Just because you’re out in one of Tampa Bay’s many thriving suburbs doesn’t mean you need to resort to TGI Fridays. Here are a few solid local joints out in the ‘burbs worth checking out.
Shaker & Peel
3159 Curlew Rd, Oldsmar
Oldsmar’s latest taco-centric spot is really pushing the limits of what traditionalists will accept between a folded tortilla. But the menu, is vast so are the drinks and brew selection. If tacos aren’t your thing, they also have some solid noodle bowls too, because why not?
Photo via Shaker & Peel/FacebookTibby’s New Orleans Kitchen
1721 W Brandon Blvd, Brandon, FL
As soon you walk into Tibby’s you’ll notice the extravagant decor, all New Orleans-themed, and the food is the same way, with specialties like a fried crawfish po’ boy that is worth a try.
Photo via Tibby’s/FacebookEnrich Bistro
5629 Manatee Ave W, Bradenton, FL
Featuring an interesting menu with items such as goat cheese bruschetta, “THE” calamari salad (I guess it’s like “THE Ohio State University?”), and lamb meatballs, Enrich Bistro might not be a place to take the kiddos. Although they do have basic foods too, such as a burger and “Bradenton’s Best Cuban.”
Photo via Enrich Bistro/FacebookSaigon Deli
3858 W Waters Ave, Tampa, FL
A counter-serve deli featuring Vietnamese favorites, including a seafood pho with squid in it, Saigon also has Vietnamese iced coffee. In case you’ve grown tired of the Dunkin down the street.
Photo via Saigon Deli/FacebookUkulele Brands
4805 Land O’ Lakes Blvd, Land O Lakes, FL
If you’re up in the Land O’ Lakes area and wanting to grab some gator bites, Ukulele Brands has em’. Their menu features seafood, burgers, and fried frog tails if you’re feeling adventurous. Plus they have crawfish boils when the season is right.
Photo via Ukulele Brands/FacebookLolis Mexican Cravings
8005 Benjamin Rd, Tampa, FL
With a new location off Gandy, Lolis‘ menu highlights classic Mexican cuisine staples. You can order tacos with a variety of options for fillings, including a vegetarian for those watching their weight or trying to live that life.
Photo via Lolis Mexican Cravings/FacebookPho Hoang
3827 US-301, Riverview, FL
Traditional Vietnamese offerings can be found at Pho Hoang. The menu features a long list of topping combinations (43 toppings to be exact) for your pho, and they even have smoothies for those with a sweet tooth.
Photo via Pho Hoang/FacebookStar Fish Company
12306 46th Ave W, Cortez, FL
Beware, this is one of those cash-only places, but Star Fish Company offers both a restaurant and a market at their shop in Bradenton. Their restaurant menu features pretty much exclusively fish, with the exception of a burger (but why get a burger when going to a fish place?).
Photo via Star Fish Company/FacebookO’Bricks Irish Pub
427 12th St W, Bradenton, FL
Described as a “Irish Pub & Martini Bar,” O’Bricks features a menu that you wouldn’t necessarily expect from your everyday “Irish Pub.” The entrees menu includes more sophisticated options such as chorizo scallops and chipotle chutney (try saying that 10 times fast) pork medallions.
Photo via O’Bricks Irish Pub/FacebookHungry Harry’s Bar-B-Que
3116 Land O’ Lakes Blvd, Land O Lakes, FL
With another location in Seffner, Hungry Harry’s has been around since 1985. Their menu features basic barbecue options, such as ribs, chicken and pulled pork. They also feature a plethora of sides, including garlic bread (I love garlic bread).
Photo via Google MapsMr. Dunderbak’s
14929 Bruce B Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL
Polka music, German food and brews? Mr. Dunderbak’s has all of that. Beware, they don’t take reservations and the polka band only performs Friday and Saturday nights.
Photo via Mr. Dunderbak’s/dunderbaks.comStein and Vine
827 W Bloomingdale Ave, Brandon, FL
Known mostly for their extensive beer and wine list, Stein and Vine also features a menu with daily chef specials, such as their “Boondock Gumbo,” which features gator tenderloin and gator sausage in a “homemade brown roux.” The menu has a list of appetizers and entrees with varying options, including BBQ chicken mac & cheese.
