In general I really enjoy Sweet Tomatoes. It's pretty nice for a buffet restaurant and offers healthy, fresh options (if you can resist the delicious muffins and ice cream). I always feel like this restaurant could be a little cleaner though - not that it's dirty, it's just not clean (esp the bathrooms). The food is always at a good temperature though and I enjoy the relaxed environment where you can stay as long as you want and catch up with friends.
(3)
Carlos H.
My favorite restaurant - ever. I love visiting Sweet Tomatoes every month to sample their different soups and specialties. This location, in particular, has a crew of folks working that have been there for many years and know me and my family.
(5)
Brian J.
Four stars on point with this delicious establishment and service! Upon walking in you start off in a salad-galore bar for any vegetarian hearts desire and then pay to a cashier. Their buffet consists of various soups from clam chowder to vegetables (made daily). Next to that station would be their focaccia bread and muffins with the small pasta to the immediate left. Desserts consist of jello, pudding and frozen yogurt. If you want to be healthy you sure can or if you want to overeat then that can be easily done as well! Their staff is one of the most professional group I have ever been to, especially for a buffet where they clean up and refill your drinks in a timely manner. I highly recommend this place and bring out of state people to try out.
(4)
Steve E.
This review is all about bunny chow. That's right, I said Bunny Chow. Sweet Tomatoes is a popular national restaurant chain that offers a build-your-own salad bar featuring over 50 fresh ingredients arranged on a serve yourself buffet line, including specialty tossed and prepared salads. In addition to salads, they serve original recipe hot pastas, hand-crafted soups, scratch-made muffins, and Focaccia breads in the hot buffet. A small group of Tampa Yelpers braved a dark and stormy night to meet up at this Sweet Tomatoes restaurant, located just north of I-275 off of Dale Mabry Highway. Our intrepid group of explorers came together to forage through the salad bar line, and to feast upon the fresh garden delights typically favored by bunny rabbits -- ergo the term -- "bunny chow". In addition to preparing our artfully-crafted salads, we enjoyed bowls of their homemade soups (10 different types to sample), three different types of hot pasta, and bakery items featuring muffins, Focaccia, brownies, cornbread, and cobblers. Oh yes, and the frozen yogurt and fresh fruit bar. Our group first built our salads, and then moved on to the soup station, pasta station, bakery station, and drinks station, before we settled down at our table. Sweet Tomatoes is set up as an all-you-can-eat venue so we were able to get up and try the different soups, pastas, bakery items and so on at our leisure. We grazed happily while sharing stories of our favorites restaurants, places to visit, and funny restaurant experiences, all the while hopping up for seconds and thirds. The wait staff at Sweet Tomatoes were busy clearing away empty plates and bowls, and constantly checking to see if we needed anything. Towards the end of our meal, our waitress returned with a basket of freshly-made chocolate chips cookies, which I am told were quite delicious. Our group had a terrific and very healthy meal, and we thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to relax and visit while grazing on bunny chow. The cost was about $10 per person, plus the cost of your drink.
(4)
Chelsea B.
If all I could get here was the (fairly pricey) buffet, I wouldn't be nearly as much of a fan. But they understands me, and so have created this magical set-up called "take-out" portions. Cups and trays are located at the front, and I can get just how much I want. I can get a perfect lunch on the go for under $5--a cup of soup and a pastry bag for foccacia. I particularly adore their Clam Chowder (with bacon!) and their Chili. When I do come for a meal, I love their premade salad selection too. They are a place I go for consistently reliable soup and a quick take-out lunch--and I recommend you check out their take-out choices too!
(4)
Allison N.
Pretty standard Sweet Tomatoes salad bar. The restaurant itself has a lot of seating and seems to be pretty busy all the time so that's a good sign. This location had a pretty good selection of salads and soups. Nothing that makes me say "OMG WOW BEST SOUP/SALAD OF MY LIFE!" but it'll do the job. I don't leave Sweet Tomatoes feeling like I am going to explode so that's mostly why I go here. Sign up for Club Veg for some good lunch/dinner deals. You can't really beat an $8 salad bar lunch with a drink included.
(3)
Karen F.
Sweet Tomatoes offers a great way to pretend to eat healthy, without actually having to. The parking lot is always full, and yet there is always seating available inside the restaurant. If you run into trouble parking, just use the Home Depot lot right behind the Sweet Tomatoes lot, which is huge. Make sure you find a coupon online before you go to save yourself a couple dollars. We went on a weeknight at 7 pm, and walked right up to the salad buffet line. Pre-made salads are available, as well as various types of greens and veggies for a build-your-own creation. The only problem with going at that time of night is that the pre-made salads seemed pretty wilty and lifeless. I imagine because the dinner rush is over at that point so the salads have been sitting out. Also available after the salad line & cashier are a variety of food stations: bread & pizza, dessert, pasta, soups & chilis, and potatoes with fixin's. I do love their pizza, and it's useful to offset the good-for-you salad. ;-) I appreciate that Sweet Tomatoes has different specials each month, so there is always opportunity for something different every time you go. My favorite food item this time was the Jambalaya soup - it actually had a bit of spice to it, which was nice. It doesn't, of course, compare in any way to *actual* Jambalaya, but it was still tasty. A food fail I tried this time was their Red Velvet Lava cake - sounds good in theory, but I have my doubts that it was even cooked all the way. We had a very helpful server at our table - clearing plates, bringing water, and of course, offering cookies at the end of our meal - even though it's a buffet, make sure you tip that person.
(3)
Lauren C.
This sweet tomato is an okay option for lunch. The salad bar has a nice variety and the vegetables are usually fresh and tasty. It's a good choice if you're craving a make-your-own salad. So why only a 3? I've yet to find one of their pre-made salads that tastes good. Their soups and bread are mediocre, and unless you plan on eating your weight in lettuce, it's overpriced.
(3)
Mailoha A.
I hate to give this restaurant a 2 because I am a fan of Sweet Tomatoes but this location is not so great. I prefer the Brandon location. All of the soups and pastas were bland. The pizzas were good but I don't really go to Sweet Tomatoes for the pizza. Also, the sundae bar was also a disappointment because they only had the vanilla ice cream option. Chocolate and swirl (vanilla and chocolate) were out of order. They didn't have many topping options either. In case you have never been to Sweet Tomatoes, when you arrive you grab a plate and tray and head down the salad bar. There are pre-made salads and build your own options. At the end of the salad bar is the register. We paid $19.95 for dinner for 2 thanks to a coupon Sweet Tomatoes sent to my email. I highly recommend you check out their site and sign up for emails. Great way to save a couple bucks. After you have paid, there are table and booth options to choose from. From there, you are free to help yourself to the soups, more salad, pizza, pasta and sundae bar.
(2)
Amy J.
Ate at this location for the first time last night. I've eaten at other locations in Tampa, and this one was on par. Mostly everything was good, but nothing was awesome. Lettuce was a little limp and looked like it had seen better days. Buffalo potato salad was really good. I also had the corn/cheese/bacon chowder. It was creamy and delicious. Mac and cheese was not as good as normal. On the plus side, they did hand out some chocolate chip cookies which were awesome. Clean location, decent service.
(3)
Benjamin H.
This use to be a great place to eat. No customer service and it seems dead in there. They would rather throw out your remaining food and waist it, and don't even ask to take your left overs they bark at you No we don't do that. No more Sweet Tomatoes, gone sour! Soon to be closing I know!
(1)
Lo S.
I came here for a short stop one day when I didn't feel like spending $15-$25 dollars for lunch, which is pretty common for South Tampa. For whatever reason, I thought it was a complete vegetarian restaurant (LOOOLLLL, it totally isn't) Much to my surprise, the salad bar was pretty good! It had a decent variety of options AND the produce was FRESH. I couldn't complain at all! I GOT FULL FOR $6 DOLLARS!! I CONSIDER THAT A FLAWLESS VICTORY!! Fresh, filling, inexpensive!! I love having that option in the land of Whole Foods, Kona Grill, Del Frisco's, and Cooper's Hawk more pricey lunch options.
(4)
Joel H.
