Tampa
Tampa went from small town status with the arrival of rail and at the same time a burgeoning tobacco industry which saw Cubanos arrive to roll the stogies, in Ybor City. Ybor City is a must see, as it gives Tampa and environs an upbeat latino mood. For instance, great food and chicory coffee. The downtown is quiet, but catch up on action at Busch Gardens at the edge of town. Its 335 acre park with an African theme was there way before Disney. With a whopping 35 miles of barrier beaches on its shores, Tampa has something for everyone. Have a look at that dazzling deep blue bay. Tampa is said to be the fastest growing part of Florida right now. She shows off with great restaurants, beautiful Salvador Dali art, lovely long piers, stunning sunsets, and restful white sand. The hand’s on science museum, The Museum of Science and Industry, has a flight simulator and a Gulf Coast hurricane, plus a big hot air balloon exhibit. In south Tampa, go running along the water on the world’s longest boardwalk, all 6.5 miles of it. Adventure Island has a 76 ft. free fall body slide, called the Tampa Typhoon. And we’re still two hours away from Disney?
Breakfast/lunch:
Daily Eats: If you’re in Tampa for breakfast, this is the diner for you. Coconut encrusted french toast? Sign me up!
901 S Howard Ave, (813) 868-3335
Mimi’s Cafe: Cool cajun joint with great breakfasts and lunches. A real find for a traveler.
11702 N Dale, (813) 265-4460
La Segunda Central Bakery: REAL cuban bread. No breakfasts, but you can get a cafe con leche and a guave pastry to go. Don’t forget to load up on the bread though.
2512 N 15th St, (813) 248-1531
Cuban:
La Teresita Restaurant: Hole in the wall, laidback gourmet Cuban place the the best food going.
(813) 872-8212
Wright’s Gourmet House: Best Cuban sandwiches around and the Beef Martini is amazing.
1200 S Dale Mabry Hwy, (813) 253-3838
Front Porch Grill: $$ Sit on the front porch of this historic old house and be amazed by the variety of great food, cold beer, and totally locals ambiance.
5924 N Florida Ave, (813) 237-5511
Silver Ring Cafe: Over 40 years of making some of the best food in Tampa. Not to be missed.
1430 E 7th Ave, (813) 241-2128
Pizza & Italian:
Pane Rustica: $$ Good stuff all around from the seafood dishes to a great thin crust pizza.
3225 S. MacDill Ave., (813) 902-8828
Giordano’s: $$ Chicago style thick crust pizza at its very best.
401 N Dale Mabry Hwy, (813) 872-5900
Eddie & Sam’s Ny Pizza: $ Great little pizza joint. Thin crunchy crusts dripping with cheese. Yummmmm.
203 E Twiggs St, (813) 229-8500
Steakhouses:
Bern’s Steak House: $$$$ Most folks think this is the best steakhouse on the planet. Maybe there’s one to compete, maybe. It’ll cost ya, but no one ever says it ain’t worth every cent.
1208 S Howard Ave, (813) 251-2421
General Goodness:
Yummy House: $$ This is easy. Yummy’s has the best Chinese in the city.
2202 West Waters, (813) 915-2828
Watercolor by Peter Bailey