465275 Fri Nov 30 16:42:13 -0800 2007 52 10 Florida 0 3169457 Being new here I surfed around, but I kept seeing the same old, same old. I was hoping this board would provide insights on what I call the Hidden Gems. Places that never even heard of Zagat and Michelin is what you put on your truck to drive to these places. A place where you get great food at a decent price. If I want a good dinner and spend a C note for me and the Mrs, I know where to go, it's those places that cost half that (or even less) that I love to find. Now my definition doesn't include some place where the health departmenet makes frequent stops at (except maybe for lunch or dinner), but doesn't have to serve on china or even have wait staff. So where are these gems in the Tampa area? I've seen Skippers Smokehouse mentioned several times and I guess one could call that an upscale Dive, but c'mon! The Taco Bus on Hillsborough also fits my defintion, but I'm seeing to many references to Side Berns and all those other SoHo places. There is more out there & not just on Armenia Ave (the motherlode of Tampa Hidden Gems)!. For instance, my favorite Mexican is in Ruskin a place called LaCasita on Shell Point Rd a block West from Hgwy 41. When I want Mexican I drive from Carrollwood to Ruskin to get it. If you continue further down Shell Point there's an outdoor stand called The Fish House with great Fried Seafood and decent Smoked Mullett. A nice hidden gem. Get yourself an Iced Tea and a picnic table and chow down on good eats. For Chinese there's Yum-Yum House on Waters Ave just East of Armenia and the best Pizza in the area is at Bruno's located at Waters and Armenia (they have other locations in that area as well). And for the best Deli sandwiches you can't go wrong and Mr Dunderbaks at the University Mall. It doesn't hurt that they have all those imported beers and I understand their German dishes are quite tasty as well, but I just can't get past those monsterous mound sof Pastrami or Corned Beef in all their different variations. So Ladies and Gents, could ya'll please post some Hidden Gems for me or at the least the places that have great food (or at least one great dish) at a price that would make me want to treat my daughter's bum of a boyfriend? JK, he's a great kid. Graduating with a double major from USF in a couple of weeks. Fri Nov 30 16:42:13 -0800 2007 146861 Oscar Demolski 1 3170644 How about the newly reopened China Yuan on Armenia just past waters? Snack City on Columbus near Armenia, with home-made ice cream of various exotic flavors (I would call it Cuban ice cream, since the owner learned his stuff there but he says it's just ice cream) Cesare's of New York pizza on s. dale mabry, just south of plant high, originally from the Bronx right outside Yankee Stadium, with home-grown organic tomato sauce and great crust (though a little thicker than the classic NYC slices). Cappy's on Bay to Bay (there's another in Seminole Heights, but haven't been), with deep dish Chicago style or thin NY style, and myriad bottled beers, cash only, dammit. La Ideal on Tampa Bay Blvd. @ Gomez, a lively Cuban sandwich shop with great coffee and tamales. Las Margaritas on W. Hillsborough (a little west of dale mabry) cuban like an abuela makes. And there's a great BBQ stand on N Dale Mabry just south of Busch on the east side of the street that has duck and some thai side dishes like papaya salad. Speaking of duck, check out the roast duck and fresh produce/seafood at Oceanic Market on Tampa Street just north of I-275 downtown. That should keep you busy for a while.... Sat Dec 01 10:12:45 -0800 2007 3169457 16782 Bergerman 2 3170984 THAT is what I'm talking about! I never tried the Tamales at La Ideal and unfortunately I probably never will. That place has the best Cuban Sandwiches this side of... well this side of La Ideal. When friends or family come to Tampa and they want a real Tampa treat, it's La Ideal and not the Columbia or anything else. When I