Seven years ago one of my students gave me a gift card to this salad place called Sweet Tomatoes. It took me a year before I finally made it there. I loved it. Fast forward to now and I'm driving past Sweet Tomatoes and I get a bit wax nostalgic. At the same time my stomach starts growling. Why not do it again, for old times sake? I whipped my car into the parking lot, grabbed a spot right by the dumpster and herded my family into the restaurant like a bunch of cats. When you enter into Sweet Tomatoes you stand at the point where two looping salad bars meet. Should you loop left? Or go right? Doesn't really matter because they both offer the same choices. Once you've picked a direction (always go right!) you are met with a Sweet Tomatoes employee who is mixing up one of their signature salads. On this particular night there was an Asian salad being crafted so I bit a little of that off. The flavor was good but it was too saturated with dressing for my taste. Give it to me with half the dressing and I'm golden. After the hand crafted salad section the bar enters into the ingredient-by-ingredient phase. Here you create whatever salad floats your fancy. Ingredients like garbanzo beans, corn, mushrooms spinach, lettuce, radish, carrot, onion, pepper, pickles, nuts, seeds all stretch out in front of you. Pick whatever you want. Pick as much as you want. Make it your way. Top it at the end with the oil or dressing of your choice and any extra finishers like croutons, hot peppers or bacon bits. At this point you pay, one size fits all, and then the salad part fades away. It is replaced by a bread bar, pasta bar, soup bar and dessert bar. Each one offers meat and vegetarian friendly options. Some go far as being vegan (one of the soups was vegan on our visit and it was so good). For dessert most people hit up the soft serve ice cream bar. I just took a bowl of the granola (which is supposed to be an ice cream topping). It was the perfect finisher. So how did I feel after this second trip? Satisfied. But I wasn't all amazed out like I was my first time through. It was good enough for salad and soup but with newer options in town that weren't around six years ago my standards have increased quite a bit. With the price as high as it is, I doubt I'll be back anytime soon.
(3)
Mark S.
We come here once a week. The vegetables are fresh and a pretty good variety. The real plus is the made from scratch soups. The tomatoe soup reminds me of my mother's recipe when I was growing up. The staff was very friendly and helpful. If you looking for steak or seafood you must so elseware.
(5)
Michael P.
Not the best location or the food. The Brandon one is way better. Guy manager is really rude here at nights. If I wasn't so hungry, I would have driven to Brandon just to eat. The restaurant is more dated than usual ones but this one will do I guess. Lynette, the waitress/busser is a real sweetheart and definitely does her job well. She's quick too! But the parking seriously blows here. Chances are if your on Dale mabry, you will either pass it or go into the tiny lot up front that has 4 dinky spaces but here's the kicker, you can't drive down to the back lot without going back onto Dale Mabry, to the target light and through the Home Depot parking lot and then park a mile away in their lot behind the building. I swear, you'll burn a million calories just walking into this place to get inside. The layout sucks major you know what. The side road is only big enough for one car and you have to go towards dale mabry otherwise you'll hit someone head on or get into a pissing match with who's going to back up and let who through, trust me though, I went the wrong way, but I won.
(3)
Sarah X.
If you're looking for 1 hellova meal, at a hellova deal, try their to-go lunch combo: $9.62 got me: A salad that probably weighed 5lbs: Caesar salad, Spinach, Peas, Carrots, Cucumber, Broccoli Cauliflower, Radishes, Kidney beans, Pasta, Peppers, Mushrooms, Jalapeños, Olives, Beets, 2 amazing soups: 1 chicken noodle, 1 called cheeseburger something.... It was delicious, and I don't believe bad for you, 3 chocolate muffins, 1 blueberry muffin, 1 corn bread muffin, 3 mini pizza slices, and 3 mini bread sticks. I handed her $10, and got back change. Crazy. This is now my favorite place to eat in Tampa, when I'm not looking for something to drink with it. There's so much more to choose from there too.... Beats any salad bar I've ever been to... Quality, and value.
(5)
Mary O.
Eaten here several times, and this will be my last. An employee and I witnessed a little boy put his hands in the jello the employee told the little boy not to put his hands in the jello but didn't change the jello out. Ewwww! I am so grossed out!
(1)
Brett N.
Why 4 stars? Because I was shocked at my enjoyment. --- --- --- I generally avoid reviewing chains because: A) I don't frequent them often. B) People mostly know what an experience will be like at one. I had never tried Sweet Tomatoes because: A) I don't frequent chains often. B) I don't love salad with all of my heart. I now love Sweet Tomatoes because: A) Everything was delicious. B) Everything was (mostly) healthy. I definitely didn't think a meatless salad bar could taste so great. I really, really loved it. You CAN eat healthy at Sweet Tomatoes, but it's very easy to accidentally consume far more than your daily caloric limit in one sitting. Two bonus points: A) The buffet is only $12 freaking dollars. B) The coconut muffin was so delicious it was almost sexual.
(4)
Jim C.
I enjoy eating here because it is tasty AND healthy AND it is a great value. The soup and salad buffet is $10.69. Prepared salads and make-your-own salads are on the tray line. Then about 8 soup options, fresh baked muffins (blueberry, bran & chocolate bites), pasta dishes and pizza. They have the best chicken noodle soup with clear broth, not the pasty type. I have gone in just to get it for take out. The muffins are always hot with real butter in individual servings, not the little pats you have to unwrap. Eat a all you want.
(4)
Jennifer H.
This isn't necessarily the place you go to if you want to eat healthy, but rather if you want some variety in your meals. I love having the option to have any veggie I want and as much as I want, along with a variety of soups, breads, desserts and drinks. That's my fave part of this place. I only wish they would clean up a little better, maybe even do a little renovation. The inside is very dull, boring, bland and unexciting. But it's not gonna keep me away, of course. But I feel like the place deserves a makeover.
(5)
Frank H.
I love this place. They try to play themselves off as the healthy alternative, but that couldn't be further from the truth. When we come here as a family we eat like pigs and enjoy it. I guess one could eat healthy here being that it's a buffet salad bar but after covering your salad blue cheese and croutons you're shit out of luck on losing weight that day. If I want to lose weight I stay home and don't go to restaurants. They let kids eat free and there are lots of choices to keep kids busy. I always get a cup of soup after I eat my salad, and most of them are rather tasty. Skip the lemon orzo soup, gross!!! Join club veg, they will send you coupons, it's an affordable place to take your family.
(4)
Ryan B.
My pregnant wife was extremely disappointed when she went through the line only to find that they were out of ranch dressing at 6:45p on a Friday night. What kind of salad bar restaurant runs out of ranch dressing at the first day of a weekend?! Will not be going back for a while, that's for sure!
(1)
Josiah G.
I really love Sweet Tomatoes, so I hope things are not declining for good. I grabbed lunch here the other day right before the lunch rush. They no longer have the grilled chicken on the salad aisle that was available for $2.99. That means virtually no meat at all on the salad buffet. There was no one at the register and I stood there with someone behind me for a few minutes until someone walked out of the back and told me the total, without apologizing for the wait. The pasta was meh as usual, but the soups delivered, as they typically do. I hope they add the chicken back to the salad bar and find some friendlier cashiers.
(3)
Jason C.
Overall, Sweet Tomatoes is a good deal if you're looking for a quick, light lunch in the area. The salad options are good. They also have hot dishes, soups, and baked goods. Generally, the food is decent. They also have fun seasonal options for salads and soups.
(3)
Tia S.
I have recently become a fan of this place. This is a buffet restaurant which originally got its notoriety for being a vegetarian/healthy option. It is definitely not a vegetarian buffet anymore although they do have meat free options, there is plenty for a carnivore like myself to love. Some of my favorites include the blueberry muffins, chicken pot pie soup and four cheese flatbread. The menu rotates weekly with different features which is adds a little variety to the menu. Join their club online and you will get coupons via email for discounts.
(4)
Kim And Linh H.
Taco Salad was delicious! The flavor was right on! This wonderful place is also very close to my house. Plus, it does get better because I mostly sit in the booths, so when I look out the window, I can just look at the people at McDonalds ,and know I'm eating way healthier than them. The service was really good as the waiters were always so attentive. The atmosphere was so homey. I don't have to worry about how much money it costs. The food... I can't even explain in words(especially the soup!). I definitely see myself coming back for more.
(5)
Tom T.
Deliciouness abounds at every inch along the salad bar. The staff is awesome, the place is cleaner than I would expect for a national chain, and never have I walked away disappointed by my experience here. Granted, those that know me know how much I like salad and that any place that features it would be an automatic win in my book. This place wins for me though, not just because of the salad, but also they have excellent soups (hardly a surprise from the people that brought you Souplantation), bread and fresh made pasta. Theres also softserve for those who like it.
(5)
Dan G.
Sweet Tomatoes is my favorite place to eat. The salads are always fresh and the soups are made from scratch. The service is good also. If you like food that is nutritious this is the place to come. Plus Sweet Tomatoes was the first restaurant in the area not to allow smoking.
(5)
Evan D.
If I had to pick one restaurant I had to eat at once a day for the rest of my life it would Sweet Tomatoes. Love this place. Giant salad bar, 6-7 different soups, pasta, bread, fruit and dessert. I do wish they had some more protein selections but it is advertised as an all you can eat salad buffet. So I can't dock them any points. I guess the other restaurant I would have to eat at for the rest of my life would have to be Ruth's Chris steakhouse.
(5)
Shyam S.
