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11 minute read
Dining
Clearwater
BASCOM’S CHOP HOUSE—
Steakhouses. Bascom’s Chop House features a lengthy list of authentic Florida seafood, steaks and chops. Customers are welcomed into an elegant, mint-green dining room complete with plush, red seating and a small bar area. 3665 Ulmerton Road, Clearwater, 727.573.3363. www.bascoms.com
BIG STORM BREWING CO.—
Brewery. A top choice for local craft-beer featuring Arcus Southern Pale Ale, Wavemaker Amber Ale and Palm Bender Gulf Coast IPA, made from lo- cally sourced ingredients. Open daily, hours vary by location. 12707 49th St. N., Clearwater, 727.201.4186 ; 2330 Success Drive, Odessa, 727.376.2890. www.bigstormbrewery.com
QUAKER STEAK & LUBE —
Steakhouses. Sit under vehicles while feasting on some of the 25 choices of wings, steak burgers, “suped-up” soups and salads or flame-broiled steaks. Live music on Wednesday Bike Nite. L, D (daily). 10400 49th St. N., Clearwater, 727.572.9464. www.thelube.com
RUMBA ISLAND BAR AND GRILL—
Caribbean. Get a taste of the islands with classic Jamaican jerk chicken, Caribbean pulled pork and fresh grouper sandwiches. L, D (daily). 1800 Gulf-to-Bay Blvd., Clearwater, 727.446.7027; 3687 Tampa Road, Oldsmar, 813.475.5974. www.rumbagrill.com
TEQUILA’S MEXICAN GRILL AND CANTINA—
Mexican. From homemade dishes that range from carnitas, fish platters, tacos and jerk pork, this restaurant cooks everything from scratch using family recipes. L, D (daily). 422 Cleveland St., Clearwater, 727.461.6949
Dunedin
BON APPÉTIT RESTAURANT—
American. Bon Appétit exudes sophistication and class, from its waterfront dining view of St. Joseph Sound and Honeymoon and Caladesi islands to its chef’s specials. L, D (daily), Br (Su). 148 Marina Plaza, Dunedin, 727.733.2151. www.bonappetitrestaurant.com
CASA TINA—
Mexican. A thriving and friendly downtown staple offering fresh, healthy, authentic Mexican cuisine. L, (M-Sa), D (daily), Br (Su). 365 Main St., Dunedin, 727.734.9226. www.casatinas.com
DUNEDIN BREWERY—
Brewery. Florida’s oldest microbrewery offers pub food, live entertainment and handcrafted ales that have been produced since 1996, 14 barrels at a time. L, D (daily). 937 Douglas Ave., Dunedin, 727.736.0606. www.dunedinbrewery.com
FLANAGAN’S IRISH PUB—
Irish. Open-late Irish bar with a delicious chef-in- spired menu and high-quality wine, cocktails, Irish whiskey and live music. L, D (daily). 465 Main St., Dunedin, 727.401.3477. www.flanagansirishpub.net
THE LIVING ROOM ON MAIN—
Tapas. Enjoy tapas and cocktails at this casual place to relax with the locals. Dishes are inspired by world cuisine. L, D (daily), Br (Sa-Su). 487 Main St., Dunedin, 727.736.5202. www. thelivingroomonmain.com
PAN Y VINO BRICK OVEN PIZZA AND WINE BAR—
Tapas. This upscale wine and tapas bar has a long wine list and specializes in gourmet pizzas, breads, cheeses, coffee and desserts. D (Tu-Su). 369 Main St., Dunedin, 727.734.1529.
SEA RIDERS—
Steaks & Seafood. Known for its fresh seafood, Sea Riders also offers alternatives like chicken and burgers for landlubbers. L, D (daily). 221 Main St., Dunedin, 727.734.1445. www.seasearidersdunedin.com
SONDER SOCIAL CLUB—
Cocktail bar. Dunedin’s first craft cocktail bar offers sophisticated drinks and elevated bar food in an attractive literary-themed setting. Try the braised short rib steamed bun or white cauliflower truffle pizza, and pair with your favorite cocktail. Opens at 4 pm (daily). 966 Douglas Ave., Unit 101, Dunedin, 727.754.6674. www.sondersocial.club.
Gulf Beaches
AGAVE RESTAURANT—
Mexican . Spice up your night with a visit to Agave Mexican restaurant. Fresh ingredients, and authentic Mexican cuisine turn a regular day into a fiesta. Indoor and outdoor seating available. L, D (daily). 6400 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach, 727.367.3448.
BEACH BITES CAFE—
American. This fast-casual hangout is the place for grilled cheese, hot dogs, wraps and more. Soft-serve ice cream makes for a perfect dessert. L, D (W-M). John’s Pass Village, 12961 Village Blvd., Madeira Beach, 727.317.4300.
