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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Loved by locals

Oxtail and mac and cheese in Tampa

A heavy, comforting plate of slow-cooked meat and creamy pasta is the only way to end the day.

Based on 665 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.

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.

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 oxtail here is so tender it basically melts."

"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
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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

Rich, creamy mac and cheese features juicy garlic shrimp and a looser, addictive texture. It pairs well with glazed lamb chops and stands out as a creamy, flavorful dish that keeps drawing attention.

People are saying

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

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

"This Mac And Cheese really lacked sauce and wasn't gooey."

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
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.

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.

Four cheese and smoked versions offer light and flavorful options. Lobster mac n cheese stands out as rich and delicious. Jerk chicken pairs well with Gouda mac and cheese for a tasty combo.

People are saying

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

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

"The Gouda Mac and Cheese here is delicious and shouldn't be overlooked."

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.

05
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.

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.

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 oxtail was fall off the bone tender."

"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.

06
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.

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

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 thought the oxtail was so finger-licking good."

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

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.

07
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.

Creamy texture and rich flavor define the mac and cheese here. It pairs well with fried chicken and oxtail, making it a standout dish in the buffet and regular menu.

People are saying

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

"The oxtail here is tender and very flavorful."

"I ordered additional mac and cheese because I was full."

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.

08
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.

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.

Mac and cheese comes with a creamy texture and a look that's almost too pretty to eat. It pairs well with dishes like oxtails and candied yams, and consistently hits the mark in flavor.

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 Mac And Cheese was creamy, cheesy, and irresistible."

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.

09
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.

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

Mac and cheese stands out with a rich, creamy texture and impressive flavor. It pairs well with ribs and baked beans, making it a solid choice for a hearty meal.

People are saying

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

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

"The Mac and Cheese here is quite impressive."

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.

10
One Stop Jerk Center Jamaican image 1

Small, hole-in-the-wall Jamaican restaurant with a family-run atmosphere and somewhat dark interior. Offers authentic Caribbean food with generous portions and a spicy kick, especially in jerk chicken and greens. Prices stay reasonable while delivering a clean and inviting space.

Oxtail here is tender and falling off the bone. It carries a rich, flavorful taste that stands out.

Cheesy and not wet, the mac and cheese holds its own alongside jerk chicken and collard greens. It pairs well with sides like potato salad and banana pudding.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing and delicious."

"The oxtail here is so tender and flavorful."

"The Mac And Cheese here is cheesy and not wet."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers delivery services for convenient dining at home.

2

Expect large portion sizes for a reasonable price.

3

The menu features a wide variety of authentic Caribbean dishes.

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.

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.

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 oxtail here is flavorful and just like home."

"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.

12
Blue Flame - Southern Restaurant image 1

Cafeteria-style restaurant with urban vibe and soothing music creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. Seats, bar, and TVs cater to sport fans, drawing packed crowds on Sundays. Soul food features large portions and flavorful dishes like mac and cheese, ribs, and meatloaf.

Oxtail comes fiery and tender, served alongside yellow rice and collard greens. The dish pairs well with creamy mac and cheese and cabbage.

Unlimited servings highlight the Mac and Cheese here. It pairs well with dishes like oxtail and yellow rice, making it a tasty, enjoyable side.

People are saying

"I thought this place served the best soul food in town."

"The oxtail here is flavorful and pretty good."

"I thought the Mac and Cheese was outstanding."

Good to know

1

Lunch specials are available daily, offering great value.

2

The restaurant is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

3

Parking is limited near the restaurant, so arrive early.

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