind of beautiful. In addition to the food, the drinks are fabulous, too. I love their Old Fashioned, and their Manhattan is pretty delicious, too. They have a bunch of fun shots (Waffles and Syrup, oh man), and a great selection of craft beers on tap. Service has always been good, with the slight exception of my most recent visit with a party of nearly 20 - the service was a little slow, but I chalk it up to the size of the party and not anything else. I worked as a server for several years, so I know how these things go. All in all, I highly recommend Ella's. It's one of my favorite restaurants in town.
(5)Kenneth B.
I drove past this place everyday for two years and always wanted to stop in, when I finally did I regretted not coming in sooner. For being on Nebraska Ave this place is amazing it is by far the best place on that street. We arrived shortly after they opened which by the time we left we realized was a good thing, they get busy and fill up quick. The service was awesome and the food was better, the bread must be baked in house everyday and the portion sizes are out of this world! I cant remember how much I spent that night but it wasn't as bad as I was thinking considering the pork chop I ordered was bigger than my foot and the mound of mashed potato's was big enough for some Marines to take cover behind.
(5)Lauren C.
Went to Ella's for some Sunday Funday which also happens to be their Soul Food Sunday making our Funday even funner. We sat out on the porch at a booth in the corner that seemed excessivly large for 4 people... but i'd rather have TOO much room I guess... The place wasn't packed... there was a crowd, but it wasn't swarming or anything. They didn't NEED our table... but they kind of seemed unsure of people who just wanted to have a few drinks before they ordered some food. I'm not from around here, so maybe it's a thing? But where I come from, people go out to drink all the time. As long as you're spending money, they're happy to have you. Ellas was happy to have us, but they kept nudging the pace of our food-ordering along. Our waitress couldn't have been nicer, $2.50 PBR tallboys = awesome, and 3 sides for $10 of Soul Food Sunday was delicious!!! We split the cornbread, fried green tomatos and collared greens. I could eat that all day. Our waitresses shift ended and she cashed us out, but we stayed and had a few more drinks on her relief waitress. I like this place. I'd come back... but more for dinner than to relax and have a few...
(4)Kyle L.
Very interesting place. Incredible food and great service. Who would have known. Fair prices.
(4)Tina C.
Ella's is the best of it all, the bar, the food and the people! I recommend the rasta fries, veggie burger and stuffed chicken. Some of the best food in Tampa and they have live music and outdoor seating.
(5)Cody B.
We had the chance to try Ella's Sunday soul food menu on a whim. We were passing through Seminole Heights - 275 area on our way back from the beach. Unfortunately our dog was with us, but we called them and the pleasant hostess explained that the outside patio was pet friendly. The service was a bit slow, but the food was excellent. The Chicken and a Waffles was delicious and the Veggie burger had great flavor. I enjoyed their modern take on southern food. For a cool hip brunch, Ella's is an excellent choice. We will be back with friends.
(5)Gigi S.
I've really enjoyed everything I've had here. It's about what I didn't order....I spied a Bloody Mary with a rib hanging out of it! Must return. Lol @ "the Itis" on the menu. I didn' order it, but I certainly HAD IT. Get it? Snort, snort.
(3)Ken S.
This was our second time at Ella's and the followup trip confirmed our belief that this is one really good restaurant. The eclectic menu is a genuine relief from the mediocre offerings of the many chain restaurants that blanket the Tampa area. To be able to start our meal with a crab-stuffed butternut squash was a treat unto itself - the large halved squash being perfectly cooked with a healthy portion of delicious lump crab meat as the stuffing. After some great recommendations regarding wine, cocktails and daily specials from a friendly and very competent waitress, we ordered "The Don" - a 12-inch pizza with four cheeses, Ella's special marinara sauce, sliced tomatoes and Italian spices. The pizza was far better in terms of freshness, crust and toppings than most local pizza joints and it's just one part of a much larger choice of entrees (as you'll see in many of the other positive Yelp reviews here). In fact, as I watched the amazing-looking gourmet hamburgers go by for service to other customers, I decided that would be part of my meal on our next visit. Please know that there are a few quirks about the location and parking that might be confusing on your first visit here, but don't let that stop you. The food, service and experience is definitely worth it.
(5)Francesca L.
Didn't know what to expect going in, but we were pleasantly surprised. The server was friendly and attentive, the food was priced reasonably. We went on Sunday for a family brunch, and we had to choose off their Sunday BBQ menu. I am not a huge BBQ fan, but I ordered the fish burger and was very happy with it! We also tried the fried pickles (mmm) fried tomatoes (mmm) and smoked watermelon slaw (mmm but tart!). If we weren't there for a family brunch I would have been downing the $5 mimosas and bloody marys with a rib!!! It looked so cool! It's very unique and yummy...I can't speak for the regular menu, but I will definitely be going back again.
(4)Aleema A.
This has got to be one the my favorite restaurants in Tampa. It's located in Seminole Heights right past Nebraska. I love the atmosphere personally. There is art all over the walls and even as you enter the restaurant, the walk way consists of the tops of bowling balls with an iron upside horse. The restaurant itself is 2 stories and there is also a patio area. Sometimes there is a wait but the food is really worth it, especially on Soul Food Sundays! They have a variety of items on the menu, all delicious, and lots of cocktails and beers to choose from! They also hire local bands to come and play there. I live in Seminole Heights so I know I'm biased, but I love the local feel of the place!
(4)Derek H.
Always had consistently great food at this restaurant. Hands down my favorite restaurant to have an evening out with my girlfriend in Tampa. The ambiance is wonderful and the specials have been consistently good. Great addition to the Seminole Heights hipster restaurant scene.
(5)Sam M.
"There is a time and place for everything" as my Mom used to say (or was it Ecclesiastes?). Sunday morning at 11 seems to be the time, and Ella's seems to be the place. I don't know exactly how to describe the place. That's because I was only inside for a minute. Who could eat inside on such a wonderful day? Their deck is built around a ginormous tree, a tree that provides wonderfully cooling shade. I came here for the chicken and waffles. I was served 3 pieces of tasty crispy chicken and a tender waffle with maple gravy. I selected cheesy grits as a side item, but there were several other options - greens, okra, beans and rice etc ... The chicken outshines the waffle, but not by much. Besides, the waffle leads the chicken into the stomach, like a Sherpa. If you like grits, it's hard to go wrong with Ella's version. I cleaned my bowl. I also had a devils egg tucked away on the corner of the plate as an extra bonus. Great food and great service under the spreading chestnut tree on a warm April morning.
(5)Manuel M.
I've had many meals here, they are always good. Excellent ingredients, expertly prepared. Soul food Sunday is particularly good, some of the best BBQ in Tampa. Great outdoor seating on the deck.
(5)Jason C.
Fun place to go with great decor. I had a veggie burger there that was quite delicious. They also have great mixed drinks.
(4)Darelys M.
Fried green tomatoes and bacon Mac n cheese are great sides! The Biscuits and Chorizo gravy was delicious!
(4)Marquis M.
This place was amazing. The decor and atmosphere were really cool (even on the verge of hipster-ish, if you're into that) and the outdoor patio is amazing. The deck is huge, quiet and intimate with a huge tree in the middle. The food was just amazing. It is not traditional at all and they put a nice spin on everything they have on the menu. We started with the hummus and the jalepenos poppers. The hummus was good (not brag-worthy) but what I did love about it was that it came with veggies and pita sticks, not just heavy bread. It was a perfect appetizer because it didn't sit too heavy. The "fat japs" (as they're called) were delicious according to the sig. O. I would guess so, they are stuffed with pulled pork and then deep fried. There was enough for a table full of people to share. We both had something from the special list, but they were delicious and perfect. I had the veggie couscous with pumpkin and kale. It was delicious and satisfying and cooked perfectly. My partner had the crab/lobster risotto. The crab and lobster were fresh and juicy and the risotto was creamy and cooked perfectly. We both finished our meals in almost-complete-silence with no break from eating. It was all that delicious! We had the king killers for dessert and that was, of course, delicious. It was a great idea and pretty spectacular but it wasn't culinary genius, per se. It is a very simple dish and anytime you put peanut butter, banana, and chocolate together (and fried!) of course it's going to be good. The cocktails were delicious and quirky, as well. Definitely go. It was such a great experience.
(5)J.C. W.
Had early dinner with a friend for my first visit today, but it was hgihly recommended by a friend from work. The vibe is great and the staff is friendly. They did get a bit scarce when it it got busy but good service nonetheless. Had the Viva La Chimi!" appitizer - so good! Then I chose a pizza - "Tenderloin" Garlic Puree, Mozzarella, Asiago, Beef Tenderloin, Tomatoes, Red Onions & Arugula - it was fabulous! I had a very full to go box after eating to my delight. Atmosphere ranged from dressed down locals and families to trendy types dressed in quasi-club attire. It was a bit hard to talk across the table when random people choose to stand in the middle of the walkway (bad for servers bringing food out) instead of going to the bar or outside. Parking is tight with a small private lot but some overflow at local businesss. But people are spot stalkers so be aware. Overall it was great and I can't wait to go back for the Soul Food Brunch.
(5)Michael C.
Not very impressed... Service is almost half way decent. Sure wish the food was. The atmosphere was the best thing about this experience.
(2)Tami K.
As always food was fantastic but we waited 2 hours and then another hour for food. Missing a side and waitress, was not very friendly and never came back to take drink orders, finally brought missing side as we finished. Definitely not what we've experienced in past.
(2)Carrie P.
Popped in for dinner on a Sunday...live band..music was wonderful. Restaurant was packed..soul food was the menu. Ordered ribs, fried chicken, and chocolate covered bacon. The food and service was spectacular..they serve an amazing bloody mary that is garnished with a rib..
(5)Mike F.
The food was amazing without a doubt. Hiya save rim for the chocolate bacon and white chocolate prosciutto
(5)Eric J.
Wish I could give more than 5 stars. Excellent all the way around. Great food, service, vibe, drinks, everything. This place is the full monty. The bar staff are great conversationalists and make excellent drinks. I had an orange drink that was like a screwdriver but also had orange soda- it was to die for. It was like a creamsicle screwdriver...and I drool at the memory.
(5)Crystal R.
I joined a group of friends for Soul Food Sunday and was not disappointed. The location itself is very inviting and interesting to look at. I ordered a cider to drink, but was disappointed with my choice when I realized they had a large list of unique specialty drinks. I talked my boyfriend into getting the whiskey sweet tea drink and it was so delicious. A few of my tablemates got their bloody Ella with the spare rib and enjoyed it. I had already decided that I was definitely getting the BBQ mushroom sandwich with the vegan mac and cheese. It was sooo good and a lot of food. I think next time I will get the same thing but maybe just get the BBQ mushrooms without the bun so I don't carb overload.
(5)David P.
Not sure of the food, since it never came out after 50 minutes. THE STORY: We ordered the pork chops and mole chicken and we started with the tuna appetizers. The Appetizers came out in to the table in about 10 minutes. Bread followed at 20 minutes. Next round of drinks 5 minutes after that. Then the problem set in. The waitress stopped circling the table, and refused to look over. After seeing another couple that was seated before us get served their main dish I noticed the waitress look at our table, look at her slips, and then she proceeded to yell an order back to the kitchen. She never came back to the table to explain if there was a problem. At the 40 minute mark we were done. We finally got her attention, and she explained that the food took longer because of the 2" pork chop, and it was being plated right now and would be out. I headed to the restroom, and when I came back 5 minutes later I saw the food still hadn't arrived, and then proceeded to the bar. The front end manager (I assume) came out and explained that the 2' pork chop that we ordered took extra time to cook. I asked "can you look in your POS to see when we placed our order?" He told me "no" and I asked him "what kind of POS system doesn't time stamp orders?" Another quickly manager stepped in and he also started explaining how 2" chops take longer. First of all, they are not 2" (you could judge by the bone), and if it was a 45 minute prep time the server could have informed us when we ordered, or when she walked by the table a dozen times an saw that we didn't have our food. Amazingly, a couple that entered 10 minutes after us, and ordered the same pork chop, were able to get their food, eat, pay, and they depart while I was at the bar. The manager on duty looked in the previously unusable POS and saw that we ordered 45 minutes ago. I asked him "does it take 10 minutes to plate, as I was told 10 minutes ago my order was being plated, yet it still was not out to the table." He admitted that it didn't and apologized. I had enough, paid for my drinks and appetizers and left. The kitchen manager was kind enough to give us the order that took 50 minutes, but other than measure the less than 2" pork chop, the food was never touched. This is the second experience at Ella's, with the food being sub-par the first visit, and service HORRIBLE on the second. To the waitress, here's some friendly advice - be religious about checking on your customers. Find out why their food is not out. Then, once you find out there is a problem own up to the problem, apologize and the offer to make it right. Don't ignore your customers and blame it on everyone else but yourself i.e. the kitchen. You represent the establishment, and even if it was not your mistake, take ownership and fix the problem. One of my largest tips I've ever left happened when a waiter when the kitchen screwed up our order, and he bent over backwards apologizing, bringing over the manager, and offering to make it right. Your failure to do this simple little thing hurt Ella's more than anything, and it's disappointing because we really liked the vibe there on Friday including the live band. You'll be hard pressed to get me back now.
(2)Krys M.
Took a friend here for her birthday since we both agreed it would be more fun to try something new. The place is a really trendy 2-story brick building that is decorated with all manner of folk art--whether it's refrigerator doors, bowling balls, car parts, or Elvis memorabilia, this place has it somewhere! So the restaurant was PACKED on a Saturday night with a one-hour wait time to get a table, and there was standing room only at a bar. We carefully walked upstairs in our heels and managed to snag a little high top table to sip our drinks at while we waited...and waited...Waitresses buzzed all around us busing tables and it was a bit of a fuss just to flag one down to get the WiFi password. An hour or so later our buzzer goes off and we were seated at a nice corner booth. We put in our order soon after since we had been hungrily considering the menu items as we waited that hour. The mashed potato chimichangas were delicious as a starter, so much so that I would have happily ordered that as a main dish if I had a better idea of the portion. I also ordered the stuffed chicken and my friend got the beef tartar tacos. The stuffed chicken was pretty good--not spectacular for the price, but it was a large portion. Since we tried each others dishes, I got to sample the tacos too. Meh...I think I can pass on those. Noting to great and the Asian twist that they season into those sort of hides the fact that the meat is raw, which may be a good thing depending on how you are. It just seemed like a bit of a novelty dish to me. All in all, it was a nice experience, but I don't think it was a nicer experience than other places I've been, especially for the price. That being said, there were a few things that confused me: -When we walked into the busy bar area, there was a child seated at a full-liquor bar sipping a soda next to mom and dad---that doesn't seem legal to me? -When we walked upstairs and found that high-top table, why couldn't we have just eaten there? That would have saved us an hour of time -Service was a bit slow even after the hour wait, maybe they are short staffed? I don't know if I'll be back...on the fence about this one.
(3)Alexi B.
I've been to Ella's several times, at different times and on different days of the week. It's always great. On Sundays there is a modified all day brunch menu, which is not as good as the regular menu. My favorite meal is "the roots" and if you have enough room for dessert, you've got to try "the king killer". It's peanut butter and banana rolled into a crispy tortilla, served with vanilla ice cream, black berries and raspberry sauce. Delicious! Be sure to do a call ahead because this place gets super busy, especially during season.
(5)Josh N.
A restaurant anyone would be hard pressed to forget a unique blend of folk arts adorning the walls and lively music akin to Johnny cash in his day. My boyfriend had the fried chicken(which I stole plenty of) while I had a side sampler both of which were the kind of delicious tht goes straight to your hips and soul. The only drawbacks I experienced about ELLAS being that our waiter continually forgot about us and multiple times brought our table the wrong drink order aside from this the dining experience was wonderful.
(3)Meg R.
