Wesley Chapel’s Favorite Bars!

Based on the results of our 2019 Reader Survey:

There’s no doubt that Bahama Breeze Island Grille is popular, but considering the selection of bars and restaurants now located in Wesley Chapel, it was a bit of a surprise to see the popular Darden Restaurants brand take home both our readers’ Favorite Bar in WC and Favorite Restaurant.

It probably shouldn’t be so surprising, however, considering that the Bahama Breeze bar has more seats — inside and out — than any other in or near Wesley Chapel. In addition, it’s one of our area’s few live music venues and, Melissa says, “with so many other restaurants and businesses having opened around us, there’s a lot more nearby parking than there was when this location opened.”

And of course, for those seeking sweet tropical specialty drinks, few local hangouts offer the variety that Bahama Breeze does, from a full line of mojitos to cocktail flights to the famous Bahamarita, or half-priced appetizers during Happy Hour and other bar specials. 

And, Melissa says, all Bahama Breeze locations will again be celebrating National Margarita Day with $2.22 margaritas all day. Might I suggest a ride-share service to go that day? Bahama Breeze is located at 25830 Sierra Center Blvd., Lutz. For more information, call (813) 949-0779 or visit BahamaBreeze.com. — GN

2. Brass Tap, for my money, is truly Wesley Chapel’s premier bar hangout and has only grown in popularity since the nearby Primebar closed in the Shops at Wiregrass. With the cheapest premium full-liquor bar prices at the mall and karaoke, live music and trivia, the Brass Tap is hard to beat.

3. BJ’s Brewhouse would finish higher on my own list of Wesley Chapel favorites if it just had a few additional seats at its always-packed bar. BJ’s has one of the more-rounded food menus in Wesley Chapel, and reasonable enough prices, it just could use a more bar-friendly configuration, in one editor’s opinion. 

4. The Basement has long been one of Wesley Chapel’s best-kept secrets, especially since it’s technically located in Lutz. But, its great beer and hard seltzer/wine-based cocktail selection, karaoke and DJ dance music and occasional comedy nights always bring out a lively, fun crowd —  and the drink prices are great.

5. Noble Crust truly offers one of the great bar scenes in Wesley Chapel, with ultra-premium liquor but still fair prices and usually enough seats to accommodate those who don’t want to sit at a table. Noble Crust was the only place this year other than Bahama Breeze to make the top-5 as both a restaurant & bar.   

New Tampa’s Favorite Bars!

Based on the results of our 2019 Reader Survey:

Owners John Kuemmel and Shawn Diehl have done exactly what they wanted to do when they decided nearly three years ago to fulfill a 25-year dream they shared of opening their own bar. In the heart of Tampa Palms, they have spun an inventive menu, ice cold beer, premium liquor and a unique atmosphere into our readers’ favorite bar in New Tampa to enjoy a night out.

 What’s not to like (other than the ridiculously hard questions on Tuesday Trivia Nights)?

A bar that has outstanding food — and The Fat Rabbit finished just behind Acropolis as our readers’ sixth favorite restaurant in New Tampa, too — is never a bad thing.

The chicken wings are arguably the best around — make sure you check out the Buffalo Garlic Ranch — and there’s even a Real McCoy burger named after former Tampa Bay Buc and Tampa Palms resident Gerald McCoy and a fresh Catch of the Week. And, the crispy tater tots are truly divine.

The Fat Rabbit now even brews a Transplant IPA and Concrete & Gold Pilsner in-house, with more tanks on the way.

And, the decor gives the Fat Rabbit an elegant look with a comfortable neighborhood feel that keeps you coming back for more. — JCC

2. Stonewood Grill & Tavern has been among New Tampa’s favorite places to drink since the moment it opened, and since our readers obviously also love the food (see previous page), too, there’s no doubt that Stonewood is here to stay.

3. Mr. Dunderbak’s  has never had a full-alcohol bar, but its huge variety of beers from around the world, unique German-inspired menu, gifts and even chocolates keep it one of our readers’ favorite bars year after year, which often makes it hard to find a seat at that bar. 

4. Chili’s Grill & Bar in New Tampa continues to receive lots of votes in our Reader Survey every year. Even though it’s a chain, there’s no easy access to it from BBD and the restaurants next door to it keep going out of business, it keeps on rolling. ‘Nuff said.