I seem to be visiting Sweet Tomatoes locations all across the U.S. now. Yes, it is a chain, which may go against the "spirit" of Yelp, but not all franchises are created equal and among Sweet Tomatoes, there is a pretty good variance of good to great. I would rank this as a good location, but not great. The food was good, but I didn't see as great a variety of salad toppings as I have at other locations (broccoli stems, anyone?). I also felt like this location was not really meant for a ST because it seemed kind of lacking in space. Look this is a great meal for the price, but there are better and more vibrant ST locations across the U.S.
(4)
Ken D.
I like sweet tomatoes. the weird thing is,you have to be careful of sectioned prices on the salad bar. i paid 2.50 extra for 2 teaspoons of mandarin oranges. everything else is great though. the workers are attentive and the food is fresh and delicious and the place is clean. what more could ya want! great for lunch! :D
(4)
Stuart F.
I like the idea of this place because it seemed to put a healthy spin on the usual all-you-can-eat obesity feasts we normally see in the South. It has some good features- I like the shredded beets, radishes, squash- things you don't always get in a salad bar. But where I was disappointed was the lack of vegan options and labeling. Labeling their items also helps people with allergies and other dietary restrictions. But to be truly healthy, they would need a lot less cheese/butter/milk in their items. I probably won't go back unless they offered more vegan options. I also wish they offered more organic ingredients. I know that will add to the expense, but you can selectively pick which foods it makes the most sense to buy organic (greens, fruits/veg where you eat the skins, etc.) and keep costs fairly low.
(3)
April S.
Never leave here without feeling like I need to be rolled out
(5)
Danan C.
I like this place. They provide a pretty good service for the price. The only thing I don't care for, and this is a personal preference, is that on their pre-made salads, they drown it with the dressing. You can of course create it on your own and get the dressing, but they don't always have the same ingredients on the line.
(3)
Cricket L.
Very cramped in this layout. Still delicious, though.
(4)
Patrick K.
Don't go in expecting much and you'll be just fine. The soup was hot and the vegetables cold. Those are the most descriptive adjectives I can come up with for the food.
(2)
Lily H.
I won't lie....I was pretty disgusted here. For the record, I actually like Sweet Tomatoes (North Dale Mabry in Tampa and University in Sarasota). It's somewhere to go when you just want a big ol' salad. And I love their soups (many varieties)! However, this Sweet Tomatoes was pretty gross. First of all, the floor was really dirty (both tiles and carpet). When we were picking a table to sit, we saw so many empty tables with mounds of dirty dishes piled on top, and no one was bothering to clean them up (restaurant was not busy at all). Now when I was about to eat, I noticed that there were still food stuck on my silverware from before. Yuck! Now maybe it was just that day, but regardless, I won't be coming to this particular store again. There's are many other Sweet Tomatoes around that I can enjoy from.
(1)
Aaron M.
I have become an expert on what to get and what not to get.. I am trying to eat less meat.. So I pull up their $2 coupons online... and then go out there with my 2-yr old. We have a blast there.. she loves all the food... well the beets, eggs, cheese, and mushroom soup. Yes my child is weird eater... I love the selection, the time it takes to eat... and the amount of food for $10. I went yesterday, brought my own cup in -- ordered a drink.. filled it up.. now i have a drink for today.. Granted you can do that at a lot of places.. I mean I can order a sandwich at a shop then a salad and its $13.. then add a slice of pizza its 16.. add dessert its $20... I think this is the best deal in town.
(5)
Misty B.
I've been to a few different Sweet Tomatoe and Souplantation (its West Coast sister) locations over the last 15 years at least, and this location is amongst the best: clean, well-staffed, friendly and fresh. Hands down, Sweet Tomatoes takes the prize for best area soups. They keep the standard faves -- like Clam Chowder and Chili -- but then seasonally rotate in a terrific variety. I've been three times in the last seven days (lol), and have become an addict of the Spicy Navajo Bean soup. It's a mix of pintos, chiles and a couple kinds of squash (sounded strange till I tried it), and I was happy to find that it was low-cal and low-fat when I checked the online nutrition guide. As for the salad bar, it hits all the right notes, the veggies are fresh and the lettuce (several options) crisp. Only wah-wah-waaah moment was when I saw the woman stack a few cups of fresh shaved carrots *on top of* the old. Who knows when the bottom gets checked and tossed? All in all, it's a good pick for budget-friendly lunch or din, whether you're a carnivore or herbivore. Between the dressings (yum on the blue cheese!), heavier soups, pasta bar, carb (ahem, I mean bread) bar and dessert bar, no one's leaving hungry. Only negative: Parking isn't great in back. It's a little of a free-for-all back there ... could use a repaving. Park a little farther, and save your car from door dings.
(5)
Kim T.
Inexpensive fresh and plenty to eat, Service is good, food is quick, bathrooms are clean. If your in a hurry this is the place for you and you won't get sick after you eat there ! its fast food that does not react like fast food! tasty
(3)
Peter C.
I love sweet tomatoes but this location is dirty... I saw roaches on the wall in my booth and got sick aafter eating there.... My main complaint is its dirt... Bread was hard and food was old...
(2)
Kar M.
For the decade or so that I have been going to this type of chain, I have never learned. See, I am one of those vegetarians who hates salads because they tend to mock me with their little-more-than-lettuce fluff. So I go to places like this and spend about 10 minutes at the salad bar, using roughly 70% of the items on the line to create the perfect, most colorful, flavorful, highly caloric salad my heart desires. (My favorite toppings include, but are not remotely limited to: peas, corn, garbanzo beans, olives, raisins, boiled egg, cheese shreds, and their heavenly garlic dressing.) But then I sit there eating my heavenly, massive salad for long after my dining companions have finished theirs and moved on to the soups. Their soups look and smell amazing. They come back to the table multiple times with fresh, cheesy breads. Pastas. Fruit. Muffins and whipped honey butter. Pudding. And I'm barely halfway through my stupid, delicious salad. When I finally jump up from the table to get what I've been missing, dining companions are finishing their soft-serve. I have not learned how to ration my time, stomach space, or salad components properly. After more than a decade I doubt I ever will. Happies: + the free meal you get for joining their email club at checkout + garlic salad dressing + the pizza foccacia bread + blueberry muffins + vegetarian chili + mojito iced green tea Crappies + bacon in the clam chowder + the size of my eyes in comparison to my stomach
(4)
S H.
I really like Sweet Tomatoes. They always have a coupon, and I think that it IS possible to have a healthy meal here... you just need to lay off the creamy salad dressings, desserts and mac and cheese. The vegetable soup is great, the salad bar has a nice selection of toppings, and I really like that they have baked sweet potatoes. I usually break down and end up eating a slice or two of the cheesy pizza bread. The frozen yogurt is just ok. It used to be better, so I am not sure what the deal is there. Some gross items to avoid: the sugar free chocolate pudding (tastes like creamy Sweet n Low), the muffins (sub par and not worth the calories), and any creamy soup (always tastes burnt).
(4)
Ottis T.
Nothing more than a cheap vegetarian golden corral. Sub standard breads and dressings. Conveyer belt eating for cattle basically
(1)
William N.
This place is great for salads. You pay I think $8.99 for dinner for an adult for an all you can eat buffet that has great salads, OK soups and pastas, baked goods/pizza and their ice cream machine for Edy's ice cream. If you sign up at the checkout counter, they'll email you coupons for $6.99 for lunch and $7.99 for dinner. At those prices, it's a great deal. What isn't is if you order drinks. I think they're an extra $2. They're all you can drink and they actually have regular and large glasses, which means the people getting the larger glass are just paying extra for no reason.
(4)
Linda E.
I love Sweet Tomatoes and visit a location EVERY time I am in Tampa. They have the best salad bar, delicious bread and great soups! I don't usually get pasta or baked potatoes but I'm sure they're good as well. The prices are fair, tables are clean, people are friendly... I really don't have anything bad to say and I've eaten there dozens of times. Two green thumbs up for salads and Sweet Tomatoes!
(4)
Kelly M.
the best salads you would ever get yummy. when i use to live in brandon my sister and i would come here almost everyday. they have the best sweet breads ever, the chocolate muffins are to die for.i love there salad bar and its so customer friendly.
(5)
Chris C.
Good place to go if you are craving salad. Little else. Their hot food is pretty pitiful.
(2)
Gary K.
What a refreshing change of restaurants! This experience starts and focuses on a huge salad bar. There is a huge variety of specialty salads freshly made (I had Thai Peanut Salad) and the full-fare traditional salad bar. Once inside, you'll find fresh breads & muffins, unlimited drinks, pastas and a half dozen soups. Healthy fare and reasonably priced. And no, you won't find heavy, meat entrees.
(4)
R M.