BILLY’S STONE CRAB AND SEAFOOD RESTAURANT—
Seafood & Steaks. Enjoy a lovely view of the harbor while enjoying fresh crab, seafood and steaks. L, D (daily). One Collany Road, Tierra Verde, 727.866.2115. www.billysstonecrab.com
CADDY’S INDIAN SHORES—
Seafood. Enjoy a laid-back atmosphere and beautiful water views. Casual American fare—steaks, ribs and pasta— and plenty of seafood choices are served on three outdoor decks. L, D (daily), Br (Su). 20025 Gulf Blvd., Indian Shores, 727.595.3172. www.caddys.com
COMPASS GRILLE—
American. Choose from burgers to adventurous fare such as French-cut chicken breast or cornmeal-dusted fresh Florida grouper, all inspired by ports throughout North America and the Caribbean. B, L, D (daily). 5300 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach, 727.363.5129. www.sirata.com/ restaurants/compass-grille
COOTERS RESTAURANT & BAR—
Steak & Seafood. The family-friendly place to go for fish, burgers, hand-cut steaks, its famous “all you can eat” snow crab special, wings and twice-daily happy hour. 423 Poinsettia Ave., Clearwater Beach, 727.462.2668. www.cooters.com
HARRY’S BEACH BAR—
American. Order one of Harry’s tropical drinks or a craft beer and watch the sun set over the St Petersburg coast. The menu is completely updated with gourmet burgers, wings, salads and sandwiches. L, D (daily). 5300 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach, 727.363.5100. www.sirata.com/ restaurants/harrys-beach-bar
KEEGAN’S SEAFOOD GRILLE—
Seafood. Since 1985, Keegan’s Seafood Grille has been a favorite with locals. Its serves up seafood aplenty, (daily) specials and a kids’ menu, just a short walk from the beach. L, D (daily). 1519 Gulf Blvd., Indian Rocks Beach, 727.596.2477. www.keegansseafood.com
MAD BEACH BREWING COMPANY—
Brewery. Hang out with craftbeer enthusiasts at this hip brew pub and sample more than 25 varieties of beer and cider, plus wine and sangria. Go for the drinks but stay for the Caribbean and Southern-inspired menu. 12945 Village Blvd., Madeira Beach, 727.362.0008. www.madbeachbrewing.com
PJ’S OYSTER BAR—
Seafood. The decor? Dollar bills that customers have signed and pinned onto the wall. Customers come for the steamed shrimp and oysters on the half shell. L, D (daily). 415 Second St., Indian Rocks Beach, 727.596.5898; 7490 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach, 727.367.3309. www.pjsoysterbar.net
RUM RUNNERS BAR & GRILLE—
American. If the lengthy tropical drink menu doesn’t hook you, the Key West- inspired conch fritters will. L, D (daily). 5300 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach, 727.363.5100. www. sirata.com/restaurants/ rum- runners-bar-grille/
SEARED 1200 CHOPHOUSE—
Seafood & Steak. Meat and fish are seared, then broiled at 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit. Dishes like Angus rib-eye with Gorgonzola sauce pair well with the extensive se- lection of white and red wines. D (daily). 5007 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach, 727.367.1300. www.1200chophouse.com
SLYCE PIZZA BAR—
Pizza. Delicious appetizers, enticing salads and signature pizzas; Slyce serves up greatness every time. L, D (daily). 311 Gulf Blvd., Indian Rocks Beach, 727.408.5272; 662 150th Ave., Madeira Beach, 727.308.7881. www.slycepizzabar.com
TOMMY’S TIKI—
Bar. It’s one of the few Clearwater Beach bars where you can receive service directly on the beach and catch a sunset. Open from 11 am to sunset, weather permitting. 400 Mandalay Ave., Clearwater Beach, 727.461.3222. www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/ florida/hilton-clearwaterbeach-resort-and-spa-PIECBHF/dining/index.html
Pinellas Park
DA SESTO ITALIANO RISTORANTE E VINO—
Italian. Enjoy authentic Italian dishes at this cozy restaurant. Choose pasta selections such as cheese or lobster ravioli and pair with wines from the extensive wine list. L (M-F), D (M-Sa). 7201 66th St. N., Pinellas Park, 727.209.2695. www.dasesto.com
KAO THAI KITCHEN—
Asian. North and South Thailand meet at this upscale family-owned restaurant, in dishes such as Northern-style noodle curry and Southernstyle Hai Yai fried chicken. L (M-F), D (daily). 7199 66th St. N., Pinellas Park, 727.350.3722. www.kaothaikitchen.com
