The Laughing Cat
The Laughing Cat's executive chef, Franco LoRe, named this laid-back Italian-style bistro after one of his favorite watering holes in Venice, Italy, and has striven to recreate a genuine Italian atmosphere at this restaurant, located in the trendy Ybor City district.
The menu tends toward classic northern Italian, with large portions and an extensive wine list. Count on the attentive wait staff to make you right at home and help you choose the perfect meal.
The Laughing Cat
1820 N 15th St
Tampa, FL 33605
(813) 241-2998
thelaughingcat.com
Bern's Steak House
If you're the kind of person who loves a great steak, served in a steakhouse atmosphere, you'll be in love with Bern's Steak House the moment you step through the door. The emphasis at Bern's is on a world-class dining experience, and they're good at it. They should be--this Tampa Bay institution has been serving up great steaks and other fare since 1956.
The experience of Bern's is upscale but welcoming, and guests rave that they're treated like old customers, whether it's their first time or their 50th. Enjoy some wine with your meal--Bern's claims to have one of the world's largest cellars--and be sure to save some room for a visit to the upstairs desert room after dinner.
Bern's Steak House
1208 South Howard Ave.
Tampa, FL 33606
(813) 251-2421
bernssteakhouse.com
First Choice Southern BBQ
On the other end of the scale, fill up with chicken, beef, turkey, or pork, expertly cooked, and with all the southern BBQ fixins', at First Choice Southern BBQ. The setup is unpretentious, but the counter service is fast and efficient. Just order up your meal and you'll be getting your fingers greasy in a few short minutes.
From a pulled pork sandwich to a slab of ribs, you'll find all the southern BBQ comfort food you've always dreamed of here. Just be sure to wash it down with their famous sweet tea.
First Choice Southern BBQ
10113 Adamo Dr.
Tampa, FL 33619
(813) 621-7434
firstchoicebbq.com