This is my new favorite restaurant in Tampa - I only wish it were a little bit closer or in more of a destination spot. Instead, Ella's is certainly off the beaten path and can be a bit of an all-night affair rather than just a dinner spot. However, Ella's has plenty of attributes that can keep you entertained for a whole night. There is a great bar area to enjoy drinks while you wait (and wait you will unless you have a party of 8+). The restaurant is decorated with funky, cool art and sculptures to enjoy. On weekend nights, live music fills the interior. Plus, the people watching is pretty exceptional as Ella's attracts a diverse crowd of patrons. On top of all this, Ella's offers one of the most inventive menus I've seen in a long time. Usually, when a restaurant offers a huge variety of foods I wonder just how many can be done really well - I tend to be a fan of smaller menus because then the chef can focus and perfect a few dishes. The chef at Ella's has nothing to worry about. I had the opportunity to taste several dishes and they all impressed. Since the menu can be a little overwhelming, here are the dishes I really liked: Apps "Viva La Chimi!" Salad Grilled Hearts of Romaine Pizza The Hog Entree Blackened Fish Tacos Mojo Chicken Dessert King Killers (so, so, soo good!)
(5)Kevin D.
Need a full plate of pretension with a heaping side of irony? Then Ella's is the right place for you. Just be sure to come tatted out. Facial hair is a must for gentlemen.
(1)Mac M.
Tried to eat here tonight. Arrived at 10:50, they close at midnight, wouldn't seat us outside even though there were many people out there. Inside they had a band that was louder than we preferred, wanted to have a conversation without shouting.
(1)Amy V.
At first try, I thought Ella's had filled the missing piece in my life for a fabulous, new, unique, local eatery. But, by the second and third visits, my visions of grandeur had faded. Ella's is in one word - unreliable - some also say inconsistent. So, I no longer desire it. Good thing I don't rely heavily on first impressions; although, my first impression of Ella's was outstanding. Couldn't wait to go back! Why? Because I was excited to have another dining experience just like the first one. Well, they're really reliable at being inconsistent. Here's the thing: I want what I want when I want it. The worst possible day you could go is for dinner on Sunday. A rotating menu that most certainly will be covered in missing dishes due to shortage. We were ready to wait 30 minutes for our table, but as we started witnessing dishes being crossed off the menu so we decided to leave. If you do go (which I'm not completely against) try to get these items, if they're available: - The Good Burger - Squash Soup: only had it once, at my first visit, sooo good. It's a special, which means it's very elusive. - Southern Spring Salad. Skip the fried green tomatoes. The batter is thick and greasy and flavorless. Don't get the fried jalapeno appetizer. In fact, don't get anything fried there. It may sound good, but it's not. Ella's you hit the mark but not often enough, and I must be consistent enough to notice.
(2)Destiny B.
I went here for Soul Food Sunday and wow was I impressed. From the atmosphere to the food to the live music and people dancing this makes for a great Sunday afternoon. My bf and I ordered the chicken and waffles with collard greens. So delicious. We added a side of cornbread and grits which are both a must have for us true southerners. We ordered a mango mojito and key lime mojito both refreshing. Also to add a little fun we ordered the Jameson w/ OJ shots and these were quite impressive (I'm not a big shot fan either and I loved these). For dessert we ventured out and ordered the chocolate bacon. I'm still in shock over that one, shockingly good, but very salty naturally. Also if you like jalapeño and sweet order The CHILO drink. So goood!! For everything we ordered our bill was more than reasonable. This place is busy so there was a wait and parking was a bit difficult but it's so worth it. We cannot wait to go back, we absolutely loved it!
(5)Buddy Jack E.
I think Ella's is a must in the Tampa area. I went there a couple of times when visiting my then-girlfriend. She was at work and I was bored so I went out exploring Tampa and stumbled across this place. I've had burgers and fish tacos there and everything was very, very good. I need to find another Tampa-based girlfriend so I can make return visits to the area and get to places like Ella's again. Wonderful place!
(4)Noelle L.
I was a bit apprehensive to take the trek for Sunday brunch to N Nebraska, however, I was more than pleasantly surprised. We arrived aroundn 11:15am (they open at 11am on Sunday's for their "Soulfood Sunday" brunch). My boyfriend and I waited about 10 minutes and were directed upstairs to their loft area. Wonderful view of the restaurant and even outside. Our server was pleasant and helpful. We ordered the cornbread as an "appetizer", which did not disappoint! It was a huge portion that we ended up taking half of it home. Well worth the pocket change ($3.50)! I ordered a mango mimosa, which was good. Next time I will most definitely order the "Bloody Ella" which boasts a cajun rimmed glass with pickled okra and a single smoked rib adorning the delicious looking libation! My boyfriend got the classic "chicken and waffles" and was pretty silent through his noshing, which can only be attributed to his blissful meal. He chose the sweet potato salad as his side (would not be even close to my first choice on their long list of soul food sides...), but it was surprisingly pretty good! The chicken was crispy and flavorful without being overbearingly greasy. I ordered the "Itis" (choice of two of their Kansas bbq entrees served with choice of side). I chose the beef brisket and the ribs. The beef brisket? Could have been smoked a little longer for more bark and a bit more tender. The sauce had a nice spicy kick to it. The ribs. Oh the ribs. Wonderful smoked, fall off the bone. Without question the BEST ribs I have ever eaten. They were so fabulous that I was a bit bitter that I didn't solely order them! I am an only child, but do share well :) These ribs I did not want to share (I did hesitantly though *sigh*) I chose the fried pickles as my 'side'. I would normally not have chosen them, but they were house made pickles which caught my attention. The batter was flavorful, but the pickles were nothing special. I would suggest a different side. Overall, for $35, the brunch we were served was well worth it. Ella's may be moved to 5 stars in my book after trying their regular menu. A wonderful meal to start our "Sunday Fun Day" :)
(4)RE A.
The food is wonderful, and the atmosphere is great. When you come in here make sure you've got time to enjoy the full experience. Live music on some nights makes it a little difficult to get in. so make sure you call ahead if you have a large party. Their southern and Cajun slant on American food really did present me with some new options. the fantastic array of American folk art turns the dining room into an art gallery, complete with waiters who know all about the artwork. The place is always packed and The bar makes great drinks so if you come for happy hour on Friday you won't be disappointed. Great Place for Sunday Dinner or any Special Occasion where you want to impress someone with good american food.
(4)JoAnna F.
Tried Ella's for the first time last week after hearing multiple friends rave about it. It was everything they said and more! From the specialty drinks, to the appetizers and the entrees, there was not anything we tried that we did not like. I cannot wait to go back and try their Sunday brunch menu.
(5)Donald P.
We always have fun here. Service is hit or miss. Last night the server had the most horrible time with our bottle of wine and spilled of all over multiple times. We have had him before and he wasn't anything to be desired last time. However, the food was great and everything was cooked to perfection. Will always go back there.
(3)Wendy I.
I visited Ella's recently with some friends. The service was a little slow but decent for a large party. I had a Swiss burger with sweet potatoe fries. It was pretty good and seasoned well. My friends all had the stuffed chicken special that was pan seared with creamy pasta on the side. I heard the dish was good but the chicken was a bit dry. My friends also had the strawberry martini which I heard was tastey and refreshing. They ordered more than one so that was obviously a hit. It was very crowded and loud on a Friday night and at 9 pm the live band had not gone on to start playing as yet. Before I left I ordered some food to go for my hubby. It was called the hog pizza which had tons of meat and pork. I tasted a little piece of it and it tasted pretty good being a die hard pizza lover from Brooklyn, NY. However, my hubby thought it was a bit on the salty side. Prices were respectable. The pizza could feed about 2 ppl and was about $13. My burger and fries was about $11. Overall good experience. I would like to go back and visit for soul food Sunday's. I have heard great things...
(3)Kelly Q.
Oh Ellas! How quaint and southern. I loved the carefree, casual atmosphere. The live music was a definite plus. This little room was really hoppin. I felt like I was down south on someone's porch drinkin a sweet tea and waitin for the dinner bell to ring. I loved my first experience with Ella's and I'll definitely go back to educate myself more on this down to earth southern cuisine. After all, I had no idea what collared greens were before this journey. Apparently they're a staple.
(5)Amiee M.
The Good Burger-! Hum..hum.. It's GOOD! I found this place on Yelp and decided to try it. Did I say The Good Burger? I LOVED it. I recommend the Cafe which is artfully decorated and it's food which is warm and wonderful! I enjoyed my Burger outside on the deck. My server was fast and friendly. I'll be back for sure!
(5)Danielle B.
One of my favorite restaurants in Tampa! Food is great but the drinks are fantastic! Definitely worth the wait and hassle of trying to find a parking spot.
(5)Cassandra S.
I've been here plenty of time for dinner, but today was the first time for Sunday soul food brunch. Every item was amazing and the prices are reasonable. Parking can be a bit tricky but it's worth it. Was a long wait for food but we had 14 people. Will def be back!
(4)Benjamin M.
Even though I want to branch out and explore some new places for dinner, I find myself returning to Ella's. They're closed on Mondays, so I guess that's my window of opportunity to try new restaurants. Soul Food Sunday is dynamite. I'm grew up in Kentucky, so I have an unhealthy weakness for those classic southern comfort foods. Our waitress (Candice, I think?) recommended the catfish platter. Mmm. Very good suggestion. The meal included cornbread (excellent!), smoked beans, and sweet potato fries. SO stinkin' good. I've also tried the pizza here. I consider pizza to be one of my areas of expertise, and I would give Ella's pizza a nearly perfect score--probably a 9 out of 10. My fav is the specialty pizza named "The Hog." Pizzas are 12"--plenty of pizza for one person. I like the pizza because it's not too thin... but it's also not so thick that you leave feeling like you've drastically increased your chances of a heart attack. Now, if you DO want to leave feeling like you've upped your chances of calling 911 later in the day, you should consider ordering some CHOCOLATE COVERED BACON. I impulsively typed that in caps. Maybe it's my subconscious trying to warn you about this delectable danger! Ahhh. Chocolate covered bacon is what I'll eat in heaven someday. Ella's has definitely become one of my favorite restaurants in Tampa. The place is cool, the food is great, and the servers are awesome (props to Billy and Candice). Five stars fo' sho.
(5)Tweet G.
Ok I hate to be the party pooper here but I thought this place was terrible. A friend of mine raves about Soul Food Sunday and against my better judgement I went to see what all the fuss was about. I will say I loved the eclectic decor. I could see this being a popular hang out spot with friends. I ordered the fried fish and the #1 rule to frying fish is the batter must stay on the fish. My fish arrived soggy with the batter sliding right off the fish. My husband tried the chicken and waffles and he was disappointed. I guess since I was raised on REAL soul food my standards were wayyyy to high. The only thing this place did for me was make me want to go home to my moms for a real dinner.
(2)Shaquea B.
I love this place! One of my favorite restaurants in Tampa. I find it incredibly hard to believe that anyone could go here and not find something they enjoy on the menu. For a more detailed review of some of their items, visit a few links on my blog: shaqworld.com/2013/04/13… and shaqworld.com/2013/03/30… Check it out for yourself. Wonderful food!
(5)Angela T.
Love Ella's!! Amazing menu, food was AMAZING and service was good. Never dissapointed here!
(5)D G.
My regret is that I do not live closer to Ellas. We ordered the Eggs and Bacon pizza on a whim and partially on the waitress recommendation. I have never tasted anything like it, absolutely amazing. The rest of our party of six enjoyed the food as well. Perfect surroundings and the cocktail menu looked pretty in depth. At first I was slightly concerned over the pricing of pizzas, sandwiches etc..but the portions ore shareable and the ingredients tasted unbelievably fresh. As a bonus Ellas supports live original music so support them.
(4)Thomas K.
This place is the best. The cocktails probably aren't as good as some other places in Tampa (looking at you domani. Get better soon) but the food and service are always amazing. Terrific atmosphere.
(5)Sarah F.
Anytime you are in Tampa, you need to make a stop at Ella's. It is the BEST folk art cafe and has so much character. It's very popular, so you have to be patient and ready to wait. We love going on a Friday night and enjoying some Grapefruit Moon's while we wait. I tend to go towards whatever the special meal is, but the Tartar Tacos are a great go-to as well.
(5)Blake D.
This is a really neat place to eat and have a drink! We had a big party for dinner and all had amazing food. I had the vegan "good burger" with sweet potato fries and it was delicious! Happy hr specials are pretty good at about 3$/draft beer. The decor is all reclaimed metal type artsy things and it all flows really well. It reminds me of the local places in Athens, ga if you've ever been there. Only downside was getting our checks at the end of the night. We had a few servers for our 20 ppl table and they didn't handle it that well ...
(4)Kristin M.
Pretty long wait, but Soul Food Sunday was worth it. Delicious fried green tomatoes to start. Followed by chicken and waffles with bacon and Mac and cheese. The Mac and cheese was salty and very smooth with quite a few different white cheeses in the sauce. Also had mango mimosas which were refreshing a different.
(4)Ricardo R.
An eclectic well-executed menu. The Wino is one of the best burgers anywhere. Generally regret ordering a "complicated" burger and wish I had instead ordered a hamburger or cheeseburger. Not with this one. The blend of flavors is perfect. You won't be disappointed. For a break from the meats, try the Roots entree - another really nice blend of flavors and textures. The Bloody Mary is top notch too and if you ask they will split it into 2 for sharing. The management is also very attentive. There was an issue with one of our entrees and the owner/manager came to our table to apologize and then comped a replacement entree (the Wino lauded above).
(5)Laura R.
Ella's is a great little eatery to check out if you are in the neighborhood; they combine a quirky decor with a whimsical menu. The decor consists of upcycled found object sculptures and contemporary folk art from locals like John Whipple. The menu has a variety of healthy and comfort food items, some of which can accommodate vegetarians as well as vegans (their vegan mac n' cheese was a standout). Their Soul Food Sundays have a different menu, with an emphasis on the fried chicken and waffles, which comes with bourbon maple gravy - yum! In addition, the chocolate covered bacon makes for a tasty dessert. They regularly have live music, which is great when it is something you enjoy, but a headache otherwise - so it's a good idea to check their schedule. Two thumbs up.
(4)Elizabeth B.
Sit outside under the big beautiful oak tree if you can. It's cold inside, so wear a sweater! The bolognese butter bean, pork, and puree parsnips was good and an original take on pork and beans. The chimichanga was Americanized in that it was stuffed with mashed potatoes. They serve you bread, but it's dusted with salt. The meatloaf was glazed with rootbeer making it a tad too sweet.
(4)Stuart C.
Your waiter Paul Lee assaulted a woman with four children when she asked about her food after waiting more than an hour. Do you feel like you are going to go out of business? You should...
(1)Dahoniel P.
To start, I did not know the wait would be so long, but when me and my partner walked through the doors and we were told that a seat would take an hour, I was a bit surprised. But, it wasn't a thing, we were seated within thirty minutes and the festivities began. It was a rainy night and we sat outside, at first, it was great, but the lightning came and we were thus moved inside close to the stage! This was awesome to me, because the food was amazing and the staff so easy going. The vibe indoors was awesome and I loved everything about my first time at Ella's. I will definitely be back, I just have to remember to phone ahead to get seats! Not a problem for this Tampa Gem!
(5)Thomas D.
I went to Ella's for dinner last Saturday and the food and ambiance definitely lived up to expectations. I had the Ahi Tuna stacker app and it was pretty good. The chicken mole was excellent. I sat at the bar and felt the service was a bit suspect but acceptable. I will definitely return and I recommend.
(4)Ericka J.
I went here for brunch with a few friends and it was awesome. The food is great and the service is great. I had the Mac and cheese is to die for. The atmosphere was great it seemed very eccentric. If you make a reservation just make sure your party is there or they won't seat you. I would defiantly go back.
(4)Benjamin G.
Good food. Poor service. Could have been a victim of circumstance but we did call ahead and they wrote my name down as Den instead of Ben... smh. Then gave our table away and put as back on the list. After waiting for 45 mins we finally just sat outside in the cold where our simple pizza took forever to come out. Mine was cold... But actually tasted pretty good. Do not recommend going on a weekend.
(2)Cari E.
