Tampa Bay restaurant and bar openings: K Club Bar & Bistro, La Gloria

NOW OPEN

K Club Bar & Bistro

The Karol Hotel opened its signature restaurant last week. New American eats and craft cocktails drive the K Club Bar & Bistro menu, led by executive chef Jon Atanacio and inspired by Florida and the travels of hotel owners Fred and Karol Bullard. Featuring a wine display at the center of the main dining room and al fresco seating, the Feather Sound restaurant’s digs are billed as both contemporary and comfortable. The rest of the Karol Hotel, including climate-controlled rooftop bar Vantage, will roll out on Feb. 6. 2675 Ulmerton Road, Clearwater. (727) 273-7850. thekarolhotel.com.

La Gloria Colombian Restaurant

Largo’s La Gloria Colombian Restaurant has expanded with a second location. Launched in Pinellas Park in December, this casual spot serves Colombian favorites during breakfast, lunch and dinner. Choose from items such as empanadas de carne and arroz con pollo, as well as pork and seafood dishes, daily specials and platters for as many as 10 guests. 4505 Park Blvd. N, Pinellas Park. (727) 220-1022. la-gloria-colombian-restaurant.business.site.

Backyard Grill & Patio

Backyard Grill & Patio has taken over the indoor-outdoor space previously home to Nueva Cantina, and before that the bar and grill Love’s Artifacts. In addition to two bars, the place offers crowd-pleasing fare for the drinking crowd. BYG’s lineup lists appetizers like fried green beans, wings, a loaded hot dog, salads, sandwiches and burgers, among them the Texan that layers barbecue sauce, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, bacon and onion rings atop a half-pound Angus patty. Live music is an added bonus. 4918 S MacDill Ave., Tampa. (813) 831-9464.

Five Branches Brewing

On the historic Sponge Docks next to Costa’s Restaurant, this veteran-owned brewery opened in late November with Florida guest taps. Five Branches Brewing, whose name is a nod to the five branches of the military, now pours a few of its own beers — think the DIPA or the Belgian quadrupel — in a warm, relaxed environment. Sip inside the taproom or at a table out front and watch the passersby. 531 Athens St., Tarpon Springs. (727) 483-9122. fivebranchesbrewing.com.

CLOSED

Banyan Cafe

A closed sign went up at St. Petersburg staple Banyan Cafe’s original location on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. N last month. Established in 2008 by founder Erica Allums, the cozy-cool gathering place and its Central Avenue sibling, which remains open, were sold to a different owner. But Allums told the Times she’s in the process of taking the original back over. She said the location will likely become another cafe.

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Pipo’s To Go

The holiday hours sign on the door of Pipo’s To Go is still up: “We will be closed December 24th to January 1st. We will reopen on Thursday, January 2nd.” Owner Ramon Hernandez said in an email that “the plan is to reopen with a different concept for now.” He declined to comment on what will replace the downtown St. Petersburg Cuban cafe at 8 Fourth St. N. Pipo’s To Go did reliable breakfast and lunch, showcasing everything from cafe con leche to roast pork in a speedy setting. The Hernandez family brought their first cafe to Tampa Bay more than three decades ago, according to the Pipo’s website, and two other St. Pete locations are found on Bay Pines Boulevard and at the historic Manhattan Casino.

COMING SOON

Graze 1910

Armature Works’ Heights Public Market stall Graze 1910 will open its second Tampa location this month. Owned by Raymond and Lauren Menendez, the refined American, all-day-breakfast restaurant is set to offer the Palma Ceia area a larger menu for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. Anticipated munchies from head chef Lawrence “Bubba” Durley include egg dishes, chicken and waffles, burgers, tartines and vegan options. “After two years of success with Graze 1910 at Armature Works, we decided it was time to extend the brand, expand the menu and attract more families and locals,” said Raymond Menendez, who has spent almost three decades in restaurant operations and management, in a news release. The restaurant’s 2,700 square feet of quick-serve space will feature a throwback vibe and casual, elegant atmosphere developed by commercial interior designer Lauren Menendez, as well as community and general seating. Graze 1910 first premiered in Tampa Heights as part of the Heights Public Market in 2018. 2217 S Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa. graze1910.com.