go out to Plant City or down to Appollo Beach area, my co-workers want me to stop there and bring them real Cuban Sandwiches, nothing else compares. And La Teresita is a nice 2nd place. I just can't place this BBQ joint on Dale Mabry. Is it between Waters and Busch? I may have to go out for a Dale Mabry cruise soon, BBQ Duck and Papaya Salad? Now that I have to see! Have you ever had Mauricio's Cuban Bread? On Florida Ave, just South of Hillsborough. $1.78 for some heaven (I think, I just give the lady 2 ones and thank her). More than half the time I go there I get a 3 foot loaf that is still warm to the touch. I walk out to my truck ripping a piece of bread off to knosh on while I drive home. And speaking of Bread, I'd be remissed if I didn't mention Mazzaro's in St Pete. http://www.mazzarosmarket.com/ Man, I walk in that place and gain 5 lbs from the aromas alone! Friday, they have Sammy's Big Fish Sandwich. I used to never like Fish Sandwiches, not even Grouper, but after having one of those (they used to be called Big John's Fish Sandwiches) I no longer avoid them. Thanks and feel free to update me with others! Sat Dec 01 13:29:37 -0800 2007 3170644 146861 Oscar Demolski 3 3172504 I posted about the bbq stand back in July; I haven't checked it out lately but here's that old post: Stopped at a roadside BBQ stand called Nathan's on N Dale Mabry in Tampa (at Humphrey, S of Busch) that had the usual menu of ribs, chopped pork and chicken, along with duck, papaya salad, pot stickers, and a few other choices you don't usually find at a BBQ joint in Tampa. A half-duck was juicy, smokey and boneless, $14. The papaya salad was cool, fresh and firey, served medium hot (the hot must be scorching), $6. Can't wait to go back and try the ribs, though it will be hard to resist the duck. I've had it roasted and served Peking style, but never smoked. This is strictly walkup, takeaway business, no tables. This did not make the recent BBQ roundup in the st. pete times http://www.sptimes.com/2007/06/28/Foo... though it's a pretty thorough roundup of the various styles (but apparently not wideranging enough from some of the comments people wrote!). Anyway, Nathan's may be a category by itself - southern bbq with with an asian twist. Sun Dec 02 09:01:59 -0800 2007 3170984 16782 Bergerman 3 3190338 Try the NOLA Cafe a few hundred yards from the intersection of Plant and Platt Streets. The shrimp creole, jambalaya, and crawfish/shrimp etouffe are excellent, as are the beignets and the chicory coffee. This place is next to a dry clearner and directly in back of a Walgreen's in Hyde Park. It is more of a coffee house than a restaurant, but they do carry an assortment of New Orleans dishes. The owner is from New Orleans and it shows in the food. Sat Dec 08 08:13:27 -0800 2007 3170984 22427 gfr1111 1 3171034 I second Cappy's, it's our favorite pizza by a mile, and yeah, it's cash only, but a large NY cheese (thin crust, but not a cracker) is $10 and change--not bad at all. The beer cooler is a big plus. Check out Mr. Empanada on Kennedy just west of Dale Mabry. Sat Dec 01 13:54:53 -0800 2007 3169457 93147 Miss E 2 3171109 I just saw that Mr. Empanada is putting in another location on Gandy Blvd. just east of Westshore. John Sat Dec 01 14:28:23 -0800 2007 3171034 12707 RibDog 1 3171117 Arco Iris on Columbus is my go to place for Cuban. And also Cacciatore and Sons on Armenia south of MLK is great for deviled crabs, cuban sandwiches, and the italian sausage in their meat dept is very good also. John Sat Dec 01 14:29:53 -0800 2007 3169457 12707 RibDog 1 3171743 I agree with most of these picks, My gem is in Plant City. I have grown up in Tampa and was born and lived in Ybor City. The BEST devil crabs I have ever eaten in my life are from Linda's Crab Shack in Plant City. Try them you will not be disappointed! Sat Dec 01 20:12:56 -0800 2007 3169457 147128 FrankC 1 3182054 I absolutely love Pepo's on Hillsbourgh. It's very casual, good for