Ella's Americana Folk Art Cafe offers its guests a cozy place to enjoy Southern dishes like Kansas-style barbecue, chicken and waffles and a range of burgers. The recipes are inventive and the dishes come out as flavorful, such that they are forever etched in the memory of diners. The decor consists of paintings and artwork from local talent that adds a pop of color. Evenings see crowds swaying to live artists and bands.
Situated on beautiful Clearwater Beach, this family owned restaurant brings traditional cuisine from Italy assuring guests of a superior, authentic dining experience. Enjoy the gentle breezes and sunset views from the restaurant along with a comfortable atmosphere set amid the open spaces and gentle decor of the restaurant. Savor the sumptuous selections including Forlini's signature dishes, tender steaks, creamy pastas and fresh seafood. From the extensive wine list, you can choose from over 650 selections from the more than 8,000 bottles stored in the Forlini wine cellar. Guests are welcome to tour the cellar. -Vickie Ferguson
The vibrant atmosphere, friendly wait staff, cool drinks, and good food make Tryst Gastro Lounge a popular destination for those looking for an all around entertaining place to go. The upscale bar and restaurant serves a well-rounded selection of beer, wine, and flavorful cocktails and a menu of interesting dishes such as the juicy lamb and turkey burgers, sautéed prawns, and blackened grouper or red snapper. During happy hour guests can enjoy special drink discounts, free appetizers at designated times, and live music. Tryst is open late and the perfect place to stop in after attending a special event or movie for a nightcap.
For over a decade Mixers has provided local patrons with the best in fast, friendly service and a diverse menu featuring American, Mexican and British food. Mixers has an extensive wine, beer and liquor menu, a smoker friendly atmosphere and 18-inch HD TV screens for watching all the current sporting events. Stop by for lunch and enjoy a juicy burger or quesadilla with a game of darts, or come in for dinner for some crisp fish 'n' chips or a platter of the best chicken wings in town. For a little diversion, Friday and Saturday is karaoke and open mic night. -Vickie Ferguson
The Brick House Tavern in North Tampa has everything you need including a lively atmosphere, comfortable couches, big screen televisions, a diverse food menu and over 70 choices in beer. Let your palate rejoice with tasty starters like spiked calamari, a stack of buttermilk battered onion rings or fresh shrimp with flash fried cherry peppers for an extra zing. For heartier appetites, try the tavern's fish and chips, country fried steak or pork chops smothered in whiskey barrel sauce. Brew selections range from German Pilsners and Irish dry stouts to Trappist Ale from Belgium and Sapporo from Japan. The tavern is open late and serves food up until an hour before closing. -Vickie Ferguson
Located upstairs and overlooking the main plaza in Ybor City, Centro Cantina is the place to go for cool drinks when visiting the historical district. The cheerful cantina has open ceilings, colorful décor, a large drink billboard and a window-lined wall overlooking the busy street below. Take a seat by the window and order one of the daily drink specials such as a margarita or tequila sunrise. Enjoy cheap tacos on Tuesday or order steak or chicken nachos, Buffalo wings or loaded quesadillas from the menu. Stop by for happy hour Monday through Friday from 11 am until 7 pm and enjoy two for one frozen drink specials. Scheduled live entertainment begins at 9 pm on select nights. The bar is open from 11 am Monday through Saturday. - Vickie Ferguson