FOOD & DRINK
1. 7venth Sun Brewing Brewers Devon Kreps, Megan O’Boyle, Justin Stange, and Mike Lukacina opened a little over a year ago to a cacophony of beer-nerd fanfare. They recently expanded their tasting room and brewery, focusing on Belgian-style beers, barrel-aged beers, and oak-aged sours. 1012 Broadway, 727-733-3013, 7venthsun.com.
2. The Black Pearl Visit a time-honored gem that’s the ideal spot for Don Draper-esque assignations — “that secret, intimate place off the beaten track for a romantic rendezvous on an expense account,” said CL’s restaurant critic. Recommended are the pâté, butternut squash ravioli and fried green tomatoes. 315 Main St., 727-734-3463, TheBlackPearlRestaurant.com.
3. Bon Appetit Beautiful waterfront views are the real draw here, a beloved spot for Blue Jays fans to dine out after the game. Try the three-course prix fixe menu for $21. 148 Marina Plaza, 727-733-2151, bonappetitrestaurant.com.
4. Broadway Deli & Cafe Everything from omelettes to veggie paninis. Bring your own bottle and enjoy with your meal sans corkage fee. 730 Broadway, 727-286-6270, broadwaydelicafe.com.
5. British Delicious The website promises panad (tea) for Welshmen, Scotch eggs for Scotsmen, scones and cream for Englishmen — and the cafe has the goods to back it up. Food, beer, wine, tea, and British-themed knick-knacks. 833 Douglas Ave., 727-648-4956, britishdelicious.com.
6. Cafe Alfresco Located at the corner of Main Street and the Pinellas Trail is one of Tampa Bay’s best spots for brunch, lunch or dinner. Locals love the French toast à la Ritz, made with cloverleaf honey and powdered sugar. Dinner specials include prime rib Sundays and a Friday fish fry. 344 Main St., 727-736-4299, cafealfrescoonline.com.
7. Casa Tina & Pan Y Vino Javier and Tina Avila opened the ever-expanding Casa Tina more than 20 years ago, serving fresh, healthy Mexican cuisine (see the story on p. 32.) Their Pan y Vino next door offers brick oven-fired pizza and wines. 365 Main St., 727-734-9226, casatinas.com. 369 Main St., 727-734-7700, panyvino.com.
8. Cappuccino’s Altro Posto Cafe A coffee and wine bar catering to specialty wines and delicious coffee drinks. Coffee beans are locally roasted, and homemade baked goods are available for purchase as well. 733 Broadway, 727-738-8009.
Chatterbox The family-owned diner inside Dunedin Lanes has been cooking up a good plate of breakfast, lunch or dinner since the 1970s. 405 Patricia Ave., 727-736-2055.
Dodge’s Chicken Store Fill up on gas, delicious fried chicken, and maybe a 12-pack of beer from the walk-in cooler. Open 24 hours, it’s Dunedin’s late-night stop for munchies and more. 466 Patricia Ave., 727-738-8408.
9. Dunedin Bagels & Deli “Small shop, big sandwiches” is what the sign says out front. The sandwiches are served without filler, just bread and meat. And the coffee? One size only, large and Cuban-roasted. 716 Main St., 727-734-1829, dunedinbagels.com.
10. Dunedin Brewery A family-owned and operated brewery, a showspace for local and national live music, and a popular hangout since first opening its doors more than 17 years ago. See Leilani Polk’s story on the music scene at Dunedin Brewery by clicking here. 937 Douglas Ave., 727-736-0606, dunedinbrewery.com.
11. Dunedin House of Beer Over 40 beers on draft, and dozens more in the coolers. Locals love the “do the rail” club card, which entails downing each of the 40 draft beers in exchange for fame and fortune, with prizes ranging from shirts to free beer and more. 927 Broadway, 727-216-6318, dunedinhob.com.
