As a fresh selection of Bests of the Bay reigns, and another season of determining the region’s finest nosheries and watering holes comes to a close, we decided to compile serial Readers’ Poll champs into a nifty directory.
Foodie establishments had to be dubbed BOTB-worthy by our readers at least three times over the past five years (from 2009 to ‘13) in order to make the cut.
Chain restaurants and all, these spots are where the readers gather to dine and drink Tampa Bay-style.
Acropolis Greek Taverna Dolmades (stuffed grape leaves), gyros, kabobs, tzatziki and way more to help you get your Greek on. There are four Acropolis restaurants in the area. 515 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-823-1010, acropolistaverna.com.
Alessi Bakery This family-owned Tampa landmark won Best Bakery four years in a row. Alessi carries fresh baked goods, along with sandwiches, salads and hot entrees. 2909 W. Cypress St., Tampa, 813-879-4544, alessicatering.com.
Bella’s Italian Cafe With Best Happy Hour and Best Italian under its belt, the 28-year-old Bella’s boasts soul-satisfying antipasti, soups, stone-oven pizzas and pastas made in house. 1413 S. Howard Ave. #100, Tampa, 813-254-3355, bellasitaliancafe.com.
Bern’s Steak House The love affair between Bern’s and CL readers (when it comes to splurging on a porterhouse, anyway) seems everlasting. There’s no need to discuss the impressive wine list, or dessert room, because y’all already know. 1208 S. Howard Ave., 813-251-2421, bernssteakhouse.com.
Byblos Café Serving up Mediterranean-Arab cuisine, Byblos offers a taste of Lebanon through items like baba ghanouj, tabbouleh, shawarma and Ismaliah, ricotta dressed with shredded filo, syrup and pistachios. 2832 S. MacDill Ave., Tampa, 813-805-7977, bybloscafe.com.
Cappy’s Pizzeria Voted Best Pizza more than once, and also named the winner of CL’s 2007 PZZA Tournament of Slices, Cappy’s creates Chicago and New York-style pies with more than 20 toppings. The region’s got four locations. 2900 First Ave. N., St. Petersburg, 727-321-3020, cappyspizzaonline.com.
Cigar City Brewing Tampa’s hometown brewery that produces more than 40,000 barrels annually. As purveyors of the beloved Jai Alai IPA, Cigar City took home the Best Local Beer award last year, too. 3924 W. Spruce St., Tampa, 813-348-6363, cigarcitybrewing.com.
Datz The top spot for sandwiches, readers say. Datz has 17, in fact, and they’re served on house-baked bread alongside chips showered with blue cheese and green onions. 2616 S. MacDill Ave., Tampa, 813-831-7000, datztampa.com.
Ella’s Americana Folk Art Cafe A funky food haven with everything from bacon-wrapped meatloaf to 12-inch pies with artisan ingredients. Don’t miss Soul Food Sundays. 5119 N. Nebraska Ave., Tampa, 813-234-1000, ellasfolkartcafe.com.
Ferg’s This St. Pete institution gets flooded with sports fans decked in local teams’ gear. Come to watch a game, but stay for the beer and better-than-average bar food. 1320 Central Ave. N., 727-822-4562, fergsonline.com.
Five Guys Burgers and Fries A popular burger franchise with eats such as mini burgers, cheese dogs and Cajun fries. Five Guys won Best Burger for four years. 13680 Walsingham Road, Largo, 727-595-4400, fiveguys.com.
Frenchy’s Nine area locations each with their own laid-back atmosphere. Chow on grouper sammies, shrimp and scallops, Floribbean-inspired chicken and other beachy fare. 7 Rockaway St., Clearwater, 727-446-4844, frenchysonline.com.
Georgie’s Alibi The place to go for all sorts of LGBTQ revelry. You can eat, drink, catch a sports game (or a drag show) and get in on events showcased throughout the week. 3100 Third Ave. N., St. Petersburg, 727-321-2112, georgiesalibi.com.
Hooker Tea Company Global and loose-leaf blends outfit this Beach Drive tea shop. Whether its for work or pleasure, grab a table and get cozy with your favorite brew served cold or hot. 300 Beach Drive NE #124, St. Petersburg, 727-894-4832, hookertea.com.
