Tampa Bay eats

The epitome of "Mom and Pop" restaurants in Tampa means Cuban. Simply excellent food at rock bottom prices. Locals comprise 7/8ths of the crowd, and the good ones do get crowded, especially at lunch. The best of these include, Latam, The Lincoln, and the Columbus, all on Columbus Blvd.; check The Columbia. My favorite here is The Tropicana, a big,noisy cafe type The Columbia, my favorite there is The Tropicana, a large noisy gathering place for the Cuban population of Ybor-prices are so low as to defy comprehension. Good Cuban sandwiches and black beans here (a rather heavy combination, but notwithstanding, the favorites here anyway. But you absolutely must try La Teraseta, across from The Lincoln on Columbus; they recently built a huge new place right next to the old location, but I understand from friends that the classic atmosphere, sans the stacks of food, produce, and soft drinks, is still there- hookers and politicians, street people and lawyers, and the usual diverse ethnic mix, make La Teraseta almost unique among Tampa's family run places. Its a "must experience", and the food/prices are of course the real draw.

Have fun; hope you enjoy!
                         John

Someone wrote:
:     I am headed to Tampa Florida next week and am looking for some good places : to eat, I basically like the mom'n'pop type places that have excellent food at : decent prices. I'm always willing to try something new but I love Japanese, : Thai, Spanish/Cuban, and Italian just to give you a hint. And I'll be crossing : the bay into St. Pete also so hints to places over there will be fine also, : either email or posting here is fine. Thanks!

: Danny

We love Grady's in Brandon.  (Try the Pizza Florentine appetizer!)  Be sure to go to Ybor City for ethnic food.  (And we like the Spaghetti Warehouse in Ybor.)  The Silver Ring has authentic Cuban sandwiches.  If you like seafood, try Shells.  If you are looking for fancy, go to Bern's.

Gayle