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26 classic Tampa Bay restaurants that've been around for more than 35 years

By CL Staff on Fri, Jul 16, 2021 at 4:51 pm

They say some things get better with age. Case in point, these Tampa Bay restaurants that have been dishing out everything from classic Italian fare, pizza, deli food, Thai treats, and simply delicious all-American bar food for over 35 years. After all local eateries went through this past year, now seemed like an appropriate time to celebrate the restaurants that've seen it all. Though a few selections have nearly shuttered and moved locations, these must-eat-at spots are still standing and, better yet, still serving.

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Press Box

222 S Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa
The Press Box is South Tampa’s original sports eatery, and it was founded in 1978. With 42 screens, the sports bar shows every NFL game. There, you may even drink a beer along with a sports celebrity. Domestic draft pints are always $2.50, and on Tuesday and Wednesday wings are 75 cents.
Photo via Press Box/Instagram

Ted Peters Famous Smoked Fish

1350 Pasadena Ave. S, St. Petersburg
After WWII, Ted Peters got into the fish business. Instead of smoking the fish in the backyard or woods, he wanted to do it right where everyone could see. So in the 1940s, he laid out fish on an old smoker outside of Blind Pass Road, so when people drove by they could inhale the fish aroma (don’t hear that too often). Then, In 1951, he opened the Ted Peters Famous Smoked Fish. The restaurant spans five generations, and still uses the same fish spread and German potato salad recipes. And how do they do it? The famous raw fish bakes over a smoldering fire of red oak for four to six hours.
Photo via Ted Peters Famous Smoked Fish/Website

Thailand Tampa Restaurant

5252 S Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa
Beginning in 1979, the Thailand Tampa Restaurant was the first Thai place to eat in South Tampa. Thai decor decorates the walls and tables, with a golden dragon boat and wooden statues. Traditional Thai dishes like the Thai-style beef salad, pad thai and curry duck bring regulars back for more.
Photo via Thailand Tampa Restaurant/Website

The Chattaway

358 22nd Ave., St. Petersburg
Opened in 1951, The Chattaway is a part of St. Pete’s Old Florida historical section of town. The founder, Jillian Frers, moved from England, and the restaurant still serves “high tea” amidst English paintings and old telephones or in the tropical garden outside. The restaurant also serves award-winning burgers and alfresco.
Photo via The Chattaway/Facebook

3 Coins Diner

7410 N Nebraska Ave., Tampa
All day, any day you can go scarf down a hearty breakfast at Three Coins Diner. Heck, you could even go during your midnight munchies. The diner opened in 1984, and it has classic plates and reasonable prices. Get a piece of pie before you leave, too.
Photo via Three Coins Diner/Facebook

Wright’s Gourmet House

1200 S Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa
Since 1963, Wright’s Gourmet House has served sandwiches that are baked fresh daily. The founders saw a need for a gourmet shop in Tampa, so they opened one in a tiny storefront and sold coffee and tea, exotic spices, unique cheeses, meats and big wheel sandwiches. Back in the day, a German baker developed a special dough for Wright’s Gourmet House. The dough is in most sandwiches today. A loyal customer also gave the founders her rum cake recipe, and the cake along with other desserts are still a hit.
Photo via Wright’s Gourmet House/Facebook