Background

Ella's Americana Folk Art Cafe: A Seminole Heights Landmark

A beloved Tampa restaurant and live music venue known for its eclectic menu, vibrant folk art, and community-focused atmosphere in Seminole Heights.

4.5

Ella's Americana Folk Art Cafe was a beloved restaurant and live music venue in Tampa's Seminole Heights neighborhood, known for its eclectic menu, vibrant folk art decor, and Soul Food Sundays. Though it closed in September 2024, it remains a significant cultural touchstone for the community.

A brief summary to Ella’s Americana Folk Art Cafe

Local tips

  • Explore Seminole Heights, a vibrant neighborhood known for its vintage charm, trendy eateries, and thriving arts scene.
  • Check out other local attractions, including ZooTampa at Lowry Park and Rivercrest Park.
  • Discover the Seminole Heights Sunday Market for local growers and artists.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Public Transport

    To reach Ella's Americana Folk Art Cafe using public transportation, find the nearest Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART) bus stop. Routes 5 or 34 travel along Nebraska Avenue. Get off the bus at the 'Nebraska Ave @ Powhatan Ave' stop. Walk north on N Nebraska Ave for about 5 minutes to the cafe. A single bus fare is approximately $2.00.

  • Walking

    If you are within walking distance in Seminole Heights, head towards N Nebraska Ave. Look for the intersection of N Nebraska Ave and E Powhatan Ave. From there, walk north on N Nebraska Ave for about 5-10 minutes. Ella's Americana Folk Art Cafe was on your left at 5119 N Nebraska Ave.

Unlock the Best of Ella’s Americana Folk Art Cafe

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Ella’s Americana Folk Art Cafe

Ella's Americana Folk Art Cafe, established in 2009 by Ernie Locke and Melissa Deming, quickly became a cornerstone of the Seminole Heights community. The restaurant was celebrated for its unique atmosphere, combining a passion for Americana folk art with a diverse menu that offered something for everyone. The interior was a visual feast, with folk art pieces adorning the walls of the airy, two-story dining room. The space featured a loft area that overlooked the main dining space and a prominent bar, creating a cozy and welcoming environment. The eclectic decor extended to the exterior, with colorful bowling balls lining the front lawn and a sprawling metal horse sculpture that greeted visitors. Ella's was particularly known for its Soul Food Sundays, which featured elevated comfort food such as fried chicken and waffles, fried catfish, and biscuits and gravy. The menu also included gourmet pizzas, burgers, and vegetarian options, reflecting the diverse tastes of the neighborhood. Live music was a regular feature, with performances on Friday and Saturday nights and Sunday afternoons, adding to the restaurant's vibrant and community-focused atmosphere. Though Ella's Americana Folk Art Cafe closed its doors in September 2024, its legacy as a cultural and culinary haven in Seminole Heights endures.

Popular Experiences near Ella’s Americana Folk Art Cafe

Popular Hotels near Ella’s Americana Folk Art Cafe

Select Currency