Applebee's. Chili's. Steak 'n Shake. Let's face it. Large, corporate-owned restaurants have some of the best food on the market. However, there are a couple of small business eateries in the Tampa Bay area that you have to try.
1. Larry's Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor and Gelato
Larry's is a family-owned and operated ice cream parlor, and it was established in 1984. Located on St. Pete Beach, Larry's is an ice cream and gelato shop with 80 different flavors of ice cream and 35 different flavors of frozen yogurt. On top of that, Larry's also serves Italian gelato, Italian ice, sundaes, milkshakes, smoothies and fast foods like hot dogs and cheeseburgers. Most ice cream shops charge extra for the cone. However, at Larry's, the cone is free when you buy two scoops of ice cream. When you purchase your first ice cream, Larry's will give you a customer loyalty card that gives you a free single ice cream cone on your seventh visit. Want an extra discount? Visit Larry's Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor and Gelato online and print out a 15% off coupon located on the bottom of the main page of the website. Visit the website to view flavors and menus for this outstanding ice cream parlor.
2. 4 Rivers Smokehouse
John Rivers, the owner of 4 Rivers Smokehouse, started the "Barbecue Ministry" in 2004 when he hosted a barbecue cookout fundraiser to help a family whose daughter was battling cancer. In 2009, Rivers opened 4 Rivers Smokehouse and now there are several locations across Florida. The most iconic feature of 4 Rivers is the old-school, cafeteria style of ordering food. You get the speed of fast food along with the quality of an authentic barbecue restaurant. The decor of the restaurant is classic country, with picnic tables and hardwood floors. After dinner, be sure to stop at the dessert bar located inside the restaurants with plenty of different desserts to choose from, including my favorite: fried oreos. Be sure to check out the 4 Rivers website for menu options and for more information about a company built on faith. Visit the website.
3. Tanya and Matt's Ice Creamiest
Located on Dale Mabry Highway in Tampa, Tanya and Matt's Ice Creamiest has been serving homemade ice cream since 1991. Tanya and Matt's has over 50 flavors of ice cream and toppings to choose from, and the parlor also caters. My recommendation: Try the peppermint ice cream. It is amazing. The ice cream parlor is well-known for its retro decor and on busy nights, Tanya and Matt's has live entertainment. The coolest feature of Tanya and Matt's? The owner, Matt Walsh, also carves ice sculptures that you can purchase for special events. More information about the ice cream parlor and Walsh's sculptures can be found on the company's website along with pictures of his amazing sculptures. Visit the website.
4. Gigi's Italian Restaurant
Gigi's, founded by the Newberne family, has been serving customers since 1967. Gigi's has locations on St. Pete Beach, Treasure Island and fourth street. Not only does Gigi's cater, but the restaurant also offers take-out and delivery for all menu items. All the food is delicious, but nothing beats the taste of the pizza. With fair prices and large portion sizes, you can be sure that you will never leave Gigi's hungry. If you order a pasta dish, you will receive complimentary garlic bread, which is my personal favorite garlic bread of any restaurant I have tried. Dining on a budget? Be sure to check out the early bird menu for smaller, less expensive dinner options and half-priced alcoholic drinks. The early bird also comes with a side salad. If you like blue cheese, try Gigi's blue cheese salad dressing. It is considered by some to be the best in the Tampa Bay area. Visit the website for more information about this incredible restaurant.
All of these restaurants are definitely worth the trip. They never seem to disappoint, and they all receive five stars from yours truly.