12. Dunedin Smokehouse Finger-licking barbecue, with a dog-friendly patio and regular live music that’s a favorite of locals. 471 Main St., 727-736-2227, thedunedinsmokehouse.com.
Eddie’s Bar and Grill A kid-friendly burger joint and watering hole for sports fanatics, with 50 beers on tap, two HD big screens and upwards of 45 smaller TVs. Happy hour all day long, pool tables, darts, a weekly open mic, and live music most weekends by cover bands and select local originals (UNRB, Ricky Wilcox and Shoeless Soul among others). 1283 Bayshore Blvd., 727-734-2300, eddiesbarandgrill.com.
13. Eli’s BBQ One of the best barbecue spots in all of Tampa Bay. The man behind the smoker, Eli Crawford, passed away this year. But his legend, and barbecue, live on through his apprentice, Eric Davis. 360 Skinner Blvd., 727-738-4856.
14. Flanagan’s Irish Pub Authentic Irish food, Irish beers, and probably one of the truest Irish experiences available locally. Get ready to shimmy that shillelagh. 465 Main St.,727-736-4994, flanagansirishpub.net.
Fritzee Freeze An old-school ice cream shop that serves up deliciously greasy burgers, fries, and hot dogs, too. Shakes, sundaes, hard and soft serve ice creams. 368 Patricia Ave., 727-736-3008.
15. Jolli Mon’s Grill Caribbean-themed cuisine and a party-loving atmosphere. Jolli Mon’s will also cook your catch. Live music weekly. 941 Huntley Ave., 727-735-0498, jollimonsgrill.com.
Juan’s Mexican Grill Tacos, nachos, fajitas and more. Dine in or take it to go. 1409 Main St., 727-738-5826, juansgrill.com.
16. Kelly’s/Chic-a-Boom Room/Blur This chic Main Street complex is spread over three storefronts and offers food, drink and entertainment in atmospheres befitting every time of the day. Kelly’s dishes up breakfast, lunch and dinner with restaurant-style seating and a big outdoor patio; the centrally located Chic-a-Boom Room bar serves frou-frou martinis and happy hour cocktails and hosts live local music all week; and Blur delivers after-hours nightclub ambiance in addition to hosting a weekly hip-hop open mic and fabulous drag shows. 319 Main St., 727-736-5284, kellyschicaboom.com.
17. The Living Room on Main Tapas-style fine dining with everything from flavor-packed Kobe beef sliders to calamari served in a sprawling but cozy space. Weekly live entertainment, drink specials, and more. 487 Main St., 727-736-5202, thelivingroomonmain.com.
Los Amigos Dos A Mexican restaurant known for authentic, fresh tacos, steak burrito and enchiladas, plus complimentary baskets of homemade chips and salsa. 404 Patricia Ave., Dunedin, 727-736-3701.
Marguerite’s Catering and Cafe Just around the corner from the Dunedin Library and Florida Auto Exchange Stadium, the cafe offers pastries, specialty coffees and teas at breakfast, and fresh salads, soups, sandwiches and more for the lunch crowd. The catering business is equipped to handle wedding and corporate functions almost anywhere in the Bay area. 405 Plaza Drive, 727-734-7040, margueritescatering.com.
18. Moffat’s Cup of Tea Moffat’s is a cultural destination as well as a lovely little venue to pass the time. Luncheon or afternoon tea available at the “shabby chic” venue with lace tablecloths, linen napkins, English china and Sterling silver. 355 Scotland St., Dunedin. 727-776-2888.
19. Orange Crate Cafe The partnership of Tina Avila and Bree Cheatham has spawned the latest inception of the Pinellas Trail eatery formerly known as The Boxcar. Now called the Orange Crate Cafe, it’s slated to open at the end of August, with coffee and smoothies to start and a menu of healthy meals to come later. 349 Main St.
20. Olde Bay Cafe & Fish Market Scenically situated next to the Dunedin Marina, so you’ll be in just the right mood for fresh seafood. 51 Main St., 727-733-2542, oldebaycafe.com.
