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Best Urban Living -
Downtown St. Petersburg
The overnight success has taken twenty years of planning and
slow advancement until it reached the “tipping point”.
Best Classic American Cuisine -
Bob Heilman’s Beachcomber
Celebrations seem to be happening at every other table in this
local institution that has been serving their award-winning
food since 1948. Everyone has their favorite dish, and their
wine list is awesome. No one has ever been disappointed
while dining or having a drink at the bar at the Beachcomber.
447 Mandalay Avenue on North Clearwater Beach,
(727) 442-4144
Best Mexican Restaurant -
Casa Tina
Javier and Tina, the dynamic duo who run this well-loved
Mexican restaurant, use authentic Mexican recipes with an
emphasis on vegetarian offerings. It’s a friendly spot that
has the look and feel of Old Mexico and has recently been
expanded. 365 Main Street, Dunedin, (727) 734-9226
Best New American Food -
E & E Stakeout Grill and
Kokopelli’s Bar
The service here creates the ambience of a private club in this
unique restaurant. The creativity of Chef/Owner Erwin is the
secret ingredient of this popular dining venue. They serve
black angus beef, including a whopping 28-ounce Cowboy
Steak and choice seafood and chicken prepared in new and
intriguing ways that enhance the original flavors of the food.
100 North Indian Rocks Road, Belleair Bluffs, (727) 585-6399
Best Continental Cuisine -
Bon Appétit in Dunedin
One of the culinary legends of the area, the Bon is consistently
ranked as one of the best restaurants in the area by those who
appreciate their classic preparations, fine wines and excellent
service. This restaurant juts out over St. Joseph’s Sound,
so that every table has a fabulous view of the water. Their
outside Terrace Cafe and alfresco bar, The Loop at the Bon,
serve the same great food as the restaurant. 150 Marina Plaza,
Dunedin, (727) 733-2151
Best Beach - Clearwater Beach
From its sugar white sand to the Beach by Design walkways,
it is easy to see why Clearwater Beach is considered one of
the best beaches in the world.
Best Hideaway -
Cappuccino’s Altro Posto Cafe
This tiny European-style cafe serves great homemade
food and coffees. They also offer wines by the glass, as
well as beer. 733 Broadway, Dunedin, (727) 738-8009
Best Community Patron -
John Gilliss
Once again, as president of Friendly Kia in New Port
Richey, John is known to more people as “Mr. Friendly.”
He sponsors innumerable charitable functions and
lends his unique “Friendly Trolley” to a wide variety
of nonprofit organizations. He extends his helping
hand without being asked. Friendly Kia is at 5819 US
Highway 19 North in New Port Richey, (727) 815-9611.
Best Urban Living -
Downtown St. Petersburg
MAY/JUNE 2015 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE 55