Three of us used to eat here once every couple of months, as we had to be in Tampa on business in the early evening that often. Based on our 10-12 trips, I'd say it's worth a try, even though I'm not a huge fan of buffets. The salad pieces and parts are generally very fresh, and the lure of salad rather than heavier fare is alluring.
(3)
Jenna H.
Salad bar, variety of soups, fresh bakery and hot pasta. Highly recommend this place! It's quick, easy and you can get exactly what you want.
(5)
Edward C.
The salads here are really good. They give you many options to build your own customized salad. The chilly is also delicious by adding a touch of cheese. My only compliant is the soup bowls are always wet which grosses me out and makes me lose my appetite.
(4)
Jason H.
Sweet Tomatoes always toys with my mind. I'm the guy that goes hog wild at a buffet, but it feels kind of senseless to stuff yourself with salad since you're rendering the meal unhealthy lol. I like it here, but the price is a little steep for regular consumption. In that sense I'd rather go somewhere a little more tasty. But coupons don't seem to be hard to come by and Sweet Tomatoes has something for everyone.
(4)
Yves A.
Never again! The worst Caesar's salad I've eaten thus far, I'm used to my lettuce being crisp. This salad was probably fresh yesterday. Here's a hint it has to be less than four hours old (unrefrigerated) to be consider fresh, it's kind of hard to mess up a salad with less than five essential ingredients. That set the tone for what came next, clam/pork chowder. I am a New England error by birth and bacon in clam chowder is a first for me. Who puts bacon bits in clam chowder!? I'm sick to my stomach, I guess it serves me right for (not reading the label and) assuming that clam chowder would be pork free. Never again!
(1)
Lisa N.
I like Sweet Tomatoes. It's an easy, quick, reliable meal. There is nothing fancy or particularly special about it. It's a salad buffet with assorted breads and muffins, pasta station, soups, baked and sweet potatoes and a dessert bar. This location does a good bit of business so it is usually clean and the food is refreshed often. There is always a good assortment of items to choose from and rotating items that change on a monthly or sometimes weekly basis. Blueberry muffins are good with whole blueberries inside; try them with the honey whipped butter. There is a soft serve machine with a small topping bar. Get a chocolate brownie muffin, put it in a soup bowl, cover it with ice cream and toppings. Bam! Fabulous dessert. One thing to be aware of: this place is not as healthy as one would think. Their calorie info is posted on their website. I don't eat a ton and usually focus on the salad and every meal for me is about 1000-1200 calories (maybe because of the brownie sundae above?!). As other reviewers have noted, there are almost always coupons available in the newspaper or if you join their ClubVeg you will get weekly coupons emailed to you. I don't think I've paid for a full price meal there in close to 15 years.
(3)
Nikki A.
I am not usually a big fan of buffet style eating. My one exception is Sweet Tomatoes. I could eat a whole vat of their Asian Chicken Wonton salad. They also offer a variety of soups. My husband likes the bakery section. They usually offer several tasty focaccia options. The Tuna Tarragon pasta salad is also a favorite. Is it high class? No. Does it have great salads and soups? Yes. If you need a quick meal at an affordable price, this is my kind of fast food.
(4)
Susie G.
I like that it is a buffet style place where you can eat a little of everything. My favorite was the salad I made as well as the corn bread and Mac and cheese. I wasn't a big fan of the clam chowder soup, it tasted a little too fishy for me.
(4)
Hwal L.
COMPLETELY SATISFIED!!! Our second time at this store, and it was perfect in every way. One recent Saturday lunch time, it wasn't yet terribly busy, and the store was clean and staff were sufficiently friendly and pleasant. Too many good points to mention here, but the highlights for me on this visit includes: dressed broccoli, both Tuscan and Asian tossed salad, their lettuce selection, sweet potato with honey butter, soups, and apple as cinnamon bun. Staff constantly cleaned the service area and were on top of putting dirty plates away, and I can't wait to go back and eat myself to a coma again!!
(5)
Kristen C.
Came here for lunch and enjoyed my meal. I enjoy their salads- they have a nice selection in addition to makingyour own. They have a big selection of different kinds of soups to choose from, I chose chicken noodle which was pretty good, huge noodles and pieces of chicken. Their macaroni and cheese is delicious and the other pasta dishes were tasty too. I love their blueberry muffins! They were warm and fresh! Staff is quick to come by and take your dirty plates awat making room for more. This location is relatively neat and clean- can't expect much more from a fast pace resturant on a Saturday afternoon. Parking is somewhat limited but you can find a spot in the adjacent parking lot where there are other stores. Positive experience and I would return if I am in this area again.
(4)
Mike S.
Almost forgot I have eaten there some time back. And in fact it is fairly forgettable place to eat. The veggie section of the salad bar is very extensive, and generally fresh and well maintained. Choices of baked goods, pizza, etc. are limited and bland. A few soup options are good...and a redeeming factor for soup lovers like me. Obligatory soft-serve ice cream and toppings are available, largely offsetting the seeming virtue of a salad buffet. And i The setting is ok, like a nice cafeteria. A bit pricey for what you get, but coupons are widely available. So give it a try to see how you would rate/review it. And if you do not like the service, kick your own butt.
(2)
Paige T.
Stopped in with two friends for a healthy lunch. I haven't been in a Sweet Tomatoes for several years and I remember being very happy with it. Not so much this time around. The salad bar choices seemed more limited. The Greek salad was a standout but the rest just the standard fare. The 80s are calling and they want their boring salad bar back! My friend tried the lemon chicken orzo soup and promptly spit the first bite into her napkin...she said it tasted like the burned bottom of the pot. Live and learn. Next time we'll spend less $$ and head to Miguel's just down the street for better food and someone serving us.
(2)
Jennifer N.
OK- so I am a sucker for a salad bar. Sweet Tomatoes is so fresh, so clean, so good. Great selection of premade and make your own salad. Cheese pizza that is more like garlic focaccia- delicious. Beyond that, stick to the salad and pizza- it's what they are good at. The rest of the food is just filler, and not so great (note Kraft like mac and cheese) Cheap find- always a coupon (15% off).
(4)
Illiana A.
I love this place. Good for any eater, affordable and great if you're in a rush.
(5)
Mark R.
I'm not a big fan of salad bars, and it shows, but this one was recommended by a friend. Three of us had lunch here. I was told they had pizza so I agreed to go along. After getting our salads, I looked for the pizza and there wasn't any. I guess my friend mistook pizza for focaccia. The salad was okay, but the tomato soup was the real highlight. I hope it was homemade. A nice ice cream sundae afterwards did the trick.
(3)
Emilee Y.
I"m a big fan of this restaurant. I eat there about once a week. I'm really into eating healthy and they have the best salad bar around!! They also have great soups and and pizzas and a couple of pasta dishes. you can also enjoy soft serve ice cream for dessert. And if you're lucky, sometimes they bring out warm fresh baked chocolate chip cookies to the table. if you sign up for their "Club Veg", they will email you weekly coupons which make and already affordable meal even less expensive.
(4)
A B.
Sweet Tomatoes is a chain, yes, but chain restaurants are chains because they are good. Sweet Tomatoes is no exception. A buffet style set up, mostly salads & soups, it is a good and relatively healthy alternative to most other sit down places. A selection of fresh soups, baked cheese breads (think pizza w/o sauce), baked potatoes are all available for your repeated trips. Many of the selections are vegetarian but there is usually at least 1 with meat (chili, chicken noodle, etc). I couldn't eat here every day but once a week wouldn't be too terrible.
(4)
Steve C.
We don't have a Sweet Tomatoes near us in New Hampshire, so each time we visit Tampa (about once or twice a year) we always stop in at least once to eat at Sweet Tomatoes. As one might expect from the name, the place is practically a vegetarian's delight with a very large all-you-can-eat salad bar with many toppings and specialty salads. Included with the all-you-can-eat buffet are a pasta bar (small), various muffins, rice, baked potatoes, sweet potatoes, and a large selection of excellent soups / chilis. There's also a small fruit / dessert section including swirl ice cream. We've eaten here many times and plan to continue visiting, but two things contribute to a 4-star rather than 5-star rating. First, on our two most recent visits my son and I have had the unpleasant experience of biting into a small bit of rock / pebble in the salad. Both times we mentioned it to our server who promptly replaced & retossed the salad on the salad bar and offered us coupons for two free meals with drinks (unasked for but appreciated). Secondly, their dessert bar is half filled with "diet" items with artificial sweeteners. Not cool - or good tasting. I'd like to see Sweet Tomatoes expand the dessert part of their menu. Let me worry about my waistline. :-) All things considered, and two (minor) bad experiences notwithstanding, I definitely recommend a visit to those looking for a healthy and tasty buffet. Be sure to look for a coupon before visiting - sign up at their website for their free email at least a day before visiting to get coupons.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : No Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : No Caters : No
Vickie J.
