48 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE
| MAY/JUNE 2016
Best Theatre Dining -
Maestro’s Restaurants
Best Community Performing Arts Center -
The Palladium at St. Petersburg College
As part of St. Petersburg College, this architecturally beautiful,
880-seat community theater is committed to representing
cultural diversity and emerging artists, as well as enriching
the lives of people in the community. Readers found their
Side Door Jazz series on the ground floor entertaining and
affordable. 253 5th Avenue N., St. Petersburg, (727) 822-3590
Best Casual Seafood -
400 Beach Seafood & Tap House
The broad-based menu of fresh catches featuring novel
renditions of seafood and shellfish gives this relaxing
restaurant a special feel. Known for its great Sunday brunch
and alfresco dinner, this is one of downtown St. Petersburg’s
most popular restaurants anytime of day. They have twentyfour
beers on tap and forty-eight wines by the glass. 400 Beach
Drive NE, St. Petersburg, (727) 896-2400
Best Art Workshop - St. Petersburg
Hot Glass Workshop
Located next to the Duncan McClellan Gallery in
St. Petersburg, this 2,400 square-foot glass workshop is where
imaginative glass artists bring their visions to life. 2342
Emerson Avenue, St. Petersburg, (813) 760-6600
Best Creative Sandwiches -
Marguerite’s Cafe & Catering
Marguerite names her innovative sandwiches cleverly, as she
melds newly themed creations weekly. Her tasty sandwiches
are memorable for both their unique combinations and the
quality of the ingredients. 405 Plaza Drive, Dunedin,
(727) 734-7040 or (727) 736-2494
Best Crab Legs -
Cooters Restaurant & Bar
This is the perfect place to enjoy anything from a hamburger
to a grouper special, or a cold brew to a complex cocktail; but
the crab legs are simply awesome. With its casual beach décor
and open central bar, it is exactly what you want a Florida
restaurant to be. 423 Poinsettia Avenue, Clearwater Beach,
(727) 462-2668
Best Shoe and Leather Repair -
J & M Shoe Repair
The expert craftsmanship here can make your shoes look
brand new, and they also repair other types of leather
accessories, from belts to bags. 1107 Main Street (S.R. 580),
Dunedin, (727) 733-1592
Best Elegant Italian Cuisine -
Gratzzi Italian Grille
It is the careful attention to detail that makes Gratzzi a special
dining experience combining graciousness with glamour and
gastronomic delights. Their famous “Bada Bing” pasta is not
to be missed. 211 2nd Street South, St. Petersburg,
(727) 623-9037
Best Concert Venue - Ruth Eckerd Hall
The exceptional acoustics of Ruth Eckerd Hall make it one
of the top concert venues in the nation. Its unique design
assures that there is not an obstructed view in the house for
the myriad of performances they offer. 1111 McMullen Booth
Road, Clearwater, (727) 791-7400
Best Museum Exhibits -
Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg
An architectural gem on St. Petersburg’s waterfront, our
readers are enamored of this museum. With the remodeling
of the original structure and the new displays in that area, the
museum has assembled some impressive traveling exhibits
in addition to its permanent collection. 255 Beach Dr NE, St
Petersburg, (727) 896-2667
Best Sunday Brunch - Island Way Grill
Here, the lavish displays of delicious cuisine make their
extensive Sunday Buffet offering legendary. Serving
everything from fresh omelets and waffles to sushi, this is a
never-ending feast. The beautiful harbor views, the touch of
Asian fusion and Pacific Rim style cuisine keep Island Way
Grill busy every day of the year. 20 Island Way on Island
Estates, Clearwater Beach, (727) 461-6617
Best Rotisserie Chicken - Pico Rojo
Pico Rojo prepares succulent chicken with a South American
flavor that can’t be beat. This restaurant uses only fresh (nonfrozen)
chickens that are hormone and preservative-free, then
marinates them in natural spices before roasting them on a
charcoal rotisserie. Hospitality is the ambience at this family
friendly restaurant. Their vegetarian options are also first rate.
2475 McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater, (727) 474-3826
Best Military Museum -
The Armed Forces History Museum
A reminder that freedom does not come without sacrifice, this
museum’s emotionally charged exhibits salute all the armed
services with unique displays and authentic memorabilia,
equipment and artifacts. Everyone should visit this museum,
especially those with children. 2050 34th Way North, Largo,
(727) 539-8371