21. Pensare Italian Bistro Chef Ciro Mancini’s artfully crafted Italian dishes are some of the best in the Bay area. Homemade and delicate gnocchi, supple mussels, and perfect cannolis are just a few of the Pensare highlights. 799 Highland Ave., 727-786-2222, pensareitalianbistro.com.
22. Rosie’s Tavern A haven for dog lovers, this U.K.-style pub offers a respectable variety, outdoor seating and a clean, cozy, secondhand-smoke-free ambience. 730 Broadway, 727-724-4209.
23. Sea Sea Riders A wonderfully done Floribbean menu that never fails to satisfy. Order up some crispy tempura grouper cheeks or the shrimp and grits with manchego cheese and bacon. 221 Main St., 727-734-1445, seaseariders.net.
24. Serendipity Cafe Recipes at this health-conscious café are made with whole grains (everything is gluten-free), organic fruits and veggies, and humanely raised, antibiotic-free and hormone-free meats. Breakfast is served all day, and there are plenty of vegetarian and vegan dining options. 664 Main St., 727-483-9233, myserendipitycafe.com.
25. Skip’s Bar and Grill The perfect classic-crusty bar patina is hard to come by these days, but Skip’s has it, and remains the dog- and smoker-friendly spot for a frothy pint served up by badass manager Karen. It’s also home to one of the last great jukeboxes (four songs for $1) and the fabled “Dogedin” mural, an homage to man’s — and Dunedin’s — best friend. 371 Main St., 727-734-9151.
26. Strachan’s Homemade Ice Cream & Desserts Homemade ice cream that gives Working Cow a run for its money. And learn the biz at Strachan's Ice Cream School. 310 Main St., 727-733-3603, strachansdesserts.com.
27. Sweet Peas Cafe A parent-kid-conscious cafe whose tagline is “Eat, play, love,” Sweet Peas is housed in an old red schoolhouse-like bungalow with a white picket fence, an idyllic, shady, park-like play area, and “certified butterfly garden.” Plus soups, sandwiches, kids’ menu and homemade baby food. 434 Virginia Lane, 727-734-0909, thesweetpeascafe.com.
Thai Town This intimate little eatery off Main Street’s main drag is tastefully decorated and offers friendly service and fresh, affordable fare; especially recommended for lunch, when savory, hot/sweet combos come with soup and roll. 1342 Main St., 727-736-8424, gotthaitown.com.
Tom Yum Thai & Sushi Some of the area’s best Thai food and Miami-style sushi (try the rainbow roll). Or, if you’re looking for something more authentic, the flash-fried whole pompano fish is the way to go. 104 Patricia Ave., 727-953-9898, tomyumthaiandsushi.com.
28. Tony’s Pizza Classic American Italian pizza, calzones, and sandwiches. Get it by the pie or by the slice. 320 Main St., 727-286-6242, tonyspizzadunedin.com.
Umberto’s of Long Island Dunedin’s oldest Italian restaurant, Umberto’s was founded by a member of a New York restaurant family who relocated to Florida in the early 1970s, bringing the family name and their amazing pizza recipe with him. The place is now owned by Tony and Pat Illiano, but the dedication to quality ingredients and homemade sauce remains intact. 150 Patricia Ave., 727-736-3138, umbertosoflongisland.com.
GOODS & SERVICES
29. Amanda Austin Fine Antiques & Collectibles The cute shop off the Pinellas Trail gets its name from the owner’s grandchildren, Amanda and Austin. Its stunning vintage camera display in the front window beckons customers to sundry items too varied to mention here. 358 Main St., 727-736-0778.
30. Awaken Organic Skincare & Boutique Get fresh and clean with natural products and treatments for skin, nails, hair, or just get a massage. 353 Main St., 727-386-4134, awakenorganicskincare.com.
