Tampa Area Guide to: RESTAURANTS

Tampa Area Guide to:

RESTAURANTS

In all likelihood, I will come to regret publishing some of this information, but it's the truth, and ultimately no one can run from the truth.  We have been in this area for almost 5 years now and my wife and I are hopeless amateur foodies.  Eating out is a way for us to combine our love of food and adventure with long-standing commitment to support local businesses.  You will not see any nationally-advertised chains on my list of favorites, these are all local places, infused with passion and supporting local families.  Some are even our friends and neighbors, but it all started with that first bite.
Some of these places are in our own back yard, and some are in the more touristy areas of town.

Chinese Delivery/Takeout
“China” 13052 Race Track Rd, Tampa, FL 33626

(813) 749-8460

Fast, consistent, no MSG.  Delivers to all Westchase area.  This is frankly the only Chinese food in town that I feel safe eating.  There might be others, but the Tampa area seems to be very hit and miss on this front, so exploring the area on that basis can be a bit of a risky adventure.

Burgers & Taps:  

New England Ale House, 3419 US-19 ALT, Palm Harbor, FL 34683

Close to some of the beaches in Tarpon Springs.  Currently have 31 taps and 10 bottles available.  100% angus burgers, everything made in-house.  Family-run, great atmosphere, tablets at the tables for your kids.  This is a great, relaxed local place.  You can read my full review on the Ale House if you click on this link or go to:  http://flysomewherewarm.blogspot.com/2016/02/new-englands-ale-house.html

This place is a bit of a private oasis for me.  They serve some of the best burgers I've ever experienced, and the selection of draught beer is a delight to any enthusiast.  The atmosphere is laid back, and the service is always excellent.  Did I mention it's family owned and operated?  Really, if you want a burger and beer, this is your spot.  I'm already planning my next birthday dinner.

More Burgers: 

Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill, 7 Rockaway St, Clearwater, FL 33767

(727) 446-4844

Great burgers, try a Gulf Grouper burger!  Do not be intimidated by a long line, this is a tourist spot, and they will seat you way sooner than you think, and take care of you.  If you find yourself out on Clearwater Beach and you get hungry, this is going to be your best bet for good food, good selection, and fast service.  It's just a very short walk off the beaten path, a couple blocks North of Pier 61, so while most of the droves and crowds will be down by the pier waiting an hour for mediocre hot wings, you can head up to the Rockaway and sit down to a real meal.  I don't care how long the line is, I have always been seated in a reasonable amount of time, and it is always a shorter wait than what they have quoted me.  Once you are seated, you will be attended to.  This place is rather large and there are times during high season when every last seat is occupied.  Do not let this concern you.  Wait staff and back of house are absolutely professional, and this is their "normal".  Your server will take care of you, and your food will be cooked to perfection.  This is one of our favorite places to take out of town guests and it still amazes me how incredible the staff are here.  If this were a sports team, they would surely be Major League. 

Indian:  

Curry Leaves, 4843 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33609

(813) 319-4015

Midtown. Near Westshore Plaza.

Probably the best Indian food in Tampa.  Yes, it is located in a gas station, but it is a sit-down restaurant.  I initially discovered this place while gassing up the car.  "BP" is on my list of gas stations that is generally good quality, and we needed gas, so I stopped and filled up.  Suddenly, out of nowhere, the smell of good curry and hot samosas crept into my nostrils and utterly consumed my mind.  Friends, I was not even hungry at this moment, we had just come from dinner, but when I smelled this food, there was only one thought on my mind: "I must find the source of this incredible aroma."  Luckily for me, I didn't have to go far, it was right there in the other side of the gas station.  We have since returned several times and it is now our favorite Indian food in town.

Mediterranean: 

Fresh Bites, 11665 Countryway Blvd, Tampa, FL 33626

(813) 336-4936

Westchase.

Organic, hormone free, 100% homemade everything, made by a Lebanese mother and her family.  Need I say more?  Well, I will, but I couldn't possibly say enough.  "Tasty" doesn't begin to cover it, but it's a start.  The things they can do with lentils and lamb will sort of stretch your mind to consider new flavor and seasoning combinations.  I always leave this place with a smile on my face, a full belly, and newfound energy.  This is another one of our favorite places to bring guests.

Peruvian:  

Costanera, 3869 Northdale Blvd, Tampa, FL 33624

(813) 960-5820

Northdale/Carrollwood

Live music starts late on the weekends.  Try ceviche and jalea.  Fried yuca with huancaína sauce is also great.  There are other Peruvian places in town, and many of them are also good, but this is our current favorite.

Island/Caribbean:

Jamaican Tropicale by Jerk Hut, 513 N Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602

(813) 223-5375

Downtown.  

The Jerk Hut isn't just a restaurant, it's also a destination and an experience.  We recently found out about the place through a friend and coworker who is Jamaican, so if she says it's "the real deal," then we can take her word for it.  All the other friendly people we met there agreed that this is the top spot in town for Jamaicans to get together, have fun, and relax.  We went on a Friday, and there is a cover charge at the door, but it includes a ticket for one free drink, live music, AND an all you can eat Jamaican buffet.  The band will have you rockin' and jammin' all night, and if you like island beats, you will definitely want to dance.  The buffet was a real treat, too, and there were both spicy and mild options to be had.  Honestly, it was a bargain, and we will be back.

The music is loud.  Maybe I'm getting old, but I will be taking earplugs next time.
#sorrynotsorry