Brick House Tavern and Tap looks to be another Hooters/Wing House type chain celebrating male chauvinism and serving a "man food" menu of huge burgers, wings, fried appetizers, steaks and sandwiches. I'll give them a few points for their list of great import and craft brews and for the fact that they'll serve you a micro keg right at your table. 1102 N. Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa, 813-350-9108, brickhousetavernandtap.com
The Bricks of Ybor is the new hybrid restaurant/coffee shop/bar/gallery on the infamous 7th Ave. in Ybor., brought to you by the owner of the Skatepark of Tampa, Brian Schaefer. The menu is comprised of sandwiches, salads, appetizers and breakfast specialties — a good number of which are healthy and vegetarian friendly. They also offer coffee and espresso drinks, draft beers and a full liquor bar. Open for lunch and dinner. Fun menu items include the PB & J and PBR combo and the 'Star Wars' cocktail. 1327 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa, 727-247-1785, facebook.com/thebricksybor
Emilio's Bistro, Bakery & Bar opened in the spot formerly occupied by Diner 437 on Central Avenue in Downtown St. Pete, serving affordable bistro fare — from croissants and quiche to paninis and gourmet burgers — for breakfast, lunch and dinner, seven days a week. Try one of their freshly baked pastries with an espresso or wash down a blue cheese-stuffed burger with one of their craft beers on tap. 437 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-258-4891, emiliosbistro.com
Felicitous Coffee House in Lutz is a refurbished gas station turned independent coffee house and secondhand furniture shop selling coffee and espresso drinks, teas, pastries and just about everything you see in the shop. Join in on the knitting party Monday night, open mic night on Wednesday night, board games on Thursday night, and bring your pooches on the last Saturday of every month for Doggie Day. The shop is also looking for crafters and artists to display and sell their work. 9015 N. US Highway 41, Lutz, 813-948-6540, felicitouscoffee.com
Luckie B's Bar-B-Que has recently opened in the location formerly occupied Fred Fleming's Famous BBQ on 4th Street in St. Petersburg, and added a covered patio to the restaurant for outdoor seating. The menu looks very similar to the former occupant's, listing baby back ribs, pulled pork, brisket, sandwiches and seafood selections. Luckie B's also offers a selection of regional barbecue sauces, ranging from dark and sweet to mustard-based. 4351 4th St. N., St. Pete; 727-823-5825. luckiebs.com
Closings:
Chef/owner J. Bryce Whittlesey of Chez Bryce has just announced that their doors will be closing this Sunday, July 18. Whittlesey stated "...due to the recession and current economy, we are unable to continue to operate." There will be a farewell dinner held this Saturday to celebrate their three years in business at their location on Harbour Island. Call for information. 238 E Davis Blvd., Tampa, 813-258-8100, chezbryce.com
Chateau France in St. Petersburg will be closing its doors after 12 years of business on August 15. The owner, Chef Antoine Louro, will be relocating and opening a restaurant in the Bahamas. He is currently offering 50 percent off select bottles of California and French wines. 136 4th Ave. NE, St. Petersburg, 727-894-7163, chateaufranceonline.com
