New Tampa Dining Survey Results: The Best Bars!

Patrick Paterson and Brianna Miranda are proud to serve you a hard-to-find beer in a traditional beer stein (above) at Mr. Dunderbak’s. (Photo: Charmaine George)

1. Mr. Dunderbak’s
14929 Bruce B. Downs Blvd.
(813) 977-4104
Dunderbaks.com

When J.B. Ellis bought Mr. Dunderbak’s 25 years ago, it had just six beers on draught and he says the first thing he did was get rid of the Natural Ice and Bud Light. Don’t be shocked.

He replaced those popular favorites at other bars, and expanded the bar, with the kinds of beers you would expect in a European pub: a variety of English, Belgian and German lagers, just for starters. You could argue, by the cases and cases of beers throughout, that the joint looks like a beer hoarder had moved in to live there. 

When Ellis moved the bar/restaurant from its original space in University Square Mall to its current location on BBD, he cut a hole in the wall of what used to be a hair salon next door and added an in-house  brewery, “so I could brew things I want to brew.”

The wide and traditional selection of beers, along with a quirky and comforting setting and a menu featuring German goodies like sandwiches, sausages and schnitzels that draw in big crowds, make it New Tampa’s best bar this year (at least, according to our readers), despite the fact it only offers beer and wine and no hard liquor.

A charming curmudgeon, Ellis is definitely old school. He was at ground zero of the craft and home beer explosion in Tampa Bay, and offers more beers (500+) that you can’t find anywhere else than anyone else in the New Tampa, including favorites like Hacker Pschorr and many others. 

“Your chances of finding a candy corn-flavored, lactose-infused cookie dough bull—- beer is just not going to happen here,” he says.

Which is why he proudly sells T-shirts that say “Beer Flavored Beer” on them at his popular location.

Of all the winning restaurants and bars in this year’s survey, no one has a better Google rating than Mr. Dunederbak’s — an impressive 4.8 out of 5 stars average, with more than 2,000 reviews.

Our readers are definitely among those who agree. — JCC

2. Stonewood
17050 Palm Pointe Dr.
(813) 978-0388
StonewoodGrill.com

Although it hasn’t always finished as high with our readers for Favorite Bar as it has for Favorite Restaurant in New Tampa (including this year), one of the highest compliments you can pay the local location of this mini-chain is that there may be no more New Tampa crowd at any bar in our area year after year than at Stonewood Grill & Tavern.

The drinks aren’t cheap, but neither are they overpriced, and many locals (including Jannah and yours truly) prefer to dine at the bar instead of the more private tables and booths in the main dining area.

Part of the reason for that is the crowd itself — which is usually made up of Stonewood’s well-dressed regulars — but it’s also because of the outstanding service provided by the always-attentive bartenders. In other words, Stonewood is your place for great food, drinks and conversation. — GN

3. Fat Rabbit Pub
16029 Tampa Palms Blvd. W.
(813) 252-3004
FatRabbitPub.com

There aren’t too many things that The Fat Rabbit Pub does wrong, hitting the triple crown of bar services — great food, great bar and a relaxing and clean atmosphere. It caters to both drinkers and eaters, and a plethora of TVs makes it a perfect place to catch a game after work.

The Fat Rabbit has a wide variety of beers, the lineup being regularly tweaked with craft and local beers, as well as a full offering of premium liquor and wine. It may also be the sharpest-looking bar in town. 

When it comes to food, Fat Rabbit, which was the No. 4 overall favorite restaurant last year (#11 this year), can make the case for having both the best (and widest variety of) wings, as well as the best burgers in New Tampa. Oh, and the tater tots (try the New Tampa Truffle) are a treat, too.

The Fat Rabbit isn’t an entertainment venue, but its food, drinks (try a bourbon flight) and service are outstanding. — JCC

The rest of your Favorite Bar in NT top 10:
(4) Glory Days
(5) Acropolis
(6) Via Italia
(7) Peabody’s
(8) Chili’s
(9) Bayscape
(T10) Red Lobster and Olive Garden. 

(Updated) Crash on S.R. 56 Kills Two

Johnna (left) and Jody Seifert.

Two Wesley Chapel residents were killed Wednesday afternoon in a two-car accident on S.R. 56, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

According the the FHP report, the driver of a 2017 Nissan Rogue was traveling eastbound on S.R. 56 when it turned left at the intersection of Lajuana Blvd. It was struck by a 2017 Honda Accord driven by a 17-year-old from Wesley Chapel driving westbound.

Upon impact, the Nissan Rogue overturned. A 52-year-old man — who was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected from the vehicle — and a 56-year-old woman (who was wearing a seatbelt and removed from the vehicle by a passersby) suffered fatal injuries and were pronounced dead at the scene.