Safety Harbor
BRADY’S BACKYARD—
Barbecue. Brady’s serves up wood-smoked barbecue sandwiches, dinners and combos with old-fashioned Southern hospitality. L, D (daily). 340 Main St., Safety Harbor,27.712.3727. www.bradysbackyardbbq.com
FOUNTAIN GRILLE RESTAURANT—
American. Dine on New American fare and unique regional seafood in a relaxing atmosphere where centuries-old springs continue to flow. B, L, D (daily). Safety Harbor Resort and Spa, 105 N. Bayshore Drive, Safety Harbor, 727.726.1161. www.safetyharborspa.com
St. Petersburg
3 DAUGHTERS BREWING—
Brewery. There’s live entertainment on weekends and trivia on Monday nights, but the focus is on the more than 60 beers on tap. Also look for their beers throughout Florida, Georgia and the Bahamas. 222 22nd St. S., St. Petersburg, 727.495.6002. www.3dbrewing.com
400 BEACH SEAFOOD & TAP HOUSE—
Seafood. The restaurant features a raw bar, more than beers on tap, wines by the glass, signature cocktails and relaxed coastal cuisine that can be enjoyed indoors or on the patio. L, D (M-Sa), Br (Su). 400 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg, 727.896.2400. www.400beachseafood.com
THE ANNEX—
American. With its sunny yellow decor, The Annex walk-up cafe brightens the day from 8 am-8 pm daily, serving breakfast through desserts, coffee, local craft beer, wine and sodas. 400 Beach Drive, St. Petersburg, 727.896.4400. www.annex 400beach.com
Visit St. Pete’s first and largest art museum and explore 5,000 years of art and global culture. From antiquities to contemporary art and so much in between, there is something for everyone to experience at the Museum of Fine Arts. Visit us in person or on social @MFAStPete.
BODEGA—
Cuban. Bodega’s Latin market food blends Cuban faves with island fare, fresh-squeezed juices and vegan items in a casual setting. Selection of Latin, Caribbean and Florida craft beers. Two locations: St. Petersburg open daily; Seminole Heights Tu-Su. 1120 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727.623.0942; 5901 N. Florida Ave., Seminole Heights, 813.533.3333. www.eatatbodega.com
CAFE GALA—
Tapas. The casual eatery at The Dali Museum embraces the heritage of Salvador Dalí with a menu of light fare with a Spanish theme. Open museum hours. 1 Dali Blvd., St. Petersburg, 727.623.4725. www.thedali.org/visit/ cafe-gala
DR. BBQ—
Barbecue. Dr. BBQ elevates barbecue with global flavors. Find barbecue standards, kimchi fries, Tai Pei street corn and Cajun-spiced wood-grilled gator. Full bar with artisanal spirits, house- made colas and local beers. L, D (daily), Br (Sa-Su). 1101 1st Ave. S., St. Petersburg, 727.443.7227. www.drbbqs.com
FRESCO’S WATERFRONT BISTRO—
Creole-Italian. On the bay, the restaurant sports a 2,000-square-foot deck that overlooks the St. Pete Municipal Marina. Fresco’s offers fresh seafood, steaks, burgers and more. L (M-F), D (daily), Br (Sa-Su). 300 Second Ave. NE, St. Petersburg, 727.894.4429. www.frescoswaterfront.com
GREEN BENCH BREWING CO.—
Brewery. St. Petersburg’s first craft microbrewery and beer garden brews beers including the benchmark Green Bench IPA. Open Tu-Su. 1133 Baum Ave. N., St. Petersburg, 727.800.9836. www.greenbenchbrewing.com
THE HANGAR RESTAURANT & FLIGHT LOUNGE—
American. A cafe serving traditional breakfast fare and burgers and sandwiches by day, The Hangar turns into a bistro at night. Catch First Monday Jazz with Al Downing Jazz. B, L, D (daily). Albert Whitted Airport, 540 First St. SE, St. Petersburg, 727.823.7767. www.thehangarstpete.com
HAROLD SELTZER’S STEAKHOUSE—
Steakhouses. Sweet and spicy ribs, rotisserie chicken and steaks make up the contemporary American cuisine. L (Su), D (daily). 3500 Tyrone Blvd. N., St. Petersburg, 727.954.7777. www.bestprimerib.net
THE MILL—
New American. With locations in St. Petersburg and Tampa, The Mill brings an elevated approach to American and Southern cuisines. D Tu- Su, Br Sa-Su, closed M. 200 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727.317.3930; 2500 W. Azeele St., 813.603.8786. www.themillrestaurants.com
PARKSHORE GRILL—
