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Local picks in Tampa

Mac and cheese spots

Made for those who believe mac and cheese is a serious dish that demands authentic preparation.

Based on 592 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 dรฉcor 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.

Jerked chicken stands out with authentic Jamaican flavors matching those from Ocho Rios. Food arrives hot, fresh, and quickly, paired with energetic live music that enhances the genuine vibe.

Creamy and indulgent mac and cheese comes as a side or part of dishes like the Wha Gwaan Surf & Jerk. It pairs well with jerk-seasoned seafood and chicken and adds a rich touch to the Caribbean flavors.

People are saying

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

"The food here is authentic and delicious."

"The mac and cheese here is creamy and indulgent."

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
Sabine's Gout Creole image 1
Haitian restaurant

Hole-in-the-wall Haitian restaurant offers authentic cuisine with crispy fried goat, spicy pikliz, and perfectly crunchy fried plantains. Atmosphere feels genuine and welcoming, creating positive vibes throughout. Cleanliness and careful preparation stand out, making it a hidden gem for Caribbean food lovers.

Food delivers authentic Haitian flavor with fresh preparation. The restaurant offers a genuine Caribbean dining experience with well-seasoned dishes and an authentic vibe throughout.

Rich and flavorful, the Mac and Cheese stands out with its creamy texture and bold taste. It pairs well with dishes like griot and black rice, adding a comforting touch to the meal.

People are saying

"I loved the authentic Haitian food, it was so fresh."

"The fish here is seasoned perfectly, it changed my mind."

"I tried the Mac And Cheese and it was the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to ensure your order is ready upon arrival.

2

Expect a cooking time of 15-20 minutes for your food after ordering.

3

Call ahead to confirm daily menu items and pricing.

03
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.

Curry goat and oxtails deliver authentic Jamaican stew flavor with rich, home-made spices. The menu features authentic soul food and Jamaican drinks that taste genuine and full of flavor.

Mac and cheese stands out with its rich flavor and creamy texture. It pairs well with sides like candied yams and complements dishes such as oxtails and ribs.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and fresh."

"I thought the mac and cheese was amazing and on point."

"I found the Jamaican food here to be full of authentic flavor and spices."

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.

04
Zamar Wings image 1
Haitian restaurant

Food truck setup delivers best wings and Haitian food with practical foil packaging. Atmosphere stays lively and welcoming with island music energizing the space. Regulars return for the friendly vibe and great energy.

Bold, authentic Haitian flavors define the menu. Each dish delivers real Haitian taste cooked to perfection.

Free samples introduce the mac & cheese here. The dish stands out as especially insane alongside wings and shrimp.

People are saying

"The food, especially the wings, is amazing and crispy."

"Their Mac and Cheese is flavorful and satisfying."

"I found authentic Haitian flavor packed with bold taste."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait time of about an hour for food during busy periods.

2

The food truck offers a special of 99 cent wings on select days.

3

There is no seating available; food is primarily for takeout.

05
Crossroad Hot Chicken image 1
Chicken restaurant

Small space with four tables and a giant mural creates an intimate setting. Atmosphere stays chill and clean with friendly staff and consistent music. Lines form regularly, reflecting popularity for freshly made hot chicken sandwiches with notable heat levels.

Ranch style flavor stands out with The Back Down Sauce. The food stays true to Nashville hot chicken and delivers authentic 'T' in flavor.

Mac and cheese stands out with a rich, creamy texture and bold flavor. It ranks among the best in the area, often praised as a top side alongside greens and baked beans.

People are saying

"The food here is phenomenal, really, really good."

"I've never had Mac and Cheese this good before."

"The food's flavor was so authentic to Nashville hot chicken."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait time of 20-30 minutes during busy lunch hours.

2

Portions are generous, with large chicken servings for the price.

3

The restaurant offers a 'pay it forward' board for those in need.

06
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.

Oxtail and side dishes deliver authentic soul food flavors. Fresh ingredients create a memorable experience true to the culture.

