Don’t think for even one second that just because I moved our Neighborhood News office to Wesley Chapel three years ago that I have ever forgotten about my former neighbor in the Shoppes at Amberly plaza in Tampa Palms — Peabody’s Billiards & Games.
Peabody’s is one of the few things I miss about the old office. New Tampa’s entertainment complex tradition since 1998 (which has been non-smoking inside for several years now; there are tables outside for smokers) is still owned by Bryan Peabody and is one of the best and most underrated restaurants in our distribution areas.
First of all, I know you can get wings and burgers at pretty much any sports bar, but how many of them also serve true, NY-style pizza, by the whole pie and the slice? And, you can even get toppings on half a pizza at Peabody’s, so your cheese slice fans and pepperoni, sausage, etc., fans can both get what they crave.
But, while we’re talking burgers and wings, Peabody’s burgers (and sandwiches) are served with your choice of three kinds of fries — curly, crinkle- and my favorite, the skin-on, straight house-cut. Order ‘em extra crispy, like I do, and I promise you won’t be disappointed. Peabody’s super-popular house-cut fries are usually tossed in Kosher salt and parmesan cheese, but they’re a little messy that way for my taste, so I order them plain.
The burgers themselves are thick and juicy and I see a lot of the younger patrons going with the breakfast burger, which is topped with cheese, applewood-smoked bacon and a fried egg. It’s yummy that way, but I usually just get the Peabody’s classic, although there’s also cowboy (BBQ sauce and bacon) and black bean vegetarian options.
Even though I’m not the biggest wing lover, I’ve always thought that Peabody’s has the biggest, crispiest naked (unbreaded) wings in town. I order them extra crispy (of course), with a sauce (like the Daytona, sweet chili or hot garlic, among so many others) on the side (that I honestly only use sparingly because the wings honestly don’t need it).
Peabody’s also has great appetizers like a really popular spinach and artichoke dip, Spanish nachos (with homemade chili), loaded potato skins and brew-battered onion rings. The house, Caesar and blackened chicken salads are all great and I really like the agave balsamic and raspberry vinaigrette (and Caesar) dressings.
The place also is famous for its wraps and sandwiches. Editorial assistant Celeste McLaughlin and I both really enjoyed the new ribeye Philly cheesesteak sandwich and graphic designer Blake Beatty (a long-time Peabody’s fan himself) loves the New Tampa Cuban. There’s also great grilled cheese, grilled or blackened chicken sandwiches, an authentic cold Italian sub and Buffalo and West Coast turkey wraps, all of which have gotten high marks in our office.
And So Entertaining, Too!
If you’re like most everyone who lives in the Tampa Bay area, you’re probably aware that the NFL playoffs are about to begin and I assure that there is no better place to watch every NFL Sunday Ticket game — or all the big UFC fights.
And of course, Peabody’s has beautiful pool tables, dart boards and other games, plus great food and beverage specials every day, from $1 Taco Tuesdays to $1.25 pizza slices on Wednesday and many others, including great lunch specials for $10 or less. And, Peabody’s Palms Lounge has great DJ dance music every Wed.-Sat. night.
And, Peabody’s food can now be delivered by Uber Eats! In other words, you just can’t beat it!
Peabody’s Billiards & Games (15333 Amberly Dr. ) is open every day, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. For more info, call 972-1725 or visit PeabodysTampa.com. And, don’t forget to tell them that the Neighborhood News sent you!