lunch, probably not dinner. But I love to get take out. It's true authentic cuban food...I dream about the roast pork and black beans and rice. very reasonably priced. Wed Dec 05 11:20:00 -0800 2007 3169457 147969 kmills9408 2 3182307 Fat Willie's Fish Camp on Front Street in Valrico (Brandon area). Great fried catfish and gator. Wed Dec 05 12:24:19 -0800 2007 3182054 147425 Ashlyn819 1 3182531 Being from NY and knowing what good pizza is, The only decent pizza I know of is Marina's in Westchase and Eddie and Sam's in downtown. Will try Cesare's on S. Dale Mabry though! Wed Dec 05 13:33:36 -0800 2007 3169457 148036 jroq 2 3433283 I have to disagree with Marina's in Westchase. The pizza is horrible and the place is dirty. Alberto's in Oldsmar has the best pizza around. I also enjoy the thin crust pizza at Windy City in Carrollwood. Mon Feb 25 12:59:02 -0800 2008 3182531 168446 LJBTampa 2 5015505 i totally agree; i've thrown more pizza in the trash since i've been here in florida than i can even remember...but the margherita pizza at Marina's is heaven. :) Wed Sep 09 00:51:09 -0700 2009 3182531 203076 Manderley 1 3189347 Try the Mellow Mushroom near Citrus Park Mall on Sheldon between Citrus Park Drive and Waters. It is not NYstyle, but the House Special it my favorite, they also have a large selection of micro-brewery beers on draft. There is also Windy City Pizza at the Casades Shopping Center (Fletcher and Dale Mabry) Their house salad dressing is wonderful and good Chicago style or thin crust pizza.. There is also Hugo's on south Howard for reasonably priced Cuban/Spanish food. Pipo's has newly opened (son of the original Pipo's restuarants owners) on Dale Mabry in the same shopping center as PetSuperMarket and Carrabba's. The old locations, that have been renamed Pepo's are owned by someone else now. Fri Dec 07 16:34:28 -0800 2007 3169457 136238 DonnaFL 2 3192544 For those of you that mentioned La Ideal at Tampa Bay Blvd and Gomez, you may want to know that the flamboyant waiter that used to be there is now at a place called Aquila on Hillsborough Ave about 1/4mi east of Himes. I got a Cuban sandwich there that was easily a foot long (!) and had all the good ingredients....absolutely delicious. I love to go to the kind of places that are referenced on this topic - great food at reasonable prices and often unique. By the way, I'm going to have to try the deviled crab at that place in Plant City......if it's better than the ones at Cacciatore's I'll probably die and go to culinary heaven right there! Sun Dec 09 09:39:52 -0800 2007 3189347 55562 tony noriega 3 3193333 Mario has left La Ideal??? I thought he was a part of the ownership Sun Dec 09 15:56:10 -0800 2007 3192544 96003 sarge 4 3262200 "Mario has left La Ideal??? I thought he was a part of the ownership" The guy with the "Sgt Carter" (from the TV show Gomer Pyle, boy am I dating myself) haircut? If so, he was the face of La Ideal! If the Tribune or a TV station did an article on them he was featured prominently. Fri Jan 04 16:04:28 -0800 2008 3193333 146861 Oscar Demolski 5 3274457 Same family that used to own La Ideal. Mario's dad and sister-in-law own the place on Hillsborough Ave. If my memory serves me right their last name is Aguila Tue Jan 08 12:46:45 -0800 2008 3262200 155754 TampaPete 3 3194398 With regards to Plant City I assure you it will be worth it. Price is right and it is loaded with crab chunks, not just all breading. Let me know how you liked it. Mon Dec 10 05:36:42 -0800 2007 3192544 147128 FrankC 1 3193492 See my review of Tun-Du-Ree, at Henderson/Neptune and also Interbay/MacDill. Definitely hidden, but definitely a gem. Sun Dec 09 17:13:29 -0800 2007 3169457 93147 Miss E 2 3273232 Jazzy's BBQ On Waters Pepo's,Pipos,Papitos. Pretty much all the same. Good, cheap food. Cuban Sandwich Shop on Florida Charann's on Hillsborough. Great Steak N Cheese Subs. Green Springs in Safety Harbor. Eli's BBQ in Dunedin Hogan's Subs in Carrollwood. Brings back