In general I really enjoy Sweet Tomatoes. It's pretty nice for a buffet restaurant and offers healthy, fresh options (if you can resist the delicious muffins and ice cream). I always feel like this restaurant could be a little cleaner though - not that it's dirty, it's just not clean (esp the bathrooms). The food is always at a good temperature though and I enjoy the relaxed environment where you can stay as long as you want and catch up with friends.
(3)Carlos H.
My favorite restaurant - ever. I love visiting Sweet Tomatoes every month to sample their different soups and specialties. This location, in particular, has a crew of folks working that have been there for many years and know me and my family.
(5)Brian J.
Four stars on point with this delicious establishment and service! Upon walking in you start off in a salad-galore bar for any vegetarian hearts desire and then pay to a cashier. Their buffet consists of various soups from clam chowder to vegetables (made daily). Next to that station would be their focaccia bread and muffins with the small pasta to the immediate left. Desserts consist of jello, pudding and frozen yogurt. If you want to be healthy you sure can or if you want to overeat then that can be easily done as well! Their staff is one of the most professional group I have ever been to, especially for a buffet where they clean up and refill your drinks in a timely manner. I highly recommend this place and bring out of state people to try out.
(4)Steve E.
This review is all about bunny chow. That's right, I said Bunny Chow. Sweet Tomatoes is a popular national restaurant chain that offers a build-your-own salad bar featuring over 50 fresh ingredients arranged on a serve yourself buffet line, including specialty tossed and prepared salads. In addition to salads, they serve original recipe hot pastas, hand-crafted soups, scratch-made muffins, and Focaccia breads in the hot buffet. A small group of Tampa Yelpers braved a dark and stormy night to meet up at this Sweet Tomatoes restaurant, located just north of I-275 off of Dale Mabry Highway. Our intrepid group of explorers came together to forage through the salad bar line, and to feast upon the fresh garden delights typically favored by bunny rabbits -- ergo the term -- "bunny chow". In addition to preparing our artfully-crafted salads, we enjoyed bowls of their homemade soups (10 different types to sample), three different types of hot pasta, and bakery items featuring muffins, Focaccia, brownies, cornbread, and cobblers. Oh yes, and the frozen yogurt and fresh fruit bar. Our group first built our salads, and then moved on to the soup station, pasta station, bakery station, and drinks station, before we settled down at our table. Sweet Tomatoes is set up as an all-you-can-eat venue so we were able to get up and try the different soups, pastas, bakery items and so on at our leisure. We grazed happily while sharing stories of our favorites restaurants, places to visit, and funny restaurant experiences, all the while hopping up for seconds and thirds. The wait staff at Sweet Tomatoes were busy clearing away empty plates and bowls, and constantly checking to see if we needed anything. Towards the end of our meal, our waitress returned with a basket of freshly-made chocolate chips cookies, which I am told were quite delicious. Our group had a terrific and very healthy meal, and we thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to relax and visit while grazing on bunny chow. The cost was about $10 per person, plus the cost of your drink.
(4)Chelsea B.
If all I could get here was the (fairly pricey) buffet, I wouldn't be nearly as much of a fan. But they understands me, and so have created this magical set-up called "take-out" portions. Cups and trays are located at the front, and I can get just how much I want. I can get a perfect lunch on the go for under $5--a cup of soup and a pastry bag for foccacia. I particularly adore their Clam Chowder (with bacon!) and their Chili. When I do come for a meal, I love their premade salad selection too. They are a place I go for consistently reliable soup and a quick take-out lunch--and I recommend you check out their take-out choices too!
(4)Allison N.
Pretty standard Sweet Tomatoes salad bar. The restaurant itself has a lot of seating and seems to be pretty busy all the time so that's a good sign. This location had a pretty good selection of salads and soups. Nothing that makes me say "OMG WOW BEST SOUP/SALAD OF MY LIFE!" but it'll do the job. I don't leave Sweet Tomatoes feeling like I am going to explode so that's mostly why I go here. Sign up for Club Veg for some good lunch/dinner deals. You can't really beat an $8 salad bar lunch with a drink included.
(3)Karen F.
Sweet Tomatoes offers a great way to pretend to eat healthy, without actually having to. The parking lot is always full, and yet there is always seating available inside the restaurant. If you run into trouble parking, just use the Home Depot lot right behind the Sweet Tomatoes lot, which is huge. Make sure you find a coupon online before you go to save yourself a couple dollars. We went on a weeknight at 7 pm, and walked right up to the salad buffet line. Pre-made salads are available, as well as various types of greens and veggies for a build-your-own creation. The only problem with going at that time of night is that the pre-made salads seemed pretty wilty and lifeless. I imagine because the dinner rush is over at that point so the salads have been sitting out. Also available after the salad line & cashier are a variety of food stations: bread & pizza, dessert, pasta, soups & chilis, and potatoes with fixin's. I do love their pizza, and it's useful to offset the good-for-you salad. ;-) I appreciate that Sweet Tomatoes has different specials each month, so there is always opportunity for something different every time you go. My favorite food item this time was the Jambalaya soup - it actually had a bit of spice to it, which was nice. It doesn't, of course, compare in any way to *actual* Jambalaya, but it was still tasty. A food fail I tried this time was their Red Velvet Lava cake - sounds good in theory, but I have my doubts that it was even cooked all the way. We had a very helpful server at our table - clearing plates, bringing water, and of course, offering cookies at the end of our meal - even though it's a buffet, make sure you tip that person.
(3)Lauren C.
This sweet tomato is an okay option for lunch. The salad bar has a nice variety and the vegetables are usually fresh and tasty. It's a good choice if you're craving a make-your-own salad. So why only a 3? I've yet to find one of their pre-made salads that tastes good. Their soups and bread are mediocre, and unless you plan on eating your weight in lettuce, it's overpriced.
(3)Mailoha A.
I hate to give this restaurant a 2 because I am a fan of Sweet Tomatoes but this location is not so great. I prefer the Brandon location. All of the soups and pastas were bland. The pizzas were good but I don't really go to Sweet Tomatoes for the pizza. Also, the sundae bar was also a disappointment because they only had the vanilla ice cream option. Chocolate and swirl (vanilla and chocolate) were out of order. They didn't have many topping options either. In case you have never been to Sweet Tomatoes, when you arrive you grab a plate and tray and head down the salad bar. There are pre-made salads and build your own options. At the end of the salad bar is the register. We paid $19.95 for dinner for 2 thanks to a coupon Sweet Tomatoes sent to my email. I highly recommend you check out their site and sign up for emails. Great way to save a couple bucks. After you have paid, there are table and booth options to choose from. From there, you are free to help yourself to the soups, more salad, pizza, pasta and sundae bar.
(2)Amy J.
Ate at this location for the first time last night. I've eaten at other locations in Tampa, and this one was on par. Mostly everything was good, but nothing was awesome. Lettuce was a little limp and looked like it had seen better days. Buffalo potato salad was really good. I also had the corn/cheese/bacon chowder. It was creamy and delicious. Mac and cheese was not as good as normal. On the plus side, they did hand out some chocolate chip cookies which were awesome. Clean location, decent service.
(3)Benjamin H.
This use to be a great place to eat. No customer service and it seems dead in there. They would rather throw out your remaining food and waist it, and don't even ask to take your left overs they bark at you No we don't do that. No more Sweet Tomatoes, gone sour! Soon to be closing I know!
(1)Lo S.
I came here for a short stop one day when I didn't feel like spending $15-$25 dollars for lunch, which is pretty common for South Tampa. For whatever reason, I thought it was a complete vegetarian restaurant (LOOOLLLL, it totally isn't) Much to my surprise, the salad bar was pretty good! It had a decent variety of options AND the produce was FRESH. I couldn't complain at all! I GOT FULL FOR $6 DOLLARS!! I CONSIDER THAT A FLAWLESS VICTORY!! Fresh, filling, inexpensive!! I love having that option in the land of Whole Foods, Kona Grill, Del Frisco's, and Cooper's Hawk more pricey lunch options.
(4)Joel H.
