5 Unique Restaurants in Riverview, FL You Need To Try

The most unique restaurants are usually charming hole-in-the-wall locations. These unique places to eat are usually the tastiest or offer out-of-the-ordinary dining experiences. Riverview has scrumptious places that are not just chains but offer unique tastes, compelling specialty menus, and a different experience.

Some Florida Food Facts

Florida is home to one of the most diverse and accomplished culinary scenes in the world. Known for its multicultural and diverse cuisine, the state mixes Indigenous, Spanish, and European styles that infuse numerous ingredients of the region. To this day, the entrees blend creations with a wide range of cultures, placing a heavy emphasis on fresh seafood and locally sourced offerings.

Speaking of a wide range of cultures and unique dining options, we are going to share some of the most unique places to eat in the Riverview area.

Unique Restaurants in Riverview

 Let’s take a look at the five most unique restaurants where you can enjoy a mind-blowing culinary experience.

Stein & Vine

Ok, so not technically in Riverview, it’s close enough to demand that you check it out. The specialty of this venue is listed in the title.

If you want a woodsy taproom with plenty of offerings, this pub is for you. Established in 2012 by Riverview locals, The Stein & Vine is home to over 100 bottled beers, 40 craft beers, and dozens of wines.

But there’s much more. The neighborhood restaurant and bar offers delicious meals crafted from fresh-high-quality ingredients. In fact, their menu is constantly changing with custom specials that put a unique twist on dishes that you never thought were possible. Couple the spirits with a menu filled with quality fresh seafood, including offerings Tchoupitoulas Fillet Sandwich and the Spicy Saku Tuna Noodle Bowl and you are in for a treat.

If you’re not feeling meat with your spirits, the restaurant has vegan and gluten-free options as well.

Visit Stein & Vine at: 827 W Bloomingdale Ave, Brandon, FL 3351

Tiki Docks

Yes, you may know of the Tiki Docks by now, it’s hard to miss off 301 right on the river. It is billed as a South Pacific escape experience right in the Sunshine State. This tropical story is inspired by fun, sun, and plenty of rum! The Tiki Docks are flared by Polynesian flavors, with a delicious menu of crab cakes, shrimp, and plenty of island-sourced favorites. The fresh and juicy entrees come at a fair price, coupled with flavorful exotic beach beverages. Tiki Time happy hours occur every day, including several dollars off custom cocktails in tiki glasses.

Indulge in the beach vibes with live music, every night from Sunday to Saturday.

The festive oceanic theme translates into the decor as well. The sizable inside has a large wrap-around set of deck seating, including a waterside view decorated with trees. And of course, there are plenty of tikis to be found everywhere.

Visit Tiki Docks at 10708 Palmetto St, Riverview, FL 33569

Fred’s Market Restaurant

Farm-to-plate freshness is always en vogue in Florida. Fred’s Market Restaurant offerings are slow-cooked in an unprocessed manner, served in a cozy atmosphere of southern comfort. The restaurant makes sure to keep the quality high and the waste low.

Established in 1954, the tradition of generous hospitality began at a converted gas station. The philosophy of Fred’s Market Restaurant evolved in 1998 to slow food made fast. The restaurant follows family barbecue recipes with perfected rubs and authentic sauces.

Fred’s has a strong emphasis on family heritage and value at a location where friends, family, and community can come together and connect, while also enjoying some delicious grub.

Guest favorites include offerings on the market table, including Jack Black Oak smoked pork ribs, fried chicken, and crispy catfish.

Specials include kiddos eating free from Monday through Thursday. Plus, 15% off appreciation for all veterans with a valid ID.

Visit Fred’s Market Restaurant at 6501 US-301, Riverview, FL 33578

Two BBQ Places In Riverview To Try

1 – Trust Me BBQ

This is one of our favorites. Not only do they make the most amazing original Jamaican-influenced BBQ in Riverview, they are also wonderful people AND customers of Knights Air for many years.

Trust Me BBQ is a modest grill with a charming patio right on Hwy 301. They serve their special jerk chicken and smoked ribs, plus many Jamaican specialties that are sure to please. The Trust Me BBQ staff are all about amazing food, large portions, and impeccable service. They are super friendly and genuinely interested in their customers. Sounds very familiar to us at Knights Air and that’s why we love them.

You’ll love their ribs, chicken, pork, and beef, but don’t forget to check out their amazing peach cobbler too! Make your entire meal complete with delicious sides like baked beans, rice, slaw, fries, cabbage, corn, and of course homestyle mac and cheese. There’s so much more that we’re just gonna tell you that you need to add them to your list!

We really think you’re gonna love this Riverview BBQ classic!

Visit Trust Me BBQ at 8811 US-301, Riverview, FL 33578

2 – My Mamma’s Bar-B-Q

There’s nothing more authentic than comfort food, especially if it’s handmade by Mom. My Mamma’s Bar-B-Q is an authentic barbecue joint that smokes its meats slowly over an open fire with locally sourced oak wood. All dishes and desserts are made from scratch, deriving southern cuisine from a home-cooked menu.

Originated from a church organization potluck, the family restaurant ascended with a family recipe of herbs and spices, transitioning those creations into a BBQ joint/gourmet sauce creator. Meats are slow-roasted over a several-hour process and blended with a special rub.

A subtle smokey flavor that doesn’t overpower the meat and succulent ribs melt right off the bone. The venue also sells award-winning gourmet sauce, but don’t think that the meat needs it. This is the kind of barbecue where the moist meat can be consumed by itself.

Want to be completely stuffed? Order the Mamma’s Lil Feast, a family-sized portion of 20 oz pulled pork, ½ chicken, and two large sides.

Visit My Mamma’s Bar-B-Q at 7415 US-301, Riverview, FL 33578

Acropolis Greek Taverna Riverview

It’s “so true, so greek”. Speaking of ethnic imports, bring your taste of Greece to Acropolis Greek Taverna. Named after the ancient Athens citadel, the Mediterranean location is home to all things Greek, including food, wine, and cultural fun! The authentic menu includes such favorites as the gyro platter, falafel bowl, and Souvlaki skewers. Come with a hefty appetite: the generous portions will fill you up fast.

One of the best parts of the services is the Greek experience. The fine revival dining includes a high-energy atmosphere that provides dinner theater of belly dancing, plate breaking, napkin throwing, zorba dancing, and live music. Guests are invited to participate in these ancient cultural activities that deliver the most unique dining experience in all of Riverview.

Visit Acropolis Greek Taverna at 6108 Winthrop Main St, Riverview, FL 33578

As you can see there are many unique restaurants to experience right in Riverview. These are by no means the only ones, but we think you will really enjoy these options. Let us know what you think of them, AND tell us your favorite local Riverview locations to eat at!