Steak & Seafood. This upscale restaurant features surf and turf selections. Dine outdoors overlooking Straub Park, or indoors, surrounded by rich mahogany columns and a beautifully polished bar with twin, gently trickling waterfalls. L (M-F), D (daily), Br (Sa-Su). 300 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg, 727.896.9463. www.parkshoregrill.com
SKYWAY JACK’S—
Diner. The greasy spoon is a local favorite, known for heaping por- tions of favorites like blueberry and chocolate chip pancakes or the Anchor’s Away—baked beans, sausage and cornbread. B, L (daily). 2795 34th St. S., St. Petersburg, 727.867.1907. www.skywayjacksfl.com
TED PETER’S FAMOUS SMOKED FISH—
Fish and Seafood. Familyowned and operated over 65 years. Raw fish are laid on racks over a smoldering red oak flame and smoked for four-six hours. Known for its mackerel and mullet. L, D (W- M). 1350 Pasadena Ave. S., St. Petersburg, 727.381.7931. www. tedpetersfish.com
Tampa
ACROPOLIS GREEK TAVERNA—
Mediterranean. This authentic Greek tavern offers a wide array of salads in addition to traditional Greek specialties. L, D (daily), Br (Sa-Su). Multiple locations. 14947 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., 813.971.1787. www. acropolistaverna.com
CAFE WATERSIDE—
American. At the Tampa Marriott Waterside, enjoy the flavors of the area either inside the dining room or out on the terrace overlooking the Riverwalk. Wine and Champagne are available. B, L, D (daily). 700 S. Florida Ave., 813.221.4900. www.marriott. com/hotels/hotel-information/ restaurant/tpamc-tampamarriott-water-street
COUNCIL OAK STEAKS & SEAFOOD—
Steakhouse. This swank steakhouse is inside the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel. Up front, watch butchers preparing the tasty steaks. Seafood delicacies, including Alaskan king crab, are also on the menu. D (daily). 5223 North Orient Rd., 866.388.4263. www.seminole hardrocktampa.com
EDDIE V’S PRIME SEAFOOD—
Seafood. The freshest seafood paired with the freshest ingredients is what to expect at Eddie V’s. Enjoy live jazz in the lounge while sipping a handcrafted cocktail or a wine from their ex- tensive menu. D (daily). 4400 W. Boy Scout Blvd., 813.877.7290. www.eddiev.com/home
ELEVAGE AT EPICUREAN HOTEL—
American. Élevage features creative salads, craft cocktails, seafood and steak in a trendy atmosphere. D (daily), Br (Sa-Su). 1207 S. Howard Ave., 813.999.8726. www.epicurean hotel.com/taste/elevage
GOODY GOODY—
Diner. Feed your craving for comfort food at Tampa’s iconic Goody Goody, established in 1925, which serves all-day breakfasts, burgers, milkshakes and diner plates. B, L, D (daily). Located in Hyde Park Village and at Tampa International Airport. 1601 W. Swann Ave., 813.308.1925; 4100 George J. Bean Parkway, 813.387.9833. www.goodygoodyburgers.com
HARD ROCK CAFE—
American. Large burgers and outrageous hot fudge brownies are favorites here. Don’t forget to stop in the boutique for your signature Hard Rock baseball cap, T-shirt or jacket. L, D (daily). 5223 North Orient Rd., 866.388.4263. www.seminole hardrocktampa.com
HARPOON HARRY’S CRAB HOUSE—
Seafood & Steak. Harpoon Harry’s offers plenty of options for sushi and seafood lovers and landlubbers alike, from crab pots and lobster tails to short rib carnitas and filet mignon. Full bar. L, D (daily); located in the Tampa Convention Center. 225 S. Franklin St., 813.321.4040. www.harpoonharry scrabhousetampa.com
ICHICORO RAMEN—
Asian. A modern ramen destination with bowls done up in chicken and mushroom broth, plus brothless ramen served both hot and cold. Rice bowls round out the menu. L (M-F), D (daily), Br (Sa-Su). 5229 N. Florida Ave., Tampa, 813.517.9989. www.ichicororamen.com
JACKSON’S BISTRO—
Seafood & Sushi. A Tampa land- mark for its wine list, fabulous cuisine and live entertainment. Try a (daily) chef special, choose from the extensive sushi menu or order treats like filet mignon. L (M-Sa), D (daily), Br (Su). 601 S. Harbour Island Blvd., 813.277.0112. www.jacksonsbistro.com
MEAT MARKET TAMPA—
Steakhouse. Meat Market calls itself a “sexier, more glamorous take on the traditional steak- house.” Now open in Hyde Park Village, the steakhouse offers prime cuts of meat and seafood. Pair dishes with unique, hand- made cocktails. Happy hour 4-7 pm daily. 1606 W. Snow Ave.,