Photo via Stein and Vine/FacebookBreakfast Nook
1532 Land O’ Lakes Blvd, Lutz, FL
A basic diner, the Breakfast Nook has what you’d expect from a breakfast place open until 2 p.m. One standout on the menu is the spinach & feta flatbread, which is labeled as a “Nook Favorite.”
Photo via Breakfast Nook/FacebookCappy’s Pizza
6260 Winthrop Town Centre Ave, Riverview, FL
With multiple locations throughout Tampa Bay, Cappy’s Pizza is a local staple if you want a nice fat pie. Get your pizza New York Style or Chicago Deep Dish, with a plethora of options for toppings.
Photo via Cappy’s Pizza/FacebookFred’s Market Restaurant
6501 US-301, Riverview, FL
With an additional location in Plant City, Fred’s Market specializes in southern comfort food. The menu has daily specials to go along with their staple of “Golden Fried Chicken, Crispy Catfish, & Rainbow Trout.”
Photo via Fred’s Market Restaurant/FacebookBoca
11206 Sullivan St, Riverview, FL
Despite the confusion over if this place is in Brandon or Riverview (the website has Brandon in its name, but the address says Riverview?), Boca focuses on local food movements and locally-sourced meals. Their menu includes a “Hangover Panini” and a kale Caesar salad.
Photo via Boca/FacebookCaffe Italia
10277 Big Bend Rd, Riverview, FL
Caffe Italia has pasta and “homemade potato dumplings,” but beware, it’s BYOB (they don’t have any alcohol on the menu), and there’s a “$5 split charge for entrees.” They also serve a family-style dinner for parties of four or more.
Photo via Google MapsHanks
8546 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL
Hank’s features all-you-can-eat catfish all day Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and all-you-can-eat shrimp on Thursdays. They also have a menu that features barbecue and other bites for people that just want to eat land-based animals.
Photo via Google MapsMichael John’s Restaurant
1040 Carlton Arms Blvd, Bradenton, FL
Also known as “MJ’s,” Michael John’s Restaurant is a “French-American Steakhouse.” Their menu features some obvious choices as a steakhouse, but they also have a seafood menu that includes soy-ginger grilled gulf shrimp. It is a little pricey though, so only go there if you’re big ballin’.
Photo via Michael John’s Restaurant/FacebookSage Biscuit Cafe
6656 Cortez Rd W, Bradenton, FL
With two locations in the Bradenton area, Sage Biscuit Cafe would be a good option for those looking for breakfast but have grown tired of chains such as Cracker Barrel and First Watch. Their menu includes a breakfast parfait (‘cuz parfaits may be the most delicious thing on the whole damn planet).
Photo via Sage Biscuit Cafe/FacebookThe Great Catch by Taste of Boston
1930 Land O’ Lakes Blvd, Lutz, FL
If you really miss northern seafood (maybe you’re one of those snowbirds from Boston or New York. We don’t judge), The Great Catch might be a spot to check out up in Land O’ Lakes. They have “George’s ‘Famous’ Lobster Roll,” which is “100% Maine.”
Photo via The Great Catch by Taste of Boston/FacebookBenedetto’s Ristorante
21529 Village Lakes Shopping Center Dr, Land O Lakes, FL
An Italian restaurant with its own farm? Hm, could be interesting. They also get most of their seafood locally, so this would be the spot to go if you’re looking to really go all out in supporting local food business.
Photo via Benedetto’s Ristorante/FacebookLittle Habana Cafe
13350 Lincoln Rd, Riverview, FL
Moderately priced Cuban food can be found at the Little Habana Cafe, with their menu featuring salads, and meat-based dishes. They also have a homemade chimichurri sauce that they put on a couple of their meals.
Photo via Little Habana Cafe/FacebookSa Ri One Korean BBQ
1025 W Brandon Blvd, Brandon, FL
Korean barbecue and sushi highlight this local Brandon resto’s menu (in case you couldn’t tell by the name). Sa Ri One also offers all-you-can-eat portions of the menu in case you want to eat until you feel like death.
Photo via Sa Ri One Korean BBQ/FacebookBrewTown Burgers
19255 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Lutz, FL
The bar in Lutz may be more than meets the eye, as they offer a “homemade smoked gouda cheese sauce,” in addition to their burger menu. Their burger menu includes some healthier options, with a turkey burger and a veggie burger.
Photo via BrewTown Burgers/Facebook