MAY/JUNE 2021 | TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE 49
Best Hamburgers –– Burger Monger
Thanks to a choice of more than 40 fresh, gourmet and
unique toppings, having a burger your way couldn’t be
easier. But the real secret to the popularity of this local chain
with five locations is that they use only top-quality Japanese
Akaushi beef to set them apart from the others. From freshly
cut French fries to Häagen-Dazs ice cream milkshakes, Jake
Hickton and his energetic team have set a new standard
for hamburgers and salads. 2454 N. McMullen Booth Road,
Clearwater, (727) 726-4001; 10412 N. Dale Mabry Highway,
Tampa, (813) 968-6860; 1656 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Wesley
Chapel, (813) 991-4242; 3838 W. Neptune St., Tampa, (813)
254-0290; 1325 Fourth St. N., St. Petersburg, (727) 592-4206.
Best Hawaiian Cuisine –– The Honu
With both indoor and patio seating, the food preparation
and presentation will make you a fan of this popular dining
spot. The vegetarian options and lively tiki bar add to
the happy vibe that resonates throughout this restaurant
located behind the Dunedin City Hall. 516 Grant St.,
Dunedin, (727) 333-7777.
Best Health Care Provider –– Empath Health
As a nonprofit, integrated network of care, Empath Health
and its Suncoast Hospice support anyone facing chronic or
advanced illness, as it helps patients to live as comfortably
and meaningfully as possible, while offering assistance
to caregivers and families in need. 5771 Roosevelt Blvd.,
Clearwater, (727) 467-7423.
Best Health Program –– Dr. César Lara
Dr. Lara’s mission is to help his patients maintain a healthy
lifestyle through the use of his weight management
programs or his bioidentical hormone replacement therapy.
With more than 25 years of experience, Dr. Lara is available
to help you achieve your goals. He has offices in Clearwater,
Dunedin, Tampa and St. Petersburg, (727) 446-3021.
Best History Museum
–– Dunedin History Museum
The Dunedin Historical Society’s displays of local and
Florida history, including access to the Dunedin Times
newspaper from 1924-1965, as well as first-class topical
changing exhibits, are housed in a former train station that
is the museum’s home. 349 Main St., Dunedin, (727) 736-
1176.
Best Home Dinner –– Instead of Flowers
These meals are delivered ready to heat and eat without any
additional work. The quality cannot be topped. We send
them to our favorite people for all types of reasons,
(727) 685-0826.
Best Homestyle Italian Dining
–– Julian’s Little Italy
From pasta dishes to baked Italian entrées, Dunedin’s bestkept
secret offers reasonable prices for its delicious Italian
cooking. Chef Julian has been serving his traditional menu
items for more than 10 years at this location. 916-A Patricia
Ave., Dunedin, (727) 734-8989.
Best Hamburgers
–– Burger Monger
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Best Hospital –– AdventHealth
AdventHealth’s hospitals and emergency rooms throughout
the Tampa Bay area set the standard for health care through
their compassionate care and world-class expertise in caring
for the whole person – body, mind and spirit.
Best Ice Cream
–– Strachan’s Homemade Ice Cream
Their creamy frozen confections have created an almost “cult”
following since their 1999 opening. In addition to ice cream,
they also make “the best” carrot cake, fudge brownies, Key
lime pie, coconut cake and fudge. There are three locations
–– at 2332 State Road 580, Clearwater, (727) 351-7260; at the
corner of Alternate U.S. Highway 19 and Tampa Road in Palm
Harbor, (727) 781-0997; and at 310 Main St. in downtown
Dunedin, (727) 733-3603.
Best Illustrator –– Bruce Norris
This caricaturist has a way of capturing his subjects with
their most obvious features shining through his work.
His illustrations are to the point and often highlight the
absurdities that he observes in the society around him.
Best Innovative Seafood
–– Guppy’s on the Beach Seafood Grill & Bar
This warm, casual mecca across the street from the beach
has been serving trendsetting fresh seafood prepared in
imaginative ways since 1992. Whether you choose to dine
alfresco or indoors, Chef/Owner Scott Bebell’s Potato Crusted
Salmon is a favorite for many Guppy’s regulars. 1701 Gulf
Blvd., Indian Rocks Beach, (727) 593-2032.