I've been wanting to try Ella's for a long time. I had read reviews on Yelp and heard glowing recommendations from friends. I have to say, Ella's wasn't what I was expecting. I was thinking of Ella's as a small, quaint converted house. Maybe more of a Refinery feel. What I got was a large, eclectic, 2-story converted house with a stage and a band playing the blues. The place was hopping! I stopped in to give it a try last week. I loved it. It's lively and hip. The menu is pretty extensive. I looked at all the options and settled on the Chicken Spindini. Chicken rolled up in breadcrumbs stuffed with pancetta and fontina cheese? It's like a cordon bleu at the Oscars. They typically serve it on a bed of fettuccini alfredo. I'm weird and don't like alfredo sauce so I asked for the pink sauce (or as our waiter called it, Marinara cream sauce). I love when restaurants put thought and effort into the presentation of their food. Ella's did that beautifully. They slice the chicken width-wise and lay the little chicken spirals over the top of the pasta. Then add some parsley and half of a roasted lemon. The food tastes as good as it looked. The chicken was still moist while the cheese in the middle was warm and melty. The pancetta really took the chicken spirals from average to excellent. I'm sure bacon enthusiasts will scoff when I say that the subtle, less salty flavor of the pancetta accomplished something that bacon would have fallen short of. The pasta was perfectly al dente and paired up with the chicken like peas and carrots (if you're in to that). There was way too much for one serving but I got giddy that I'd have a wonderful lunch. Our waiter was so much fun! I wish I could give him a shout out but I forgot his name. He was quick and efficient while being very personable and fun. He also did a great job at becoming part of our conversation without being intrusive. I saw they had a patio and would love to come back as the weather cools. Don't be sad Ella... I'll be back.
(4)Kate W.
Soul food Sunday is always a great time. Lots of southern fare as well as solid veggie/vegan options. A great place to take meat-eating friends if you're on the veggie side like I am. Dinner is nice too, just not as unique as Sunday brunch. They have veggie collard greens with no bacon (which are hard to find!). I LOVE the vegan Mac and Cheese. It's made with siracha, mustard and tamarind. You have to try it!
(4)Andrea C.
I'm so glad I discovered this place. From its vintage/hipster decor to its nontraditional food and drink menu, this place has got it goin' on. Their veggie burger is honestly the best I've ever had. And being an ex vegetarian, I've had my fair share of veggie burgers. I get the Doghouse every time I go. It's a salmon salad with roasted asparagus and mushrooms with a hefty supply of goat cheese served with a honey balsamic dressing. It's delish! Every bite is better than the last. My only complaint would be the service. Two out of the three times I went the service was horrible. The food took forever to get out, the server forgot to put items in.. it was a mess. Thankfully, the food is so good that I can look past that. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone looking for a chill night with good friends, food and music.
(4)Hj B.
Love Ella's! Great selection of delicious food, from the salads to pizza and burgers. Ask for the specials, always something interesting the chef has put together. Always up for the Wino Burger with yummy bacon apple jam. On Soul Food Sundays you can't go wrong with the Chicken and Biscuits! Be patient on busy nights as service/food can tend to slow down.
(4)Mike S.
A very popular, trendy place improbably located on Nebraska Ave just south of Hillsborough Ave, which is part of the Seminole Heights revival also enlivening Florida Avenue. It has been here for several years now and has passed the point where many start-up restaurants fail. Have eaten there repeatedly and enjoyed the eclectic/fusion menu combining southern standards/ingredients with a flair....e.g. chocolate-coated bacon. As noted by other reviewers, the Sunday Soul Food/Jazz brunch is well attended and offers some current fad items, like chicken & waffles. Some very good desserts, and outdoor deck seating. Parking is limited but for later dinners, you can park at the next-door pawn shop....hey.....the Nebraska Ave location has some advantages...if you get there early, you can shop for hocked/used stereo components or construction equipment.
(4)Ken D.
I heard great things and I went and there are great things! Our waiter was awesome! The bartender was awesome! The food was awesome! The music was awesome! The trendy snot-bag of hostess was NOT awesome,she was acting two cool for school and looks like shes 19 and dresses like shes living in the 50's and has the worst attitude on a person I've seen in years. now the problem is that the hostess is the first person you see when you arrive and are seated. Everything was great but her. She told us if we wanted to sit outside it would be 45 minutes so we decided to sit at the bar and low and behold,5 minutes later we were sat. and she still acted ugly. This would have been 5 stars if not for her.
(4)Amy Z.
Went to meet a friend on a Tuesday night. Wine was great, food was spectacular as usual. I don't know that's I've ever even opened a menu at Ella's, as one of their nightly specials have always captured me first. Tuesday's special I enjoyed was short ribs in a root beer demi-glace with mashed potato cake and grilled carrots. Excellent (as always). My friend got another special of Salmon cakes with some kind of white beans. He really enjoyed his as well. This place fits perfectly into the Seminole Heights neighborhood. Artsy, laid back vibe with great food and a good staff. Give it a shot kiddos!
(5)Ameesh P.
I've been to this establishment a couple of times over the past few months. I can say I was pleasantly surprised to find a restaurant of this caliber in the area it is located in. Parking isn't always easy depending on when you go, but once you step inside you are sure to find food and beverages aplenty. Their entrees and pizzas are something you can't go wrong with and their specialty cocktails are the perfect pairing to a great meal. My personal favorite is the Cherry Mojito made with Bacardi Torched Cherry Rum. They usually have live bands playing on Fridays and Sundays, which is always a plus to accompany a great meal.
(4)Charlotte S.
Okay, I know I was super hungry to begin with, but everything about this place was great. I started with edamame soaked in lime juice and soy sauce. My main course was halibut with a marinara and topped with something delicious like slices of potatoes and cheese???... Ha Ha, I can't remember three days later but trust me, it was good. The decor is so eclectic and the walls are covered with art! The comic inspired flavored hard ciders by OLIVER were a hit so thanks to our waiter for the suggestion. I must go back soon!
(5)Steve C.
wasted an entire evening. Needed to wait 90 minutes for a table because they overbooked a large party and did not bring in enough staff. Once we were seated we had to wait an hour for our food. The only saving grace was our waitress who brought us some soup and salad while we waited for our order. Will never return!
(2)Emily S.
Love, love, love this place! I've only been once but can't wait to go back! The atmosphere is fun, the staff is friendly and the food is amazing!! I originally was drinking water but my friend ordered a Sangria and it was so good that I has to order one. What hangover? The waitress warned us it was "chuggable" and she was so right. I could have had a pitcher to myself... We ordered the polenta to start and it was delicious. Huge portion so it's definitely an app to share with 4+ people. The menu was full of so many good items the entree decision was hard! I went with the wino burger and I didn't look back... that apple bacon chutney melted in my mouth. My friend ordered the pork chop (also delicious and also topped with that amazing chutney.) The men ordered the meatloaf and didn't say a word until it was gone. I'm guessing it was amazing as well. :) For dessert, I HAD to try the chocolate covered bacon. I had high hopes but I wasn't that impressed. I don't think it was Ella's, I think I just wasn't as into chocolate covered bacon as I thought I would be. Like I said before, I can't wait to go back! It can get a little pricey so it will probably be on a special occasion - or splurge night.
(5)Nikki K. A.
Great place. The sunday brunch is great but crowded. There is something for everyone. The food has a little twist or flair to it. I like that they have vegan items, meat items, etc so you can find something. Of course the setting is quirky and that is good too. Watermelon slaw is unique and refreshing.
(5)Erin L.
They're the best for a reason. Living in Seminole Heights, I have to say, this is my top favorite place to eat. You cant go wrong with ANYTHING on the menu. Its always changing, it's always fresh, and its always on point. You cant beat that. From their "Soul Food Sundays" which by the way are spectacular. My go to for SFS, chicken n' waffles, bloody mary (spicy and rib in) and a "breakfast of champions" shot. Its the perfect way to start a Sunday morning in my book. I'm sure a lot of you would agree with that too. But from what I gather from everyone else's meals ordered, its all good. The BBQ, the biscuits and gravy, the shrimps and grits. It's all AMAZING. Local Pro Tip : Get there early if you can. It gets packed as hell on a Sunday, and you will be waiting. But thank god for the bar being right there. You can go up and order a drink ( or 2) while you wait and it makes it worth it. But even if you cant get there on a Sunday, Tues-Sat are also good days to go. Their regular menu is just as good. I'm a sucker for the veggie burger. Its kinda the bees knees for something containing zero meat. Always juicy, always perfect, and always so filling and satisfying. Yes, I just said that about a veggie burger. But you don't know till you've had it. Their sides to are fantastic. I'm in love with the "rasta-far-fries" spicy and yummy, and those fried green tomatoes, the southern girl in me cant get enough! I recommend any Tampa local, tourist, or skeptic to go and try them and not be impressed with the quality of food their producing from that kitchen of dreams they have there. I've heard some people say they don't care for them simply because of the wait time to sit down. But understand, when you have an amazing restaurant producing amazing dishes, sometimes its best to shut up, and wait. Sometimes its worth it, and in this case it is. The staffs always friendly and fun to talk to ( except the hostess. I'm sorry but the heavy set girl at the podium is NOT friendly at all and never smiles. If I worked there I'd be nothing but smiles. I swear that's my only complaint) , I'm telling you, go to Ella's. Enjoy and indulge, and see what they're all about. Fall in love like the rest of us.
(5)Jennifer B.
I just got back from dinner at Ella's and I'm already hastily planning my return trip. Arriving at 8pm and with a party of 9, we were given a large wooden booth on the patio. Usually, outdoor booths on a Florida summer night is a huge no-no and one would usually prefer to wait significantly longer for an indoor table than endure the uncomfortable heat and pesky mosquitoes. However, Ella's patio is unbelievably refreshing. With industrial fans and interesting decor, it's cool and neat. There were so many wonderful items on the menu that I just ended up trying a recommendation from the waitress. To narrow down my options and pick my own meal would have taken entirely too long. Ultimately, I went with the Chicken Spidini (chicken breast rolled in herbed breadcrumbs, stuffed with pancetta, fontina cheese and portabella mushrooms served over spinach fettuccini Alfredo) and it was out of this world! Service is fantastic, the menu is varied, beer selection is stellar and my entire family (out of towners) have demanded that we visit Ella's every single time they visit now. A++!!
(5)Jay O.
I'm a fan, cocktails and food are delicious. Been here a dozen times or so. Try it out.
(4)Mark H.
Soul Food Sunday with a group of 5... We got there a little past 11 AM and the place was already at 95% capacity, but we got right in and were seated immediately. As soon as we were seated, our waiter took our drink order. Immediately after bringing our drinks, we had our orders taken. The pace was pretty fast, which was a pleasant surprise. Some of the yelpies suggested service was a bit slow. Items that we ordered as a group were ribs, The Itis, fried chicken & waffles, a BBQ brisket sandwich and a funky monkey waffle. We also ordered the 3 side special for $9 and got the greens, cheese grits and jalapeño cornbread. WE ATE LIKE F&%CKIN' BOSSES. My chicken & waffles was delicious. The chicken wasn't the best fried chicken I'd ever had, but the dish was good and filling. The waffle was light and fluffy and came with a maple bourbon gravy, which was good, but I like straight up syrup on my fried chicken & waffles, so I slathered them up proper and went to town. I traded a chicken leg for one of my bro's ribs, and I've got to say that was one of the better decisions I've made in life. The ribs might have been the most surprising item on the table. Never in my short life have I seen so much damn meat on a rib. It's like it was a hippo rib or something... I don't know. And the flavor was unyieldingly impressive to the taste buds. For a place that doesn't specialize slow-smoked BBQ full-time, I was utterly flummoxed. The cheese grits were good (and I don't like grits), the collard greens (with bacon) were perfect, and the jalapeño cornbread was ok (it was a little over-cooked). We topped everything of with 3 shared deserts: The chocolate peanut butter chimichanga (pretty good--very peanut-buttery), the chocolate covered bacon (fantastic) and peach cobbler (good, but not better than Hungry Harry's BBQ in LOL). Group opinions at the table: The BBQ beef brisket sandwich is good, but better at Holy Hog. The BBQ ribs might be the best on the planet. Better than Holy Hog and Jazzy's. I'm going with a 4/5 because the total experience was on point the first time, but a little lack-luster on my second trip. The atmosphere was fun with Carl from Vinyl Fever fame spinnin' the Jazz wax and the cool art hanging on the walls. The staff was friendly and very attentive, and the food was slammin'. I will definitely be back, regardless of my taking away of a star!
(4)Susan C.
Ella's, oh how we love and miss you! The food here is simply amazing! The only negative is that they are in Tampa and we're in Orlando. The mixed drinks are yummy, the appetizers amazing, and main dishes make you want to lick your plate. The atmosphere is relaxed enough, they would certainly take it as a compliment!
(5)Angela S.
I really want to give Ella's 5 stars for their fabulous food, but the service continues to be beyond bad. I went there with a group of 5 Sunday at about 1. It took 30 minutes o get us sat, even though there were plenty of open tables on the top. We ordered quickly, but didn't get our food for about 45 minutes, and that is on the short end. The waitress disappeared for a large chunk of time while we were waiting for our food and then again when we were trying to get the check. 2+ hours to eat lunch is excessive. Now th reason I rated it so high, the food is amazing. Had the veggie burger, which is easily the best in town in my opinion. I tried my friends cheesy grits an fried pickles, both on the soul food menu, both amazing. I didn't drink any alcohol, but 2 of my friends raved about the flavored mimosas an they had a great selection of beer on tap. The atmosphere can't be beat here either. The artistic deco inside is so original and the deck outside is a great place to be on a nice fall day. As we were leaving live musicians were setting up. Ella's if you would get your act together on the service front I would be a much more regular fixture.
(4)Marissa W.
Ella's is where Bill and I choose to go for our friday night date night this week. What an awesome place! When we first arrived, it was very busy and parking was a little frustrating - however, we kept a postive attitude and didn't let it put a damper on our date because I REALLY wanted to like this place. We gave the host our name and what I thought was awesome is that they don't hand you any buzzer's or take your cell phone number for a reservation but, they remember exactly who you are. Very cool. We quickly made our way to the bar to have a few drinks before our table was ready. Let me tell you, one drink was plenty enough as Bill and I were definitely feeling a nice buzz before we even made it to our table! He had the Bloody Ella and I had the Cherry Limeade. At first glance the drinks are a little expensive but, they use high quality vodka and are WELL worth the price. We started with the "Viva La Chimi" appetizer and it was to die for! I absolutely adore mashed potatoes and this was pretty much fried mashed potatoes with a kick. As for our dinner, Bill had the fish tacos that are made with the catch of the day. In this case it was flounder. Bill really liked the tacos however, he is not a huge flounder fan but hey, not their fault! I had the good burger (veggie burger) and it was phenomenal! It came with sweet potato fries as well and they were not too sweet but actually had a little spice to them which I appreciate. We also shared dessert which was the King Killers. I HIGHLY recommend trying these. It is fried bananas and peanut better with vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce. So good!!! All in all, we will definitely be returning to Ella's in the near future. Maybe to try the soul food sunday menu? :)
(5)Lance W.
Made it there today for brunch after many times for dinner. I had the catfish with okra succotash and my wife had the biscuits and chorizo gravy. Both were great and went along nicely with our drinks (adult cherry limeade and mimosa). Hard to believe such a fine restaurant exists on Nebraska! Maybe if we can get rid of some motels for some other great spots...
(4)Blaire O.
What do you do when your hip, quirky sister, is in town? Why, you take her to Ella's! Ella's Folk Art Café is one of the first places I heard about in Tampa and it's been a recurring recommendation since I joined the Tampa food scene. I have been once before, however, I was still bottling all of my food emotions inside, instead of blogging (how did you ever survive before then!); I was eating without sharing...oh, the shame. We started with those delicious libations (hey, while we're being 'cool', we should use cool bartender jargon) and were told about the specials. I swear the waitress was talking dirty to us, the amount of deliciousness that was blessing my ears... We started with the soup of the day, which might as well have been the soup of the season... it was a split of black bean and pumpkin; if these had been two separate options, I would have been more torn than Natalie Imbruglia, so I applaud the mixture of yum! We also got the seasonal appetizer, the crab stuffed butternut squash... yes, I just said that... continued with photographic evidence on my food blog.
(4)Cory F.
