BEST 2019
OF
MAY/JUNE 2019 | TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE 47
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 award-winning food
since 1948. Many diners have longstanding favorite dishes,
and their wine list is impressive. The full bar is known for its
specialty cocktails. 447 Mandalay Ave. on North Clearwater
Beach, (727) 442-4144.
Best Community Performing Arts Center ––
The Palladium Theater at St. Petersburg College
As part of St. Petersburg College, this stunning community
theater showcases a plethora of talents in their two venues––
the main 850-seat Hough Hall and the intimate candlelit 175-
seat Side Door downstairs. 253 Fifth Ave. N., St. Petersburg,
(727) 822-3590.
Best Community Theater
–– Francis Wilson Playhouse
This theater is totally operated by volunteers, and therefore
can offer very affordable ticket prices. It has been attracting
patrons for more than 80 years. Their productions are classic
and the quality of their performances is top notch.
302 Seminole St., Clearwater, (727) 446-1360.
Best Concert Venue
–– Ruth Eckerd Hall
Ruth Eckerd Hall is another of our perennial winners, and
things are slated to get even better there with its expansion
and renovation that is making the grand lobby six times larger
and has added two more lanes to the entryway. This and
more is sure to keep Ruth Eckerd Hall at the top of everyone’s
list for great entertainment. 1111 N. McMullen Booth Road,
Clearwater, (727) 791-7400.
Best Cookies
–– Kookie Krums
Janet Long’s family-run business was voted a best again. She
offers several varieties of cookies, cupcakes and brownies
baked fresh daily, but the chocolate chip cookies are our
favorites. Buy them individually, by the dozen or in artful
arrangements as gifts. 513 Main St., Dunedin, (727) 736-5786.
Best Country Club
–– Belleair Country Club
There’s a lot to love about the Belleair Country Club, and our
readers raved about the golf. The two courses, East and West,
were designed by the late golf course architect Donald J. Ross.
Not only are the fairways beautifully maintained, but the club
offers great perks. 1 Country Club Lane, Belleair,
(727) 461-7171.
Best Crab Legs –– Cooters Restaurant & Bar
Incredible is the best word to describe Cooters’ Crab Legs.
Combine that with the laid-back beach vibe and open central
bar and you will remember why you love Florida.
423 Poinsettia Ave., Clearwater Beach, (727) 462-2668.
Best Creative Catering –– The Stuffed Mushroom
Betsy Byrd has spent years building the reputation of this
company, which caters corporate events, luncheons and
dinners. She also sells kitchen and entertainment accessories.
825 Main St., Safety Harbor, (727) 726-8686.
Best Cuban Sandwich –– Annex
The sandwich starts with bread from La Segunda Bakery
in Ybor City and is layered with sliced mojo pork, big-eyed
Swiss cheese, ham, a blend of yellow mustard and mayo and
their elongated sliced pickles to provide a taste of pickle in
every bite. Then the sandwich is served toasted and pressed.
400 Beach Drive, St. Petersburg, (727) 896-4400.
Best Cultural Programs –– City of Tarpon Springs
Tarpon Arts oversees the Tarpon Springs Cultural Center that
has changing exhibits, an 83-seat theater and a gift shop, along
with the 300-seat Performing Arts Center on Pine Street that
is inside the current City Hall, which was built as a school
in 1925. Tarpon Arts also operates and organizes a series of
cultural programs at the city’s Heritage Museum on Beekman
Lane that offers history exhibits and the Safford House
Museum on Parkin Court. (727) 942-5605.
Best Dining Any Time of Day
–– Clear Sky Beachside Cafe
This friendly restaurant opens at seven o’clock every morning
and doesn’t stop serving until midnight. The seafood-focused
menu is great, as are the brick-oven pizza, signature paninis,
burgers and salads. They also have live entertainment on the
covered patio. 490 Mandalay Ave., Clearwater Beach,
(727) 442-3684.
Best Auctioneer -
Jason Alpert