Tampa is’t really seen as a tourist place, so I’ll be providing you guys with some info about the top places to eat at in Tampa. These might be a little biased, because I clearly enjoyed eating at all of them. My parents were both professional food reviewers, so I know exactly what to look for when ordering food.
Sulphur Springs Sandwich Shop is by far the best sandwich restaurant I’ve ever eaten at. This is not an exaggeration. Their Florida Ave Reuben is so good. Sulphur Springs Sandwich Shop picks the freshest ingredients, and you can always taste them in every bite. Unsurprisingly, they’re located in Sulphur Springs in Tampa. I never knew it was a hot spot for great sandwiches. In addition, it’s a great place to walk around if you want to take your food to go, which I recommend doing.
The sandwiches are reasonably priced, and they’re very filling so you can split them as well. Great spot for families. Once you’re inside, the decor alone is enough to keep you inside. There are lots of windows, so the interior is very well-lit and welcoming. Personally, I love how open it feels once you’re inside. It’s a very popular restaurant so there are always a lot of customers inside, but you never feel like you’re crowded. On a side note, the wait staff also make sure that it’s a personal experience for you. They don’t just cast you aside and act like you’re only there so the restaurant can make revenue.
Sulphur Springs Sandwich Shop doesn’t only serve sandwiches, however. You can get noodles or salads if you’re not in the mood for a great sandwich. I’m a messy eater, so I’m glad that they allowed me to use a fork with my sandwich. The tables were always kept clean, which is a plus.
Right before I sat down, one of the staff members actually stopped me and made sure to wipe down the table before I could sit. That’s quality service right there. I left a good review after eating there for the first time, but unfortunately you can’t keep leaving positive reviews every time you eat at a restaurant. Unless you keep making more accounts, that is.
Next up is Los Comparres, my all time favorite Mexican restaurant in Tampa. I won’t lie, my mouth is watering right now just thinking about their steak quesadillas. Los Comparres is located in the Wellswood area of Tampa, which I know a lot of people don’t associate with food. The scenery is nice enough that I might consider taking a walk while I enjoy my food next time. The tropical Miami climate always makes it a pleasure to be outside. Assuming you can handle the humidity, of course.
Their Steak Quesadilla XL is enough to feed three people, which makes me feel kinda self conscious whenever I devour one. If you think about it, all of the energy I put into aggressively scarfing it down probably burns a couple calories each time. Close your eyes and picture soft, delicious steak bits, held together by the best cheese you’ve ever put in your mouth. Then tell your mind to wrap that around a handmade tortilla, that you can actually watch them make in the open air kitchen.
That’s only one item on their menu. I could do this all day. Speaking of, Los Comparres has a very wide selection on their menu so it will take you a long time before you start to run out of things to order. The waiters and owner are all very friendly, and I really enjoy the atmosphere of a family owned Mexican restaurant in Tampa. You can just tell that they want you to be happy with your food, you’re not just a means to an end to them. I always give a warm welcome to friendly restaurants, and clearly all of their great online reviews do as well.
In addition, I just want to mention one last thing that caught my eye, and I think a lot more restaurants could benefit from this knowledge. The last time I ate at this restaurant, I asked if I could see inside their kitchen, because I happen to work for a hood cleaning company and would love having a customer like them. To my surprise, the owner obliged.
I inspected that exhaust hood from top to bottom, and couldn’t manage to find anything wrong with it. Either I need to wear glasses, or Los Comparres is in cahoots with the greatest Tampa hood cleaning company I have seen. Keep on doing what you do, Los Comparres!
Yolk, White & Associates might be the weirdest name you’ll ever hear for a restaurant, but the only thing I find weird about them is how they manage to keep their prices so low and still serve amazing meals. If you want to eat here, you’ll have to think about being in the neighborhood of Tampa’s Channel District. My favorite item to order from here is the bagel I pictured above. This restaurant serves it with bacon, egg, and avocado inside.
Man I’m hungry right now. First up, I have to mention their selection of food. I went online and read through all the positive reviews before ordering my food, and I was surprised at how many different entrees people said they liked. This may just seem like a puff piece you would read in the news, but I have genuinely enjoyed each of these restaurants listed so far. You have to think about how many restaurants there are in Tampa, as well.
I always love taking a look at a clean kitchen, because you know the chefs are professional. One thing I love the most about Yolk, White & Associates is that the chefs never crack under pressure. I’ve seen that restaurant get PACKED, and not once have any of the wait staff or chefs shown any sign of slowing. All restaurants with professional staff like that deserve their own special mention. If you want more input from others about this topic, make sure to check out all the great online reviews for each restaurant. Have fun dining!