This place proves you can have great food, drinks and atmosphere while having horrible service and lack of management. Customers are put on long waits while tables remain empty and no explanation given. They have outside seating and servers but you have to get your own food and drinks and walk them to the rail yourself. They don't seat 3 people on a 2 top, pull up an chair maybe?, or an outside six top. I have never seen a manager in the flesh. Got a callback from one after several calls a week later. Bartenders show knowledge but lack customer service skills. Servers seem good enough but are in a service nightmare. Easy fixes guys.
(1)Jody T.
Ahhhh Ella's...this review is for many visits a year ago while I was living in Tampa, but damn it, it's necessary. Ella's is the only place that whenever I went to brunch there it ended up becoming a 6 hour event. Each visit was on Sunday, or should I say, Soulfood Sunday. The atmosphere is great, from the art work on the walls, to all of the awesome cigar box guitars displayed, the great bands that play during brunch on Sundays, the cool staff...and the patio rocks. I found Ella's to become quite an experience. The visits typically started out with a brunch cocktail of a mimosa or bloody mary(which comes with a RIB in it!)..and then some of that heavenly chocolate covered bacon would be ordered...and then the breakfast shot menu would get a little attention...(breakfast of champions, hell yes so good!)...and then maybe some chicken and waffles would be ordered...back to the breakfast shots (hipster on acid)...and before you know it, Sunday has been completely consumed by brunch!
(4)Meghann A.
My old college roommate recently start a "Tampa Bay Ladies Supper Club" and chose Ella's as the first dining spot. I've already read good things about Ella's, so I was super excited to have a group of foodies to try it out with. Ella's only takes reservations for parties of 8 or more, which means the wait can get a bit crazy on the weekends. We had 7 and just missed the 8 person cut-off. The place was a lot bigger than I thought it was from reading reviews (I pictured small and intimate for some reason?), two stories of table and a deck that's dog friendly. I found my group of friends at the bar enjoying some cocktails. The bar was long and great for waiting for a table by. I was in the mood for a beer, but was severely disappointed by the lack of beers on draft (only 3? really?). I ended up ordering a Cigar City Maduro in the bottle. We were seated after roughly 45 minutes and were escorted to our table in the loft-ish area upstairs. The menu was amazing. I actually had a sneak peek at the kitchen as we were waiting to be seated and everything that passed by looked and smelled good. My stomach was grumbling and I was ready for food! I ordered the Wino Burger, which was AMAZING. Definitely worth ordering again if I had the chance. The "bacon apple jam" on top? Umm.. yeah. Mouthwatering. Totally made the burger. Can I have more now, please? pretty please? The sweet potato fries may or may not have been why I stuck with the burger page. I saw too many of these puppies pass me by - I had to try them. The fries were salty, not sweet, which I 100% prefer. I'm not a huge fan of sweetened sweet potato fries. These were more herby and spicy. They were perfect with ketchup. The girls ordered a banana/ peanut butter/ chocolate churro with ice cream dish for dessert that looked and sounded delicious. If it didn't have banana, I would have been all over it. Overall I was impressed with Ellas and can see why it's so popular - it totally met and surpassed all my expectations. My new goal is to return for their Soul Food Sundays!
(4)Brittany R.
Love this place! Such a cool hip feeling! Food is unique and very tasty! Music on the weekends can be very loud.!
(5)Montgomery R.
My favorite restaurant in the Seminole Heights area, without a doubt. The service, in my experience, has always been fast and friendly, and the food of very high quality with great taste. Sure, the food is expensive, but the portions are large. I'm a 200 pound guy and never leave Ella's anything less than stuffed, and sometimes have leftovers to boot. And remember - you also get what you pay for. If "cheap" food is what you want, the 3 Coins Diner is not far away. But if you don't mind paying for quality over quantity (you get both here), then I highly recommend Ella's. Outdoor dining is also available, although the flies can be a nuisance during the summer (although not the fault of the restaurant, though). I'd recommend going as early as possible though - as parking fills up and if you show up 7-8pm on a Friday night, you're probably in for a 1 hour wait or more. Again, that speaks to the popularity of the restaurant. Ever notice how restaurants that suck (Front Porch Grill, cough cough) are usually not that busy? Hmm...
(5)Julia C.
I hate that I have to give this place only 3-stars. I want to give it 5/5 because of it's unpretentious attitude, cool folk-art theme and the unique, eclectic menu. Unfortunately I have to agree with other reviewers who lament the inconsistency that characterizes Ella's. At times the experience of dining here is transcendent - perfectly executed food, helpful servers, optimal energy level throughout the dining room, exciting specials....but then other times, it's just a total disappointment: overcooked meat, slow/spotty service, a kitchen that runs out of food. And sometimes a couple of the elements may be spot-on while others leave something to be desired, all in the same visit. Here's what I mean: On our first trip we were pleased with the perfectly executed Veggie burger and drool-worthy "Badd burger." On the same visit, somebody else in our group had the Heritage Pork Chop which was juicy, flavorful and topped with the most marvelous bacon-apple jam....We were willing to overlook the fact that they were sold out of The Roots (a vegetarian sweet potato entree) and the let-down that was the unimpressive Beet Box and Veggie Pot Pie. We were still happy with the experience overall and were willing to chalk up the faux pas to a busy Saturday night and poor choice of entree, respectively. The next time we returned we were happy with the Charcuterie appetizer, a daily special on offer that day, but were surprised when we were told we got the last one of the evening - it wasn't even 7 pm. Sucks for anybody else who wanted to try it (sorry if that was you!). The big disappointment of the evening was the hideously overcooked Filet Medallions which had been ordered Medium-Rare and came out Medium-Well (not once but TWICE, after being sent back to the kitchen the first time) and a horribly dry, overcooked Wino burger which was requested Medium but arrived Well-Done. It's only saving grace was the wonderful bacon-onion (?) marmalade on top. A few of us ordered Moscow Mules and were disappointed at how crazy sweet they tasted, pretty nearly undrinkable. Even though most of us were disappointed in our entrees that evening, we decided to give Ella's another shot with dessert. Here was a perfect example of Ella's at her best! A generous slice of Deep Fried Pecan Pie with Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream and topped with Bourbon-Caramel Sauce. This wowed us all and reminded us why we keep wanting to love Ella's despite the mixed experiences. Ella's, please get your act together! We really want another slice of that Deep Fried Pecan Pie but are hesitant to come back for fear of another overcooked piece of meat, sold-out daily special or disappointing entree. Other notes about Ella's: Ask to sit upstairs or outside if you want to have any conversation with your company, as the main dining room is rather loud. Parking is a fiasco so plan accordingly. If they have the Deep Fried Pecan Pie dessert on special, do not hesitate just GET IT!
(3)Brian R.
Only went once and fell in love instantly. My girlfriend and I went in late around 9:30 when most restaurant employees don't want to see you. We were given warm greetings and fresh bread. The bread was homemade served with pesto honey butter. AMAZING. I ordered the Eggs and Bacon Pizza and my girlfriend got The Wino Burger. I've had pizza in Italy and this definitely competed. Crispy crust and crispier bacon, red onion, gooey cheese, and over easy eggs were perfect. The 1/2 lb. organic burger was topped with BACON GRANNY SMITH APPLE JAM and gorgonzola. Unfreakinbelievable. Even the mashed potatoes that came with her burger were exquisite. I'll definitely be going back. My new favorite in Seminole Heights! I definitely recommend!
(5)Rachel S.
I totally love the vibe of this place! The style is eclectic, full of character and many things to look at. They had a live band when we went for dinner, and the place was jumping. I'll admit, it DID take us a while to get a table, and parking is definitely a hassle. But once you get past the creepy surrounding area, you walk up to the place and you realize that you've found something special. It's a jewel, really, with creative food and drinks. Our waiter was so helpful and even turned me onto a new beer I never would've found without him. Angry Orchard Apple Ginger Hard Cider... naturally gluten-free. All in all, we had a great time. As always, ask the servers for recommendations, because you'll need help figuring which enticing thing to try first.
(5)A. L.
Great veggie burger but HORRIBLE service and wait time! Parking issues too.
(2)Kim T.
The place is quirky homey and the food is delish... Yes like anything it has a glitch or two but all in all the place is a blessing a Home away from home. The staff are the ones who are quirky there may seem to be one or two who aren't all there but, They are real people serving real food. This is not a kitchen for Gordon Ramsey to come down on. The food is great the kitchen is clean and where else can you go and listen to great music from most any time period? Either popular music from today or music from the 40's. If you had a bad experience there its because your from the "Older Generation of Republicans". The "Chik-fil-A" group if you will the ones who's pallet is dead. If your younger and had a bad experience its because all that generation does is critisize they haven't accomplished anything yet and they already know all there is to know about beer and food and politics...
(5)Nichole C.
I have heard nothing but great things about Ella's! We went for a friend's birthday and will definitely go back. I loved the eclectic menu and decor. The prices ranged. If you were looking to stay within a budget, there were pizzas (enough to share) and burgers starting at $12. Since it was my first visit, I opted for the chicken spidini (stuffed chicken and fettucini alfredo) which was a little more than I would normally spend for pasta, but it was well worth it! The chicken was stuffed with prosciutto and I'm still dreaming about it. My husband had the badd burger and said it was very good (um, it had goat cheese on it. If that isn't good, I don't know what is). I am in love with the decor and atmosphere, as well. You have to try Ellas to see for yourself!
(4)Cathie D.
Excellent again! I ordered the pork chop with apples & bacon pieces, & boy was it good!!! Very creative drinks as well. I had a martini that was to die for with champagne or proseco in it! The portions were huge so we had a 2nd meal for lunch the next day!
(5)Wendy Harding H.
Great Presentation, eclectic southern foods, EVERYTHING taste good. Love the chicken and waffles, burgers, cornbread and tuna appetizer!
(5)Danielle V.
Great food, beer, and ambiance! Ella's is one of the staple hipster establishments in Tampa. It's got great food in the up-and-coming neighborhood of Seminole Heights. Try the crab butternut squash and salads, you will NOT regret it!
(4)Heather S.
I suppose coming from small town Sarasota, I am easily impressed by the glitz and glamour of Tampa ;) Anytime I go out here I am in awe of the ambiance and food quality and creativity that the city presents. Well plus I'm awesome at picking out great restaurants thanks to my fellow yelpers! I read parking was a bitch. Got a spot no problem. Read wait times on weekends were ridiculous. We only had to wait half an hour. In the meantime we found an elbows worth of room at the bar and ordered some drinks. I had a strong ass Margarita which helped to burn off some of those cold symptoms that had been coming on. Loved the ambiance. I didn't mind that it was crazy loud, a little frenzied. I enjoy that atmosphere (in the right moment) and this was the moment! Our server, a tall guy with a beard, was super helpful and informative once we admitted we were first timers. There was SO much I wanted to try so we ordered three things: Viva La Chimi was the winner of that night. Holy yumminess rolled up in a tortilla. We also got the French fry type things which I'm normally not a fan of but Yes! Awesome sauce to dip as well. I love anything with Goat cheese so The Don pizza was out main course. It was delicious! So many flavorful cheeses and cooked perfectly. I wanted to try a dessert martini but has literally no room left. So sad. Service was attentive but not intrusive, casual but still professional. I enjoyed everything about this experience and I will definitely check it out again soon!
(5)Eleni D.
THEY ARE GOOD AT EVERYTHING. I hate grits, love their cheese grits and will only order it here. Meat loaf? Yich, but I'll eat it at Ella's because it is fantastic. Probably one of my favorite places in Tampa. Soul Food Sundays are a great after-church treat, or, if you're a heathen like me, just a great way to start a Sunday (especially if you had a rough Saturday night *wink, wink*). If you do breakfast on Sunday, I highly recommend you get the "Breakfast of Champions." Best liquid meal of your life.
(5)Jessica G.
An experience has to be pretty bad for me to give one stars, but honestly I would give zero to Ella's if yelp allowed. We had heard good things and were eager to add a new restaurant to our roster. My family are Tampa natives who eat out regularly - my parents have regular restaurants they frequent all over town and have never had a single problem with one. I live in NYC now and am used to brusque service during busy hours - it can be part of the charm. But we had an absolutely horrible experience at Ella's with the hostesses and manager. The only waiter we interacted with was very nice so clearly all the service isn't bad. But I have never been treated so poorly by management at a restaurant that I left holding back tears after watching the management treating my family disrespectfully over a simple miscommunication (on the part of the hostesses) by the rude manager. The food may be great (we didn't stick around to find out), and I love supporting Seminole Heights businesses, but I will never bring my business back. At least not until they hire a new manager. Perhaps we caught him on a bad day, but it seems a bizarre career choice with someone with no people skills to speak of. We left and went down the street to the Refinery, where food and service are always both impeccable.
(1)Lauren C.
The food here is creative and I've enjoyed many things I've tried. The decor is cool too. But I really find the service not so friendly or on top of it. This is based on probably 5 or 6 visits.
(3)Kerry J.
If you have a "cheat day" on your diet, this is the place to go on Sunday, when Ellas offers an additional soul food menu. Fried green tomatoes, fried pickles, fried chicken... is there anything they won't fry? I can attest all three are delicious. But the standout for me was the collard greens (WITH bacon, of course), which were probably the best I've ever had. The funky atmosphere is on the hipster side while still feeling accessible to us less-than-cool people. Sundays they host a live jazz band which attracts a sizable crowd without feeling overcrowded. They have a big upstairs area and outdoor seating in addition to the main dining area, so there's plenty of room.
(4)Simone J.
I love this place. Everything I've had is amazing! You must check it out if your are looking for a great local joint!
(5)Eloy C.
Great place , I took my wife twice servers are great great food great environment . Must go check it out for yourself
(4)John C.
Went on Soul Food Sunday with a group of friends. Place was slammed and parking was a drag but everything else was killer. Got a bloody mark with a pork rib inside it. Obviously it was amazing. The food was decadent. All members of the party tried everyone else's dishes. The Fried Green Tomatoes had a little tang, tasty sauce and nice bite. The Mac and cheese was off the charts, creamy yummy town. I had the Biscuits and Gravy. The gravy had a bit of a nacho cheesy element going on. Slightly orangish as opposed to Bob Evans white, standard sausage gravy. Whatever it was it was damn good. Our waitress was a ridiculously pleasant little indie gal who matched the ambiance of the place perfectly. Hip and spacious spot, definitely want to try more of that menu. You get what you pay for, I'll be back fosho
(4)Julia S.
Ella's is a wonderful restaurant with great atmosphere and delicious food. There are several vegetarian and gluten free options, which are helpful if you have dietary restrictions. Their pizza is amazing and reasonably priced for the portions and the salads are fresh and have wonderful ingredients (goat cheese and fried green tomatoes??? Yes, please). The only draw back is that there is often a lengthy wait time for getting a table, which can be frustrating if you're in a hurry. But if you e got time, this is a great place for dinner!
(4)Amy L.
I can only comment on Soul Food Sunday's because I have only been here on Sundays, but the fried chicken and waffles are a MUST. They have delicious collard greens, sweet potato fries, fried green tomatoes and okra as well. The atmosphere is very on-trend for the location. Their outdoor seating is great, beautiful trees and benches/tables. I love their small stage and live music during my Soul Food Sunday brunches. They always have great music, whether it be live or played throughout the location.
(4)Kassandra G.
Totally worth the wait. For the service and food. We called ahead and still had to wait about 30 minutes for our table. The location however perfectly eclectic and ideally named, it is limited on seating, especially indoors. It may have been due to an event that was being hosted upstairs. But I had heard that the wait is always ridiculous. After having a glass of wine at the bar and being sat about 30 minutes later, our server greeted us with nothing but smiles and an intricate explanation of the dishes on the menu. Everything listed sounded appetizing making it difficult to decide. My date had been before and tried the rasta fries so we chose that again as an appetizer along with the summer salad of candied walnuts and strawberries to start. The fries were wedge cut and drenched in spicy siracha and a sweet element that I was unfamiliar with. Great pairing and filling appetizer so be sure to share. The salad! Best I've ever had at any restaurant. Also quite a large portion but worth every bite! The candied walnuts are just delectable. Sweet and crunchy. The fresh strawberries and dried fruits accompanied the mild dressing wonderfully. I will be ordering that salad again and again every time I return. My entree was a stuffed chicken breast with a creamy pasta. Decadent and heavy, but flavorful and luscious. Stuffed with proscuitto spinach and ricotta the chicken was moist and there was plenty of it. My date, the meat eater, ordered the steak which was paired with a potato purée and asparagus, classic done very well. As full as I was I could not resist but to order dessert. We had a drunken cake of sorts that was too rich to finish off that heavy meal we had but we managed. All along our server took great care of us, was very personable and gave us plenty of information on the menu items and the restaurant itself. Absolutely LOVED Ella's. will become a regular, very soon.
