Recommend restaurants near Tampa airport (Laurel, Gandy: house, taxi, live)

[South Range Family]

A few of us may be spending 30 days at the TPA airport. Are there any food joints that we need to try?

I'm not a seafood person, but I'm sure the others are. I like steak, and barbecue.

If we go, we will be working 12 hour shifts. Delivery would be great for some meals.

[Kevin from Tampa]

There are a buttload of restaurants in that area, but it depends on your budget what might be recommended...that said, here's some places...

Roy's, Leroy Selmons, Ocean Prime, Boizao....that'll get you started. There are some chain places nearby as well that you'd be familiar with.

[South Range Family]

Thanks. That's a good start.

Are there any hole in the wall family owned joints with killer food? I'm going to try to skip the chains.

We should know by tomorrow if this trip is going to happen. We are trying to get a one time ferry permit from the Feds to fly the airplane home. We are airline mechanics in our 40's, and 50's. Most of their wives have them on short leashes. This will be a special time out for them.

[annaegel]

International Mall has some nice restaurants International Plaza and Bay Street: Dining & Entertainment: Dining at International Plaza and Bay Street. I would also recommend The Blue Martini (bar). They have live entertaiment. Westshore Plaza has PF Chang (Chinese) Store Directory :: Food Specialty :: WestShore Plaza :: Tampa, FL

[South Range Family]

I was just looking at the birdseye view on Bing maps. The International Mall is across the taxiways from our hangar. I thought it was a parking deck when I was looking at it last night. That looks like a good place to find some food. Thanks.

[tampaguy03]

Originally Posted by South Range Family

Thanks. That's a good start.

Are there any hole in the wall family owned joints with killer food? I'm going to try to skip the chains.

We should know by tomorrow if this trip is going to happen. We are trying to get a one time ferry permit from the Feds to fly the airplane home. We are airline mechanics in our 40's, and 50's. Most of their wives have them on short leashes. This will be a special time out for them.

local eateries near the airport---check out Columbus Drive east of Himes Avenue (La Terisita, Arcos Iris). Also, PopnSons Diner on Dale Mabry across from Al Lopez Park. Green Iguana on Dale Mabry south of the stadium is a local favorite(good eats, good fun atmosphere, live music).

[TampaKaren]

I don't like giving away secrets but for the hole in the wall places near the airport, I'd suggest the La Bamba on Laurel Street and Tony's Place on Westshore Blvd. These are non-pretentious places that are frequented by locals working in the business district. I haven't been to La Bamba in a while but I ate at Tony's twice last month.

La Bamba has excellent Cuban- coffee and authentic sandwiches. My last trip I had half a pressed Cuban sandwich and a bowl of some really good soup that I can't remember the name!

Tony's has daily specials and they're super cheap. It's located on the ground floor in the back of one of the Westshore office buildings. It might be easier for you to find via Trask Street or call them before you go and get directions - there is no sign.

A little further away on Armenia is Castillos Cafe. Henry's paella is an authentic recipe from his Mother. Another well-known local place is Blanco's on Cypress. They also serve authentic Cuban food. Neither one is open for dinner but I think both will deliver.

During your stay you really must have at least one meal of roast pork with black beans and yellow rice. The best local IMO is going to be Pipo's. They have a restaurant on South MacDill though I've only eaten at the one in North Tampa. Same family; should be same food.

Since you like steak, you could try Charley's on Cypress, Shula's on Kennedy, or Ruth's Chris on Westshore - but these are chains. And Outback is everywhere!

For Barbeque, Kojak's House of Ribs on Gandy is worth the drive. The closest decent BBQ is going to be Jimbo's Pit BBQ on Kennedy (not my favorite but many seem to like it).

[crazynip]

Ruth's Chris, Charlies, Ocean Prime, Capital Grille, flemings. All near the airport.

[South Range Family]

Thanks to everybody for the suggestions.

It looks like the the company would rather hire cheap unskilled labor to do the prep work, and then bring in foreigners from Europe to do the repair instead of paying their own employees and keeping a few million dollars at home.

We will have to see Tampa some other time.

[chi_tino]

Originally Posted by South Range Family

Thanks to everybody for the suggestions.

It looks like the the company would rather hire cheap unskilled labor to do the prep work, and then bring in foreigners from Europe to do the repair instead of paying their own employees and keeping a few million dollars at home.

We will have to see Tampa some other time.

A few extra million dollars of profit? What firm is this? It sounds like a company who makes smart financial decisions that I would like to invest in.