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Oxtail spots in Tampa

You want a meal that centers on the depth and preparation of oxtail. You are looking for a place that treats this dish with the respect it deserves within an American-style menu.

Based on 505 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Wha Gwaan Jamaica Jamaica image 1
Wha Gwaan Jamaica Jamaica image 2
Wha Gwaan Jamaica Jamaica image 3
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Restaurant offers lively Jamaican vibe with reggae music and colorful décor featuring Jamaican flags and jerseys. Atmosphere feels cozy and inviting, with a central bar and wood floors creating a welcoming space. Live music and karaoke add energy, drawing people together in a fun, authentic setting.

The Wha Gwaan Surf & Jerk mixes jerk-seasoned seafood and chicken with jasmine rice, fried plantains, and creamy mac and cheese. The jasmine rice is light and fragrant, while the mac and cheese stands out as creamy and indulgent.

Oxtail comes tender and fall-off-the-bone, often paired with white rice. It appears in platters alongside curried goat and jerk chicken, offering a rich, savory experience.

People are saying

"I thought the Jamaican food here was the best."

"The oxtail here is so tender it basically melts."

"The jerk chicken here is so juicy and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Karaoke happens every Friday from 6-10pm, great for families.

2

Live reggae performances occur on Saturdays, creating a vibrant atmosphere.

3

Expect a lively crowd on weekends, especially during karaoke nights.

02
YaYa Southern Cuisine image 1
Soul food restaurant

Intimate 16-seat soul food spot with warm, welcoming atmosphere and dark, relaxing decor. Small size creates an exclusive, personal vibe filled with good music and genuine smiles. The space feels like home, inviting guests to slow down and enjoy hearty, authentic meals.

Meals include oxtails, collard greens, mac & cheese, and honey butter cornbread. Bread served with meals stands out, often cornbread or cinnamon sugar bread. Extra mac and cheese is sometimes offered.

Oxtails come fall off the bone tender and swim in an exquisitely rich gravy. Plates often include collard greens, mac & cheese, and honey cornbread alongside the oxtails.

People are saying

"The food here was so good, I had to comment."

"The American food, especially the oxtails, is fall-off-the-bone tender."

"The oxtail was fall off the bone tender."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends to avoid long wait times.

2

Expect wait times of over 2 hours during peak dining hours.

3

Ordering ahead is advised as food is prepared to order.

03
The Outside Kitchen image 1

Small restaurant with intimate seating and vibrant R&B music sets a chill, welcoming vibe. Live DJ energizes the space while the decor adds a cozy touch. The atmosphere feels spotless and inviting, creating a relaxed dining experience.

Rich, creamy shrimp mac and cheese stands out with juicy garlic shrimp. Lamb chops come glazed and pair well with grits. Pasta dishes feature Cajun creamy sauces, especially with shrimp and lobster or grilled chicken.

Oxtail comes tender and plentiful with a sauce that blends sweet and salty flavors. Juices from the oxtail add a sweet and beefy taste that complements the pasta perfectly.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, flavorful, and cooked fresh."

"The lemonade here is so well balanced and delicious."

"The Oxtail Rasta pasta was perfectly seasoned and tender."

Good to know

1

They have weekly food specials that change regularly.

2

The restaurant primarily focuses on takeout orders.

3

Expect a line for takeout orders during peak hours.

04
J&J Jam'Soul image 1
Family restaurant

Family restaurant offers authentic Jamaican and Caribbean cuisine with a quiet, homie atmosphere that encourages deep conversations. Indoor seating features clean, simple decor and reggae music plays softly, enhancing the warm, welcoming vibe.

Mac and cheese stands out as a consistent favorite. The menu features oxtails, ribs, and sides like candied yams and cabbage, along with classic southern desserts such as banana pudding and rum cake.

Oxtail comes with rich gravy and plenty of meat for the price. It pairs well with sides like candied yams and Mac and cheese.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and fresh."

"I thought the oxtail here was the best I've had in Tampa."