(5)Tara S.
I LOVE Ella's! Their Soul Food Sundays is amazing. The chicken and waffles are what dreams are made of. Their selection of drinks is incredible and it may be the only place in Tampa you can get Lazy Magnolia Pecan beer on tap. The only complaint I have is that the fried chicken is only available on Sundays.
(5)Richard R.
Great mix of folk art and great music. Enjoyed cheddar biscuits & gravy off the gospel brunch menu with a tasty southern appetizer. Goes excellent with a PBR. Serve was great and very informed as to items on the menu.
(4)Paul J.
This is a Gem! Based on the location I thought that this place would be in a renovated old house in Seminole Heights, with dingy bathrooms, and rickety floors and stairs and so on. Not so!. After speaking with our friendly server we discovered that the building was purpose built for the restaurant relatively recently, and it shows. This is a nice surprise because there are a few restaurants in this neighborhood that have the potential to be really great but are let down by their premises. The food was great, I had the meatloaf and my wife had the Panang Curry, augmented by a short but really good wine list. Service was super-prompt and deserving of 20%+. The ambient music wasn't too loud but was the perfect southern bluesy style, that went with the decor, the food and the entire package. We will be returning! The menu is extremely tempting.
(5)Jay Y.
When I invite people to Ella's and they ask me where it's at I always get a pause. Wait, Nebraska? Yes. Nebraska. This is the epitome of "diamond in the rough". This place has it all: Ambiance, Food, Drink and Music Jam out to some folk music while enjoying a modern spin on comfort food. They'll fry pretty much anything: pickles, okra, chicken, tomatoes. They've got something for everyone from burgers, pizza's, pasta, steaks, vegetarian dishes, and awesome, inspired appetizers. Enjoy your food with the best of local breweries like Cigar City and beers from all over America. Their mixed drinks are great as well. Don't forget to hit Ella's up on Soul Food Sunday for some amazing BBQ(no seriously, its great) and other soul food classics like biscuits and gravy, fried catfish and more. Stay for dessert. Chocolate covered bacon? Check. Insanely delicious cheesecake? Check. Welcome to your new favorite restaurant. Fingers crossed they win that bid to open a new location Downtown!
(5)Jonathan A.
Good mix of unique selection of beers and large size portions of food. Food is very unique with an excellent taste. Outdoor seating on a nice night is very nice. Highly recommend when looking for a restaurant outside your normal chillis and chain restaurant. Dress is casual to hipster. Get outside your bubble and eat and Ella's and see what your missing!
(4)Daniel H.
This is my second visit to Ella's. The first time I went, I wasn't impressed by the chicken and waffles. This time, I was laboring over the beef brisket or the biscuits and gravy. I asked the server and without hesitation he replied, "Get the biscuits and gravy. They are hands down the best you will ever have." Let me tell you, he was right. They were a little sweet and a little spicy. The food was great. The staff was friendly. The atmosphere is .. Ella's, which is definitely a good thing.
(5)Cathy L.
I really enjoy Ella's folk art theme and the live music that they occasionally have there. I think that their prices are a little high for what you're getting which leads me to go there a little less often than I would like. If you're planning on going on a Friday or Saturday night, make sure to call ahead, the wait can be well over an hour. The food is fantastic but if you are a vegetarian, be very clear about what you're ordering... I have (on multiple occasions) ordered the "special" and been surprised that there was meat on my plate that I was not expecting.
(4)Jay S.
Seminole Heights, take note: this is exactly the kind of restaurent the area needs. Price is reasonable and the food is perfect. The beer selection is good, though I wish they would expand the drafts and have a few more local selections. The Cigar City beers are great, but almost everyone who serves them have a hard time keeping them in stock, including Ella's. I would recommend diversifying the local selection a little more. I was particularly impressed that although they clearly cater to the hipster taste, they don't make the mistake other area restaurants do and forget the culinary heritage surrounding them. Soul food Sundays are a great example of this as well as their copious use of chorizo. Welcome to Seminole Heights, Ella's. I hope you are the first of many.
(5)Butch C.
It is a bar that serves food ,More Sinatra less Elvis .atmo cheers
(4)C H.
Great laid back neighborhood restaurant tucked into Seminole Heights. As the name implies, it has an artsy vibe. Modern, clean, hip...all the things you'd expect in this neighborhood. The clientele matches the decor, though on the particular day I first visited, a Sunday, there was a church crowd and folks gathering for birthdays and such. My first visit was sparked by a band I wanted to see playing called Hymn for Her. When I saw they offered a soul food menu on Sundays--including plenty of veggie options--the decision was pretty much made to make the trip across the bridge. Arrived about 3pm to a wait of what they said was 30min. When I asked the hostess how she was going to alert us of our table being ready, she said she'd come find us. We found the last two stools at the busy bar--I ordered a bloody mary and my friend a beer. I was a little shocked at the price--$14 for both, with the bloody being $9 of that. All beer was $5 and up. Perhaps there's a happy hour during the week. It was a REALLY good bloody mary. We also ordered fried green tomatoes, then decided to get the sampler of three apps for $10, adding fried pickles and sweet potato fries. Apparently I was trying to give myself a heart attack. All delicious! I've had a lot of sweet potato fries, and those are probably the best I've had. While I was licking my fingers (because we nvr got cutlery) I realized we had been waiting for a table for a while and no one had come to get us. Went to the hostess stand and discovered they had given my table to someone else with a similar name! So we had to wait another 5min or so, no biggie but I would say they could use a beeper service to assist in seating tables--especially on busy days. At the table, ordered the veggie burger to share. For the included one side, got the vegan mac and cheese, and added a side of collards. The food was out quickly, and everything was amazing! The collards had a hint of sweetness that I couldn't put my finger on. Could've ordered two sides of those alone! The vegan mac and cheese was deceptively good, with a rich, perfectly spiced nutritional yeast-based sauce. The veggie patty was homemade, moist and very hearty. The bun could be a little higher quality though. The music started shortly after our meal, and it was great getting to see the band after such a satisfying meal. A memorable first trip to Ellas, with a couple service issues that I won't hold against them, especially with food so mouth-watering.
(4)Arthur V.
The only thing wrong with this place is that it's 45 minutes away from my house. I definitely recommend their special menu for Soul Food Sunday. The live music can be a bit loud, but usually the artist is a quality pick. Plus there's great outside seating if the music gets to you. They serve a Bloody Mary with a rib sticking out of it. That's dope.
(5)M P.
We had a great waiter and great recommendations. Going for soulfood Sundays was a little out of my element but the chicken and waffles were delicious as were the fried pickles and sweet potato fries!
(4)Jennifer H.
If you've never been here, just go. Forget the reviews, just GO! There is 99% chance you will not be disappointed.
(5)Illiana A.
Delicious beers on Tap, awesome food. Friends ordered the Itis which they devoured and since it was Soul Food Sunday , they ordered Chicken and waffles all of which amazing. I ordered the Veggie burger with watermelon apple slaw. Burger= Delicousness, Slaw was too moist for my liking. If they backed off the watermelon puree it would have been good but it was too wet . Love the atmosphere, so much so, that I am applying for a serving job as soon as they have one available, especially since it seems like such a perfect fit for my personality and my superior serving expertise . I was a little reluctant to answer " Good for kids". We did have a 9 month old with us , they offer a kids menu and there is plenty of stuff around for them to look at. They had a live band playing and kids love to dance. I say yes, but it depends on the parents. :)
(5)Blake M.
I love Ella's. I usually come for Soul Food Sunday's but their regular menu is great too. My boyfriend and I are vegan and every time we've eaten here and informed our waitress they have all been extremely knowledgeable. Last time the waitress had a feeling the sweet potato fries might not be vegan and rushed back to the kitchen to check for us. Turns out they're cooked in the same oil as the fried fish, but that level of attention to detail was unexpected and very appreciated. The vegan bbq sandwich and vegan mac and cheese are incredible on Sundays. For their regular menu, "the roots" is a great dish, but a little on the sweet side. They make a mean veggie burger. I also took my mom once when she was visiting (she's omni). She ordered the crab stuffed butternut squash and loved it. Ella's has something for everyone. The menu is unique and the atmosphere is great. I highly recommend it! The only down side: expect to wait for a table. Call ahead to put your name on the list.
(5)Chrissy B.
This is a cute, eccentric restaurant. I love the bowling balls out front that make up the planter edge. The menu has vegetarian and vegan options along with meat options, a perfect pairing for a range of tastes. They have a large selection of ales, lagers and ciders. On this night I went with a Captain Morgan and coke. Unfortunately, my waitress brought me a Sailor Jerry and coke without telling me. I was disappointed with the switch.
(4)Shai J.
I'm sold, can't wait to go back!. If the food wasn't so sinful, I would have returned by now-and it's only been a week! Best chicken and waffles ever, I tried the mac and cheese and it was delish. (I didn't care for the chocolate covered bacon...quite gross actually) Anyhow, great décor, very comfortable, not stuffy or pretentious in any way. One major downfall is how SLOW the service was. Our server was nice, and attentive as he could be being that the place was packed. It took forever for our food to arrive. It didn't help that the side dishes were brought our for some and not others and the main entrees arrival was also staggered. Thank goodness my group didn't mind sharing=) The server did let me know when parking became available so I could move my car.
(4)Claudia S.
I really wish I would have paid more attention when ordering, because I'm sure my burger would have been amazing. Alas, I ordered "the good" and didn't realize it was a bean burger. Makes sense as to why the waiter didn't ask how I wanted it cooked. What's funny is that I remarked to my dinner companion that it tasted like beans. It wasn't horrible, I just wasn't all that hungry to begin with and wasn't in the mood for a garden burger. The person I was with either had "The Bad" or "The Ugly" and I took a taste of his and WOW..that was really flavorful. Solid beers on tap, and seeing as how I'm from Chicago I appreciated the local brewery's beer. Wish I had more time to come back because my burger ended up getting soaked (from someone's genius idea to put it sideways on ice....) and I never ate more than a quarter of it. However, what I had was good....just wasn't what I wanted at the time. If I'm ever back in this area I'll be coming here. Nice vibe, cute place and cool server.
(4)Theresa M.
I like the decor and the live music was outstanding, especially for a Sunday night. The thing that was a downer for me was the service, it was just ok- at times the server seemed annoyed by our table and quite snappy towards us. I had the chicken and waffles and it was pretty good, but I've definitely had better. The Soul Food Sunday menu is what attracted me here, but I didn't realize this meant the regular menu wasn't available. They make a good strong drink, but it comes at a bit high of a price. Oh! And they close at 8 on Sundays...
(3)Laura W.
Ella's is an eclectic place with an interesting array of art on the walls as well as miss-matched tables and chairs. The bowling balls lining the walkway to the entrance are another example. They have a large list of drinks to choose from as well as a varied food menu. I think missing from the menu (possibly on purpose) were favorite drinks like a margarita. The cherry-limeade mixed drink was very good and I can recommend it. The pizzas (flatbreads) were also well received by the people in my group. The Don pizza, with Ella's Marinara with Mozzarella, Ricotta, Goat Cheese ,Parmesan, Tomato and Basil was a big hit with several members of our group. One pizza was typically shared by two people as an appetizer or even a meal. The management and servers were very accommodating to us and we took up a lot of space with approximately 25 people in the group. The main challenge in visiting Ella's is the parking. There is limited parking behind the restaurant, but additional parking across the street in several business parking lots after they close for business at 5:00 pm. However please note - for your safety, crossing Nebraska Avenue if you have more than a couple of drinks could be hazardous to your health. Be careful out there!
(4)Ben K.
Ok... it was my first time and i couldn't try everything. So I was craving Meat Loaf and everyone I talked to said it was good. IT WAS! It's a little yuppie for my taste but I made a new friend and had a great dinner. Prices are not crazy and so I recommend it for a date night. Parking is an issue and I would suggest calling 30 minutes early to get your name on the list for the limited seating. Reservation are only accepted for larger parties! I will have to go again and try the other dishes.
(4)Bob K.
Love Ella's. Always a good beer selection and the food is outstanding. Glad I found this place when I was searching for "sweet potato fries in Tampa" (long story).
(5)J A.
Hit or miss. We went on "soul food Sunday." Hubby had the brisket and ribs with bacon Mac and cheese. The brisket was average, the ribs were good, and the Mac and cheese was excellent and creamy. I had the side sampler. Red beans and rice and the collards were great and the sweet potato salad was strange and not in a good way. What really turned us off was that we ordered a cobbler to go and how it was packaged. They put the ice cream right on the cobbler and put it in their standard thin cardboard box. We do not live close by so you can imagine the messy disappointment. We expected more from such a well-reviewed restaurant.
(3)Andrew P.
Good food. The dishes are unique. The atmosphere is fun. The food is a bit pricey for what you get but this place is worth a visit.
(4)Stephanie W.
I had the Soul Food Sunday menu and it was awesome. The environment in this place is really friendly and chill. It is definitely a place I can see myself going back to again and again. On a recommendation I tried the Veggie Burger, and it was soooooo delicious. I love when veggie burgers are made in house, that is the only way to eat them. On the side I had Sweet potato fries and they were seasoned to perfection. I am definitely going to come back and eat as much as possible. :)
(4)Emily K.
Each time my husband and I go to Ella's, the experience is the same. We sit outside for about 20 minutes waiting for a table and are seated in the main room of the restaurant. The atmosphere is fun, but every conversation in the room seems to echo off the walls and swallow any other sounds. In order to have a conversation we half-shout at each other, which seems to be what all the other patrons are doing as well. My husband wears hearing aids and it is nearly impossible for him to understand what I am saying in such a noisy room. It sounds like a cafeteria--each cry of a child, loud laugh from an exuberant woman, and clink of silverware is clearly heard all over the restaurant. As we are deciding what the eat, we always swear this is our last time coming to Ella's. The servers are great, very friendly, and helpful with recommendations, but they too have to speak loudly to be heard. The space is so overwhelmingly noisy. But then our food comes. And we take the first bite. And we both know that this is probably the greatest food we have ever consumed in our lives. "The Roots" is my favorite dish thus far. I am a meat-eater but this vegetarian dish blows any burger or chicken dish out of the water. My husband prefers the burger simply titled "The Boring," which he claims is the greatest burger he has ever eaten (and he eats a lot of them). The parking situation is terrible, and we always leave the restaurant praying our car hasn't been towed. Ella's itself seems to have only a few spots, and signs are posted on the door marking which surrounding businesses are safe for parking and which are not. Plan on parking, reading the sign, walking back to your car, and re-parking. If you are looking for amazing food, Ella's is a sure bet. But if you are planning on talking to another human while eating that food, I'd choose somewhere else.
(3)leigh a.
I wish there were different stars for food & service- because The food was Devine! I took 2 friends from put of town & we absolutely loved everything we got! The atmosphere was impressive too- lots to look at & some good live music. But if you're looking for good service- this is NOT the place! 1 of my friends decided to try 1 of their specialty drinks- I know you don't hear this complaint much but it had too much alcohol- WAY TOO MUCH! That no one at the table could drink it- she drank maybe 10% of this $10 drink & asked the bartender if he would please give her a wine or beer instead b/c no one at our table could drink the other. He said no, they couldn't do that but gave her a ginger ale to try to cut the taste- who does that!? And our waitress- Amanda- nearly ruined our night. For some reason, right from the onset she had a chip on her shoulder- like she was bothered to have another table. I don't know who manages that place but they desperately need to work on their customer service! Ella's could easily get 5 stars if they just had better service b/c their food & atmosphere are awesome!- as it is, it'll be a long time if/when I give them another chance.