Seven years ago one of my students gave me a gift card to this salad place called Sweet Tomatoes. It took me a year before I finally made it there. I loved it. Fast forward to now and I'm driving past Sweet Tomatoes and I get a bit wax nostalgic. At the same time my stomach starts growling. Why not do it again, for old times sake? I whipped my car into the parking lot, grabbed a spot right by the dumpster and herded my family into the restaurant like a bunch of cats. When you enter into Sweet Tomatoes you stand at the point where two looping salad bars meet. Should you loop left? Or go right? Doesn't really matter because they both offer the same choices. Once you've picked a direction (always go right!) you are met with a Sweet Tomatoes employee who is mixing up one of their signature salads. On this particular night there was an Asian salad being crafted so I bit a little of that off. The flavor was good but it was too saturated with dressing for my taste. Give it to me with half the dressing and I'm golden. After the hand crafted salad section the bar enters into the ingredient-by-ingredient phase. Here you create whatever salad floats your fancy. Ingredients like garbanzo beans, corn, mushrooms spinach, lettuce, radish, carrot, onion, pepper, pickles, nuts, seeds all stretch out in front of you. Pick whatever you want. Pick as much as you want. Make it your way. Top it at the end with the oil or dressing of your choice and any extra finishers like croutons, hot peppers or bacon bits. At this point you pay, one size fits all, and then the salad part fades away. It is replaced by a bread bar, pasta bar, soup bar and dessert bar. Each one offers meat and vegetarian friendly options. Some go far as being vegan (one of the soups was vegan on our visit and it was so good). For dessert most people hit up the soft serve ice cream bar. I just took a bowl of the granola (which is supposed to be an ice cream topping). It was the perfect finisher. So how did I feel after this second trip? Satisfied. But I wasn't all amazed out like I was my first time through. It was good enough for salad and soup but with newer options in town that weren't around six years ago my standards have increased quite a bit. With the price as high as it is, I doubt I'll be back anytime soon.
(3)Mark S.
We come here once a week. The vegetables are fresh and a pretty good variety. The real plus is the made from scratch soups. The tomatoe soup reminds me of my mother's recipe when I was growing up. The staff was very friendly and helpful. If you looking for steak or seafood you must so elseware.
(5)Michael P.
Not the best location or the food. The Brandon one is way better. Guy manager is really rude here at nights. If I wasn't so hungry, I would have driven to Brandon just to eat. The restaurant is more dated than usual ones but this one will do I guess. Lynette, the waitress/busser is a real sweetheart and definitely does her job well. She's quick too! But the parking seriously blows here. Chances are if your on Dale mabry, you will either pass it or go into the tiny lot up front that has 4 dinky spaces but here's the kicker, you can't drive down to the back lot without going back onto Dale Mabry, to the target light and through the Home Depot parking lot and then park a mile away in their lot behind the building. I swear, you'll burn a million calories just walking into this place to get inside. The layout sucks major you know what. The side road is only big enough for one car and you have to go towards dale mabry otherwise you'll hit someone head on or get into a pissing match with who's going to back up and let who through, trust me though, I went the wrong way, but I won.
(3)Sarah X.
If you're looking for 1 hellova meal, at a hellova deal, try their to-go lunch combo: $9.62 got me: A salad that probably weighed 5lbs: Caesar salad, Spinach, Peas, Carrots, Cucumber, Broccoli Cauliflower, Radishes, Kidney beans, Pasta, Peppers, Mushrooms, Jalapeños, Olives, Beets, 2 amazing soups: 1 chicken noodle, 1 called cheeseburger something.... It was delicious, and I don't believe bad for you, 3 chocolate muffins, 1 blueberry muffin, 1 corn bread muffin, 3 mini pizza slices, and 3 mini bread sticks. I handed her $10, and got back change. Crazy. This is now my favorite place to eat in Tampa, when I'm not looking for something to drink with it. There's so much more to choose from there too.... Beats any salad bar I've ever been to... Quality, and value.
(5)Mary O.
Eaten here several times, and this will be my last. An employee and I witnessed a little boy put his hands in the jello the employee told the little boy not to put his hands in the jello but didn't change the jello out. Ewwww! I am so grossed out!
(1)Brett N.
Why 4 stars? Because I was shocked at my enjoyment. --- --- --- I generally avoid reviewing chains because: A) I don't frequent them often. B) People mostly know what an experience will be like at one. I had never tried Sweet Tomatoes because: A) I don't frequent chains often. B) I don't love salad with all of my heart. I now love Sweet Tomatoes because: A) Everything was delicious. B) Everything was (mostly) healthy. I definitely didn't think a meatless salad bar could taste so great. I really, really loved it. You CAN eat healthy at Sweet Tomatoes, but it's very easy to accidentally consume far more than your daily caloric limit in one sitting. Two bonus points: A) The buffet is only $12 freaking dollars. B) The coconut muffin was so delicious it was almost sexual.
(4)Jim C.
I enjoy eating here because it is tasty AND healthy AND it is a great value. The soup and salad buffet is $10.69. Prepared salads and make-your-own salads are on the tray line. Then about 8 soup options, fresh baked muffins (blueberry, bran & chocolate bites), pasta dishes and pizza. They have the best chicken noodle soup with clear broth, not the pasty type. I have gone in just to get it for take out. The muffins are always hot with real butter in individual servings, not the little pats you have to unwrap. Eat a all you want.
(4)Jennifer H.
This isn't necessarily the place you go to if you want to eat healthy, but rather if you want some variety in your meals. I love having the option to have any veggie I want and as much as I want, along with a variety of soups, breads, desserts and drinks. That's my fave part of this place. I only wish they would clean up a little better, maybe even do a little renovation. The inside is very dull, boring, bland and unexciting. But it's not gonna keep me away, of course. But I feel like the place deserves a makeover.
(5)Frank H.
I love this place. They try to play themselves off as the healthy alternative, but that couldn't be further from the truth. When we come here as a family we eat like pigs and enjoy it. I guess one could eat healthy here being that it's a buffet salad bar but after covering your salad blue cheese and croutons you're shit out of luck on losing weight that day. If I want to lose weight I stay home and don't go to restaurants. They let kids eat free and there are lots of choices to keep kids busy. I always get a cup of soup after I eat my salad, and most of them are rather tasty. Skip the lemon orzo soup, gross!!! Join club veg, they will send you coupons, it's an affordable place to take your family.
(4)Ryan B.
My pregnant wife was extremely disappointed when she went through the line only to find that they were out of ranch dressing at 6:45p on a Friday night. What kind of salad bar restaurant runs out of ranch dressing at the first day of a weekend?! Will not be going back for a while, that's for sure!
(1)Josiah G.
I really love Sweet Tomatoes, so I hope things are not declining for good. I grabbed lunch here the other day right before the lunch rush. They no longer have the grilled chicken on the salad aisle that was available for $2.99. That means virtually no meat at all on the salad buffet. There was no one at the register and I stood there with someone behind me for a few minutes until someone walked out of the back and told me the total, without apologizing for the wait. The pasta was meh as usual, but the soups delivered, as they typically do. I hope they add the chicken back to the salad bar and find some friendlier cashiers.
(3)Jason C.
Overall, Sweet Tomatoes is a good deal if you're looking for a quick, light lunch in the area. The salad options are good. They also have hot dishes, soups, and baked goods. Generally, the food is decent. They also have fun seasonal options for salads and soups.
(3)Tia S.
I have recently become a fan of this place. This is a buffet restaurant which originally got its notoriety for being a vegetarian/healthy option. It is definitely not a vegetarian buffet anymore although they do have meat free options, there is plenty for a carnivore like myself to love. Some of my favorites include the blueberry muffins, chicken pot pie soup and four cheese flatbread. The menu rotates weekly with different features which is adds a little variety to the menu. Join their club online and you will get coupons via email for discounts.
(4)Kim And Linh H.
Taco Salad was delicious! The flavor was right on! This wonderful place is also very close to my house. Plus, it does get better because I mostly sit in the booths, so when I look out the window, I can just look at the people at McDonalds ,and know I'm eating way healthier than them. The service was really good as the waiters were always so attentive. The atmosphere was so homey. I don't have to worry about how much money it costs. The food... I can't even explain in words(especially the soup!). I definitely see myself coming back for more.
(5)Tom T.
Deliciouness abounds at every inch along the salad bar. The staff is awesome, the place is cleaner than I would expect for a national chain, and never have I walked away disappointed by my experience here. Granted, those that know me know how much I like salad and that any place that features it would be an automatic win in my book. This place wins for me though, not just because of the salad, but also they have excellent soups (hardly a surprise from the people that brought you Souplantation), bread and fresh made pasta. Theres also softserve for those who like it.
(5)Dan G.
Sweet Tomatoes is my favorite place to eat. The salads are always fresh and the soups are made from scratch. The service is good also. If you like food that is nutritious this is the place to come. Plus Sweet Tomatoes was the first restaurant in the area not to allow smoking.
(5)Evan D.
If I had to pick one restaurant I had to eat at once a day for the rest of my life it would Sweet Tomatoes. Love this place. Giant salad bar, 6-7 different soups, pasta, bread, fruit and dessert. I do wish they had some more protein selections but it is advertised as an all you can eat salad buffet. So I can't dock them any points. I guess the other restaurant I would have to eat at for the rest of my life would have to be Ruth's Chris steakhouse.