5. Peabody’s in the Shoppes at Amberly plaza in Tampa Palms is another long-time favorite bar that also has great food (especially pizza & wings). Plus, it’s New Tampa’s adult play place, with tons of TVs, pool tables, darts and a younger-skewing crowd.

Nibbles and Bytes

More Italian, Honest!

Oronzo Honest Italian is expected to open in late-April in the old Men’s Wearhouse store in the Walk at Highwoods Preserve on Bruce B. Downs Blvd.

Dan Bavaro, who founded Bavaro’s Pizza Napoletana & Pastaria in downtown Tampa in 2009, is teaming up with the Front Burner Brands restaurant group on the fast-casual Italian concept. 

“Oronzo is named after my grandfather, Oronzo Bavaro, who migrated from Giovinazzo, Italy, to Gravesend, Brooklyn, New York, in the early 1900s,” said Bavaro in a press release. “My grandfather established Oronzo & Sons General Trucking Company, which made deliveries to area grocery stores and restaurants.”

Front Burner Brands owns The Melting Pot and Burger 21 franchises. Its CEO, Bob Johnston, said in the release that when he first met Bavaro, “We knew there was something special about him.”

The menu at Oronzo’s will focus on from-scratch recipes, many featuring Piadana, a thin Italian flatbread whose dough is made by mixing imported Italian flour, water and lard or olive oil and then grilled and sandwiched around a number of different fillings. The menu will also have chicken, steak, hand-rolled meatballs, Forza bowls and homemade pasta, as well as vegan options like zucchini noodles. — JCC

Lima Opens In El Pescador’s Place!

Quick, which cuisine is widely regarded as the finest of Latin America? No, it’s not Mexican, Cuban, Puerto Rican or Colombian.

If you want to find out the answer, head to the new Lima Restaurant, which is located in the former El Pescador location in the Publix-anchored New Tampa Center plaza, near the Mobil gas station. Lima, owned by Oscar Escudero and his family, is named, of course, for the capital of Peru and yes, Peruvian food is world-famous for unique flavors like the best rotisserie chicken and the most incredible fish and seafood ceviche. 

At Lima both dishes live up to their lofty reputations. The chicken has a crispy coating and even though the chicken itself is extremely well done, it’s still juicy inside, and is served with two different, moderately spicy dipping sauces. Since I can’t eat the seafood ceviche, I got the mahi-mahi ceviche marinated in a trio of different sauces, with those incredible giant Aztec corn kernels (think corn nuts, only better). If you order either of these dishes and hate them, tell Oscar to call me and I’ll come get ‘em!

For more info, stop in or call Lima (19062 BBD) at (813) 304-0205. — GN   

Aldi, Aussie Grill, Bonefish & Carrabba’s (& More), Oh My!

Despite Earth Fare’s closing, there’s still plenty of action happening these days on both the north and south side of S.R. 56 just west of I-75, but nothing is more anticipated than the Aldi grocery store taking shape in front of Costco.

Although no grand opening date has been announced, the signs are up on the outside of the building that looks to be just a few weeks away from opening.

Right across S.R. 56, a number of eateries are going vertical in the Cypress Creek Town Center, including three Bloomin’ Brands restaurants — Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Bonefish Grill and Aussie Grill by Outback (photo, left). The local Aussie Grill will be the first-ever freestanding location for the fast-casual eatery that currently only has kiosks at the International Plaza and the Brandon Town Center. After our Neighborhood News Online video came out about the progress on these restaurants three weeks ago, a comment on our Facebook page said that the Bonefish on BBD south of S.R. 56 would close when the new Bonefish opens, but we could not confirm that at our press time. — GN

 â€ą In other news from this area of 56, according to permitting filed with Pasco County, Zukku Sushi is also opening in the Cypress Creek Town Center.

Zukku means “canvas” or “cloth” in Japanese and, according to the restaurant’s website, the rice is your canvas. With its first location inside the trendy Armature Works in South Tampa, Zukku specializes in sushi bowls and sushi. — JCC

Wesley Chapel’s Favorite Dessert Place!

Based on the results of our Reader Survey:

Nothing Bundt Cakes arrived in Wesley Chapel quietly in March of 2017.

It was that day that its unique offering of tiny, moist bundt cakes with mouth-watering cream cheese icing nearly stole the show at the Taste of New Tampa. Competing against more than 35 restaurants, Nothing Bundt Cakes finished third overall in attendee voting.

