Kicks Sole Provider
So. If you're looking to spend lots of money on some new kicks, sneakers, what have you, there are worse places to do it. They've got a good selection, all verrrry hip. 'Course, you could also order online and get more or less the same thing for cheaper. But I always like to support local businesses.
Buddha's Belly Restaurant
This is kind of a hotspot. Some celebs are generally in there. Their spicy calamari salad is both spicy and delicious. Nice patio for warm summer nights. Worth a visit, especially if you're in the hood already.
Rambutan Thai
I dig this place--cool decor, tasty food, a wide selection of girly drinks. They specialize in small plates, great for sharing. Much better than Simply Thai a couple miles away. And they have parking.
Berns Steakhouse
I don't live in Tampa, but I have family there. That said: I've considered going there just to eat at this place. The steak, however your order it, is always perfectly prepared. The desserts, served in a separate "dessert room" are amazing. Nice ambiance--vaguely like a Chinese opium den, great vegetables. Really, I can say nothing bad about this place.
Roy's Hawaiian Fusion Cuisine
This place has slightly overpriced Asian / Hawaiian Fusion type cuisine. It's tasty, seems to be frequented by conventioneers and folks about to head over the the Staples Center. They have a dessert that involves chocolate filled with chocolate in a souflee type concoction. It takes half an hour to prepare, but is worth it.
Square One Dining
This place has perhaps the most incredible french toast I've ever inhaled. Also tasty egg dishes. And good muffins. They pretty much do everything well. One caveat: it gets ridiculously crowded on weekends. If you get there before 10 (I know, I know), you'll be fine. Other than that, bring a book or board games 'cause it'll be a long wait.
Hopleaf
This place has (or had--haven't been there for four years. . .ahhh, Chicago, I miss you) the largest selection of beers I've ever seen. Everything from the conventional to the bizarre. Laid back atmosphere, decent food. If you're in the Chicago and you like the beer, you owe it to yourself (and to the beer gods) to visit.
Boule Pastry Shop - CLOSED
Seriously--this place is amazing. Great pastries and gelato. The packaging that your chocolates comes in is almost worth a visit alone. They're the Tiffany's of patries joints or something. Anyway: when you've got the sugar craving, this place is definitely worth a visit.
Vegan Glory
I used to work across the street from this place and ate there frequently. That said, people rave about it. I say it's so so. Perfectly adequate, nothing special, certainly not worth a special trip. If you're hanging around the Beverly Center, maybe check it out. If not--there are tons of other options.
Millie's Restaurant & Bakery
Hung over? Go to Millie's. Servers have attitude, the food's got kick, and you'll be next to the finest that hipsterdom has to offer. Seriously--it's kind of ridiculous. As for the food, it's good; lots of grease to soak up the party suds from the previous night.
