Best of the bay 2026 is here. Check out the Winners And FinalistS!

Best of The Bay 2005

Sep 15-22, 2005 / Vol. 34 / No. 8

Best of The Bay 2005

Our annual compendium of all that’s bright and beautiful in Tampa Bay (plus all that’s bad and tacky) has everything you need to know and…

by CL Staff

Personal Bests

As part of our Readers’ Poll this year, we gave voters a chance to expand a bit on their favorites. In 25 words or less, they were invited to tell us…

by CL Staff

HEATHER TINNARO: Tangelo’s

Personal Best: “When the waitstaff will approach you in the grocery to ask about your kids BY NAME, that’s the best. Dennis, Rosemary, et al are AWESOME!” Heather cited Papa Joe’s for Best Waitstaff, Outdoor Dining, Cuban/Spanish and Cheap Eats. Tangelo’s Grill, 226 First Ave. N., St. Petersburg, 727-894-1695.

by CL Staff

HEIDI SUMNER: Papa Joe’s Country Cafe

Personal Best: “If you have not experienced a sub and Latin salsa at Papa Joe’s Country Market in St. Petersburg — you have been deprived!” Heidi chose Joe’s for Best Cuban/Spanish and Best Vegetarian. Papa Joe’s, 2498 13th Ave. N., St. Petersburg, 727-327-0296.

by CL Staff

THE ERIKSENS: Café Ponte

Personal Best: “Café Ponte is indeed the place! Polished service, surroundings, fabulous and innovative food and one of the most amiable chefs around — a true ‘master’ — Chris Ponte!” The Eriksens chose Café Ponte for Best Waitstaff, Best Chef and Best Martini. Café Ponte, 13505 ICOT Blvd., Clearwater, 727-538-5768.

by CL Staff

SYLVESTER “SlY” THOMAS JR.: The El Cap

Personal Best: “I’m crazy about the El Cap — St. Petersburg’s best all-around ‘everything.’ The clientele there range from newborn to senior citizen. Once there, you will be a regular. ‘Boom Goes The Dynamite.’” Sylvester chose El Cap for Best Cuban/Spanish and Best Waitstaff. El Cap, 3500 Fourth St. N, St. Petersburg, 727-521-1314.

by CL Staff

ROXANNE MOULTON: Salvador Dali Museum

Personal Best: “The Dali Museum is an international treasure. I’m a Friday afternoon docent and I’m fun and cool and not boring! Locals should check it out!” Roxanne voted for the Dali as Best Kept Secret — and is that also a vote for Best Docent? Salvador Dalí Museum, 1000 Third Street S., St. Petersburg,…

by CL Staff

Recent

See all

Gift this article