Mac and cheese comes as a side dish alongside plates like chicken, oxtails, and collard greens. It has a creamy texture and pairs well with other Southern staples like honey cornbread and pureed yams.

People are saying

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

"The authentic soul food here feels like a comforting hug."

"The Mac And Cheese had that perfect grandma-style cheese pull."

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.

07
Konan BBQ image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Barbecue restaurant with hole-in-the-wall vibes and a friendly, home-like atmosphere. Blues music and the rich aroma of wood smoke create a warm, inviting mood. Offers indoor and outdoor seating with plenty of space and parking.

Authentic BBQ shines here with Carolina-style flavors and soulful preparation. The dishes deliver a genuine taste that satisfies cravings for true barbecue.

Creamy and cheesy textures define the mac and cheese here. It tastes rich and satisfying.

People are saying

"The BBQ here is packed with amazing flavor."

"The mac and cheese here is wonderfully seasoned and very good."

"This place offers authentic, classic barbecue that really hit the spot."

Good to know

1

Backpacks are given out the day before school starts.

2

Expect a long line at opening for lunch.

3

Get there early as they often run out of food.

08
Beeโ€™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.

Real Jamaican food shines with authentic flavors and soulful, comforting dishes. The curry goat stands out as flavorful and true to tradition.

Mac and cheese comes rich and full of flavor, often paired with Curry Chicken or served alongside cabbage and rice and peas. It stays consistently on point and complements other dishes well.

People are saying

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

"I found the Mac and Cheese to be delicious and full of flavor."

"The authentic curry chicken and goat were fall-off-the-bone tender."

Good to know

1

Beeโ€™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.

09
BJโ€™s Alabama BBQ! image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Old gas station style with an old school mobile wood pit smoker out front creates a small town feel and signals authentic barbecue methods. Atmosphere stays family friendly and welcoming, with a relaxed, positive energy. Walls decorated with college banners add local character to the cozy interior.

Barbecue cooks old style over oak wood, delivering an authentic southern kitchen feel. The flavors capture traditional Alabama barbecue perfectly.

Mac and cheese comes creamy and pairs well with meats like chicken, pork, and pulled pork. It stands out as a delicious side alongside collard greens and baked beans.

People are saying

"I found the BBQ here to be damn good."

"I found the barbecue here to be authentic, cooked old style over oak wood."

"I found the Mac And Cheese to be homemade tasting and delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is open Wednesday through Saturday only, with a break from 3 to 4 pm.

2

They are closed on Sunday through Tuesday.

3

The restaurant often runs out of popular items like chicken and ribs.

10
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.

Jamaican food here has authentic flavor with fresh, hot dishes and grilled jerk chicken. The small, clean dining area serves true Caribbean seasoning that stands out.

Rich, creamy Mac & cheese pairs well with hearty oxtail that recalls grandmother's cooking. Portions come generous enough to share.

People are saying

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

"The food here is authentic, fresh, and full of rich Caribbean flavors."

"The Mac and Cheese here reminded me of my grandmother'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.

11
Big John's Alabama BBQ image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Smokey aroma of oak wood fills a cozy space with rustic dรฉcor and local sports memorabilia. Friendly, family-like atmosphere with sounds of meat being chopped behind the counter. Focus on authentic southern BBQ with strong smoky flavors and excellent sauces.

Smoked barbecue features authentic Alabama-style flavors prepared right in front of you. Dishes offer mouth watering Southern taste with reasonable prices and genuine hospitality.

Old-school style shines in the mac and cheese, making it a standout side. It pairs well with dishes like the chopped pork sandwich and collards, offering a consistently great flavor.

People are saying

"I considered this the best BBQ spot I've ever had."

"I found the authentic Alabama-style barbecue here to be tender and well smoked."

"The old-school Mac And Cheese was excellent."

Good to know

1

Expect a 20-minute wait for chicken during peak hours.

2

Arrive early to avoid running out of high-demand items.

3

Parking is limited during lunch and dinner times.

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