31. Back in the Day Books A shop that’s all about collectible, rare, unique, and otherwise hard-to-come-by books. You’ll find everything from vintage copies of Faulkner to the 1966 History of Pornography (sans photos). 457 Main St., 727-216-6641.
32. Celtic Shop of Dunedin Blimey, it’s a one-stop shop for Highlander games, Scots-Irish novelty and other souvenirs of Celtic heritage, from terrier tchotchkes to Tartans to novelty Ts — and custom-made kilts. 354 Main St., 727-733-2200, celticshopdunedin.com.
33. Dragonfly Garden Those who wish to create a little Narnia of their own can browse earth goddess-friendly accessories — such as wrought-iron garden stakes, chimes, comfy gloves, tools, geegaws, books and, of course, dragonfly-themed gifts — all in a well-appointed shop under Stirling Art Studios. 730 Broadway, Suite 7,727-734-4900, shopdragonflygarden.com.
34. Kina Kouture With vintage and retro-new threads, Kina’s is recommended for pinup/rockabilly chicks and anyone with a weakness for Mad Men/retro style. Though the duds were chic in Nana’s day, she wouldn’t bother with ’em now — unless she’s as cool as you. 447 Main St., 727-734-2900, kinakouture.com.
35. The Little Thrift Shop Browse second-hand goods at a store that benefits the poor in the Dunedin community. A recent visit saw Billy Graham’s autobiography propped next to a nature-friendly cookbook — so Dunedin! 506 Main St., 727-734-8238.
Enchanted Earth Metaphysical Shop Align your chakras and partake of merchandise related to witchcraft, astrology, tarot, psychic development, reiki and more. Psychic readings daily, too, but you knew that. 733 Main St., 727-216-6594, enchantedearthdunedin.com.
36. Enchanted Spirits Metaphysical Shop Your one-stop shop for crystals, tarot cards, handmade gemstone jewelry (including an extensive raw and polished gem collection), spell candles and monthly psychic readings. The book section is also noteworthy, with topics ranging from metaphysics to meditation. 712 Broadway, 727-286-6279, enchantedspiritsshop.com.
Full Wave Sound Studios A recording studio offering a full-range of audio production services (music, voice-overs, dubbing, editing, mixing, duplication, conversion). 430 Patricia Ave., 727-483-9928, facebook.com/FullWaveSoundStudio.
Lueken’s Big Town Liquor This warehouse-style mainstay — located about a mile outside of downtown Dunedin — is managed by helpful sales folk and packed with an epic abundance of wines, spirits, liqueurs, and commercial and craft brews, both local and out-of-state. 944 Patricia Ave., 727-734-3068, luekensliquors.com.
37. Mermaid’s Secret Garden Stock up on speciality sea siren-themed home decor at Mermaid’s. Plus, check out the suctioned bowl lid shaped like a piece of lettuce, homemade hot sauces, and plenty of eclectic Dunedin-esque items like feather-adorned beer koozies and wine glasses. 318 Main St., 727-736-5825.
38. Middle Earth Olive Oil Company A quaint indie shop that sells fine olive oils and foods for discerning palates. 737 Broadway, 727-797-1300, middleeartholiveoil.com.
39. Richard’s Foodporium Organic, natural and specialty foods, plus vitamins, herbal supplements and bulk foods at value prices. Dunedin Downtown Center, 662 Main St., 727-736-1200, richardsfoodporium.com.
40. Stirling Tropical Wines & Gifts Specializing in citrus, berry and fruit wines with names like “Cocoa Beach” and “Mango Mama." Free daily tastings, or sip a glass of wine on the recently remodeled patio, which features live music some Friday nights. 461 Main St., 727-734-4025, stirlingtropicalwines.com.
41. Lavish Expressions Dunedin is chock-full of houses converted into shops, and here’s one with exceptional domicile style, offering jewelry, baby items, handmade soaps, pet items and handbags. 716 Broadway, 727-474-3891, lavishexpressionsdunedin.com.
