Keegan's..how is it

[fjs08]

Saw a piece on the Food Channel's Diner's, Drive In's & Dives yesterday about Keegan's in Indian Rocks. Looked very nice. Anyone have first hand experience there??
I spend a lot of time in Tampa/St Petes and haven't been there, but it looks like it might be worth the 30 minute trip.
Thoughts?
Thanks.
Frank

[laboheme]

I've been frequenting Keegan's since 2003 and enjoyed it every time--just had lunch there a few weeks ago and it was as good as ever. Great octopus and feta appetizer and she-crab soup. Lunch is good, but go for dinner--they always have the most imaginative specials (and unfortunetly, you can't get them at lunch.)

[digyourself]

I've been to Keegan's both before and after the sale. The things that were great are still great. The problem is that the original owner was very creative and this made for some awesome specials. While the new owners can follow the recipes and keep things going, that creativity and sense of adventure is gone.

[triff]

Keegan's used to be our fave place - would run there, now only would walk. The previous owner/cook was brilliant, and we brought all our out of town guests there. They sold it after the Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives show was originally aired. Some changes are subtle, others more jarring, but all in all, for us, the thrill is gone.

[fjs08]

>>Some changes are subtle, others more jarring, but all in all, for us, the thrill is gone.<<

So the food isn't the same?? On the show the chef looked very creative.... Is he still around.. at another restaurant??
Frank

[sweet_polly]

I have to agree. I lived on Indian Rocks Beach for years, and it used to be one of my faves. I drove over from Tampa to eat there a couple of times last year, and felt that it had lost its luster. They do still have the best Oysters Rockafeller around, though.

[ddodson]

I lived about 4 blocks from this place and didn't know about it until DDD, and I went based on the show. I'm only sorry I hadn't found it sooner. Quite small, so seating couild be a problem, but it's worth the wait. Fresh and very creative. dd

[kentski]

I'm glad you posted, Frank, because I was wondering the same thing. I seem to remember some mixed reviews lately, but it looked great on Food Network. I used to live in Clearwater, so getting there wouldn't be a hassle, but now that I live in Tampa, its a bit more of a hike. Is it worth it?

[fjs08]

We'd come from the St Petes area. It is a bit of a hike, I agree.. about 30 minutes, but hey, if it's worth it, why not.
Frank

[fjs08]

Just saw another posting on the board that said Keegan's has changed owners....Yikes. I wonder how old the Food Channel show was??
Frank