Tampa’s always had a great downtown movie palace — the incomparable Tampa Theatre — but for a long time we didn’t have anyplace close by to argue about the movie afterwards over late-night dinner and cocktails. Lately, that’s begun to change with places like past BOTB winner Anise. But the best option is a new one: the bar at Bizou Brasserie in Le Meridien Hotel. Just around the block from the theater, Bizou has the quiet chic and late hours of a classic hotel bar, plus the food and the cocktails are terrific — the perfect backdrop for a debate over the relative merits of Wes Anderson vs. Wes Craven.
Food & Drink
Fodder & Shine may have had a bit of a hard time finding its identity in burgeoning but not completely avant-garde Seminole Heights. But, while chef Greg Baker had to tweak his authentic Florida cracker cuisine to appease the unseasoned palates of thought-they-were-brave foodies, the restaurant’s bar offerings plus video games and pool table have made it a pretty great spot to kick it into the late night. 5910 N. Florida Ave., Tampa, 813-234-3710, fodderandshine.com
Runners Up: Einstein Bros Bagels, Clearwater Bagels
Runners Up: Alessi Bakery, Bake‘n Babes
Hey, sometimes you’re just not in the mood for another hoppy IPA or citrus-smoked bacon whatever. Cigar City’s getting the jump on the burgeoning cider and mead markets the same way it got ahead of the Bay area craft beer curve, and is putting out the area’s best stuff as a result. From sweet summery ciders to more subtle, textured concoctions and a fearless attitude toward experimenting with the ancient (and misnamed, really) “honey wine” known as mead, the staff at this casual Ybor City brewery and tasting room is friendly, skilled and schooled. If you’re willing to be curious and more than a little fearless yourself when it comes to new flavors, they’ll help you find a new obsession in something you’ve never tasted before. 1812 N. 15th St., Ybor City. 813-242-6600, cigarcitycider.com
Runners Up: Urban Brew & BBQ, 4 Rivers Smokehouse