(3)J L.
Hot. Crowded. Horrific Parking Lot. Slow Service. Skip this joint folks. I like the concept and the bar drinks are killer. The food's not bad either. But pu-lease. Tampa needs to offer up some much needed competition to this only-joint-in-town-like-it. Management and staff of this place are very much of the attitude, "we don't care how slow or crappy our service is because people will still show up anyway." Too much work to eat here, not enough payoff.
(2)Kristyn L.
The atmosphere is fantastic and the food is AMAZING.....5+ We started off with Sunday Morning Cocktails of a Bloody Mary's with a delicious Rib garnish. SO GOOD! ...then we enjoyed the Waffles and Fried Chicken with Collard Greens. The service is so-so.....The hostess and bartenders are all moving in slow motion without any "service" or "smiles". It is so weird to see a huge staff not enjoying their job more. I am not sure why they are not having more fun in such an awesome restaurant. The parking is tough and the staff needs a little joy in their step. However, regardless..... for a Yummy Food Adventure off the beaten path with delicous food --- its a must!
(4)Aaron Z.
Great atmosphere, a little much if you sit inside when the live band is playing. Food was good, it was very southern. This is a good place to have a few drinks or feed your southern craving. They have some unique cocktails you can only find in house and a large selection of beer.
(3)Todd B.
Thanks to Yelp, I found this place on my business trip here. I was incredibly impressed and so glad I experienced this local gem. I'll be going back during my visit. The bartender was magnificent and friendly, the beer/cider options were from local breweries, and the menu options all were so tempting that I couldn't decide. I opted for the Boring Burger tonight, and it was one of the best I've had in a long while. I also tried the Fat Jap, which was a stuffed jalapeno. While the taste was spicy and fun, it was fried and a bit too much for one person. I also would opt for the sweet potato fries instead of the fried zucchini if I were going again, as the fried batter was heavy and greasy. Next time, I'm trying the pork chops or meatloaf, which looked nothing short of amazing. The folk art atmosphere also is entertaining and interesting.
(5)Nilo K.
Went here with my girlfriend for soul food Sunday.....WOW! This place has it all! I give the service, food, and atmosphere a 5. The parking situation SUCKS and thats why the overall rating is a 4. I had a hell of a time finding parking, especially not being familiar with the area. But besides that...my chicken and waffles were FABULOUS. As good as the chicken n waffles at Sylvia's. My friend and I shared a veggie burger as well, and I was happily surprised with how flavorful and hearty the patty was. Sweet potato fries and fried green tomatoes were also excellent. Service was fast, and consistent. Portions are more generous than I expected, so be mindful when ordering. Looking forward to going back.
(4)Kevin F.
Be sure to come for Soul Food Sundays! I usually get the $9 "3-Side Combo" with Collard Greens, Fried Okra, and Fried Green Tomatoes. If one of those isn't too your liking, though, the Sweet Potato Fries are also a really good choice.
(4)Clayton L.
Ella's is a very cool place with a somewhat limited but very good menu. If you are a burger person then you have to try the Bad Burger. If you are a pasta person then the Chicken Spedini will not disappoint. And even if you are not a meat loaf person (which I am not) then Henry the Loaf will still be at the top of your list. I was much less impressed with the pizzas than anything else on the menu and the tuna appetizer, although still pretty good, used to be tuna tare tare and it was fantastic. The ambiance at Estella's is very cool. It is casual to mildly dressy, perfect for a date or an evening out with friends. Also, if you have kids, a dog, are a smoker or have a very loud party then you can always eat outside on their large deck without having to worry about disturbing anyone inside. The service at Ella's is touch and go. So, if you are trying to dine in a hurry then this might not be the best place for you. Every time I have been to Ella's I felt that the service was a bit on the slow side. But it is also usually a bit on the busy side. However, even when it is not busy, I have noticed slower service than I would expect. I have eaten all over Seminole Heights and the Tampa Bay area and I keep coming back to Ella's. The atmosphere is cool, the food is very good and in my opinion it is probably the best restaurant in Seminole Heights.
(4)Tanya M.
The vibe was great and the food was great as well. I had the shrimp and grits and it was awesome! Ribs were yummy as well. Had to wait almost 45 mins to get a table though, but it was worth it.
(3)Farrah F.
I love the atmosphere at Ella's! My favorite cocktail is the Bloody Ella that is a bloody mary with a rib in it. Yes, a rib. I'm not a fan of ribs, but their ribs are tasty! I love how all their food is made with fresh ingredients. My favorite is the shrimp and grits. Portions are big! Sundays are called, "soul food sundays" they have chicken and waffles(sometimes the waffles aren't that great). I'm not a fan of the hours at Ella's. I heard they will be opening for lunch soon! All and all Ella's is fabulous. The food & the atmosphere!
(4)Leslie F.
Ella's, a two story building resembling interesting architecture of another region, shows off their...ahem, colorful side the second guests walk toward it. A huge, outlandish horse made of tarnished metal pieces lay in their "front yard," tipped over with a squealing look on its face. Once the front doors are opened to the inside of this quirky joint, funky, bizarre and perfectly inappropriate pieces of folk art are hung, bolted and strategically placed everywhere the eye can see. There is certainly no moderation with art at Ella's- from an abundance of fine art to live music performed by local musicians on the regular, art is just as much part of Ella's as the food- the glorious, always memorable, food. It was a Friday night and there were fifteen of us dining on the second story of Ella's for our friend's birthday. As usual, it was a packed house filled with upbeat conversations and laughter galore. Ideal birthday celebration atmosphere? Heck yes. We were quick to be seated and drink orders were taken promptly. Ella's has quite the plethora of craft beers as well as great wines and inventive cocktails so choosing a beverage here can be a bit bothersome; bothersome in only the most awesome kind of way, that is. I fell in love the first time I had the "Fat Japs" at Ella's. Though quite a bit spicier the second time around, I fell in love all over again. These pulled pork, cheddar and cream cheese stuffed jalapeno poppers are down right luscious. With seeds still in tact, I must warn you, these little wonders are not for the weak. We were all wiping the tears from our eyes and washing down the sting in our mouths with ice water after just one nibble. The other starter I had the pleasure in trying was the lump crab meat stuffed butternut squash. Wow. This beauty came drizzled with a citrus Hollandaise and was packed generously with crab. The flavor from the crab ran throughout the sauce and butter, making even crab-less bites absolutely delectable. Topped with micro-greens, in true Ella's fashion, it was an edible piece of art. I ordered one of the specials of the evening- a beet infused fettuccine dish in a pesto and lump crab meat sauce, topped with Chevre, a creamy and delicious goat cheese. When it arrived, I was delighted with the perfectly pink color of the pasta. The Chevre resembled icing on a cake and the lump crab was spewing decadence between every pink pasta noodle. This dish tasted even better than it appeared. The beet infused fettuccine could have stood alone in a light sauce but was taken to another level of food paradise with loads of the freshest lump crab my palate has tasted in a while. The pesto sauce was full of flavor and was turned creamy with the chevre "icing" I deliberately mixed throughout this scrumptious creation. This is a special Ella's should have on the regular as it is like nothing I've ever had before and could force a food snob into a delicious dreamland. My boyfriend ordered their "Heritage Pork chop," described as "Black pig"- humanely raised and antibiotic-free. The pan-seared porterhouse chop was presented with a gorgeous crust and topped with an apple bacon jam. Flawlessly cooked to medium temp, it was juicy and oh so tender with every glorious bite. The bacon apple jam was out of this world delicious-so savory and sweet, adding the perfect punch to the pork. Adorned with Gorgonzola mashed potatoes and asparagus, this plate was a true winner. My friend Megan ordered their Chicken Spidini, a mouth-watering dish I've had before. Alfredo sauced fettuccine topped with chicken roulade stuffed with portabellas, pancetta and Fontina cheese takes a lover of rich and creamy cuisine to cloud nine. My friend was just as pleased with the dish as I had been when I had it before, proving consistency exists at this eatery. Ella's has quite the fun...and peculiar atmosphere I can especially appreciate. They are dedicated to buying local produce and only naturally fed and humanely treated products. Live music and a very special Sunday routine, called "Soul Food Sundays," insist a lively and food honoring crowd. Their mission is clear- to provide an escape from the ordinary and to please their guests with exceptional cuisine worth coming back for. They have certain flair for fare and admiration for folk art, making this establishment one to remember.
(5)vanessa g.
Ella's portrays a hip artsy vibe. It would almost seem pretentious until you experience the good service. I visited on a busy Wednesday evening with over an hour wait. There is an outdoor area and you can always order from the bar while you wait. This place offers crafted beer on draft. For an appetizer we tried the hummus with warm pita chips, tasty but nothing too amazing; that came later in the entree. I ordered the 'stuffed' burger with Gorgonzola. This burger was divine. Perfect shape, flavor, and juiciness. The burger was large and would definitely satisfy your appetite. Lots of pretty stuff to look at as it is an artist cafe. Definitely worth checking out!
(4)Mary B.
I went to Ella's on Wednesday night, and was very happy with our dinner choice! I have been wanting to go to Ella's for months - it is a bit off the beaten path of my normal restaurant choices, so I never think about it. My friend recommended that we go there, and I'm so glad she did! We shared a southern spring salad, and split a Eggs & Bacon pizza. The pizza was absolutely delicious! I loved every bite. The salad was a bit on the sweet side though. I think next time, I will go with a different dressing that is a bit more savory to balance out the sweet ingredients. I had a sangria as my drink, and I will say it was not that great - a bit too sweet for my liking. Next time, I'll just go with a glass of wine. Overall, an awesome experience! I can't wait to go back!
(4)Jeff G.
We went to Ella's for Soul Food Sundays, and it was great. I had the Chicken and Waffles. The fried chicken was crisp and juicy and the pieces were humongous. Shared some of the side dishes with the in-laws and those did not disappoint either. The fried green tomatoes, fried pickles and cheese grits were pretty freakin' good. All the portions are huge and tasty which makes you have to roll out of there when you are done. I highly recommend Ella's if you are looking for somewhere to eat on a Sunday.
(4)Jaima S.
Checked out Soul food Sunday with friends. If the weather is good get there early for seat outside and decent parking. We had the Southern Salad and it was delicious. We also got the brisket and sliced pork with a side of smoked beans. The smoked beans were like spicy baked beans and were good. The pork and brisket were both very fatty, but the BBQ sauce was good. We snagged bites of the mac and cheese and fried pickles, which were both amazing. We would definitely come back, but would steer clear of BBQ. Loved the atmosphere and the place was packed.
(4)Colleen V.
I went there in the hopes of trying Ella's version of the Bloody Mary dubbed the "Bloody Ella" . We got there and first off the place was soo crowded, it took forever just for someone to walk up and say " I'm sorry but it's going to be a half an hour wait for a table".... The look on her face said "so you might as well leave" so already I felt discouraged. I explained to her that we just wanted to try the Bloody Ella, could we just get one and sit outside and she proceeded to tell me that all outside tables were closed. When I pointed out all the other people sitting outside with drinks, she informed me that THEY were waiting for tables! I was disgusted so I just left... Disappointed.... Maybe I will go back because I hear the food and drinks are so good, even though I didn't actually get to try one.... I def don't appreciate the treatment though...
(1)Sam B.
I went back and have been now about 5 times. Sometimes for drinks, sometimes for dinner. Love love LOVE the service from all. Big hugs and kisses to Danielle and Joe and I am ecstatic to have a friendly, comfy, delicious place to go when I'm visiting my lady friend or others in the Heights. Absolutely try the Bloody Mary with a rib in it on Sunday, so spicy and intoxicating....Great for pissing off adherents of any and all religions! So, in summary, great food, great service, excellent atmosphere and safe for heathens. Do it!
(5)Christina F.
Came here for Soul Food Sunday brunch with my husband and parents. Everything we ordered was spot on, and delicious, except my fried green tomatoes. Which sucks, because that's a favorite of mine. They were too thickly cut, not really sliced, but chunks, and therefore had an inconsistent cooking. also, the same fry batter was used on everything, and green tomatoes beg for cornmeal. However, the cheesy grits with shrimp my husband ordered were the best I have ever had. My mom had the Bloody Ella that comes with a rib in it, which I was not adventurous enough to try but she absolutely loved (surprise!). She's not a fan of fried food, and was happy with the fish she got. Dad was pleased too. Cool live band playing the blues, it was just a little loud because the only available seating was right in front of the stage. Overall though, a great experience. We will be back.
(4)Alessandra S.
Delicious stuffed chicken breast. Definitely coming back!
(4)Steph G.
Only went here for drinks late one evening, but they carry my favorite beer (apricot ale) and have other signature drinks that are pretty yummy. The live music was extremely loud- to the point where you couldn't talk- but it made for a really fun and hip atmosphere! Can't wait to go back for food! The decor was my favorite part- quirky and full of folk-art (hence the name).
(4)Jon B.
Love this place! Whether it be Soul Food Sunday (Mac and Cheese is incredible!) or a weeknight dinner, it hits the mark. They do get busy but don't let that discourage you. So far the chicken and waffles on Sunday is my favorite (only served then).
(5)Sean R.
NOW THIS WAS A GREAT SPOT IN TAMPA.... Felt like I was at home in NYC at a trenmdy cafe on the west side. Loved the whole-deal and look forward to a return.
(5)Daniel D.
This place can get busy sometimes, and I can see why. The food is phenomenal. I don't think you could order something bad from this place. Every server I've had has been knowledgeable and extremely friendly. If they still have it, get the potato chimichanga appetizer. You won't be disappointed.
(5)Pamelyn E.
This restaurant makes me wish I still lived in the neighborhood! Pro's: The food is *amazing*; we ordered a variety of pizzas and entrees and every single item got rave reviews. Great cocktail menu as well, and don't miss out on the chocolate covered bacon. Really. Yum! Great local artists not just on the walls, but also (with bio's) in the menu. So cool. Outside patio area. Con's: I didn't mind it at all, but this is *not* the place to take in a quiet romantic evening. Expect noise, and a lot of it, thanks to the soaring ceilings and open floorplan. Service - the bartenders *rock* - not so great with the waitstaff we encountered. After being seated upstairs and waiting for 30 mins to place a food order, we were told to get it from the bar so it would be faster. Huh? Luckily the food more than made up for the shitty sort-of waiter we had, and we tipped the bartender extra for running our food in addition to manning the super crowded bar area.
(4)Steve J.
I wish I could give this restaurant zero stars. Of all the restaurants I've found on yelp in Tampa, this is the first that has extremely disappointed. Where do I even begin this review? Parking. There is nowhere to park. They have about 15 spots, and you can't park on the street.... They divert some parking to a pawn shop next door, and the other to some auto shop across the street. All of these lots were full, took about 15-20 minutes to find a spot. We were told 5 minute wait. It took 45 minutes. The atmosphere on the inside is nothing special. They did have a very nice looking outside seating area under a beautiful tree, but it was a bit too cold when we went. After waiting 45 minutes we were given the worst table in the restaurant, right next to the crowded bar. At least 2-3 other 2 person tables open.... Food was nothing more than mediocre, though it was probably because our food sat under a heating lap for 10-15 minutes before we got it. The knife that came on my plate was almost too warm to touch... could this be because it was baking under a lamp? I honestly can't say one good thing about this restaurant, and I'm extremely easy to please when it comes to food.
(1)Nicole E.
This place is charming as hell! There were 6 if us, and all 6 of us had one delicious meal after the next. I will admit that the parking situation sucks, and they are so busy it's a pretty slow eating experience...but my god does the food and drink selection make up for it!
(4)Dacia M.
I love this place! What ambiance. It's very cool without that snobby exclusivity. There aren't too many things on the menu I haven't liked. Soul food Sunday is a great way to try a few different classic southern items, with the Ella's twist, of course. ALL of the sides are great! Pork Sammy, beef brisket, fried catfish... yum. There is a wrap with veggies and hummus I've enjoyed a few times. For a starter to split, or as a meal, the Southern Spring Salad is great. Grilled hearts of romaine... not so much (I'm not into slimy wilted lettuce with cold accompaniments.) The only reason I didn't give the place five stars is because they tent to change the recipe on some things a little too frequently for my taste. Fried pickles for example. A staple of any southern meal, the last time I had them they were shaved thin and chewy, but they have been done at least three different ways that I can think of. Either way, this place is definitely worth checking out!!