(5)Shyam S.
I seem to be visiting Sweet Tomatoes locations all across the U.S. now. Yes, it is a chain, which may go against the "spirit" of Yelp, but not all franchises are created equal and among Sweet Tomatoes, there is a pretty good variance of good to great. I would rank this as a good location, but not great. The food was good, but I didn't see as great a variety of salad toppings as I have at other locations (broccoli stems, anyone?). I also felt like this location was not really meant for a ST because it seemed kind of lacking in space. Look this is a great meal for the price, but there are better and more vibrant ST locations across the U.S.
(4)Ken D.
I like sweet tomatoes. the weird thing is,you have to be careful of sectioned prices on the salad bar. i paid 2.50 extra for 2 teaspoons of mandarin oranges. everything else is great though. the workers are attentive and the food is fresh and delicious and the place is clean. what more could ya want! great for lunch! :D
(4)Stuart F.
I like the idea of this place because it seemed to put a healthy spin on the usual all-you-can-eat obesity feasts we normally see in the South. It has some good features- I like the shredded beets, radishes, squash- things you don't always get in a salad bar. But where I was disappointed was the lack of vegan options and labeling. Labeling their items also helps people with allergies and other dietary restrictions. But to be truly healthy, they would need a lot less cheese/butter/milk in their items. I probably won't go back unless they offered more vegan options. I also wish they offered more organic ingredients. I know that will add to the expense, but you can selectively pick which foods it makes the most sense to buy organic (greens, fruits/veg where you eat the skins, etc.) and keep costs fairly low.
(3)April S.
Never leave here without feeling like I need to be rolled out
(5)Danan C.
I like this place. They provide a pretty good service for the price. The only thing I don't care for, and this is a personal preference, is that on their pre-made salads, they drown it with the dressing. You can of course create it on your own and get the dressing, but they don't always have the same ingredients on the line.
(3)Cricket L.
Very cramped in this layout. Still delicious, though.
(4)Patrick K.
Don't go in expecting much and you'll be just fine. The soup was hot and the vegetables cold. Those are the most descriptive adjectives I can come up with for the food.
(2)Lily H.
I won't lie....I was pretty disgusted here. For the record, I actually like Sweet Tomatoes (North Dale Mabry in Tampa and University in Sarasota). It's somewhere to go when you just want a big ol' salad. And I love their soups (many varieties)! However, this Sweet Tomatoes was pretty gross. First of all, the floor was really dirty (both tiles and carpet). When we were picking a table to sit, we saw so many empty tables with mounds of dirty dishes piled on top, and no one was bothering to clean them up (restaurant was not busy at all). Now when I was about to eat, I noticed that there were still food stuck on my silverware from before. Yuck! Now maybe it was just that day, but regardless, I won't be coming to this particular store again. There's are many other Sweet Tomatoes around that I can enjoy from.
(1)Aaron M.
I have become an expert on what to get and what not to get.. I am trying to eat less meat.. So I pull up their $2 coupons online... and then go out there with my 2-yr old. We have a blast there.. she loves all the food... well the beets, eggs, cheese, and mushroom soup. Yes my child is weird eater... I love the selection, the time it takes to eat... and the amount of food for $10. I went yesterday, brought my own cup in -- ordered a drink.. filled it up.. now i have a drink for today.. Granted you can do that at a lot of places.. I mean I can order a sandwich at a shop then a salad and its $13.. then add a slice of pizza its 16.. add dessert its $20... I think this is the best deal in town.
(5)Misty B.
I've been to a few different Sweet Tomatoe and Souplantation (its West Coast sister) locations over the last 15 years at least, and this location is amongst the best: clean, well-staffed, friendly and fresh. Hands down, Sweet Tomatoes takes the prize for best area soups. They keep the standard faves -- like Clam Chowder and Chili -- but then seasonally rotate in a terrific variety. I've been three times in the last seven days (lol), and have become an addict of the Spicy Navajo Bean soup. It's a mix of pintos, chiles and a couple kinds of squash (sounded strange till I tried it), and I was happy to find that it was low-cal and low-fat when I checked the online nutrition guide. As for the salad bar, it hits all the right notes, the veggies are fresh and the lettuce (several options) crisp. Only wah-wah-waaah moment was when I saw the woman stack a few cups of fresh shaved carrots *on top of* the old. Who knows when the bottom gets checked and tossed? All in all, it's a good pick for budget-friendly lunch or din, whether you're a carnivore or herbivore. Between the dressings (yum on the blue cheese!), heavier soups, pasta bar, carb (ahem, I mean bread) bar and dessert bar, no one's leaving hungry. Only negative: Parking isn't great in back. It's a little of a free-for-all back there ... could use a repaving. Park a little farther, and save your car from door dings.
(5)Kim T.
Inexpensive fresh and plenty to eat, Service is good, food is quick, bathrooms are clean. If your in a hurry this is the place for you and you won't get sick after you eat there ! its fast food that does not react like fast food! tasty
(3)Peter C.
I love sweet tomatoes but this location is dirty... I saw roaches on the wall in my booth and got sick aafter eating there.... My main complaint is its dirt... Bread was hard and food was old...
(2)Kar M.
For the decade or so that I have been going to this type of chain, I have never learned. See, I am one of those vegetarians who hates salads because they tend to mock me with their little-more-than-lettuce fluff. So I go to places like this and spend about 10 minutes at the salad bar, using roughly 70% of the items on the line to create the perfect, most colorful, flavorful, highly caloric salad my heart desires. (My favorite toppings include, but are not remotely limited to: peas, corn, garbanzo beans, olives, raisins, boiled egg, cheese shreds, and their heavenly garlic dressing.) But then I sit there eating my heavenly, massive salad for long after my dining companions have finished theirs and moved on to the soups. Their soups look and smell amazing. They come back to the table multiple times with fresh, cheesy breads. Pastas. Fruit. Muffins and whipped honey butter. Pudding. And I'm barely halfway through my stupid, delicious salad. When I finally jump up from the table to get what I've been missing, dining companions are finishing their soft-serve. I have not learned how to ration my time, stomach space, or salad components properly. After more than a decade I doubt I ever will. Happies: + the free meal you get for joining their email club at checkout + garlic salad dressing + the pizza foccacia bread + blueberry muffins + vegetarian chili + mojito iced green tea Crappies + bacon in the clam chowder + the size of my eyes in comparison to my stomach
(4)S H.
I really like Sweet Tomatoes. They always have a coupon, and I think that it IS possible to have a healthy meal here... you just need to lay off the creamy salad dressings, desserts and mac and cheese. The vegetable soup is great, the salad bar has a nice selection of toppings, and I really like that they have baked sweet potatoes. I usually break down and end up eating a slice or two of the cheesy pizza bread. The frozen yogurt is just ok. It used to be better, so I am not sure what the deal is there. Some gross items to avoid: the sugar free chocolate pudding (tastes like creamy Sweet n Low), the muffins (sub par and not worth the calories), and any creamy soup (always tastes burnt).
(4)Ottis T.
Nothing more than a cheap vegetarian golden corral. Sub standard breads and dressings. Conveyer belt eating for cattle basically
(1)William N.
This place is great for salads. You pay I think $8.99 for dinner for an adult for an all you can eat buffet that has great salads, OK soups and pastas, baked goods/pizza and their ice cream machine for Edy's ice cream. If you sign up at the checkout counter, they'll email you coupons for $6.99 for lunch and $7.99 for dinner. At those prices, it's a great deal. What isn't is if you order drinks. I think they're an extra $2. They're all you can drink and they actually have regular and large glasses, which means the people getting the larger glass are just paying extra for no reason.
(4)Linda E.
I love Sweet Tomatoes and visit a location EVERY time I am in Tampa. They have the best salad bar, delicious bread and great soups! I don't usually get pasta or baked potatoes but I'm sure they're good as well. The prices are fair, tables are clean, people are friendly... I really don't have anything bad to say and I've eaten there dozens of times. Two green thumbs up for salads and Sweet Tomatoes!
(4)Kelly M.
the best salads you would ever get yummy. when i use to live in brandon my sister and i would come here almost everyday. they have the best sweet breads ever, the chocolate muffins are to die for.i love there salad bar and its so customer friendly.
(5)Chris C.
Good place to go if you are craving salad. Little else. Their hot food is pretty pitiful.
(2)Gary K.
What a refreshing change of restaurants! This experience starts and focuses on a huge salad bar. There is a huge variety of specialty salads freshly made (I had Thai Peanut Salad) and the full-fare traditional salad bar. Once inside, you'll find fresh breads & muffins, unlimited drinks, pastas and a half dozen soups. Healthy fare and reasonably priced. And no, you won't find heavy, meat entrees.
(4)R M.