The next year, Nothing Bundt Cakes opened at the Shops of Wiregrass, and now, the shop is your choice for best dessert in Wesley Chapel.

“That is great,” says Tammy Mencia, who owns the Wesley Chapel and Carrollwood locations of the dessert franchise with her husband Ralph. “We have had a great reception from the community since we opened.”

The franchise was started 22 years ago in Las Vegas, with bundt cakes made with all fresh ingredients and the best butter and cream cheese available. 

The store, according to employees Amanda Burden and Anissa Rivera (pictured above), is always busy. The chocolate chocolate chip is the best seller, but no matter which of the 10 flavors you choose, or what size — bite-sized bundtinis, miniature bundtlets or full-sized or special order bundt cakes — you are guaranteed a moist, delicious treat that will leave you smiling.— JCC

2. Happy Cow Frozen Yogurt
Happy Cow continues to outpace other local frozen yogurt shops in our annual Reader Survey, and among the items that distinguish this make-your-own frozen yogurt shop from others are its delicious, house-made brownies and chocolate chip cookies and its varieties of flavors & toppings.

3. Culver’s
Culver’s started in Wisconsin, where they take their frozen custard seriously. The burgers and cheese curds are divine, but a shake, pint of frozen custard and the Concrete Mixers are worth the stop all by themselves. Wesley Chapel has two locations, so from one Cheesehead to the rest of you: you’re welcome! 

4. Dairy Queen
DQ doesn’t do anything special with its desserts, and maybe that’s the charm for locals — you know what you’re getting. The ice cream is good, the Blizzards are way better than McFlurries, and ice cream sundae, parfaits are easy choices and delicious ice cream cakes are always a treat.

5. Batter n Dough
BnD on S.R. 56 specializes in topping trendy liege and other waffles with everything from ice cream to eggs & bacon, all with delicious flair. The ice cream waffle sandwiches are equally delicious with sweet or savory waffles. And, in less than two years, Batter & Dough has made our readers’ top-5! 

6. Ice Dreammm Shop
7. 365 Caffe Italiano
8. Buttermilk Provisions
9. Jenny’s Mini Donuts
10. Le Macaron

New Tampa’s Favorite Dessert Place!

Based on the results of our annual Reader’s Survey:

1 — COLDSTONE
Cathy and Chip Byrne have owned the Cold Stone Creamery since it opened on Bruce B. Downs Blvd. in 2004, employed hundreds of local kids and delivering thousands and thousands of delicious treats to area residents.

Welcome to Cold Stone, indeed.

New Tampa’s favorite desert joint has a fun and friendly staff that delivers a very rich ice cream, which has so much butter fat that Cathy won’t even tell us exactly how much.

The ice cream, which is actually made in the back, is scooped onto a cold stone (get it?), and whatever flavors (a heaping spoonful of peanut butter?) and treats (Kit Kats? M&Ms?) your heart desires are folded into it for a frozen delight. Dessert and a show!

Ice cream cakes are particularly hot sellers at the New Tampa store, especially the chocolatey ganache-topped Midnight Delight.

While being located in front of a movie theater ain’t bad for an ice cream shop, what makes Cold Stone your favorite is that it is a high-quality product and a fun place. Just be ready to wait in a line if you plan on stopping by any weekend night!

2. Twistee Treat
Twistee Treat is best-known for operating out of a giant ice cream cone, but its variety of soft serve ice cream flavors (including peanut butter and banana!), candy-infused Twirls, sundaes and great pricing make it a favorite.

3. Bruster’s Real Ice Cream
Bruster’s is what it says — real ice cream. When it comes to variety, Bruster’s takes the (ice cream) cake, and what kid in New Tampa didn’t grow up on the Dino sundaes? For a real treat, try a custom-made ice cream pie!

4. Dunkin’ Donuts
Dunkin’ may not typically classify as dessert, but as a morning sweet it’s not a bad place to pick up a donut, muffin or coffee, and the addition of Baskin Robbins ice cream to some of our locations helps add to its dessert appeal.

5. The Cake Shop was purchased by Jean Paul Petit about a year ago. Petit, who had previously been the cake and pastry chef at Don Pan International Bakery in South Tampa, has brought a new flair to this local favorite.  

6. Smallcakes Cupcakery
7. Mr. Penguin
8. Snow Rolls
9. Baskin Robbins
10. Sprinkles