Places to eat in Tampa

A few of you might remember a month or so ago I was asked by the Review of Optometry to write a review of local Tampa restaurants for the AAO meeting here next month.

Well, I worked hard putting together the list... so I thought I'd publish the list here. (since I'm not getting credit for the work I did ) To the friends who are coming into Tampa for the conference.. let me know where you want to eat !!


TAMPA RESTAURANTS


Channelside Area (next to convention center)

Tina's Tapas 615 Channelside Drive Ste 120 (813)514-8462
Get a few plates to share with friends and by all means get a pitcher of sangria! Choose to sit in the large round-room bar area or outside on the open patio.

Grille 29 615 Channelside Drive (813)221-2929
An upscale steak/bistro restaurant. I've only been here once and wasn't very impressed, but it could deserve another try. The only time I ate here was off a fixed menu (bleh) Dark, simple furniture and friendly waiters.

Margarita Mamas 615 Channelside Drive (813) 228-7300
Don't get the food here. Get a drink at the bar on the large second floor balcony and enjoy watching the boats on the water. A large Friday night hook-up spot for 20 somethings, so get there fairly early if you want to relax or you'll be surrounded by the throngs.


A short trolley ride from Channelside to Ybor City gets you to:

Samurai Blue 1600 E 8th Ave Ste C208 Ybor City, FL (813) 242-6688
Sushi and sake bar a trolley ride away from the convention center. 40 ft faulted ceilings with a separate bar each for sushi and sake.

Green Iguana Bar and Grill 1708 E 7th Ave Ybor City, FL (813) 248-9555
Yes, it's a bar, but they serve the BEST hamburgers in town!! (Trust me on this one) Go for lunch, dinner time and later in Ybor is for the college bar crowd.

Acropolis Greek Taverna 1833 E 7th Ave (813) 242-4545
The best greek food in town !! Get the Acropolis salad if you want something large enough for three meals. The waiters are friendly U of Tampa students, mostly. Around dinner time they dance to greek music and throw napkins (instead of smashing plates) Enjoy a glass of real Greek wine and a plate of tzatziki sauce with pita bread.


South Howard (the SoHo District) A 3 minute car ride of the convention center/ downtown

717 South 717 S. Howard (813) 250-1661
Wonderful food in a trendy setting. A see and be seen bar crowd. The menu covers a little bit of everything: steak, chicken, miso and sake catch of the day. This place also features outstanding service.

Ciccio and Tonys 1015 S Howard Ave (813) 251-8406
California cuisine. They'll do almost anything to order including a special "low carb" menu. Sparse furniture, friendly staff, a cool blue hue over the room and constant sports over the bar. The menu is HUGE and everyone in your party will find something they like.


The Lime 915 S Howard (813) 868-5463
Mexcian food in a sports bar atmosphere.

** THE SPLURGE**** Berns Steakhouse 1208 S Howard (813) 251- 2421
This place is a Tampa institution ! Cherrywood booths and red walls give Bern's an almost bordello-esque feel. The staff is flawless. They feature one of the largest wine lists in the country if not the world. After your gorgeous steak dinner, head upstairs to Berns' dessert room. Do NOT pass this up. 62 items on the dessert menu in a room with 50 booths which are converted wine barrels. Also features 40 pages of dessert wine.


*** The gourmet choice*** Fly Bar and Restaurant 1201 N Franklin St. (813) 275-5000
Try the Frites Two Ways and sweet potato soup. The rooftop bar is popular for Friday happy hour. A very creative menu, comfortable metallic decor, and a great wine list. enjoy!