(4)Jamie S.
Very cool restaurant/bar! The service was really great - friendly, prompt, accommodating. The decor is fun and funky, featuring unique artwork fromocal artist; very cool stuff! The food was delicious! Everything from pizza to duck, which we each got. The pizza was fresh and had interesting toppings that worked well together. The duck was tender and delicious! A great place to checkout for something different! Break away from the chains!! :)
(5)Paul S.
My favorite restaurant in the Tampa Bay area. The atmosphere, art, service, and food are all awesome. It's one of those places where everything on the menu looks good - and guess what, it really is. I try something new every time I come and it's all been great. Appetizers- wings or fat japs are a must. Chicken Pesto pizza is absolutely phenomenal, as is "Henry" the Loaf. Highly recommend this one.
(5)Pamela D.
Tampa, you sure are trying. Most of your efforts to become an innovative, forward-thinking culinary city have fallen far short of even my lowest expectations. But Ella's, this place is pretty good. They have a pretty impressive back patio, which I've only been on at night. It's the perfect place to go since, while the inside is visually appealing, it's cold as hell in there! Outside, you get to enjoy the Florida humidity, wave to the drunk guys on stolen bikes wobbling by, and maybe even get to see tons of lightning strikes in the distance if you're here in the evening. I've had the same waitress each time I've been here, and she was friendly and efficient. I don't want to be best friends with my server, I want to be best friends with my food and booze and be left to it! Thumbs up on that count. Booze, yeah. They have it. A nice array of beers and other stuff. Being a vodka enthusiast, I ordered a Bloody Ella, which is (obviously) Ella's version of a Bloody Mary. This drink is more than deceptive, let me tell you. It looks like a no-frills Bloody, but it packs a punch and is SO tasty. The menu says it's made with organic tomato juice, and I hate to sound like one of those annoying neo-hippies, but you can taste the difference. Their burgers here are a definite treat, too. I ordered The Badd, medium-well. I'm afraid of rare meat even though I know it's better that way. So obviously the burger was a bit on the dry side, due to know one's fault but my own. However, the goat cheese and yummy aoli made it all good. My best friend ordered The Ugly, and HELL YES. This is the burger that I should have gotten. And it's the burger you should get. I've also had the Fat Japs appetizer, which is a name that I'm a little hesitant to say for some reason, so I just point at the menu. If you like spicy, you will like these things. They don't seed their jalepenos much if at all, so the spice is pretty intense, but the horseradish cream sauce helps take the edge off. And the pizza, yum. It's made with REAL cheese, the crust is the perfect thickness and it's all around really quality pizza. Since I moved to Tampa, I've had some trouble finding good, homemade pizza, and Ella's has it. Next up, I'm gonna try the Soul Food Sundays.
(4)Crystal P.
Went for dinner Friday night with some friends. It was our 2nd time eating there and we were not disappointed. At 6:30ish there was already a bit of a wait for a table but the bar tenders and delicious drinks kept us occupied while we waited to be seated. Our server was fantastic and left us wanting for nothing. For the appetizer I ordered the Pastry Pillows. They were very tasty and the gargonzola sauce that came with it complimented them very well. I do have to say that I felt the pastry was a little under cooked but that didn't stop us from eating every bit of them. For my entree I had the 20 oz Pork Chop with roasted asparagus spears and goat cheese smashed potatoes. I knew when I ordered it that I would be taking the majority of the pork chop home but I couldn't resist. It was absolutely delicious. It was so good that I ended up eating the rest of the pork chop at 12 midnight the same night. I love this funky little restaurant and cannot wait to go back and try another dish. I do believe our next visit will be to try out the Soul Food Sunday...mmmmmmmm my mouth is watering just thinking about it.
(4)Stephanie M.
I rarely find myself on the West Coast hanging out in Tampa... This weekend though there was Hunahpu Day at Cigar City so of course we headed out west to enjoy the beer festivities. While browsing Tampa restaurants that carry beer we like we found Ella's. On Sunday morning we drug our hungover selves to Ella's for brunch. One glance at the cocktails and my eyes had locked on the bloody ella.... A rib!? A rib in my bloody breakfast beverage. DONE! The rib was perfect. Half of it was cold and the rest room temperature... That isn't a complaint.. I loved it. The drink itself was perfect.. Just the right amount of spice and heat. For my meal I ordered the fried chicken and waffles and a side of cheese grits. The deviled egg was delish, I wish there were two... The waffle was fluffy and the chicken was greasy but not too greasy. I really liked this place. The next time we are in town I will definitely go back and try some of their other options.
(5)M. L.
I went here on a Sunday for "Soul Food Sundays" and I was thoroughly impressed! I ordered the chicken and waffles despite the warning from my heart and arteries and it was absolutely delicious. The chicken was all dark meat (ignore the calories, remember the flavor) fried to a nice crisp, and served with a warm waffle along with syrup. The place is extremely popular on Sundays, so I ended up parking at the Value Pawn and sitting at the bar. I would suggest getting there early if you don't want to wait so long, but even if you do have to wait, its definitely worth your time.
(5)Matt B.
This place is fantastic! I had the fish tacos which come with the catch of the day so it's always a different flavor. My girlfriend had the halibut and it was out of this world according to her. A+ from start to finish
(5)Alaa T.
Had such a good time for dinner, , amazing burgers and wonderful friendly staff!!!!! Loved it!!! Place has a warm feeling about it, full of laughter and sound! Loved their fries!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(4)Julia N.
My family and I went here on a Saturday night, and the wait for five was pretty long even though we called ahead. My father-in-law, not the most patient of men, sulked for half an hour because a nearby table was vacant the whole time we waited. We had drinks in the second floor seating area while we waited, and I really liked this layout. It was loud, and I cannot imagine the volume on nights when there is live music. My father-in-law had a change of heart once we got seated. The wait staff was fast and attentive, and the food was delicious! I had a pizza and the guys had pork chops and meat loaf. They completely cleaned their plates, and I took half of my yummy and enormous pizza home. My father-in-law was so pleased with his meal that he said they are going to work this place into their normal rotation. Okay, so this restaurant is sort of in the ghetto, and the bathroom facilities are insufficient to accommodate the crowd this place attracts. However, the interior is fun and light-hearted, and the overall vibe is relaxed and cool. I love it.
(5)C-Mac W.
Love Ella's! Love the decor, the atmosphere, the funky art, the fabulous outdoor deck, and the fun menu! Highly recommend.
(4)Kristin C.
Love the atmosphere and all of the funky art. Our first trip was on Soul Food Sundays. The Bloody Mary garnished with a pork rib and pickled okra made for a great start. The veggie burger with crispy onions was good, but more food than one could eat.
(4)Kathy M.
Service was a little slow but it's a fun, very cool place and the veggie burger was the best I've ever had. My friend had the meatloaf sandwich and loved it. We were there on Sunday, which is Soul Food Sunday and the food selection was good but I just wish they had more brunch-type food. The Bloody Mary was good but way overpriced at $8. I would have given them a 5 if it weren't for that and the service.
(4)Alex Z.
This place really has it all. The decor is interesting and appealing. You could just stare around the room the whole time and never run out of things to discover. The cocktail menu is a good blend of standards and concoctions. The food looked and smelled fantastic. We were only there for desert and drinks--we got some crazy explosion of fried peanut butter churros and ice cream, it was kind of nuts--but the whole time we lamented that we'd eaten someplace else and not there! The people at the bar were super friendly, and we wound up chatting with a few different people during the course of the night. The staff was also friendly and did a good job. I can totally see why this place is a favorite. I'm definitely planning to go back.
(5)Lisa O.
I really enjoy their menu and the tasty dishes that are offered here. If you haven't been it is a must visit for the Tampa area. Such a great vibe, love the servers. The food is so good. I love their filet, chicken, burgers....oh, of course the fried green tomatoes! You must try their Sunday menu.
(5)Ellie M.
Ella's is a standout in Tampa. Yes, they are trying hard, but it generally works so I'm a fan. The food is very good, a lot of southern options but also vegetarian items and good drinks (e.g. bloody mary comes with optional rib garnish). While parking in the lot of a pawn shop doesn't inspire confidence, the inside of the restaurant has a good atmosphere and the bar is one of the better ones around.
(4)Christopher O.
Ate here once and truly enjoyed the food. The service was fast and friendly. The only challenge I had with the place was there was only one mens bathroom to use... And on a Sunday night they had a live band that played way too loud! You can't talk to your dinner partners while they are playing. Much too loud for my taste... Otherwise the food is the main reason to go to Ella's!
(3)Larissa S.
Located where everyone considers to be the new hipster area of Tampa (and I still consider to be a hole in the city), Seminole Heights, Ella's definitely fits the part, and the attitude. The Seminole are is mostly run down. They do have a couple gems, mostly restaurants and bars, and Ella's is definitely one of them. The menu prices for entrees run around $12.15 to $22.00 which is more than you'd pay for the taco joint next door, but won't break the bank. They have a pretty good wine list and decent beers on draft. The restaurant is really eclectic, really adorable. Really good place for a date. Now for my experience... My fist visit started out very poorly. After I was seated by a host, my date and I looked at the wine list and menu for fifteen minutes before we realized no one was coming to our table. Since we were in the service industry, and they seemed busy, I suggested getting Taco Bus around the corner. After a brief discussion outside the restaurant, we decided to go back, sit at the bar, and give it another shot. Once we sat at the bar, we talked to the bartender about our experience a very short time prior. He apologized for the experience and we proceeded to order a bottle of wine, and progressed to order some grub. The food was definitely worth the wait. My date who is quite critical of Duck (he is not pretentious at all, right?) said his meal was perfectly cooked, and loved the sweet tones other ingredients integrated together. I had the roots which contain "Oven Roasted Sweet Potato, Shallot and Pearl Onion Salad tossed with chopped Pecans, Mild Chilies & Fresh Herbs. Drizzled with Balsamic Reduction & Crumbled Feta." First 1/2 of the plate was amazing. The plate was too hearty for a meal in itself. How many sweet potatoes can one possibly eat? Especially with a balsamic reduction, a lot of balsamic reduction. To our surprise, the bartender was actually the manager, which we should have noticed after he had a little quarrel with the servers in the back shortly after we talked to him. To our benefit, we scored some free desert for our trouble. Chocolate Rum Cake which they definitely don't make there, or if they do, not very well. My review tends to be leaning to the bad side but it really shouldn't. I would love to go back and try other things on the menu. I mean, his duck was amazing. I just wish he would have shared.
(4)Edd S.
My wife and I ate there the last week of August 2012, and both of us had incredible meals complimented by fun and knowledgeable service. We are serious about food, and this meal was world class. Creative flavors, perfectly cooked, with perfect portion sizes. (The pizzas would probably feed two if you got an appetizer) I have hit most of the major names in Tampa dining, and this was far and away my favorite so far. We were impressed by our waiter's knowledge of a pretty big menu, and the service was pretty quick for the quality and complexity of the food. It does get busy, it was mobbed inside, and there isn't much parking. I could care less about either, as I hope they are signs the place stays around.
(5)Shaun K.
Had the "Eggs and Bacon" pizza...amazing. Perfect late night snack/meal. Great atmosphere.
(5)Margie S.
Well worth the parking hassle and the wait. Try the bloody mary with a rib, beats the old standard celery stalk. Interesting menu, as entertaining as the food is good.
(5)Izzy Z.
When I stepped foot in this place for the first time, I felt instantly at home. Carefully curated pieces of junkyard and yard sale art adorn the grounds mixing a DYI aesthetic with a high brow attention to detail. Just my style! Ella's isn't. In the greatest area but from what I understand, it's up-and-coming. There's a dedicated parking lot out back which is great and the beautiful deck area nearly wraps around the entire place so chances are, your car won't be far and will probably have good citizen's eyes and ears close by which I appreciate. This place is certainly not a vegans paradise and in fact they serve some of the bloodiest meat piles I've seen served, but the Hippy Pizza with soy cheese and veggies is simply out of this world. I say that having eaten tons of soy pizza and as a youth growing up in Manhattan, you better believe I know my pizza. Ella's version is top notch. For brunch, the home made veggie burger is the only real vegan option, but as good as it is, you'll need no other. Thick simple and very flavorful and replete with chunks of juicy nuts. Simply fantastic. The staff are super friendly and totally knowledgeable. Certainly not likely to screw up your order or forget to bring condiments. The bar is stocked with everything you'll need including great top-shelf tequila, choice microbrews, and the best bloody marys I've had south of the Mason Dixon line. Kudoz Ella's, Kudoz! Izzy
(5)Occy V.
Ella's is Ella's, its not trying to be hip or packed it just does its own thing. Its finally gotten to where you can sit outside and the temperature is bearable. Ive ordered just about everything on the menu and its pretty consistently good. The Asian wings weren't my cup of tea and the hamburger is boring but they tell you that =) Besides those 2 items everything ive had is above average. Its nice to finally get some places in Tampa with individuality that are trying different approaches with food and location. If you havent tried Ella's on Sundays you need to.
(4)Ashlee F.
Amazing food. Great prices. Super relaxed atmosphere. I will be a replete customer for sure.
(4)marcie r.
cute menus, cute names for menu items, food not really as mind blowing as i hoped it would be. Had the beet box and veggie pot pie. Both were very good. A plus on pot pie. Hubby did a pizza, it was ok. friend did the boring burger with zuchinni fries. I dont live in the area, so in the future, I'll continue to go to The Refinery when making the trip to Seminole Heights!! No dessert this time, they did sound interesting. nutella chessecake?!?!!
(3)Charles M.
Went to "Soul Food Sunday" at Ella's and I do have to say I was pretty impressed. I had the Itis, with brisket and ribs. Both very good for not being a full out BBQ place. Also I was impressed in that this was the first time in a long that I had sweet potato fries. The cornbread is made with jalapenos which adds to the flavor but not really much heat. I also had the collard greens for my other side. Wow, they were amazing and one of the few places that I can say makes better greens than I do. The art that that adorns the walls was all very eclectic and entertaining. We were there for a birthday party so we had the second floor to ourselves. They have a live band and outdoor seating as well. I can't wait to go back.
(4)Matt S.
My wife and I like this place. We've been there twice since they opened a few months back. Both times I went, I wanted the locally brewed Cigar City Jai Alai, which they claim to have on draft. Both times, they said they were out... disappointing. The first time there we had an array of things from the Fat Japs (pretty damn hot as they use fresh jalapenos), my wife had a burger, and I had a pizza. All were good. The last time we visited, we went on a Sunday so that we could try the Sunday-only BBQ which I believe they do in a large smoker outside. They usually sell out in the afternoon, so you have to be careful how late you go. I had the ribs and pulled pork. Both were good, but the ribs were extremely salty (even for my taste, and I put sea salt on damn near everything). Again, good food but not quite hitting on all cylinders yet. I imagine this place will become a Seminole Heights neighborhood favorite for years to come.
(4)Marc W.
Very eclectic and fun. The decor matches the menu: a little bit of everything, all mish-mashed in just the perfect way. Service is great and the food is amazing!
(5)Jonathan T.
Ella's in a great option if you are trying to dodge the typical chain eateries. Their soul food Sunday is usually packed but its awesome and worth it. They have live music on the weekends and some week nights as well. The beer selection is good and they have a full bar as well. The wait staff for the most part is really friendly and helpful. If you want some inspired comfort food, good vegetarian food or a burger this place is great.
(4)Laura D.
Ella's is great, the vibe is fun, the place used to use great ingredients, and there is wonderful live music on the weekend HOWEVER I went a couple months ago on SUnday so I could get some good southern cooking, mind you there are TONS of places that have great BBQ around the bay I chose Ellas because of their amazing fried pickles. I ordered my favorite dish excited and willing to WAIT AN HOUR for an appetizer at the bar but instead I got these disgusting yellow soggy pickles underneath a ton of yucky sticky batter. EWWW!! I asked to speak with the head of the house and a woman politely explained to me they could not afford to use pickles they brine themselves (why not just raise the damn price?!). So instead they buy those nasty soggy mass produced non-perishable yellow pickles. Wtf I thought this place was different than the rest of the local businesses that sell out for a higher profit.
