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Ella's American Folk Art Cafe, Tampa, FL

Ella's American Folk Art Cafe

4.6
4.6
853 Reviews
$31 to $50
American
Located in the heart of Seminole Heights, just minutes from Downtown Tampa, we are an eclectic independent eatery, music venue and art gallery that is dedicated to nourishing your stomach and your soul! Please call 813-234-1000 to book parties of 6 or more (Gratuity is added for groups of 8 or more) Thank you

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 24 times today

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Cuisines

    American, Comfort Food, Soul food

  • Hours of operation

    Lunch Thu–Sat 11:00 am–3:00 pm Brunch Sun 11:00 am–8:00 pm Happy Hour Tue, Wed 5:00 pm–7:00 pm Thu–Sat 3:00 pm–7:00 pm Dinner Tue, Wed 5:00 pm–11:00 pm Thu–Sat 5:00 pm–12:00 am

  • Phone number

    (813) 234-1000

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Catering

    Please email partyatellas@gmail.com for our catering menus.

  • Private party facilities

    Ellas offers many options for your private event. From general meetings to wedding parties, we can accommodate you in our loft space, our beautiful patio or the entire restaurant can be yours. Please contact Amy at 813-234-1000.

  • Neighborhood

    Tampa

  • Cross street

    Shadowlawn

  • Parking details

    Private lot behind restaurant, private paved lot on Shadowlawn. At AA Casey across the street after 5pm and all day Sunday. At Value (next door) after 7 pm and all day Sunday. Overflow lot located at 5108 N Nebraska (1 block south--look for Elvis mural on blue building) Please no parking on Shadowlawn.

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Happy Hour, Late Night, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

What 853 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.4Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Tampa

    Great for brunch

  • Tampa

    American

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Filters

  1. OpenTable Diner

    Tampa

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I love Ella so much! It’s definitely Soulfood good for the soul! Amazing food for the price and the drinks are absolutely fantastic! Service like no other! Everything is fresh food and locally sourced. Definitely check this place out!
  2. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We enjoyed coming here every time 🙂☺️ the food is always great 👍
  3. RachelH

    Columbus

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    Great service, delicious curry and delightful pistachio cake! Fun place to take kids, lots to see!
  4. SHAWNK

    Tampa

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    WE LOVE ELLA'S FOOD AND THE ARTISTIC DECOR. THEY HAVE GOOD MIXED DRINKS, AND WILL SELL THEIR INFUSED ALCOHOL AT ALSO.
  5. CindyK

    Tampa

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on March 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We brought out-of-town guests here and it was a great choice. The atmosphere is fun and the servers are always friendly and helpful. We sat on the patio, which meant we had some street noise, but were still able to easily talk. We love their food - two favorites are the caesar salad and meat loaf, as well as the hummus and edamame apps. A great local place we love to support!
  6. SusanE

    Tampa

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 15, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience4
    The staff and atmosphere are always warm and welcoming. I love the doghouse salad. The salmon is always good and properly cooked, and the veggies and dressing are yummy. However, I got quite ill after eating there last night, so I’m not confident about sanitary kitchen practices.
  7. Matt

    New York Area

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on March 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always great food and service. We will definitely be back!
  8. FoodBabe

    Tampa

    56 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    56 reviews

    Dined on March 12, 2023

    overall2food2service5ambience3
    Was very disappointed that at 6:30 on a Sunday they were out of so many things. Also sad that they don’t make their own sour mix. Margaritas tasted like something you can get at chili’s. My snapper Was dry and over cooked. The fries old and tasteless. The server and host were the bright spots.
  9. OpenTable Diner

    Tampa

    3 reviews

    2.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on March 12, 2023

    overall2food2service4ambience2
    We were meeting others for dinner, I had requested upstairs dining, it was closed. We were seated directly in front of band which was very loud and made talking impossible. They were out of chicken and salmon and the brisket that I ordered was dry and not fresh.
  10. OpenTable Diner

    Western NC

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 12, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience5
    Hostess seemed off her game. We tried to change to another table that was open (there were several open) but she made excuses why we couldn’t change. This was after telling us the tables are assigned at random. The band was great food was good. Service was slow but very friendly.
  11. OpenTable Diner

    Tampa

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 11, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience4
    Everything took forever and the food was just meh. Which was disappointing because years ago my Ella’s experience was so good.
  12. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Dinner was amazing and the service was outstanding!
  13. RodC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very good would order ribs again...................not much else to say
  14. ClaireJ