Hooters The four-year victor of the Best Wings accolade. Hooters, which launched in Clearwater, does the winged offerings boneless, naked, Daytona Beach-style and smothered in its five signature sauces, including the 3 Mile Island and 9-1-1. 2800 Gulf To Bay Blvd., Clearwater, 727-797-4008, originalhooters.com.
The Independent A rotating tap list, extensive bottle selection and tasty bar grub make this Hillsborough's quintessential neighborhood hangout. The coffee bar and baked sweets are an added bonus. 5016 N. Florida Ave., Tampa, 813-341-4883, independentbartampa.com.
Jasmine Thai & Sushi Readers’ go-to eatery for Thai cuisine. There are classic starters, curries, rolls and more. Try Jasmine Thai’s Larb Gai (chicken lettuce wraps). 3333 S. Westshore Blvd., Tampa, 813-831-8881, jasminesushithai.com.
Kahwa Coffee This Best Coffee winner is taking over both sides of the bay (the biz launched an app recently, too). Pair a French pastry or another baked treat with a locally roasted cup of joe. 475 Second St. N., St. Petersburg, 727-823-4700, kahwacoffee.com.
La Teresita Hearty helpings of Cuban delectables, including ropa vieja, arroz con pollo and platano relleno (stuffed plantain). La Teresita’s café con leche is also worth a taste. 3248 W. Columbus Drive, Tampa, 813-879-9704, lateresitarestaurant.com.
MacDinton’s Irish Pub With drink deals and special events every night, this Irish bar makes friends and fans easily. And there’s loaded cheese fries. Those help. 405 S. Howard Ave., Tampa, 813-251-8999, macdintons.com.
Old Northeast Tavern The booze and eats work together at this beloved locals bar on the Pinellas side. Sandwiches, pizzas, salads and appetizers keep drinkers satisfied as they sip. 201 Seventh Ave. N., St. Petersburg, 727-821-8070, oldnetavern.com.
Oystercatchers Visit for the seafood (Gulf snapper, oyster and raw bar, crab cakes, scallops), or buffet-style brunch. Both are all good. 2900 Bayport Drive, Tampa, 813-207-6815, oystercatchersrestaurant.com.
Paciugo This gelateria is a year-round hot spot. Order from among groovy house-made flavors like chocolate jalepeño, orange saffron and Nut Symphony. 300 Beach Drive #120, St. Petersburg, 727-209-0298, paciugo.com.
Pinky’s Diner A Tampa joint that’s synonymous with breakfast. From savory frittatas to sweet stuffed French toast, Pinky’s serves mornin’ fare done well. 3203 W. Bay to Bay Blvd., Tampa, 813-831-9339, pinkysdiner.com.
The Refinery Co-owner and chef Greg Baker, voted Best Chef by readers multiple times, cooks up the inventive offerings at this acclaimed Seminole Heights haunt. The eatery’s menu changes week-to-week, with a focus on local ingredients. 5137 N. Florida Ave., Tampa, 813-237-2000, thetamparefinery.com.
SoHo Sushi Classic sushi rolls along with speciality renditions, such as crab salad, cream cheese and ‘cado wrapped in soy paper, then panko fried. SoHo Sushi has ramen, Korean barbecue and nine sakes as well. 3218 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, 813-873-7646, sohosushi.com.
Taco Bus This editor’s convinced readers would fill in Taco Bus for every food-related category if they could. But who could blame ’em? This Mexican resto-on-wheels’ fare is fit for ballers on a budget and imbibers seeking sustenance. 2324 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-322-5000, taco-bus.com.
World of Beer The Tampa-bred World of Beer chain supplies drinkers with an array of bottled and draft suds that span more than 40 countries, with local brews to choose from, too. 100 Fourth St. S., St. Petersburg, 727-823-2337, worldofbeer.com.
Xtreme Juice Smoothies Fresh juices (including wheatgrass), smoothies, smoothie pops and light bites. Try the tropical-blended Phunky Punch with guava and papaya. 619 S. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, 813-879-6033, xtremejuice.com.
Yummy House Barbecue, seafood, pork, veggies and more make up this Cantonese Chinese restaurant’s packed menu. There’s even beef short ribs and clay pot-cooked stuffed tofu. 2620 E. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa, 813-237-3838, yummyhousechinabistro.com.
