44 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE | MAY/JUNE 2021
Best Bakery
–– Southern Bay Bakery
Best Airport Restaurant
–– The Hangar Restaurant and Flight Lounge
Located on the second floor of St. Petersburg’s Albert Whitted
Airport, The Hangar has a loyal following for breakfast, lunch
and dinner. In addition to being able to watch planes take off
and land, you can enjoy tasty offerings at reasonable prices
and hear regularly scheduled live jazz. 540 First St. S.E.,
St. Petersburg, (727) 823-7767.
Best Architectural Landmark
–– Henry B. Plant Museum
at the University of Tampa
Henry B. Plant opened the Tampa Bay Hotel in 1891, and
hosted such guests as Teddy Roosevelt, the queen of England
and Babe Ruth, who signed his first baseball contract in the
hotel’s grand dining room. This landmark building topped
with its iconic minarets is home to the University of Tampa’s
Plant Hall and to the Henry B. Plant Museum, which features
original furnishings and artifacts from the hotel and objects
that were collected by Mr. and Mrs. Plant on their worldwide
trips. 401 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, (813) 254-1891.
Best Art Classes
–– Dunedin Fine Art Center
Drawing, painting, pottery, calligraphy, jewelry, pastels and
other arts are taught by experienced artists and educators at
this well-established family friendly institution that offers a
variety of programming, including a new food arts program
that is appealing to an entirely new group of students. The
staff is committed to making the center the premier place for
creative arts experiences. 1143 Michigan Blvd., Dunedin,
(727) 298-3322.
Best Authentic Italian Dining
–– Da Sesto Italiano Ristorante e Vino
Chef Sesto is known for his delicious renderings of classic
recipes such as Linguine al Pescatore and his homemade
ravioli. The relaxed, home-style service at Da Sesto’s is part of
the restaurant’s charms. 7201 66th St. N., Pinellas Park,
(727) 209-2695.
Best Bagels
–– Dunedin Bagels and Deli
Owners Saul and Miriam prepare and serve their own New
York style bagels, specialty cream cheeses, salads, Old World
deli sandwiches and Cuban sandwiches in this small but
convenient location. Order to go or eat there. 716 Main St.
(State Road 580), Dunedin, (727) 734-1829.
Best Bakery
–– Southern Bay Bakery
With two locations, one in Dunedin and another in St.
Petersburg, Chef Haylee Shaddock has created the perfect
spots to get sweets made from scratch and other baked goods
that you can enjoy in their pleasant seating areas, or bring
home to family and friends. 1689 Main St. in Dunedin,
(727) 953-3493, and 1961 Fourth St. N., St. Petersburg,
(727) 440-8988.
Best Barbecue –– “Q” Southern BBQ & Catering
“Q” Southern BBQ & Catering, a small Dunedin spot, puts out
the best barbecue around from St. Louis ribs to beef brisket.
Chef Cameron smokes meats perfectly before serving them
with your choice of six different homemade sauces. 664 Main
St. (next to Clear Sky Draught Haus) Dunedin, (727) 734-7227.
Best Beachside Gathering Spot –– Palm Pavilion
Gathering at the Palm Pavilion has been a local tradition since
1926 because of its great food, wonderful views of the Gulf of
Mexico and spectacular live music. This landmark restaurant
improves every year, blending the past with the present to
make everyone happy. 10 Bay Esplanade, Clearwater Beach,
(727) 446-2642.
Best Boat Ride –– Caladesi Island Ferry
Caladesi Island is a magical place with three miles of pristine
beach and a great café for refreshments that is only accessible
by boat. The 20-minute ride to Caladesi Island leaves from
Honeymoon Island and runs between the islands throughout
the day. It is one of the best entertainment buys in the area.
The ferry leaves from the west end of Dunedin Causeway,
State Road 586, (727) 734-5263.
Best Bookstore –– Back in the Day Books
This unique shop on Dunedin’s Main Street (next to Casa
Tina) carries books by local authors and books you may not
find other places. 355 Main St., Dunedin, (727) 221-0025.
Best Breakfast –– Our Place
Located on State Road 580 in Dunedin and on South Missouri
Avenue in Clearwater, this is the place for great breakfasts
all day long from opening to closing. They serve omelets,
specialty pancakes, lunch and dinner items throughout
the day and into the evening. Don’t miss their homemade
desserts. 1617 Main St., Dunedin, (727) 239-0450; 1101 S.
Missouri Ave., Clearwater, (727) 442-1217.
Best Cajun Food –– Happy’s Bayou Bites
Owners Happy and Mark serve New Orleans-style food on
picnic tables out of their food trailer with a Cracker-style
facade. Po’ Boys, gumbo and muffalettas are a few of their
delicious dishes. 431 Skinner Blvd., Dunedin, (727) 240-1102.
Best Caribbean Cuisine
–– Rumba Island Bar & Grill
Everything served at Rumba’s from their Island Shrimp and
Rice Bowls to their Jerk Chicken Wings boasts island flavors.
Be sure to try one of their Caribbean-style drinks or bottled
beers and imported rums. Eat on the patio or enjoy indoor
seating at 1800 Gulf to Bay Blvd. at the corner of Keene Road,
Clearwater, (727) 446-7027.
GRAM