some good Gainesville memories. Tue Jan 08 08:32:18 -0800 2008 3193492 155667 gatorwader 3 3287617 I'm seconding Hugo's on howard ave near bayshore. Pretty well known for their cuban sandwich, but what a lot of people don't know is they also serve a mean breakfast. Can't beat rope sausage with eggs grits cuban toast and cafe con leche'. Reasonably priced too. Also, Big John's alabama barbecue on 40th street is excellent bbq and VERY cheap. Just look for the bright orange building. I recommend takeout. Otherwise you'll walk out of there smelling like a smokestack. Vallarta's has great cheap mexican. They have several locations, I've only been to the one on 56th street near busch. 2 people with no drinks can walk out for 15 bucks plus tip. However, I don't know who would want to walk out without a jumbo margarita or 2. They definitely don't skimp on the tequila. Mel's hot dogs on Busch blvd probably doesn't fit the definition of hidden, but it's certainly a gem. I've been going there for over 20 years now. New york Del-eatery on bruce b downs in new tampa. Great lunch place. The italian sandwich actually has prosciutto on it (and that's hard to come by around here) place smells like bread and bagles which they make fresh daily. Great fries. My all-around favorite sandwich shop. Bay pizza on bearss and livingston: I've never had anything but the ham calzone. But the thing is freaking enormous for $5.99. 18 inches and loaded. They slather on the garlic butter like it's water and it's overflowing with ricotta and ham. I just don't see how they make a profit at that price. A really good deal if you're looking for a quick artery-clogger. Sat Jan 12 00:47:37 -0800 2008 3273232 156761 Morf 4 3294843 Vallarta's is ho hum at best. Mel's is great, but i still have a hard time spending $10 for a hot dog basket. If i really want a dog, I make them at home. Mon Jan 14 14:26:52 -0800 2008 3287617 13633 andy huse 5 3294858 Dang Andy, is Mel up to $10 for a HD basket now? Guess I won't be there anytime soon. It's good and has a lot of memories for me. Maybe once before it gets sold. John Mon Jan 14 14:30:33 -0800 2008 3294843 12707 RibDog 6 3294981 Hey guys, For a dog lover from down south do you mind explaining/describing this Mel's dog/basket? For ten bucks I'm sure there's gotta be some goodness there no? Thanks. Mon Jan 14 15:05:17 -0800 2008 3294858 147869 eatnbmerry 6 3295104 Andy, now I am confused. I just went and checked Mel's website. If it is correct, the HD basket is $5. What did I miss? John Mon Jan 14 15:41:54 -0800 2008 3294858 12707 RibDog 7 3296706 I confess, I always get something like the polish sausage, and the total always ends up close to $10. The sides are blah. I just don't think it is worth it. Perhaps it is my chicago roots, but I'll grill my own dogs with all the fixins for less. Tue Jan 15 06:51:23 -0800 2008 3295104 13633 andy huse 8 3434538 I agree with Andy--- and I've passed by Mel's for years because I feel I'm paying too much for a Hot Dog and Fries... If you go when you're hungry, can you really be happy with one hot dog and some fries? That's like a freakin' children's platter... So I'll get something extra--- and it ends up being $12.00 to get outta there... 'For hot dogs'-- something I make great at home when I'm feeling lazy... :-) For $8.00 I can go up the road (Busch near 56th) to Lupton's BBQ down home buffet extravaganza with BBQ ribs, juicy sliced BBQ pork, sliced beef, BBQ chicken, great collards, corn, Lima beans, tater tots, chicken & dumplings, real mashed potatoes & gravy, chili, soup, salad, strawberry shortcake, whipped cream, donuts, & ice cream... And don't tell me the place isn't good like someone did in the past--- it's almost always excellent... Everything is always fresh, juicy, refreshed continuously, and piled high... And on weekends breakfast is mingled with the rest of the stuff till 2:00PM... French toast, bacon, scrambled eggs, biscuits & gravy, sausage links and