Looking for chow worthy places Tampa Bay area
Will be visiting in a week or so. Can you get me up to speed on good places for seafood around Tampa Bay (especially beach areas)? Already know about Ted Peters and have Teresita's on the list for Cuban--ISO good grouper sandwiches, oysters, also anything a little more fancy: clams, Italian style seafood, perhaps some upscale like lobster. (It looks like Crabby Bill's, in Indian Rocks Beach, has devolved into an overpriced tourist trap, from some of the postings that I've read over the past several years.) I seem to recall from about 10 years ago an Italian place at the bottom end of Pass-A-Grille, but I forget the name--"Bruno's" or something? I suppose it's not still there, but I recall some excellent food and an inebriated excellent time with friends. (The place scared the bejesus out of a family of tourists--Dad had on white patent leather shoes and belt--they took a look at the menu, were expecting red ink offerings, I suppose, and left without trying anything.) Would also appreciate anything cheap, funky, and dirty but delicious.
Thanks in Advance.
--Bruce & Ann from Albuquerque (formerly of Chicago & New York.)
-
-
-
I second Salt Rock Grill. They have the BEST steaks. Their crab legs are also awesome. They cut them through the middle so that you can pick the meat out. Depending on when you're coming, you may want to call and make reservations. Go to: http://www.saltrockgrill.com/
›2 Replies -
-
I would strongly recommend that you try Arco Iris on Columbus instead of La Teresita. It is far better and more true to the cuban style of cooking. Just had lunch there today. It was great! Spanish roast beef, yellow rice and yuca con mojo. To start I had a cup of Caldo gallego and ended with a flan. Very nice.
John
›6 Replies-
re: RibDog
I would agree strongly to stay away from La Teresita. Not only for health reasons but for the fact that its spanish food is just barely acceptable to hispanics like myself who know the difference. For an amazing cuban sandwich that is authentic as any I'd go to Pipo's on Waters Ave. Absolutely awesome, with real roast pork - the way all cubans should and must be! For cuban/puerto rican food La Casona on Armenia and Hillsborough is by far one of the top places around. Known and loved by hispanics, who are its faithful client tel, its a secret we like to keep to ourselves.
-
-
re: rikkikm
Not sure how large a party you could take there as there are two dining areas and never looked at numbers. The front dining area probably has about 15-20 tables with a mix of two and four tops. Clean, yes. Decor. Nothing fancy, just good food. Prices, very reasonable. My spanish roast beef with yellow rice and yuca as the sides was $6.25. The cup of Caldo Gallego was $3.00, I think.
The gentlemen I ate there with is a native born in Ybor City and is very happy with it. Most of the clientele there that day were Hispanic. BTW, a interesting side to Arco Iris is that they have six or seven Chinese dishes on the meny also. Have never had a chance to ask about that.
Hope this helps.
John
-
-
-
-
We used to own the property and had a British restaurant where Bruno's is, and sold to him in the early '90s. He passed away several years ago and the premises were sold, and then again to the current owners (as far as I know). Yes - I heard that it now has more of a continental flair. A relative of his has an Italian restaurant, Villa Gallace, in Indian Rocks Beach (109 Gulf Blvd.) and I have heard only good things about it.
-
-
re: Lisaknowsfood
Yes it is still open, but I don't think it's the same restaurant that baltodog is referring to, as it is at the north end of St. Pete Beach. Also, I've noticed Bruno has changed their sign to something like "classic continental dining" - no Italian being mentioned anymore! The Italian restaurant they're talking about, I believe, is located one street over from the Hurricane in Pass A Grille. Or was. I can't remember the name either, but they did close very soon after they opened I believe (death in the family). THere is another restaurant there now...don't know much about it either. There is another Italian mom and pop place called Genarro's, also in Pass A Grille, delicious, mostly takeout. It is across the street from Sea Critters.
-
-
First there is Mid-Peninsula Seafood on 49th St. S. in St. Pete. Definitiely a chow-worthy type of place. Joan, one of the owners, posts regularly here on the Florida board.
Another place I really like but is in Tarpon Springs is Rusty Bellies. On the water and cooks very good fried seafood. They also have some very good sides such as a corn casserole.
John
›1 Reply-
re: RibDog
Mild Bill
Nov 4, 2006 02:42 PM
John, when I saw you talkin' up Rusty Bellies, my first impulse was to post about their Corn Casserole, and I got a smile when you did...
Last visit, I called the waitress and told her; "Ok, I just need this here Corn Casserole recipe and no-one gets hurt!"...
After the Pepper Spray wore off we all got a good laugh! :-)
Seriously, it's one of the best darn things, and I vowed to figure it out...
On my birthday I'm gonna go there and get 5 servings in a big bowl...
Maybe some Scallops too... Yeah, probably...
-
-
-
re: niccole
I heartily agree about both Salt Rock and Island Way Grill. A new member of this restaurant family is Marlin Darlin' on East Bay and Indian Rocks Rd in Largo. The seafood is uber-fresh--straight off the owners' boats, for the most part. We especially enjoyed the ceviche and tartar appetizers. Highly recommended. It's not directly on the water but close enough, and the decor is gorgeous--especially the two-toned teakwood floors.
-