The 17-year-old was wearing a seatbelt and is seriously injured.

According to a GoFundMe page set up by Mindy Gammage, those killed in the accident were Jody and Johnna Seifert, and they were the victims of “reckless street racing.” The GoFundMe page urges people to “please take two minutes to discuss with your children the dire importance of safe driving.”

The initial FHP report makes no mention of any speeding. The report does ask that any witnesses to this crash contact the FHP by calling 813-558-1800.

The GoFundMe page says the Seiferts are the parents of three children: a son, and two daughters that graduated from Wiregrass Ranch High. Johnna Seifert was the social media marketing manager at Fox Hollow Golf Club in Trinity and owned Johnna Seifert Photography, which specialized in golf events. Jody Seifert was the executive director of XUDE Hospitality, a property management company.

The Seiferts have been married 22 years.

You can donate HERE.

New Tampa Dining Survey Results: The Best Latin Restaurants!

Camila Jaramillo (left), Maria Burbano and Melissa Acosta serving up chips and salsa, the popular chicken fajitas and a steak burrito during lunch at Cantina Mexican Grill & Bar.

1. Cantina
10032 Cross Creek Blvd
(813) 406-4856

Owner Yecid Cardenas opened Cantina Mexican Grill & Bar six years ago with the idea of filling what he saw as a hole in New Tampa’s dining options with a fusion of old Mexican cuisine with what he says is “new era” Mexican cuisine. After some mixed results when he first opened, Cardenas now has achieved one of his goals:

Cantina is this year’s top choice with our readers in the Latin category of our annual survey.

Cantina rose to the top of the charts this year with an improved and packed menu, and the consistency also was much improved. Cardenas also says many more people were exposed to the restaurant (which is tucked away behind a Shell station on the corner of Cross Creek Blvd. and Kinnan St.) due to a pandemic-influenced increase in to-go orders, and more customers equaled more votes.

“We try to do the same thing every day,”  he says. “We want to be consistent. These are ‘Grandma’ flavors here, with new era fusion.”

The menu is extensive and varied. One of the stars of the menu is the 12 oz. ribeye served up a handful of different ways — you can get it topped with ranchero chile sauce or chorizo and fries, for example. The carne asada steak is another of the most popular dishes, along with the fajitas, and of course, the tacos and burritos. There are a host a seafood choices available, as well.

A bar with 12 different Mexican beers and, of course, tasty margaritas, complement your meal, which according to our readers, is the best Latin choice around. — JCC 

2. Las Palmas
6431 E County Line Rd #104
(813) 803-3903
LasPalmasLatinGrill.com

Las Palmas has now had two locations in New Tampa — three if you count the food truck it currently is operating out of after a fire late in late 2021 damaged its County Line Rd. store — and it has always remained something of an under-the-radar local favorite, thanks to its award-winning Cuban sandwiches and a variety of delicious Latin-infused pork and chicken dishes.

The roasted pork entrée is a favorite, and you can try the vaca frita, or crispy beef (although “fried cow” is the literal translation) as an entrée or in a taco. And, while owner/chef Ramses Garcia says the menu at the truck is being expanded, the sides — yellow rice, black beans, plantains, etc. — are still the perfect complements to whatever meaty dish you choose, and don’t forget a Tres Leches dessert.—JCC

3. Tijuana Flats
17501 Preserve Walk Ln #103
(813) 975-0483
TijuanaFlats.com

For a large chain, Tijuana Flats has a pretty simple recipe but is regarded for having some pretty good food. The regular burritos and dos tacos (hard or soft shell) are good, the nachos are enough for two and the chicken tinga burritios and tacos have a little extra kick. 

Speaking of a little kick, one of the fun things about Tijuana Flats is the wide variety of different salsas, which are always worth trying out and comparing.

Locals also are raving about Tijuana Flats’ new wings, available with red chili rub, “bangin’” sauce, chipotle BBQ and smack jalapeño lime varieties.

Although tucked away off Bruce B. Downs Blvd., just north of I-75 in Highwoods Preserve, Tijuana Flats continues to draw a good local crowd, and is always a fun spot to be on Cinco de Mayo. — JCC 

The rest of the 2021 Latin Favorites with our readers:
(4) Chipotle
(5) Lima
(6) Don Julio
(7) Moe’s
(8) Chili’s
(9) Cross Creek Deli 

New Tampa Dining Survey Results: Top 25!

1. Stonewood Grill
17050 Palm Pointe Dr.
(813) 978-0388
Stonewoodgrill.com

Based on the results of our Annual Reader Dining Survey every year since 2011, it doesn’t matter how many new restaurants — chain or otherwise — open in New Tampa, the nearly unbeaten (it “only” finished second once, in 2015) champion is Stonewood Grill & Tavern in Tampa Palms.

