Anyone have a recommendation relatively near the USF campus for a fantastic pregame meal? Not in the mood for the hod dog and burger open bar. Maybe a seafood / steakhouse? I noticed there is a great promo on Restaurant.com (promo code HEART) but am not familiar with any of the restaurants on there...
http://www.restaurant.com/rdc_site2.net/listings.aspx?StateID=&zip=33620&
This link shows a bunch of restaurants in Tampa of which I am only familiar with the names like Shula's.
Thanks in advance.
Ox had a great meal at The Cheesecake Factory when he was on his official to USF.
Tampa is the chain restaurant capital, good luck finding anything "local". But for chain restaurants, if you have never eaten at Roy's, it's pretty solid. South Pacific/Hawaiian fusion.
Also, the lunch special at Mons Venus is pretty pretty pretty pretty good.
If the open bar isn't your thing (they are giving those drinks away) I do have a couple suggestions, but since I struggle with the definition of "open" I guess I am going to need to know what "relatively near" means to you? 10 min? 20 min?
USF is basically located in strip mall central making me believe you are not going to find the baller meal you seek. However your best "relatively near" bet for a good meal is probably Council Oak in the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. Put $100 on red, win, and you will be able to cover your meal. Maybe.
If you are willing to come downtown, Fly Bar has very good food and drinks and should have happy hour specials starting around 5 (http://flybarandrestaurant.com/sf/). If you do not like the Fly Bar menu, Malio's Steakhouse (http://www.maliosprime.com/) is a Tampa establishment and usually has a pretty decent happy hour scene. Both of these restaurants are roughly 20 minutes away from the Sun Dome.
My last suggestion would be Side Bern's (http://www.sideberns.com/). It's a bit farther to drive, but they have fantastic seafood and are conveniently located near all of the bars on the South Howard strip. Bern's steakhouse is also right around the corner, if you would prefer such.
If nothing I said works for you just drive to the International Mall and you will be able to find pretty much whatever you would like in one spot (Ocean Prime, Capitol Grill, Martini Blu, Brio, Cheesecake Factory, etc.)
See you at the game.
Thanks for the suggestions, think we will try Flybar.
We were planning on just getting tickets when we get there. That should not be a problem, right?
You would think I would know to put this in the Superbar by now.
My guess is that you will be fine. I usually just walk up to the games near tip off and pick up tickets. I might swing by Fly (I live next door) before going to the MU $28 open bar. Cheers!
I hear Mons Venus has a lovely buffet.
Bern's is special, if you have the time.
Agree. Bern's is excellent. 2nd best steak I have had in Florida.
Took a client to the USF a couple years back. Ate a great meal at Berns, and have heard good things about Sideberns (more casual). Went to Mons Venus and the place across the street, unbelievably small and pretty disgusting as far as strip clubs go.
I would suggest Columbia Restaurant, another Tampa tradition. In Historic Ybor City, has been there for a long, long time. (105 years)
http://www.columbiarestaurant.com/ybor.asp
My favorite Tapas there are:
Albondigas
Homemade beef meatballs in a mildly spicy tomato sauce.
Shrimp "Al Ajillo"
Shrimp sautéed in virgin olive oil, fresh garlic and chili pepper.
Mejiliones y Chorizo "Andres"
Named for Andres Sanchez who produced and provided our family with the best Chorizo, made right here in Ybor City. Fresh Prince Edward Island mussels and sliced Chorizo, sauteéd and simmered with extra virgin olive oil,
If you like beer and find your self in Ybor, I would suggest the New World Brewery. Great selection of beers: http://newworldbrewery.net/
+1 on both Columbia and Ybor City. Lotsa fun to be had there.
Quote from: reinko on February 04, 2011, 08:08:07 AM
the lunch special at Mons Venus is pretty pretty pretty pretty good.
Try the Pitino Happy 5 Minutes Special...Oysters on the half shell with the fizzy drink of your choice
In regards to Ybor... Lots of fun things to do, but much like Beale (sic) St. in Memphis, don't wander too far away from the main area.
Where are people going before game? (Other than the Alumni event?). Didn't see a roll call thread, so thought I would ask here...