42. McGuire’s Barber Shop This old-school staple opened in 1949 and looks like it was transported from Mayberry, U.S.A. — you expect Floyd to pop out any second and say, “Howdy!” But this corner barber shop is in touch with the kids today, showing off its dark cheeky humor with a poster of Johnny Depp’s Sweeney Todd in the window. $12 a haircut and $20 for a straight razor facial shave. 553 Main St., 727-733-2279.
43. MJ Fashions & Gifts Stop here for non-trendy fast casual attire for women, not girls (or women who still like to look girly). 314 Main St., 727-736-6276, mjfashions.biz.
44. My Favorite Things Some of the best gifts on the strip, with a little more distinctive flair than most shops in hippie-kitschy D-town. Browse dog dishes, handcrafted jewelry, teapots and the shop’s Waxing Poetic line, or stop in for vino during the Saturday art/wine walk. 330 Main St., 727-738-1277, myfavoritethingsfl.com.
The Olde General Store of Dunedin Mother-daughter owners Peggy and Suzie opened this shop a year ago, modeling it after the general store they remembered growing up in Virginia. You’ll find jams, jellies and birch beer on the shelves, along with antiques and collectibles. 769 Main St., 727-560-7387, dunedingeneralstore.com.
45. Painted Fish Gallery Offering beachy charms and some stuff on the more provocative tip, the Fish opened in 1995 just off the Pinellas Trail. 350 Main St., 727-734-5060, paintedfishgallery.com.
46. Rainbow’s End Quilt Shoppe While our current temps might not inspire soft-blanketed comfort, Dunedin is home to Florida’s largest quilt shop. Browse gift items or sign up for a class, and if you want to start the old-fashioned hobby yourself, the Shoppe doubles as an Elna and Phaff sewing machine dealer. 941 Broadway, 727-733-8572, rainbowsendquiltshoppe.com.
47. Stirling Art Studios Founded by a diverse group of “dedicated, local artists who pooled their creative resources and started a studio collective,” the studios open to the public the second Friday evening of each month during the arts and wine walk. 730 Broadway, Second Floor, stirlingartstudios.com.
48. Suncoast Beach Company Notcher neon wacky-tacky souvenir shop on Clearwater Beach; nope, far from it. This shop off the Dunedin Trail is a sedate beachy boutique with quality merchandise geared more toward fashionable seniors than spring breakers. Foot-friendly beach shoes, sunglasses, dresses, and more. 346 Main St., 727-734-8065, suncoastbeachco.com.
ATTRACTIONS
SimCenterTampaBay/CockpitSonicUSA A business-cum-attraction that not only builds and sells flight simulators, parts and accessories, but has three actual-size simulators at its Dunedin location — a Boeing 737 jetliner, an F-16 and an F-35 fighter jet — as well as race car and helicopter simulators. All can be “flown” or “driven” in pre-scheduled time slots; no experience is necessary, and flight guides are on hand to help out so you get the most bang from your buck. 1299 Main St., Suite A, simcentertampabay.com.
Florida Auto Exchange Stadium: Home of the Blue Jays With a capacity of 5,509 individual seats, this is perhaps the most intimate spring training facility in the Bay area. Not only is it home to the Blue Jays spring training games in March (see story p. 23), but also to the Advanced A class Blue Jays team throughout the summer. Try a Labatt Blue, a Canadian brew, or visit the Craft Beer Dugout alongside the narrow third base concourse. 373 Douglas Ave., 727-733-9302.
Caladesi Island State Park Reachable by boat (you can grab the ferry from Honeymoon Island), this state park offers all the usual amenities (boating, fishing, picnicking areas, swimming, wildlife fun, snack bar, etc.) in a gorgeous island setting just across St. Joe’s Sound from Dunedin. How gorgeous? Dr. Beach named it America’s Best Beach in 2008. #1 Causeway Blvd., 727-469-5918.