After winning by a comfortable margin again this year with its third managing partner in as many years, Stonewood has shown that it doesn’t matter who’s in charge, its combination of delicious American cuisine, great drinks and outstanding service continue to make it top-of-mind with our readers — despite the fact it always has been one of the most expensive eateries located in zip code 33647. 

Stonewood’s extensive menu includes everything from fresh seafood to great steaks and chops (photo, right), plus big salads, pasta dishes and more, and it likely has become even more popular with our readers since it began opening for lunch (with a smaller, and less pricey, lunch menu, although the dinner menu also is available at lunch time).

Among the favorite starters at Stonewood are the tasty and ever-popular bruschetta (served with a delicious balsamic dressing) and sesame-seed-seared ahi tuna served with wasabi cream and sesame ginger dressing.

Salad lovers definitely go for the Asian chicken salad (with ginger lime-marinated chicken, chilled sesame noodles and sesame ginger dressing) and the Stonewood salad (with blue cheese crumbles, dried cranberries, blackened walnuts and blue cheese vinaigrette).

Handheld favorites include the oak-grilled cheeseburger, two-hand chicken club and the veggie quesadilla.

And, with great steaks like two sizes of filet mignon and prime rib, a unique sweet tea brined pork chop and blackened chicken pasta. Market Fresh Fish options include ever-changing favorites like Chilean sea bass, grouper and the menu options like Atlantic salmon and yellowfin tuna.

Stonewood also has New Tampa’s second favorite bar with our readers this year and a great Sunday brunch with bottomless bubbles and unique menu items like creme brulée French toast, shrimp and grits and crab cake and prime rib Bennies. — GN

2. Mr. Dunderbak’s
14929 Bruce B. Downs Blvd.
(813) 977-4104
Dunderbaks.com

J.B. Ellis bought Mr. Dunderbak’s with the intention of owning a bar, but over the years, he says the place has shifted from being 66% bar and 33% restaurant to 33% bar and 66% restaurant.

Ellis has only himself to blame. A combination of old-time classics (the sandwich board has barely changed in 50 years) to derivations of old family recipes Ellis has tweaked just a little keeps the crowds coming back for seconds. The food (like the Venison sausage platter pictured) must be getting better every year. After a No. 4 finish in 2019, and No. 3 in 2020, Mr. Dunderbak’s inches up another spot in our 2021 Reader Survey., its highest-ever finish. 

Mr. Dunderbak’s is an experience. It also boasts this year’s No. 1 bar with our readers, featuring a seemingly unlimited variety of beer, a gift shop, a deli, and atmosphere that is pure Oktoberfest, with the best German dishes around. Choose from authentic favorites like schnitzel, Spaetzle, Kartoffelpuffer (potato pancakes) and Sauerbraten, to name a few, and wash it all down with a delicious Hefeweizen. — JCC

3. Liang’s Bistro
17515 Bruce B. Downs Blvd.
(813) 978-1225
LiangsBistroTampa.com

Like Stonewood and Mr. Dunderbak’s, Liang’s Bistro is another perennial favorite with our readers.

Although it is more of an Asian fusion restaurant — which also includes Japanese- and Thai-style options — than a classic New York-style Chinese place, Liang’s has been the favorite Chinese or Asian (depending upon which of those options have been offered in the Survey each year) place in New Tampa pretty much every year it’s been open and has never finished lower than sixth Favorite Restaurant overall.

Although I love it for menu items like the crispy pork egg rolls, Liang’s BBQ ribs, sautéed string beans (I order them spicy) and sizzling Shanghai steak, our readers always mention Liang’s signature dishes — like General Tso’s, sesame, orange, pineapple or tropical chicken — as their favorites.

Liang’s also offers lunch specials and currently is the only sit-down Chinese place in New Tampa, where you can enjoy a variety of wines and bottled beers. — GN

4. VIA ITALIA
Outstanding pizzas and pasta, and the charcuterie is a treat.

5. ACROPOLIS
New Tampa’s favorite Mediterranean returns to the top-5.

6. FIRST WATCH
New location, same old results for bougie breakfast fans.

7. CALI
Tampa Palms staple drops after 4 straight years at No. 2.

8. SUSHI CAFE
The best sushi in New Tampa, according to our readers. 

9. GLORY DAYS
The place to go for good food, football & beer. Nice patio, too.

10. FRESH KITCHEN
Another newcomer bowls into our Top 10, for good reason.

11. FAT RABBIT
Tampa Palms hangout has all the ingredients of a perfect bar. 

T12. KOBE JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE
New Tampa’s only teppanyaki tables moves south on BBD

T12. LAS PALMAS
Fabulous pork and Cubans sold from a food truck, for now.