(3)Fran B.
Have been there 4 times and tried different things. Haven't been disappointed yet. Ella's put a good twist to comfort food. Was there the first time only to try their "chocolate-covered-bacon". Yep, you heard it right -- dark chocolate covered bacon!!! Before you scream and gag, think for a moment, you like chocolate covered pretzel, right? It is just 100x BETTER!!! Love their version of Bloody Mary too. Just the right kick to go with some healthier version for southern food. Hence, why only 4-star? The live band on weekends are way too loud for that small place.
(4)Liem F.
We went here after a friend recommended it to me, and we loved it. The place is spacious with walls filled with arts- very appealing and interesting. It was a Friday night and there was a band is playing, a bit too loud from the inside, but they had great catchy tunes and lively. We started with the CB&J, the bacon apple jam was amazing but the crostini could be a bit less stiff. We were disappointed by the Risotto Cakes - it came out burnt, lacked flavor and the oil tasted like it hasn't been changed. My friend and I loved the Ruth and Idgie Salad - the fried green heirloom tomatoes were fresh and complimented well with goat cheese. The Roots entree is a fabulous vegetarian dish. When it came to out to our table the aroma right out the back was somewhat sweet but very inviting. I loved grilled vegetables and these were amazing to share or eat by you. Living in south Tampa, it's a drive to go up here. But I definitely would look forward to my next visit.
(4)Jason R.
Came here for the first time and this place is now definitely one of my favorites. We had the Fat Japs as an appetizer and my girl and I both had the Bad and Ugly burgers respectively. Everything was scrumptious and I can't wait to come back and explore the menu further. They also have BBQ on Sundays, so that will be a must visit as well. And, the atmosphere was aesthetically pleasing, they had great local music playing on the stereo, and everything was easily washed down with an Abita Purple Haze. Our waitress, Amy, was awesome too.
(4)Randi R.
Had dinner at Ella's last Friday. I had the best, most amazing, delicious, beer cheese soup in the world! I am not exaggerating. If they have it again I will buy the whole pot. Oh, and rest of the dinner was also wonderful.
(5)Colleen R.
Great food- the cheese grits rock, good beer, good music, and awesome folk art!
(5)Albert G.
A specific dish review. I had the Far East salad with the chicken. The dish was far too cabbage-y and had way too much green onion. The ginger dressing is what sold me on the salad, and I was looking for a light dinner before the U2 concert. I've heard good word-of-mouth on the Italian salad, but I reserve my judgement on Ella's salads. The Papa's Chimis were pretty good as an appetizer. As always the place was a good spot to eat. Def recommend the locale but not the salad.
(2)A K.
I went here a month ago and loved it! The decor is really cool and the restaurant itself has a nice setup. They have a great selection of beers on tap and house cocktails. I had the hummus, which was really good, and the Chicken Spidini was the best entree I've ever had at a restaurant! If you're looking for a new place to try on the weekend, you should definitely go here!
(5)Kyle G.
Came here last night with a group of friends - first timer... As a recently-converted vegetarian, I wasn't too impressed by their "Sunday only" menu which featured mostly BBQ type cuisine, but I did glance through their normal menu - and would absolutely return on another night to sample that. While I only snacked off a friend's plate (a bite of a veggie burger and the fried pickles), my main course was their "Bloody Ella". Yum Yum Yum! If you like a bloody Mary, you have to try their take on it. The rim was sort of a spicy Lowry's type seasoning, but the vodka was tasty and the drink was prepared perfectly (besides having to add a few teaspoons of Tobasco for the extra kick that I love). The building and their decor was fantastic, and our server couldn't have been any nicer. Don't be deterred by the location/neighborhood, it seemed safe and their parking was decent (because of the additional lot to their north).
(4)Lori R.
The food here is great! The drinks are very good and the atmosphere is funky casual. Several vegetarian options and service is friendly. I will definitely be back
(4)Liz M.
This place is fantastic. Best service comes at the bar, but the regular seating is good, too. These guys have plenty of vegetarian choices, and even have dairy-free cheese for their pizzas! Ella's is typically pretty busy, and has a large variety of different customers. They also are currently having 'soul food sundays'. They bbq the meat over night. It's a huge portion for the price, and I hear great things about it! (Not a meat eater myself)
(5)Alexander B.
Simply put: this is my favorite hang out in Tampa. Price: moderate (8-22 a plate). Faves: Henry the loaf. The good (veggie) burger, filet medallions, fat japs (app). Beer: tangerine wheat ale = amazing. Coolest environment in town in an awesome neighborhood: Seminole heights. Go there!!!!!
(5)Kris S.
One of Tampa's finest! Unique, delicious, fun.
(5)ErIc A.
Now that we have had a chance to eat at Ella's numerous times, we can confidently say that this is one of our favorite restaurants in Tampa. Ella's has interesting decor and plenty of ambiance. Thay also have a great outside deck to enjoy meals and is dog friendly. Our MaltiPoo loves it. We have not had a bad meal, but we highly recommend the filet, the pizzas and the salads. Btw I had the best pork chop I have ever had and the bloody marys are great- skip the "special" bloody Mary with the rib in it on Sunday's. We love Ella's. They have live music regularly, this is a great date place even for us married couples.
(5)Jim T.
Great dinner. Eclectic mix of entrees all of which were loved by our large group. Service good as well. Only down side is that it is rather loud and bright. But the atmosphere is such that it is easy to overlook.
(5)Amanda H.
My husband and I tried Ella's the other night and we were impressed! They have some inside seating and also a large deck with seating that would be perfect for a nice afternoon or evening. The night we were there was a little chilly so we sat inside. We visited on a Sunday night which means it is soul food Sunday and has a specialized menu. All menu items were southern type cooking. For dinner I had the pulled pork with a side of cheese grits. The pork was very tender and juicy and there was a lot of it! Very delicious! I had only wished they had provided a better bbq sauce as it was just average. My cheese grits were good but I do prefer the ones offered at Lee Roy Selmons. My husband had chicken and waffles for the first time and thought it was very tasty. For dessert we shared the peach cobbler and it was one of the most delicious desserts we've ever had! Amazing! Ella's is only open until 8 on Sundays. We arrived around 6 and were seated pretty quickly but shortly after a rush came in and a lot of people were waiting around. They also had live jazz music on Sundays. When we first arrived the band was on a break. Once they started playing although the music was enjoyable it was much much too loud. (And I'm in my 20's so I'm not an old person saying so...) We definitely could not talk once the music started and we were on the other side of the restaurant. I hope in the future they could find a way to maybe unamp the live music. I highly recommend this restaurant and look forward to trying it on a regular night as well.
(4)Kate S.
Went here with a friend after several recommendations. I can see why people were raving about Ella's. Located in Seminole Heights, the restaurant has a unique decor and a lot of interesting things to look at while dining- our booth was located against a wall decorated in Elvis mementos. Our server was very attentive. I had the Slap my Pappy salad and my friend ordered a pizza. We also shared an order of fried zucchini. Everything was delicious- even the bread and butter served before the meal. Will definitely be returning- and plan to for one of the Sunday brunches as soon as possible!
(4)Martha L.
on a three day stay, i ate here twice. it was delicious. incredible patio, and super tasty vegan fare, and a mad decent beer selection.
(4)John Y.
This place is quirky, eclectic, weird, bohemian - all these adjectives apply. The food is good to excellent. They experiment with blending a lot of different flavors. There is one thing that they do, however, that really pisses me off. They try to intimidate their customers into leaving A MINIMUM OF 18% OF THE SALE as a tip and state this on their receipt. I googled "How much tip is normal restaurants" and discovered from neutral sites that 15% before taxes is overwhelmingly the usual and customary "normal" amount that most Americans leave as a tip for "normal, usual service". For some reason, some restaurants feel compelled to "suggest" that 18% of the sale (including taxes) is the "bare, acceptable minimum" that diners are expected to leave, and this place is one of them. The receipt further "suggests" 20% for good service and 25% for great service. Less than 1% of Americans leave a 25% tip at restaurants. The restaurant industry and associations that represent servers are pushing hard to make 20% "the new normal". I don't need anybody to "suggest" to me how much to tip. I'm perfectly capable of deciding that for myself.
(3)Andrea C.
How does one define dining in Seminole Heights...with Ella's! "Folk Art Cafe" says it all, the restaraunt/bar is overflowing with art that will peak your interesting. Literally, it is out on the lawn as well, including a bowling ball garden edge! The menu includes excellent vegetarian options. I find myself eating a lot of appetizers as my meal here, the hummus is excellent. The bar menu includes crafts beers including my favorite local brewery, Cigar City Brewing. On Sundays there is live Jazz music that fits the ambiance of Ella's, bringing the food, art, drinks and people together to make a harmonic cultural experience.
(5)Michelle H.
I have no idea what the hype is about... I'm not one to usually complain, but people need to know: The food is so-so. Had the meat loaf, which was dry and tough, and the vegis were undercooked and bland. Our service was EXTREMELY slow, and our waitress would swoop in and leave before anyone could speak to her. Also our reservation got bumped because another larger party called the day before to change their day to today. We had to sit with the smokers on the patio. I wasn't impressed. Oh, and parking is a nightmare. There's about 10 spots behind the restaurant, so you have to circle around and park at a nearby business. Do not come in a large vehicle like I did. I was trapped in the parking lot at the pawn shop next door because a vehicle was parked across from me, and my Expedition was too long to back out and there was a car on each side of me. I had to sit and wait until the people came back to their car. I don't think I'll return. Too many negatives on this one....
(1)Anne M.
I recently visited Ella's with a couple of my girlfriends. We shared a few menu items including their version of Bruschetta, The Southern Spring Salad, and the Tenderloin Pizza. Everything was delicious! We had a great time and will definitely be back. Only complaint is the drinks are a little slow coming from the bar and blue cheese stuffed olives would have been a great option with our dirty martinis! Looking forward to visiting again and will tell my friends and coworkers about this great little spot!
(4)Jen A.
Love it here! Fun atmosphere, great food, generous portion sizes. I just wish they had Magic Hat #9.
(4)Ryan L.
Amazing food and great service. You gotta ask for Robby.
(5)C R.
If you like amateur unprofessional wait staff, mediocre food and an owner whose father-in-law built his son-in-law the building that houses this restaurant of last resort for Seminole Heights then you'll love Ella's. I really believe that the only reason this place has customers is because it's the only place for undiscerning people to eat in Seminole Heights other than the Taco Bus. The owner should stick to what he does best-playing the harmonica-and hire a seasoned manager to straighten that place out.
(1)Shannon M.
Such a cool vibe and ambience in this joint. Unbelievable cuisine and very friendly staff. They had a good wine and beer selection as well as a menu with truly amazing gastronomic combinations. If you gave this place a bad or mediocre review...I have to question your culinary chops.
(5)Melissa M.
So...I've already written a review on Ella's, but I feel the need to write another. I have now eaten at Ella's at least 25 times. The one thing that's consistent is that the food is not consistent. I've had more bad meals than good meals. Why do I keep going back you ask? The fact is, that although I don't live in SH, I really want to see the neighborhood continue to blossom. Unfortunately, I always bring people there who have never experienced it and everyone I've brought has walked away disappointed. This happened again last Sunday. I joined a friend for Soul Food Sunday. She had already eaten there with a large party and they all hated it. She didn't share this with me until after we received our food and were totally disappointed. We both ordered the ribs. They were so tough, I almost lost a tooth trying to get the meat off the bone. We let the serever know. Instead of taking them off the bill or bringing us new dishes, she brought us 1 plate of brisket to share. The brisket was outstanding, but the fact that the grits were watery and the ribs were beyond bad trumped the great brisket. Might I add, it was my 1st time getting good brisket there. By the end of the day when I normally go, they throw the fatty pieces on the plate instead of just saying their out. I will continue to visit Ella's but will stick to the same 2 items I know are consistently good.
(2)Jennifer S.
I live in NYC and went to Ella's for dinner one evening with a family member whilst in Tampa for business. We wanted a place that had good food, is veg-friendly, and unique. Nothing downtown even remotely fit the bill. We found Ella's through Yelp and hopped in a cab. It ended up being the best meal of our trip. To start, the atmosphere was fun. Since we didn't want to wait for an outdoor table we got to take in the kitschy artwork on the walls. The crowd was a mix of all ages and had a really good vibe. The waiter was prompt with drinks which was good because the veg options were plentiful and sounded so delicious it took a while to make a decision. (The waiter thought we ordered too much food and cautioned us, but I'm glad we went ahead with our order because it WAS all delicious.) The place began filling up but we didn't feel rushed to leave the table. The hostess called us a cab and sent us out a light dessert to share while we were waiting. I wish I could have come back the next evening to try the other veg dishes that looked so good. Ella's will be my first meal the next time I'm in Tampa.
(5)amara k.
Great vibe! Food is delcious too!
(4)Patty D.
I LOVE this place! My girlfriends and I decided to go back to Ella's on Sunday because of their Soul Food Sundays Menu. I ordered The- Itis and chose pork and ribs. The ribs were juicy and tender and the sauce was delishiously awesome. The pork was ok..a little bland. My side item I chose was Collard Greens with bacon. Phenomenal!! I could eat that all day long. I also had a bite of the Vegan Mac and Cheese my friend ordered. It was great too! I only wished the wait was not so long. In between waiting for a table, then waiting for our food, and then waiting for our tab...our whole lunch took over 2 hours, of which only 20 mins or so was spent eating! But the food is well woth the wait.
(4)Rochelle M.
Awesome menu for vegetarians!! Dog Friendly patio. Soups are delish!!!!
(5)Alden O.
Great atmosphere, awesome food, great staff, and good beers. Has a great outdoor area as well. I love it. Plus it's at the end of my street!
(5)Adriana C.
First of all this place oozes coolness. Absolutely impressed from the moment I walked in, all the way through till the end. I loved the decor and just the entire feel of the place. The food was great - we went on a Sunday which has a different menu/options then the rest of the week. I was a little disappointed as the first two entrees I wanted were no longer available (but still listed on the menu) but I finally settled on the Kansas City Cheesesteak Sandwich and found it to be very good. I will definitely be returning just so I can try some things from the weekly menu. FYI, we had a rather large group (15 in total) and just because of logistics, I would call ahead and give them an idea if you're planning on going with a lot of friends/family so that they can put tables together, etc. The service was great, one of the owners even came out and said hello, welcomed us. Very happy with the whole experience and looking forward to returning.
(4)Stacy F.
Very tasty! Great atmosphere.
(4)Olivia F.
just stopped here for dessert and drinks with my friends, loved the decor and the choc rum cake was amaaaazing!
(5)Austin S.
Really dig this place! Had chicken and waffles, and it was amazing. Will be back for sure.
(5)Justin R.
This place is awesome, and close to my house, which makes it awesome squared. The atmosphere was great, the interior was unique and not over the top, it was cool without trying to be so. Unlike most places that have great interior sense in the Bay area, this place actually had amazing food. We went for the Soul Food night, which was Sunday night, and it was fan-damn-tastic. I really wanted to get the chicken and waffles, but apparently, due to popular demand they were sold out, so I hesitantly order the beef brisket. Now I have a big thing with beef brisket:if your going to make it, and claim that it was cooked for like a whole day, then that shit better be juicy and tender, just like I like my women. That being said I set the bar low, because every time I have ordered brisket in Tampa, it has ALWAYS been dry. To my delight it was some of the best brisket I have had. The fried Okra was scrumptious and beverage selection independent and far ranging. They had a great band playing which totally added to the ambiance of our dinner. If you're looking for a great place to dine in the heights I highly recommend this establishment.
(5)K Z.
The complete opposite of a chain restaurant! :-) This place is great for both hanging out with friends and even date night. Everything on the menu is amazing and the service is wonderful. The tuna appetizer is a must and the burgers are super yummy!! You will not be disappointed.
(5)