1. 5 Boroughs Sports Bistro

   Spring Hill / West Hernando : 1252 Mariner Blvd., Spring Hill, 34609

   More than 25 beers on tap.

2. 717 South

   Editor's pick

   South Tampa : 717 S Howard Ave., Tampa, 33606

   Half Italian, half Asian and all South Tampa style, the place feels homey. Burgers, duck salad, Thai beef, bread bowls, lasagne, pizza and espresso-seared steak all get uptown presentation and warm neighborhood vibe. Plus miso, pesto and the whims of chef Robert Masson. The bar scene: Swank is t …

3. @Cafe

   Tarpon Springs : 401 N Pinellas Ave., Tarpon Springs, 34689

   Coffees from Cuban to Greek, espresso, chai, milkshakes, waffles and croissants, wine, beer.Hours: 8 a.m.-midnight Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-midnight Sat.-Sun.

4. @Cafe

   Tarpon Springs : 39620 US Hwy 19 N, Tarpon Springs, 34689

   Second Tarpon Springs location for this coffeehouse is the latest, with live music, coffee, espresso, shakes, smoothies and more.

5. Acropolis Bar & Grill

   Tampa : 14947 Bruce B Downs Blvd. # 100, Tampa, 33613

   Sam and Costa Waez tweaked their Ybor City Acropolis formula for suburban sensibilities, opening at the site of the defunct Tampa Brickyard. The kitchen serves until 3 a.m. on the weekends, midnight during the week. The staff is young, attractive and prone to launching into fits of grapevine dan …

6. Acropolis Greek Taverna

   Editor's pick

   Downtown St. Petersburg : 515 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 33701

   This is not a place for quiet conversation, except at lunch. Pretend you're at a Greek wedding and join in the festivities. What's not to like? Fun atmosphere, reasonable prices. And those fancy Dyson Airblades? They've got those, too.There's food too, of course, reasonably priced Greek standard …

7. AJA Wiregrass

   Wesley Chapel : 28330 Paseo Drive, Suite 190, Wesley Chapel, 33543

   A stylish restaurant and bar located in a shopping and entertainment complex, featuring live music, DJs, and other "ultra lounge" amenities like bottle service, valet parking and VIP tables.Read more here.

8. Alfano's Restaurant

   Largo : 1702 Clearwater Largo Road, Clearwater, 33756

   Classically prepared Italian food, superb (and affordable) wine list and elegant building make you feel at home, not outclassed. From tomato soup and pasta with simple sauces to fine veal and chicken with rosemary, cooking is fresh and service is warm.

9. Anchor Bar

   Davis Islands : 304 E Davis Blvd., Tampa, 33606

10. Bahama Breeze

    Rocky Point : 3045 N Rocky Point Drive E, Tampa, 33607

    You can't see the Caribbean from this spot on the causeway, but you can hear the islands and get a taste of them here. Lively music makes waits on the veranda more fun. Drinks are mixed with tropical spirits, and meats and fish are done up with fire and spice. The bar scene: Expect a big variety …

11. Bayboro Cafe & Catering

    St. Petersburg : 1110 Third St. S, St. Petersburg, 33701

    Breakfast, burgers, pizza, sandwiches, with live music Friday and Saturday nights. Hours: 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Mon.-Sat.; 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Fri.-Sat.; 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sun.

12. Bayport Inn Restaurant & Lounge

    Spring Hill / West Hernando : 4835 Cortez Blvd., Weeki Wachee, 34607

13. Beak's Old Florida

    Editor's pick

    Grand Central District : 2451 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 33713

    It makes sense in a way. Jamie Farquharson was ready to be out from under his plastic pirates, birdcages imprisoning fake birds and mountains of kitschy Florida memorabilia. He was ready to sell Beak's, one of the stalwart Grand Central District good-time bar/restaurants. And who bought it? Dan  …

14. BeckyJacks Food Shack

    Spring Hill / West Hernando : 8070 Cortez Blvd., Weeki Wachee, 34607

15. Beef'O'Brady's (Land O'Lakes, Village Lakes Shpg Ctr)

    Land o' Lakes : 21539 Village Lakes Shpg Ctr, Land O'Lakes, 34639

    The now 270+ strong chain of family pubs started in Brandon. Founder Jim Mellody was a transplanted Pennsylvanian who tried a steakhouse, but when that didn't work, he added his mother's maiden name to the word "Beef" on the sign and watched business take off. The formula is simple: go …

16. Biff Burger of 49th Street

    St. Petersburg : 3939 49th St N, St. Petersburg, 33709

    Back when shakes cost 15 cents, Biff-Burger dotted the Southeast. It stood for Best in Fast Food. They had drive-in service and walk-up windows, they had Тroto-broiled burgers topped with a closely guarded secret-sauce concoction. Now, it appears, there's only one Best left. Burger King may be  …

17. Billy's Stone Crab & Lobster

    South Pinellas beaches : 1 Collany Road, Tierra Verde, 33715

    Billy Moore keeps it simple -- old Cracker Southern sides and fresh fish he lands along the gulf. Grouper, mackerel, mullet and, of course, stone crab, as the season and market allow, fresh and fairly priced. The rooftop bar offers live entertainment.Open noon to 10 p.m. daily.

18. Bistro Atlantis

    Dunedin : 1140 Main St., Dunedin, 34698

19. Blu Smoke Island Grill

    Sarasota beaches : 149 Avenida Messina, Siesta Key, 34242

20. Blue Martini

    International Plaza District : Bay Street at International Plaza, 2223 N West Shore Blvd., Tampa, 33607

    Blue Martini calls its fare heavy appetizers, but there's not a chicken wing or onion ring in sight. Instead, the short menu features contemporary Asian-Mediterranean fusion: sesame-seared tuna, sliced beef tenderloin, hummus, calamari salad. And don't miss the killer 6-inch-tall chocolate cake. …

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