patties, hash browns, home fries, etc... It's a scene man! --- and with a little restraint it can be Atkins friendly, even with the sauce on the table! They say there's no sugar in it, and it's never set me back... Mon Feb 25 18:35:54 -0800 2008 3296706 10783 Mild Bill 9 3439356 I don't do Lupton's very often, but their chicken rocks best. The other meats vary in quality, but the chicken is always quite good. The sides often disappoint, but for the price it is hard to beat. Forget Sonny's. And yes, it sure makes Mel's look like a complete rip-off. Wed Feb 27 06:42:37 -0800 2008 3434538 13633 andy huse 1 3432007 Not sure if anyone ever mentioned this lil shack in in hudson beach. the sell fresh oysters dirt cheap. They also have clams and some other delicacies. but i mainly go for the oysters. Cant recall the name. it looks like it was or is a fish and tackle shop also. Another hidden gem would be the Black Bull (Torro Negro) in kenneth City. 5780 54th Ave. N, Kenneth City. They are a pretty authentic mexican joint. Not fancy at all. But the food is great. u need to try their home made chip & salsas and their buritos. For pizza i would recommend babe's pizza. I like te double decker.:-) 107 N Kings Ave, Brandon, FL. Off SR 60. Oh yea, pretty sure you heard about this one already, but Yummy House is also great, just check other postings on it. Its east of armeni aave off waters ave. Mon Feb 25 08:03:29 -0800 2008 3169457 71435 payochi 2 3432089 I'd like to know more about the oyster place. Next time you go write the name and address. I am always looking for good oysters! Mon Feb 25 08:24:45 -0800 2008 3432007 60784 rhnault 2 3437109 How did this thread go so long and nobody else(including me) mentioned Babes Pizza! The double decker pizza is frickin awesome!!!!! Tue Feb 26 12:50:50 -0800 2008 3432007 147128 FrankC 3 3438073 Babe's Pizza where? I cheat on the Atkins thing kinda a lot... Tue Feb 26 16:56:25 -0800 2008 3437109 10783 Mild Bill 1 4947462 I would not recommend China Yuan on Armenia, that place has terrible food. Fri Aug 14 16:00:53 -0700 2009 3169457 1101775 sysfo5816 2 4947493 I loathe it as well. It pales in comparison to Yummy House, which typically has delicious food. Fri Aug 14 16:22:54 -0700 2009 4947462 107671 queencru 2 4947616 Oh please. Fri Aug 14 17:21:22 -0700 2009 4947462 60784 rhnault 3 4947820 I agree with you, rh. Who are they trying to kid. Fri Aug 14 19:13:00 -0700 2009 4947616 12707 RibDog 4 4947881 So far, I have preferred my meals at Yummy House to those at China Yuan. However, neither of these places serve "terrible food". Fri Aug 14 19:45:36 -0700 2009 4947820 279064 digyourself 4 4948655 I remember the dishes I ordered there were extremely salty and one seemed like it was doused with soy sauce. It may have just been that night, but the food was nowhere near delicious. Sat Aug 15 08:50:23 -0700 2009 4947820 107671 queencru 5 4949368 I have eaten at China Yuan a minimum of at least once a month for at least a year and a half and never had anything even remotely bad. Yummy House is good too but I prefer China Yuan because of the newer atmosphere and excellent service. Sat Aug 15 15:21:18 -0700 2009 4948655 60784 rhnault 6 4950855 this series of posts has pushed me over the edge. something must be done. hopefully a few of the more balanced hounds would like to join me. i posted the invitation on the Florida board. Sun Aug 16 12:14:07 -0700 2009 4949368 13633 andy huse 2 5015508 have to disagree here; i'm a NY chinese food junkie, and the only edible chinese i have found in florida is china yuan in tampa and abc chinese in st pete. china yuan's salt and pepper squid is fantastic; go early for their dim sum oh yeah :) Wed Sep 09 00:54:38 -0700 2009 4947462 203076 Manderley 1 4952002 Thanks for the great tips. I'm heading to Plant City for the crab cakes. Someone mentiond Charann's on Hillsborough, which has a good steak sandwich( I ate there last week), but for my money it's Chubbies Super Subs