The Refinery Named Among the South's Best Eateries

The Refinery isn’t just a hip, trendy Tampa hangout. It’s also one of the best places in the South to grab a bite to eat.

That’s the word on the street, according to Southern Living magazine. The publication recently sent one of its food critics on the road to scout out the best places in the South to eat, and the Tampa hotspot made the list. It, in fact, was the only eatery in the region to do so.

“Well holy hells bells,” The Refinery’s Facebook page said of the distinction. “We are honored to be included in Southern Living Magazine’s 100 Best Restaurants of the South. Mighty fine company indeed!”

Writer Jennifer V. Cole recommended the Shishito & Flageolet Stew and Hubbard Squash Hoe Cakes, among other dishes at the 5137 N. Florida Ave. restaurant. Her top choices in the South also included Nashville’s City House, Birmingham’s Chez Fonfon, Atlanta’s Empire State South and Miami’s Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink, among others.

Check out the full list here.

Michelle Baker co-owns the restaurant along with her husband, Greg, whom she describes as “the genius in the kitchen.”

“We’re a very humble group and we just kind of follow that old thing of every day trying to make it better,” she said.

Will the honor go to their heads?

Baker says it’s actually more likely it will inspire The Refinery’s team to work even harder.

“(We’ll want to) make sure we can live up to the hype,” she said.

What other Tampa Bay restaurants do you think should have made the list? Tell us by commenting below!

Photo Credit: Southern Living magazine describes The Refinery’s food as some of the very best in the South. Photo courtesy of The Refinery.