Long before Henry Plant brought railroads to Tampa, there was a meeting place situated west of Hillsborough River, situated on top of a Tocobagan Indian mound, called Mendota or “where two paths join.” This is the place where everyone came together to meet and share cultures, socialize, exchange goods, and eat, enjoying new cultures in food. This historic Indian mound became known as the junction.
Later, when the railroad came to the Tampa, the Cass Street Bridge was built, opening up new destinations to travel as the population grew. All roads still led to the junction, and it became the favorite place for food enthusiasts to test out new recipes and tastes. This piece of railroad track is a part of that line.
Today NoHo Junction sits in that intersection of past and present, a modern eatery with old-school railroad charm. NoHo Junction is proud to celebrate its heritage as a meeting place where everyone is welcome, carrying on the Tampa tradition of multiple cultures coming together to share a great meal. NoHo Junction offers affordable, fresh new delicious cuisines with several options available.
Because NoHo Junctions’ co-owner was from Thailand, she wanted blessings to be bestowed upon the space built near the Indian mound. Before NoHo Junction opened, Monks came to bless the venue. They made markings on the wall and windows and blessed it with water, and prayed. One of the Monks has the ability to sense, see or feel spirits. As part of the ritual, if spirits were felt, the Monks would bless them as well. The Monks sensed a female Indian spirit and a white man and blessed both to continue on their journey.