    Tallahassee

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on March 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Ella’s Soul Food Sunday brunch is our favorite brunch in Tampa! We love living so close to Ella’s and getting to bring friends and family to brunch.
  15. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Listened to the band and had drinks & dinner
  16. dbruno

    New York Area

    22 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on March 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food, nice outdoor deck for dinner. Great service too.
  17. Chad

    Tampa

    36 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    36 reviews

    Dined on February 25, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    Their food is delicious, as they have a wide variety of flavors. Their outdoor deck is nice for dining.
  18. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on February 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Ella’s is a Seminole Heights staple, around for forever and for good reason. Their menu is down-home inspired featuring things like meatloaf, lamb chops, mac and cheese, and okra. I love the Mel-dalion, a chop cooked in savory butter, paired with bacon-wrapped asparagus and mashed potatoes that you can measure all other mashed potatoes against. Their cocktail menu is solid and their drinks are fairly strong. This is the place we bring everybody: visiting family, kids on the weekend, date nights, friends. The outdoor patio is tables set around a giant tree-hugging deck, with lights hanging overhead. It’s romantic, family-friendly and neighborhood feels all in one.
  19. OpenTable Diner

    Columbus

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 25, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    Tried the pizza for the first time and it was delicious. Lots of flavor and the crust was nice and light and not chewy.
  20. OpenTable Diner

    Tampa

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Spending time with family for their birthday
  21. Reki

    Tampa

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on February 19, 2023

    overall3food2service3ambience4
    We sat outside, which was nice. The weather was perfect. The service was ok. Our waiter did greet us when we sat down and brought waters, but we waited another 20 minutes before he came back to take our order. My husband got the kiss my grits with catfish and I got the chicken and waffles. The food had no seasoning and we had to ask for the salt and pepper. The only things that had seasoning was the fried chicken and fried catfish. The collard greens were on the sweet side which was very unusual. Overall it was just ok and I can’t say that I’ll be back.
  22. LJ3318

    Tampa

    23 reviews

    3.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on February 19, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    Brunch menu is not the greatest, and today my BBQ brisket sandwich was really dry and weirdly fatty. Service was efficient, not super friendly. Just an average experience this time.
  23. OpenTable Diner

    Tampa

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was outstanding…. Food, service, ambiance 👏👏
  24. OpenTable Diner

    Tampa

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We celebrated Valentine’s Day there and Olivia was our server! She was super sweet and the food was amazing!!! It was a little noisy because we sat outside and its right on Nebraska Ave., but that will not keep this from being one of our new fav places to eat!!!❤️
  25. stevencarl

    Tampa

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on February 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Great food, good service
  26. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    18 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on February 12, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Ellas was a surprise hit. Lots of great art throughout the space. Food was very good. Only complaint that appetizers & entrees came out almost at the same time. Hummus & Pimento platter was super fresh, with large crisp veggie’s & thick crisp bread. The edamame was crazy good! The soy, Tamarind, roasted garlic made it a standout . As for entrees Pork Chop was a nice double cut with delicious bacon apple on top Brussels were good but slightly overcooked. My daughter had a beautifully prepared blackened chicken Caesar Salad, seasoning was perfect! I also hoped to try the key lime pie, I ordered a piece to go, but unfortunately left it in my rental car overnight. All of this was served by a very nice server who’s name I can’t remember but had really Awesomely Cool Glasses. So when in Tampa consider taking a short ride from downtown and check this place out.
  27. LanceM

    Tampa

    1 review

    vip
    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 11, 2023

    overall3food2service3ambience5
    The restaurant was out of so many items that it was difficult to order. Food was just ok.
  28. path

    Atlanta Metro

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on February 11, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Always great service. Food was good but not as good as last time. Maybe we just ordered the wrong thing.
  29. OpenTable Diner

    Tampa

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 11, 2023

    overall3food5service1ambience5
    Food was amazing! However the service was terrible. We got seated 7:15, we were waiting for the other girl in our party. Drinks went well and were delicious. Placed our order at 7:45. Still no food by 8:30, we asked our waitress the update on the food and why other bigger parties around us were getting their food first when we were seated before them. Her response was its valentines day weekend so we are busy, they have a different waiter and she simply did not know why. A few minutes later she comes back and says your ticket is in the front of the line, by this time it’s 8:45. She seemed like she simply did not care about our table and made no attempts to try and seem helpful. If she would have been honest and told us maybe she simply forgot to put it in, it’s understandable that happens but she was so nonchalant, it put a bad taste in all our mouths about this place. The only saving grace, the food. It was so good, we all enjoyed each of our different meals. Bottom line, they need servers that actually care about the customers.
  30. BethM