"The American Food, especially the mac and cheese, is really good."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required but recommended during peak hours.

2

Expect longer wait times on weekends, especially during brunch.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted; cash is also welcome.

05
Madame Fortune Dessert + HiFi Parlour image 1

Speakeasy-style space with a secret entrance behind a bookshelf creates a unique setting. Live music and a jazz vibe fill the room, offering outstanding entertainment and ambient tunes. Cocktails like espresso martinis and rum punch complement the warm, inviting atmosphere that draws people in and keeps energy lively.

Lobster and Shrimp Grits stand out with rich flavors. The oxtail pairs well with shrimp and grits. The cornbread offers a unique, unmatched taste.

Braised oxtail stands out with rich flavor and tender texture. Dishes like oxtail and grits and oxtail with shrimp combine hearty ingredients for a satisfying meal.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented."

"You have to try the sweet potato cornbread with the American Food."

"You have to try the spectacular oxtail shepherd's pie."

Good to know

1

Reservations are necessary to ensure entrance, especially for special events.

2

Happy hour features special drinks and appetizers, typically from 4-7pm.

3

Live music nights occur regularly, enhancing the atmosphere.

06
Greedy Lee's BBQ image 1
Grill store

Small, run-down grill store with a takeout-only setup and a welcoming, soulful atmosphere. The space fills with good smells and uplifting energy, drawing many first-time customers. Known for fall-off-the-bone ribs and legendary oxtails, it stands out as an authentic BBQ spot despite limited indoor space.

Oxtails, ribs, and brisket offer juicy, flavorful bites. Mac and cheese stands out as creamy and rich. Sweet potato cake and strawberry crunch cake add a sweet finish alongside pineapple tea.

Smoked oxtails come with perfect smoke and tender, well-seasoned meat. Grilled oxtails, called Greedy Tails, offer an absolutely delicious flavor with great seasoning.

People are saying

"The ribs here are smoked, tender, and perfectly seasoned."

"I found the oxtail here to be delicious and seasoned perfectly."

"The American Food here, especially the ribs and sausage, is fall-off-the-bone tender and juicy."

Good to know

1

Parking is difficult; expect limited spaces near the restaurant.

2

Bring cash as credit card machines may not work consistently.

3

The restaurant often runs out of menu items close to closing time.

07
M&R Café Southern Cuisine image 1
American restaurant

American restaurant with throwback R&B music and clean, cool decor creates a relaxing, upbeat vibe that feels like home. Large portions and exceptional soul food define the dining experience, with standout dishes like oxtail and fried catfish. A Black-owned business adds to the welcoming atmosphere.

Warm, sweet cornbread comes with a spectacular muffin. The mac and cheese looks almost too good to eat and tastes on point. Meatloaf stands out as a memorable dish. Oxtails and pound cake also feature as excellent choices.

Oxtails come tender and flavorful, falling off the bone easily. They pair well with sides like potato salad and candied yams for a hearty meal.

People are saying

"The American Food here is seasoned well and tastes great."

"The oxtail here is so tender, you can pull it with a plastic fork."

"The cake here is rich, moist, and perfectly sweet."

Good to know

1

Expect a 30-minute wait for food during peak hours.

2

Drinks cost $6 for Kool-Aid style beverages.

3

There is a 3% surcharge for credit card payments.

08
7th + Grove image 1
Southern restaurant (US)

Southern restaurant with two distinct sides offers both lively party atmosphere and quieter dining. Live music and DJ sets create a vibrant vibe featuring 90s R&B and soul, complemented by art celebrating black culture. Space includes lounge seating with inviting blue tones and room for large groups.

Oxtails come very tender and flavorful with sides like greens, mashed potatoes, or mac and cheese. Portions vary, with some servings offering more meat than others, and prices range from affordable to pricey.

People are saying

"The brunch food here is phenomenal and every bite is delicious."

"The American food, especially the catfish and grits, was incredible."

"The oxtail here is tender and very flavorful."