and Pizza at Bayshore and Interbay.Get the Steak Bomb. It rocks! For Fresh Mexican try the Taco Bus on Hillsborough just east of Nebraska. Has anyone tried the Jerk Hut on Fletcher yet? Sun Aug 16 22:17:46 -0700 2009 3169457 1101739 GottaGo 1 4981483 Mr. Dunderbocks does have really good German food but there sandwiches are just little bit above average for Florida standards of a few slices of meat and one or two of cheese but there sandwiches totally fail when comparing to a NY style g if you want an example of a good Rubin check out proud lion on 124 W Fletcher Ave Wed Aug 26 20:59:42 -0700 2009 3169457 1104862 magnusfl 1 5013187 I am not sure how these posts have gone on for so long without mentioning Acapulco. It is in the back of the grocery store at MacDill and Cypress. The standard menu is pretty short - tacos and sopes with a choice of meats for each. However, they are made on the spot by the two women who work there and they are awesome. There are often specials but you have to ask. I have been in there when a crew of 10-12 mexican workers come in that have somehow pre-ordered and seen them been served plates of all sorts of other good looking stuff. Also, I had a beef stew on Saturday that was out of this world. The broth itself was amazing and brought me back to traveling in mexico and stopping in some of the little places on the way. In any case, well worth trying if you are in the area. Tue Sep 08 08:23:45 -0700 2009 3169457 1105802 OlHungryBastard 2 5013654 Thanks for the reminder! Tue Sep 08 10:49:36 -0700 2009 5013187 12707 RibDog 1 5042757 hey folks my honey is coming to visit and is craving a good steak. i don't want to do the old outback thing. i also don't want to do the expensive bern's thing. any recommendations for a good steak in tampa bay? Sat Sep 19 17:02:58 -0700 2009 3169457 203076 Manderley 2 5043356 If Malio's (Downtown Tampa) still has the half-priced steak offer, its a great deal -- plus they have $2 Finlandia Martinis. Check their website -- I know a couple of weeks ago, they still had the details of the half-priced deal up. Otherwise, all of the other good steakhouses (Council Oak, Charley's, etc.) are about the same price as Bern's. Actually, I don't find Bern's to be expensive at all, considering everything you get with the entree. Sun Sep 20 05:08:16 -0700 2009 5042757 169142 kentski 3 5043537 Agreed about Bern's. I think the price is very reasonable considering you get soup, salad, and sides included with the meal, while other comparable restaurants charge you extra for all those things. The cheaper places like Sam Seltzer's are just not good at all. Sun Sep 20 07:39:35 -0700 2009 5043356 107671 queencru 4 5043849 thanks for the input. guess we'll give bern's another try. we were there for our anniversary a few years ago, and frankly the bill for the 2 of us was over $300; i didn't really want to go that high. i thought the steak was good but it was not the best i've ever had. didn't like my appetizer at all (something with lobster, can't remember what). salad and sides were unremarkable. dessert was perfect, though, i must admit. loved the tour too. Sun Sep 20 10:53:15 -0700 2009 5043537 203076 Manderley 5 5044199 I think the last time I went last year, the cost per person was between $35-45 per person before wine/dessert. I think you get more than enough food so that you can split a smaller steak and still be at less than half that with wine/dessert. Sun Sep 20 13:59:15 -0700 2009 5043849 107671 queencru 2 5043990 i thought council oak was way overpriced--- $40 for a steak a la carte. the food wasn't anything special. Bern's is much, much more reeasonable. you can get a steak with potato, salad, etc. for $40. if you avoid all of the add ons and expensive wine (a big if), you can bo0th eat for about $100 after tip. and the dessert room is always a plus. haven't been to the new Malio's, but the old place always served me well. Sun Sep 20 12:04:40 -0700 2009 5042757 13633 andy huse