Tampa/St.Pete

So I am spending 2 months in Tampa and I need advice on good places to eat/drink. Any suggestions?

I so miss the 'ville already, especially since during my last few days there I had out-of-this-world sushi @ Sapporo (Red Bull roll = OMFG) & Mojito - the Steak Chimmichuri caeser salad is amazing.

Bern's Steakhouse

Ybor City......it has well "stood the test of time".....since 1905...

http://www.travel-watch.com/columbia.htm

I SECOND Bern s for beef..!!

JJG III

[Robin Garr]

So I am spending 2 months in Tampa and I need advice on good places to eat/drink. Any suggestions?

Chris, it's been a long time, but back in the '90s I used to get through Tampa on occasion and found nice Cuban joints in the Ybor City neighborhood.

Bern's Steak House is also famous, both as an old-line, high-end steak house and also for an amazing wine cellar. (I believe they've also added a wine shop that sells goodies out of the cellar.)

No current info for you, though. I hope others with more recent knowledge will speak up.

Bern's Steakhouse

Drat - you beat me to it, but I have to add strong support to Ron's idea. It's a legendary place - plan on spending the night!

I hit these spots every time I go to Tampa- I lived in South Tampa and visit often.

Ceviche Tapas Bar on Bayshore
BT in Hyde park- the pumpkin soup is amazing
Miguels Mexican Cafe South Tampa- spinach enchiladas
Sideberns and the dessert room
Ciccio & Tony's Hyde Park for lunch
Tarpon Springs for authentic Greek
Island Way Grill Clearwater- Bamboo steamed crab legs

Check out Caladisi Island for an amazing beach day- pack a lunch

[Robin Garr]

Tarpon Springs for authentic Greek

Ohyeah! I forgot all about that! Amazing Greek seafood. I had a bowl of fried smelts at a little Greek place in Tarpon once that I still count among my top 10 food experiences.

B-21 Wines in Tarpon is a darn good wine shop, too, especially by Florida standards.

I'll be in Tampa all next week on vacation. I have been looking into places to eat as well and have come upon Mise en Place Restaurant. It's by South Tampa University I believe. I believe I am going to be stageing there next wednesday and thursday. I will let you know how it is.

Tarpon Springs:

Mykonos Greek on Dodecanese Blvd right on the sponge docks.
Rockwater on U.S. 19 North in Tarpon Springs

Tampa

Bella Brava- Tuscan cuisine. Traditional wood burning brick oven pizza.
Bern's Steakhouse
Salt Rock Grill- Awesome seafood
Red Mesa- Southwest/Mex
Restaurant BT- Noodle bowl heaven.
Donatello's- Northern Italian
El Cap- Best burgers down in St. Pete
Kojak's House of Ribs- Good BBQ
Royal Palace Thai
Byblos- Traditional Lebanese

Safety Harbor

Paradise Restaurant for excellent diner style food


I've had family in Tampa/Tarpon Springs for 50+ years and we have spent alot of time there.

Have some fun!

Wow - so many great choices! Thanks for all the help! I'll be headed to Tarpon Springs this weekend - can't wait!


Peace

Sweet Tomatoes!

There are five in the Tampa area

http://www.souplantation.com/locations/fm/

Sweet Tomatoes!

There are five in the Tampa area

http://www.souplantation.com/locations/fm/

I am planning on hitting Sweet Tomatoes very soon - it sounds wonderful and there is one not too far from where I am staying.

I lived in St. Pete for 17 years so I can tell you of a few good places.

Seviche on So. Howard is no longer.
Salt Rock Grill on Indian Rocks Beach is killer!!
Mise En Place in Tampa across from U. of Tampa on Kennedy Blvd.
Philthy Phils In St. Pete Beach has the best grouper sandwich
Bern's Steakhouse is $$$$ but worth it..check out the wine list!!
Columbia in Ybor City is a dining experience

I've been gone for a few years so I don't know of the "new ones".
Have a great trip and if you are ever in downtown Louisville, stop in my restaurant...Theater Square Deli...for lunch.

Try Euphemia Hay in Longboat Key which is right outside of Bradenton, FL. It's comparable to Jack Frys--both the atmosphere and menu. We are planning on getting married someday in FL and dream of having this restaurant cater our reception. Upstairs, there's a "Hay" loft where you can enjoy dessert and drinks on a neat balcony overlooking the beach. I recommend reservations and an empty stomach before you go.

5540 Gulf of Mexico Drive
941-383-3633

It's been a while, so it may be gone, but try Ted Peter's

1350 Pasadena Avenue
South Pasadena, FL 33707-3702

Excellent smoked fish, with a slice of onion a slice of tomato and a beer.

It is a mostly outdoor dumpy place with great smoked fish.

Cutoffs and sandals.