Instead of getting Dad the basic tie-and-matching-shirt set for the umpteenth time, take him out for a meal he won't soon forget. Restaurants on both sides of the bay are celebrating Father's Day, coming up next weekend, by filling your pop's stomach from breakfast until dinner.
All events take place on June 18 unless otherwise noted.
3 Daughters Brewing A laid-back Sunday with a neighborhood barbecue, where Dad can enjoy multiple food trucks and giveaways. Cheer on the old man while he plays in the cornhole tournament. 222 22nd St. S., St. Petersburg, 727-495-6002, 3dbrewing.com.
Another Broken Egg Café Treat Dad to a hearty brunch and he lands $10 to use toward his next visit. Menu items from the Southern-inspired restaurant franchise include Cajun Louisiana crawfish skillet, cinnamon roll French toast and classic shrimp and grits. Your taste buds won't know what hit them. 2554 McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater, 727-240-0655, anotherbrokenegg.com.
Beach Bar & Restaurant Soak up the sun at Bay Harbor Hotel's waterfront restaurant. The buffet-style brunch features a variety of food stations with breakfast, meats and seafood. There's also a $5 drink special on Bloody Marys and margaritas. $34.95 for adults, $14.95 for kids. 7700 W. Courtney Campbell Causeway., Tampa, 813-281-8900, bayharbortampa.com.
Boca Kitchen Bar & Market Two meal deals to choose from: a 16-ounce bone-in rib-eye steak for brunch, or surf and turf with rib-eye and lobster for dinner. As a bonus, all fathers get a $25 gift card. Call the Hyde Park or Riverview locations for reservations, which are recommended. 901 W. Platt St., Tampa, 813-254-7070, bocatampa.com.
Brio Tuscan Grille Go for modern Italian cuisine during brunch, lunch or dinner on Father's Day. Reservations for the chain's International Plaza outpost can be made online. 2223 N. Westshore Blvd. #B209, Tampa, 813-877-3939, brioitalian.com.
Busch Gardens Take in the theme park's Serengeti views, then finish with a feast. This buffet at the Serengeti Overlook includes appetizers and desserts served tableside, salads, sides, and entrees like Southern fried chicken and carved prime rib au jus. $39 for adults, $19 for kids 4-9, free for kids under 3. 10165 N. McKinley Drive, Tampa, 813-884-4386, buschgardens.com.
Cassis American Brasserie An all-ages beach day — at Cassis. Every year for Dad's Day, the Beach Drive restaurant drops two tons of sand inside and out to transform itself into a tropical oasis. Cocktails and beer specials, plus raffle drawings and sandcastles (one of which gets created live June 15), are also featured. Reservations are highly suggested. June 15-June 18. 170 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg, 727-827-2927, cassisab.com.
Centre Club Beer and barbecue are one of the ultimate food duos, and guests can enjoy both during this family-style dinner. Expect specials on bourbon and local craft beer are definitely leaving a smile on his face. RSVP by phone or email ([email protected]). $30 for adults, $13 for kids 6-12, free for kids 5 & under. 123 S. Westshore Blvd., 8th Floor, Tampa, 813-286-4040, centretampa.com.
Cork N Brew Bistro Celebrate Dad with pulled pork sliders, cold beer on draft and plates of candied bacon (yes, really). 524 Mandalay Ave., Clearwater, 727-483-5990, corknbrew.com.
The Hangar Restaurant & Flight Lounge Watch airplanes take off during the downtown St. Pete restaurant's brunch buffet, which includes smoked ham eggs Benedict, barbecued chicken breast and other in-between specialties. Fathers receive a complimentary draft or spicy Bloody Mary. The regular menu is available 4 p.m. to close. Call for reservations. $23.95, $12.95 for kids under 12. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. 540 First St. SE, St. Petersburg, 727-823-7767, thehangarstpete.com.
Irish 31 Dads get a complimentary Bloody Mary or domestic draft from the family-friendly Hyde Park Village pub, or any of its other Tampa outposts. And guess what? There's a build-your-own Bloody bar during Sunday brunch. 10 a.m.-midnight. 1611 W. Swan Ave., Tampa, 813-250-0031, irish31.com.
The Melting Pot The Tampa-based fondue franchise is doing endless fondue all weekend long. Yeah, that means four courses of bottomless protein options. $42.95. 13164 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, 813-962-6936, meltingpot.com.
The Rusty Pelican A Champagne buffet with options such as roasted turkey, seafood and a plethora of desserts. Dad's first beer is on the house. Reserve a table in advance; seats won't last long. $65 for adults, $30 for kids. 2425 N. Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, 813-281-1943, therustypelicantampa.com.
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Special menus abound at Seminole Hard Rock, whose in-house food and drink options — including Council Oaks Steaks & Seafood, Hard Rock Cafe, Rise Kitchen & Bakery and Fresh Harvest — have Dad's Day offers in store. 5223 Orient Road, Tampa, 813-627-7625, seminolehardrocktampa.com.
Tijuana Flats Get to your nearest T-Flats for a Father's Day deal of one free taco and one free drink. 944 Fourth St. N. #100, St. Petersburg, 727-823-5882, tijuanaflats.com.
Urban Brew and BBQ Dine at this Grand Central District favorite with your pops and your first beer's free. If one isn't enough, hop from Urban Brew to Urban Comfort to Urban Deli and Drafts, which are set to highlight the same offer. 1939 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-822-8919, urbanbrewandbbq.com.
Vintage Wine Cellars Is Pops an oenophile? Spend a little quality time at Vintage Wine Cellars. Call the South Tampa wine shop to make a reservation. $15. 3629 Henderson Blvd., Tampa, 813-879-2931, vintagewinecellars.net.
Yacht StarShip Brunch and dinner on the water, as part of a series of luxury yacht dining cruises fit for the whole family. Dads enjoy three free premium drinks, plus a buffet spread. The dress code is resort casual, and book reservations for both the Clearwater and Tampa cruises online. 603 Channelside Drive, Tampa, 813-223-7999, yachtstarship.com.