Three of us used to eat here once every couple of months, as we had to be in Tampa on business in the early evening that often. Based on our 10-12 trips, I'd say it's worth a try, even though I'm not a huge fan of buffets. The salad pieces and parts are generally very fresh, and the lure of salad rather than heavier fare is alluring.
(3)Jenna H.
Salad bar, variety of soups, fresh bakery and hot pasta. Highly recommend this place! It's quick, easy and you can get exactly what you want.
(5)Edward C.
The salads here are really good. They give you many options to build your own customized salad. The chilly is also delicious by adding a touch of cheese. My only compliant is the soup bowls are always wet which grosses me out and makes me lose my appetite.
(4)Jason H.
Sweet Tomatoes always toys with my mind. I'm the guy that goes hog wild at a buffet, but it feels kind of senseless to stuff yourself with salad since you're rendering the meal unhealthy lol. I like it here, but the price is a little steep for regular consumption. In that sense I'd rather go somewhere a little more tasty. But coupons don't seem to be hard to come by and Sweet Tomatoes has something for everyone.
(4)Yves A.
Never again! The worst Caesar's salad I've eaten thus far, I'm used to my lettuce being crisp. This salad was probably fresh yesterday. Here's a hint it has to be less than four hours old (unrefrigerated) to be consider fresh, it's kind of hard to mess up a salad with less than five essential ingredients. That set the tone for what came next, clam/pork chowder. I am a New England error by birth and bacon in clam chowder is a first for me. Who puts bacon bits in clam chowder!? I'm sick to my stomach, I guess it serves me right for (not reading the label and) assuming that clam chowder would be pork free. Never again!
(1)Lisa N.
I like Sweet Tomatoes. It's an easy, quick, reliable meal. There is nothing fancy or particularly special about it. It's a salad buffet with assorted breads and muffins, pasta station, soups, baked and sweet potatoes and a dessert bar. This location does a good bit of business so it is usually clean and the food is refreshed often. There is always a good assortment of items to choose from and rotating items that change on a monthly or sometimes weekly basis. Blueberry muffins are good with whole blueberries inside; try them with the honey whipped butter. There is a soft serve machine with a small topping bar. Get a chocolate brownie muffin, put it in a soup bowl, cover it with ice cream and toppings. Bam! Fabulous dessert. One thing to be aware of: this place is not as healthy as one would think. Their calorie info is posted on their website. I don't eat a ton and usually focus on the salad and every meal for me is about 1000-1200 calories (maybe because of the brownie sundae above?!). As other reviewers have noted, there are almost always coupons available in the newspaper or if you join their ClubVeg you will get weekly coupons emailed to you. I don't think I've paid for a full price meal there in close to 15 years.
(3)Nikki A.
I am not usually a big fan of buffet style eating. My one exception is Sweet Tomatoes. I could eat a whole vat of their Asian Chicken Wonton salad. They also offer a variety of soups. My husband likes the bakery section. They usually offer several tasty focaccia options. The Tuna Tarragon pasta salad is also a favorite. Is it high class? No. Does it have great salads and soups? Yes. If you need a quick meal at an affordable price, this is my kind of fast food.
(4)Susie G.
I like that it is a buffet style place where you can eat a little of everything. My favorite was the salad I made as well as the corn bread and Mac and cheese. I wasn't a big fan of the clam chowder soup, it tasted a little too fishy for me.
(4)Hwal L.
COMPLETELY SATISFIED!!! Our second time at this store, and it was perfect in every way. One recent Saturday lunch time, it wasn't yet terribly busy, and the store was clean and staff were sufficiently friendly and pleasant. Too many good points to mention here, but the highlights for me on this visit includes: dressed broccoli, both Tuscan and Asian tossed salad, their lettuce selection, sweet potato with honey butter, soups, and apple as cinnamon bun. Staff constantly cleaned the service area and were on top of putting dirty plates away, and I can't wait to go back and eat myself to a coma again!!
(5)Kristen C.
Came here for lunch and enjoyed my meal. I enjoy their salads- they have a nice selection in addition to makingyour own. They have a big selection of different kinds of soups to choose from, I chose chicken noodle which was pretty good, huge noodles and pieces of chicken. Their macaroni and cheese is delicious and the other pasta dishes were tasty too. I love their blueberry muffins! They were warm and fresh! Staff is quick to come by and take your dirty plates awat making room for more. This location is relatively neat and clean- can't expect much more from a fast pace resturant on a Saturday afternoon. Parking is somewhat limited but you can find a spot in the adjacent parking lot where there are other stores. Positive experience and I would return if I am in this area again.
(4)Mike S.
Almost forgot I have eaten there some time back. And in fact it is fairly forgettable place to eat. The veggie section of the salad bar is very extensive, and generally fresh and well maintained. Choices of baked goods, pizza, etc. are limited and bland. A few soup options are good...and a redeeming factor for soup lovers like me. Obligatory soft-serve ice cream and toppings are available, largely offsetting the seeming virtue of a salad buffet. And i The setting is ok, like a nice cafeteria. A bit pricey for what you get, but coupons are widely available. So give it a try to see how you would rate/review it. And if you do not like the service, kick your own butt.
(2)Paige T.
Stopped in with two friends for a healthy lunch. I haven't been in a Sweet Tomatoes for several years and I remember being very happy with it. Not so much this time around. The salad bar choices seemed more limited. The Greek salad was a standout but the rest just the standard fare. The 80s are calling and they want their boring salad bar back! My friend tried the lemon chicken orzo soup and promptly spit the first bite into her napkin...she said it tasted like the burned bottom of the pot. Live and learn. Next time we'll spend less $$ and head to Miguel's just down the street for better food and someone serving us.
(2)Jennifer N.
OK- so I am a sucker for a salad bar. Sweet Tomatoes is so fresh, so clean, so good. Great selection of premade and make your own salad. Cheese pizza that is more like garlic focaccia- delicious. Beyond that, stick to the salad and pizza- it's what they are good at. The rest of the food is just filler, and not so great (note Kraft like mac and cheese) Cheap find- always a coupon (15% off).
(4)Illiana A.
I love this place. Good for any eater, affordable and great if you're in a rush.
(5)Mark R.
I'm not a big fan of salad bars, and it shows, but this one was recommended by a friend. Three of us had lunch here. I was told they had pizza so I agreed to go along. After getting our salads, I looked for the pizza and there wasn't any. I guess my friend mistook pizza for focaccia. The salad was okay, but the tomato soup was the real highlight. I hope it was homemade. A nice ice cream sundae afterwards did the trick.
(3)Emilee Y.
I"m a big fan of this restaurant. I eat there about once a week. I'm really into eating healthy and they have the best salad bar around!! They also have great soups and and pizzas and a couple of pasta dishes. you can also enjoy soft serve ice cream for dessert. And if you're lucky, sometimes they bring out warm fresh baked chocolate chip cookies to the table. if you sign up for their "Club Veg", they will email you weekly coupons which make and already affordable meal even less expensive.
(4)A B.
Sweet Tomatoes is a chain, yes, but chain restaurants are chains because they are good. Sweet Tomatoes is no exception. A buffet style set up, mostly salads & soups, it is a good and relatively healthy alternative to most other sit down places. A selection of fresh soups, baked cheese breads (think pizza w/o sauce), baked potatoes are all available for your repeated trips. Many of the selections are vegetarian but there is usually at least 1 with meat (chili, chicken noodle, etc). I couldn't eat here every day but once a week wouldn't be too terrible.
(4)Steve C.
We don't have a Sweet Tomatoes near us in New Hampshire, so each time we visit Tampa (about once or twice a year) we always stop in at least once to eat at Sweet Tomatoes. As one might expect from the name, the place is practically a vegetarian's delight with a very large all-you-can-eat salad bar with many toppings and specialty salads. Included with the all-you-can-eat buffet are a pasta bar (small), various muffins, rice, baked potatoes, sweet potatoes, and a large selection of excellent soups / chilis. There's also a small fruit / dessert section including swirl ice cream. We've eaten here many times and plan to continue visiting, but two things contribute to a 4-star rather than 5-star rating. First, on our two most recent visits my son and I have had the unpleasant experience of biting into a small bit of rock / pebble in the salad. Both times we mentioned it to our server who promptly replaced & retossed the salad on the salad bar and offered us coupons for two free meals with drinks (unasked for but appreciated). Secondly, their dessert bar is half filled with "diet" items with artificial sweeteners. Not cool - or good tasting. I'd like to see Sweet Tomatoes expand the dessert part of their menu. Let me worry about my waistline. :-) All things considered, and two (minor) bad experiences notwithstanding, I definitely recommend a visit to those looking for a healthy and tasty buffet. Be sure to look for a coupon before visiting - sign up at their website for their free email at least a day before visiting to get coupons.
(4)