Good to know

1

Happy hour specials are available daily from 4 PM to 7 PM.

2

Drag brunch events occur every Sunday with a reservation recommended.

3

Expect a 30-40 minute wait for drinks during peak happy hour times.

09
Bee’s Island Kitchen image 1

Hole-in-the-wall restaurant offers authentic Jamaican flavors with large portion sizes at a fixed low price. The space is carryout only with no dine-in or seating options, but features upgraded air conditioning for comfort while waiting. The vibe is casual and unpretentious, focusing on comfort food rather than decor.

Mac and cheese stands out as a solid choice, especially paired with the large oxtail. The cornbread complements dishes well and comes with a satisfying texture and flavor.

Tender texture and finger-licking good flavor define the oxtail here. Both large and small orders come well cooked and consistently satisfying.

People are saying

"The Jerk Chicken here is amazing, perfectly made with Jamaican spices."

"I thought the oxtail was so finger-licking good."

"The American food here tasted amazing and I loved every bite."

Good to know

1

Bee’s Island Kitchen is carryout only; no dine-in available.

2

Lunch specials are available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

3

Expect a wait time of about 12 minutes for food.

10
Mikeeo's Cheesesteaks Ybor image 1
Fast food restaurant

Fast food restaurant offers authentic cheesesteaks with large, flavorful sandwiches and fresh pizza slices. Atmosphere stays cool and laid back, attracting a crowd especially after nearby bars close. Prices are on the higher side, reflecting the quality and portion size.

Philly cheesesteak stands out with its great flavor and is a highlight alongside the pizza. Both dishes show solid American food options here.

The oxtail comes as a cheesesteak sandwich priced around $20. It stands out for its rich, hearty flavor and unique twist on a classic sandwich.

People are saying

"I thought the oxtail cheesesteak was a must-have."

"I found the food here delicious and fresh."

"I loved the Philly cheesesteak; it was the best American food I ever had."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait during peak hours, especially on weekends.

2

Sandwiches cost $20 each, excluding fries and drinks.

3

The establishment does not allow public restrooms for non-customers.

11
Jerk Pit image 1
Jamaican restaurant

Caribbean atmosphere fills the space with reggae music and colorful decor creating a warm and welcoming vibe. The energy stays lively and authentic, making it feel like home. The dining area is small but clean, hosting a crowd that appreciates genuine Jamaican culture.

Oxtail with Mac and cheese stands out, offering a taste reminiscent of home cooking. Meals often include jerk chicken, rice, and plantains, with sides like cabbage and various patties adding variety.

Oxtails come tender and slip off the bone with a sauce full of great flavor. Portions are generous, paired often with rice, beans, and cabbage.

People are saying

"The food here is authentic, well-seasoned, and deeply satisfying."

"The oxtail here is flavorful and just like home."

"The American Food here, like oxtail and mac and cheese, tastes like grandma's cooking."

Good to know

1

Sundays have dinner pricing, which is considered worth it.

2

The weekday lunch specials offer great value.

3

There are many vegan options available.

12
Ladies of the Sea & Soulfood image 1

Small seafood restaurant offers a cozy, family-oriented atmosphere with a warm, home-like environment. Space is limited with only two booth tables, making it better suited for takeout. The vibe feels like a family reunion, inviting and comfortable.

Cornbread stands out as moist, sweet, and very good, often worth a return trip. The hush puppies are fresh and include a fish variety, paired well with fried chicken wings and tasty cabbage.

Tender and juicy oxtails come with flavorful sides like yams and baked mac and cheese. The dishes highlight buku flavor and pair well with collard greens or fish sandwiches.

People are saying

"The American food here, especially the mac and cheese, feels like home."

"The seafood here is packed with flavor and soul."

"The oxtail was so tender and juicy."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is better suited for takeout because it only has a couple of tables inside.

2

There isn't much seating available, so plan accordingly.

3

An extra fee of about $6 applies for credit or debit card payments; cash is recommended.

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