Dunedin Fine Art Center This sleek facility just beyond Downtown Dunedin rivals St. Pete and Tampa for arts outreach, year-round classes, and unique event programming. DFAC comprises four galleries and a hands-on museum for kids. Read about the center’s signature event, Wearable Art, in this week’s A&E section. The center is scheduled for slick new additions and renovations, which will be breaking ground this month. 1143 Michigan Blvd., 727-298-3322, dfac.org.
49. Dunedin Historical Society & Museum It’s fitting — and charming — that the town’s history museum and society is housed in a former train station, so you really feel like you’re being transported back in time in more ways than one. The quaint structure has approximately 2,000 artifacts, 2,500 photographs, and 200 volumes of local and Florida history. Exhibits this month include Pirates of Florida and A Pint of History: A Brief History of Beer. 349 Main St., 727-736-1176, dunedinmuseum.org.
50. Dunedin Marina The city-owned marina is just west of downtown and includes a park with a playground and gazebo, boats (of course) — some offer fun charter tours — a Coast Guard auxiliary, and outdoor dining options. 51 Main St., 727-298-3030, dunedingov.com.
51. Dunedin Trailhead Along with water and restrooms, the Dunedin Trailhead also provides Pinellas Trail cyclists with easy access to downtown Dunedin’s many restaurants and shops. Get on your bikes and ride!
Hammock Park At 90 acres, The Hammock is Dunedin’s largest park — Old Florida beauty at its best. It’s listed in the Guide to the Great Florida Birding Trail, and can be enjoyed via nature trails, picnic shelters, an observation platform and a playground. 1900 San Mateo Drive, dunedingov.com.
Highlander Park Highlander’s 70 acres make it Dunedin’s second largest park, inside which you'll find the Dunedin Fine Art and Nature centers, a pool, picnic shelters, tennis courts, and Little League fields. Special events like the Dunedin Art Harvest take place there annually. Three playgrounds amuse the kiddies. 903 Michigan Blvd., dunedingov.com.
52. Pioneer Park Located at Douglas Avenue and Main Street near Dunedin City Hall, Pioneer is home to concerts and events throughout the year — farmers’ markets, Mardi Gras, Casa Tina’s Dios de los Muertos fest and the Dunedin Green Market. 420 Main St., dunedingov.com.
Weaver Park Tall palm trees and a waterfront view make the newest park in Dunedin a worthwhile detour off the Pinellas Trail. The fishing pier is now open in addition to much of the park grounds. Bayshore Boulevard and Lee Street, dunedingov.com.
STAY & PLAY
53. Best Western Plus Yacht Harbor Inn An ideal base for a Dunedin weekend, located directly across from the Marina and next to the popular Bon Appetit restaurant. The rooms have a beach-house feel unusual for a chain, many with slanting beamed roofs and private balconies. Summer rates (mid-April to mid-September) range from $99.99-$180 for standard rooms. 150 Marina Plaza, 727-733-4121, bestwestern.com.
Clearwater Jolley Trolley Don’t let the name fool you, the Clearwater Jolley Trolley rolls from Clearwater Beach through Dunedin and all the way up to Tarpon Springs. A great alternative to driving if you’re planning on drinking during your beach outing (and who isn’t, really?). There’s even a smartphone app that the tech-obsessed can use to track the trolley’s progress. $4.50 for a daily pass. clearwaterjolleytrolley.com.
54. Meranova Guest Inn The slogan kind of says it all: “We overlook nothing but Main Street.” Meranova offers bed & breakfast accommodations in the heart of downtown Dunedin. Not thrilled with all the socializing B&Bs are known for? No worries, as this B&B offers individual suites with private entrances, bathrooms, and gourmet breakfast served in your suite (or by the pool, or in the orchid garden — hey, they’re flexible). The Inn also has two suites with full kitchens for extended stay guests, though with so many great restaurants nearby it’d be a shame to stay in and cook. 458 Virginia Lane, 727-733-9248, meranova.com.
