Downtown New Port Richey is flourishing as new restaurants and shops trade vacancy signs for open signs. With so many new business coming in to town, we picked out a few of our favorite new downtown restaurants!
Herschel’s Scratch Kitchen
Herschel’s has quickly leapt to the top of our go-to breakfast spots. Their staple servings include eggs benedict and the build-your-own grits skillet, both of which are more than enough reason to keep coming back. They play to their strengths with their fried green tomatoes, truly embracing their Southern cooking style. All in all, we’ve loved this place for both work breakfasts and boozy brunches. Look out for November when they start serving dinner, too!
Sip on Grand
While Sip isn’t new to downtown New Port Richey, it is new to owner Sean Fulton. Sean purchased downtown’s first craft wine and beer bar in February 2020, and Since owning it, Sean has put a heavy focus on amping up the menu. Sip’s four main charcuterie boards are always crowd pleasers, but that’s just the start. Chef Chad’s smoked mullet spread is easily one of the best things to order in all of downtown. Sean has expanded Sip’s craft beer selection (try the Gose) and is transitioning the house wines to all organic. Stop by and enjoy the lovely outdoor seating, or the comfy indoor couches – either way, it’s all about the company!
Heros Subs and Salads
After more than 30 years protecting Pasco County as a fireman, John Beebe’s retirement isn’t exactly slowing him down. John opened Heros Subs on Main Street in March, 2020. The pandemic that followed was not something that was written into his business plan, but this is far from the greatest challenge he’s faced. With ten signature subs, John has made a name for his business by being bold in what he’s willing to try. His barbecue pulled chicken sandwich is a must when it’s available, and the new “White Heron” (named for our local tea room) is absolutely audacious with its secret sauce. One of our favorite things that Heros does is the pay-it-forward platter, where someone donates a platter to local first responders that John then delivers.
Vampire Penguin
Don’t walk into Vampire Penguin and expect your average snow cone. The shaved snow that’s served at Vampire Penguin is light and creamy, and comes in a variety of flavors with an assortment of mix-ins. Their regular flavors, like Strawberry Cheesecake and Mexican Candy, are unbelievably good. Their seasonal Pumpkin Pie flavor though? To die for. Vampire Penguin NPR is only one of about two dozen such spots in the country, and only the second to open up in Tampa Bay. This is one of those places that you’ll just need to experience to understand!
The Butcher’s Block
New Port Richey’s first dedicated delicatessen is doing more than meat expectations. The Butcher’s Block opened up on September 1st, but the hype is so real that they’re as busy today as the day they opened. They draw people in for the wide variety of meats they serve, including exotic meats like gator and elk, but also for the rare cuts of meat that they stock. The tomahawk cuts were one of the first rare cuts they stocked, and they were sold out instantly. As of right now, their bacon-wrapped venison kabobs look to be the next best sellers. Aside from the butchery, the Butcher’s Block is also serving up gourmet hot and cold subs. Our favorites are the Gooey Gobbler and BB’s Italian, but you’ll really need to experience these first-hand!
Ordinance One
When BJ opened Ordinance One in 2018 as a craft beer bar, he had no plans to become a restauranteur. When COVID struck, however, BJ was forced to pivot as his business was shuttered by a lockdown targeting Florida’s bars and breweries. Now in addition to your ciders, sours, and stouts, BJ has added a robust menu of bar bites. It started with the classics: the O1 pretzel, crab rangoon, and beef sliders. Now, he’s added the signature O1 wing, and is looking to keep expanding his menu! When the restaurants have closed, this is the spot for late night bites downtown.
ADAPT Freshness
The ADAPT Freshness story is wild, and almost didn’t happen, but we are so glad it did. When COVID forced him out of his job, Michael and his business partner Danielle took a leap of faith. They put the down payment on a Main Street storefront, painted the inside açaí purple, and got to work crafting bowls and smoothies that are healthy, affordable, and above all delicious! Unlike traditional restaurants, ADAPT uses 100% organic, locally grown fresh fruit in all of its offerings. Try out the ever-popular ADAPT Tropical smoothie, or let Michael experiment with flavors and get something totally unique! Either way, this place brings a great vibe to downtown New Port Richey!
