Jim, the Photographer via Flickr
Instead of the usual gifts of neckties and socks, take Dad out for a meal on Father's Day, June 19, at one of these tasty restaurants in Tampa Bay. Whether you're looking for a Champagne brunch or to simply slug back a few PBRs with your old man, we've got you covered.
BELLA BRAVA 204 Beach Drive NE, St. Pete, 727-895-5515, bellabrava.com. In addition to their regular menus, Bella Brava is offering specials for both brunch and dinner, including fig and mascarpone stuffed French toast, trattoria eggs benedict, Fontina-stuffed veal meatball sliders, wood grilled Tuscan-style baby back ribs and more. Reservations recommended.
BRIO TUSCAN GRILLE 2223 N West Shore Blvd., Tampa, 813-877-3939, brioitalian.com. Brio opens its doors extra early on Father's Day (10 a.m.), offering a special Tuscan-inspired menu in addition to the full dinner menu which will be available all day.
CASANOVA 811 Cleveland St., Clearwater, 727-733-5449, restaurantcasanova.com. Enjoy an array of classic Italian dishes with housemade pastas and sauces with Dad. Offering the standard dinner menu as well as Father's Day specials.
CASSIS AMERICAN BRASSERIE 170 Beach Drive, St. Pete, 727-827-2927; cassisab.com. For a more casual celebration, head to Cassis in Downtown St. Pete for their "Riviera St. Pete" event. Enjoy a beer or cocktail with the sand between your toes while you dine at their indoor beach (yes, there will be sand inside). Beach attire requested.
THE COLUMBIA RESTAURANTS 2117 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa, 813-248-4961; 800 Second Ave. NE (on the fourth floor of the Pier), St. Pete, 727-822-8000; 1241 Gulf Blvd., Clearwater, 727-596-8400, columbiarestaurant.com. Treat Dad to The Columbia's Spanish-Cuban cuisine this Father's Day. Specials include Maine lobster, Manchego and chorizo flatbread, 14 ounce New York strip brushed with 1905 dressing (a favorite of Babe Ruth's), and fresh sea scallops wrapped in Jamón Serrano Ibérico topped with guava sauce. Regular menu also available.
FLEMING'S PRIME STEAKHOUSE 4322 W Boy Scout Blvd., Tampa, 813-874-9463, flemingssteakhouse.com. Take Dad for Fleming's three-course brunch menu, which includes filet mignon frittata, stuffed French toast and filet benedict, and toast to dad with their special Jack Daniels cocktail, the "Button Down." Each Dad also receives a free $25 gift card. Regular menu available throughout the day and evening. Brunch served from 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m.; $32.95 for adults, $15.95 for kids.
OYSTERCATCHERS 2900 Bayport Drive, Tampa, 813-207-6815, oystercatchersrestaurant.com. Enjoy a memorable day at Oystercatchers' Champagne brunch. Besides the unlimited Champagne, mimosas and Bloody Marys, they'll be serving breakfast and lunch options as well as pasta and omelet stations. Though the price may be a bit steep, the breathtaking view of Tampa Bay is free. Brunch served from 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. $65 for adults, $32.50 for kids 6-12.
PEARL IN THE GROVE 31936 St. Joe Road, Dade City, 352-588-0008, pearlinthegrove.com. Though it might be a bit of a hike, Dad will surely enjoy the fresh, locally-sourced "slow food" at Pearl. From 1-6 p.m., enjoy crawfish, smoked ribs, Cajun meat pies, along with the rest of their down-home, comfort cuisine. Reservations suggested.
PELAGIA TRATTORIA 2223 N. West Shore Blvd. (lobby level of the Renaissance International Plaza Tampa Hotel), 813-313-3235, pelagiatrattoria.com. Dine on Chef Daniel Goldich's elegant, modern Italian fare on Father's Day. Offering a $25, three-course prixe fixe menu (part of CL's Restaurant Week) from June 16-26 that's quite a steal of a deal.
THE REFINERY 5137 N. Florida Ave., Tampa 813-237-2000, thetamparefinery.com. Offering a dad's dream: A putting green in the dining room, sports on the boob tube, complimentary PBR (keepin' it classy), and burger, wings and poutine (a.k.a.: loaded fries) on the menu. Live music by The Urbane Cowboys to top off the night. 3-6 p.m.
RIGATONI RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE 3437 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, 813-275-0600, rigatonisonline.com. Forget The Olive Garden and take Dad to Rigatoni's for classic, homemade Italian fare. Listen to musician Jose Mariscal as you dine, performing from 6-9 p.m.
ROY'S 4342 W. Boy Scout Blvd., Tampa, 813-873-7697, roysrestaurant.com. If Hawaiian fusion is more to Dad's liking, then take him to Roy's for fresh seafood, sushi, and Hawaiian style dishes like Kai-style braised short ribs and kalbi grilled hangar steak. To top it off, each dad will receive a $20 gift card.
THE RUSTY PELICAN 2425 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, 813-281-1943, tampa.therustypelican.com. In honor of this special day for dads, The Rusty Pelican is serving up hearty "man food" protein feast on their buffet. Also serving draft beer, Champagne and Bloody Marys. Brunch served from 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; $39.95 for adults, $16.95 for kids.
SHEPHARD'S BEACH RESORT 601 South Gulfview Blvd., Clearwater, 727-441-6875, shephards.com. Dine with a view of picturesque Clearwater Beach and stuff yourself silly at Shepard's Sunday Champagne Brunch buffet or their seafood and prime rib buffet for dinner.
TEXAS DE BRAZIL CHURRASCARIA 4112 W. Boy Scout Blvd., Tampa, 813-871-1400. Opening early at 11 a.m. to celebrate Father's Day, Texas de Brazil will be serving endless portions of grilled meats on swords carved tableside by dashing gauchos. If the protein offerings don't get Dad drooling, they'll also be rolling out an exotic car display for him to pine over. Also offering hand-rolled cigars if he's not a dessert guy. Reservations recommended.