    New England

    42 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    42 reviews

    Dined on February 5, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Love the Sunday BBQ. It was a wonderful afternoon, lunch was great! We will be back!
  31. MaureenD

    Tampa

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on February 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The MOST AMAZING food we've had in quite a long time. Hubs is a chef so very picky when it comes to restaurants and food quality. Cannot say enough wonderful things about our experience at Ella's. The catfish was cooked to perfection, the collard greens were second to none and the corn bread was so flavorful. We started with fried pickle chips that did not disappoint and the bloody mary was over the top with the rib. Grits were cheesy and creamy, the tomato topping was so delicious. We will go back sooner rather than later. Very impressed with everything about Ella's.
  32. Philsthoughts

    Orlando

    41 reviews

    5.0

    41 reviews

    Dined on February 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Reservations were for 11:45, walked in, was immediately seated. Waiter came by almost immediately and took our orders as soon as we were ready. Food arrived hot and everyone was happy with their choice.
  33. OpenTable Diner

    Tampa

    26 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    26 reviews

    Dined on February 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The shrimp curry was AMAZING!
  34. GailS

    Tampa

    12 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on January 31, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    Great place, cool interior, and nice patio area. Definitely recommend!
  35. MiguelA

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent service and food . Relaxing environment. My wife and me had a good time and really enjoyed the food
  36. OpenTable Diner

    Tampa

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our waiter was a sweetheart. The food was great and we love the atmosphere
  37. RobbNewTampa

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Before going to “Hamilton” at The Straz, the wife and I had dinner at Ella’s. The cocktails were mixed to perfection & we highly recommend the Seminole Heights Gnocchi & the Dog House salad. I didn’t even know what gnocchi was! This trendy cafe deserves another visit!
  38. OpenTable Diner

    Orlando

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on January 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Been wanting to come to Ella’s for years and finally made it. Did NOT disappoint! From cocktails and shareables, to entree, there is TONS of flavor. Initially some of the prices seemed high but being that they source the freshest ingredients from local sources, as well as making everything from scratch, you’re paying for quality (without skimping on portion sizes). Every detail/ingredient tastes carefully thought out. Loved the ambiance and the folk art throughout too!
  39. reasonablevoice

    Orlando

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on January 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Eclectic menu, southern influenced. Food and drinks were fantastic. I enjoyed Ella’s more than many other Tampa restaurants.
  40. OpenTable Diner

    Coastal Georgia

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on January 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food. Incredible drinks. Kind and knowledgeable staff. It was an incredible date night experience. 10/10. Wish we could go back for soul food Sunday!

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Sealed or wrapped utensils used
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
  • Physical distancing

    • Limited number of seated diners
    • Distancing maintained in common areas
    • Extra space between tables
  • Protective equipment

    • Waitstaff wear masks
    • Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Ella's American Folk Art Cafe does offer delivery in partnership with Chow Now and Uber Eats. Ella's American Folk Art Cafe also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (813) 234-1000.

Ella's American Folk Art Cafe is rated 4.6 stars by 853 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 24 times today
Google Map for Ella's American Folk Art Cafe

5119 N Nebraska Ave, Tampa, FL 33603

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross street

    Shadowlawn

  • Neighborhood

    Tampa

  • Hours of operation

    Lunch Thu–Sat 11:00 am–3:00 pm Brunch Sun 11:00 am–8:00 pm Happy Hour Tue, Wed 5:00 pm–7:00 pm Thu–Sat 3:00 pm–7:00 pm Dinner Tue, Wed 5:00 pm–11:00 pm Thu–Sat 5:00 pm–12:00 am

  • Cuisines

    American, Comfort Food, Soul food

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Parking details

    Private lot behind restaurant, private paved lot on Shadowlawn. At AA Casey across the street after 5pm and all day Sunday. At Value (next door) after 7 pm and all day Sunday. Overflow lot located at 5108 N Nebraska (1 block south--look for Elvis mural on blue building) Please no parking on Shadowlawn.

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Happy Hour, Late Night, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

  • Phone number

    (813) 234-1000

  • Catering

    Please email partyatellas@gmail.com for our catering menus.

  • Private party facilities

    Ellas offers many options for your private event. From general meetings to wedding parties, we can accommodate you in our loft space, our beautiful patio or the entire restaurant can be yours. Please contact Amy at 813-234-1000.

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  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
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