14. BRUNCHERY
Super specials for breakfast & lunch, tasty skillets and more.

T15. CANTINA REAL MEXICAN RESTAURANT
Has built a loyal following on Cross Creek Blvd.

T15. CRACKER BARREL
Still attracting attention & votes despite more competition.

T17. BURGER 21
The last to finish No. 1 ahead of Stonewood, back in 2015. 

T17. FRAMMI
Area is flush with delish Italian food, don’t sleep on Frammi. 

T19. CAPPY’s
The Chicago- and New York-style pizzas are reader favorites. 

T19. RED LOBSTER
In an area lacking seafood, Red Lobster remains popular.

21. PANERA
Fast & healthy breakfast & lunch options. Pastries, too!

T22. CHIPOTLE
Hit or miss, but folks like their big bowls & big burritos. 

T22. LITTLE GREEK
Falafel pita, hummus, gyros & Greek salad popular choices.

T24. OLIVE GARDEN
The Garden is always packed & not just for the breadsticks.

T24. CHILI’S
Not a great location, but folks like what they like.

25. MICHI RAMEN
New Tampa’s first ramen place also has great appetizers.

Wesley Chapel Dining Survey Results: Your Favorite Bar!

1. TREBLE MAKERS
6034 Wesley Grove Blvd., Suite 101
(813) 406-4371
TrebleMakersofWC.com

As we already told you — Treble Makers Dueling Piano Restaurant & Bar was named our readers’ second-favorite Restaurant in Wesley Chapel with its outstanding menu created by executive chef Kevin Maggard.

But, considering that no fewer than two dozens restaurants and bars received votes in the Favorite Bar in Wesley Chapel category this year, being named their #1 Favorite Bar for 2021 by our Neighborhood News readers was something of a surprise to co-owner Jamie Hess, even though he and his GM/co-owner Lee Bevan have worked hard to add great new bartenders and entertainment options to go with the already popular weekend dueling piano shows.

Jannah and I have spent a lot of time at Treble Makers piano key bar, enjoying dinner and Tampa Bay Lightning hockey games or NFL or NCAA football games on the giant screen. We also loved singing karaoke there, as the dueling piano stage provided such a great opportunity to sing along with our favorite songs. Sadly, karaoke wasn’t a consistent crowd-puller, so Hess, Bevan and Co. decided to do away with those shows on Wednesday nights, replacing it with a rotating schedule of live music.

Other fun events at Treble Makers include live jazz on Mondays (and sometimes on Sundays), Team Trivia competitions on Tuesdays and free acoustic music on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

With delicious specialty drinks, and a variety of great beer and wine, Treble Makers truly is a great local bar. — GN

2. FLORIDA AVE. BREWING CO.
2029 Arrowgrass Dr. (at S.R. 56)
(813) 452-6333
FloridaAveBrewing.com

Remember when you basically had one option in the area for a good craft beer? Well, now you have a few choices and, according to our readers, there are none better than Florida Ave. Brewing Co. on S.R. 56.

In just a little more than a year, Florida Ave. has established itself as one of the area’s go-to destinations, thanks in part to a tap room offering a wide variety of beers — many now brewed just a few feet away in what may be the State of Florida’s largest craft beer operation (photo) — a terrific chef-created menu, a fantastic atmosphere and an outdoor seating area that is always packed. 

Tours of the brewery are coming soon, and don’t forget to hit the beer cave for to-go beers on your way out. — JCC

3. DOUBLE BRANCH ARTISANAL ALES
5956 Wesley Grove Blvd.
(813) 492-8800
DBAA.com

Double Branch Artisanal Ales (DBAA) hit the ground running when it opened in 2020, producing a creative assortment of beers and growing a loyal following. Now that it has added Omnivorous, the local craft brewery’s in-house and tasty food kitchen, it is complete as a perfect hangout for craft beer aficionados.

And, the location is lovely, right there in the Village at The Grove, where strung lights and lots of foot traffic make it a happening locale and the patio is a nice place to enjoy an outdoor drink. And, with Wesley Chapel’s No. 2 (Treble Makers) and No. 4 (Falabella Family Bistro) restaurants and No. 1 Dessert Place (Ice Dreammm Shop) a few steps away, DBAA just might be on the hottest corner in the area. — JCC

The rest of the Favorite Bar top 10:
(4) Bahama Breeze
(5) Rock & Brews
(T6) BJ’s Brewhouse
(T6) Glory Days
(8) Rice-N-Beans
(9) Chuck Lager
(10) GrillSmith.