Tampa Bay tourist help needed

Going to Tampa Bay at the end of this month.
Were staying at Best Western Bay Harbor Hotel, 7700 West Courtney Campbell Causeway.

According to Google it is possible to walk to Whiskey Joe's .3 miles away. Anybody know if there actually is a sidewalk on the causeway? Can't always trust Google pedestrian maps.

Any good restaurant recommendations within about a 10-15 miles radius?

We haven't been to Tampa in about 20 years and really the only reason we're going is because my wife now has Companion Status on SWA and I fly for free.

We're just going to do some touristy crap for four nights and get out of WI winter.

We are going to the Tampa Zoo one morning/afternoon. I'd like to get over to St Pete Beach some afternoon just to have a couple of cool ones and watch the world go by.

After that no plans, so feel free to throw out some suggestions.

We've been to Bern's twice, decades ago and I looked at their menu now. There is no way I'm paying $60 for a porterhouse.

 

Joe,have not been there myself since the Battle of the Bays ended,but used to stay at the Days Inn there on the CC Causeway..I was one of those Green and Gold backers (Tampa Bay Packer Backers club) at the Sombrero) Sure they had a sidewalk..nowadays they probably have a biking lane also..
But getting to St Pete you probably want a rental car from the airport anyway?
Have a nice trip!

 

Hey Joe -
OMG!!! You are staying in the hotel where Hulk Hogan is opening his new restaurant, if you are lucky he may show up in his yellow neon speedos. LOL! :evillaugh

We live in Tampa Bay, actually near Madeira Beach... Yes, it's very possible to walk to Whikey Joe's from your hotel - however you have to walk along a dirt path on the causeway... people drive like crap. Be careful... and allot of rif-raf hang out in that park next door...

Bern's is cool - but over-rated... there are some pretty cool places to eat at International Mall, not too far from your hotel. Across from that is Flemings - they have a sweet happy hour!

beach wise, you want to hit up madeira beach - otherwise some places are just dead. John's Pass has some cool places for a beer - a drink - nothing fancy. Not great food...

A really cool place I would totally hit up is downtown St. Pete - they have some really nice places to eat, some awesome places for a drink and a restaurant with some awesome craft beer - "Moon Under Water". The food is AMAZING!! it's on the water - "beach drive" - a walk from the Pier... In the summer if we are not at the beach - or having a drink at International Plaza - we are in downtown St. Pete - this of course is... when we are not in Vegas!

BEER - a cool place in Tampa if you like craft beer is Cigar City! It's owned by Joe Redner, yes, Mr. Redner himself... but you wouldn't know it?? it's very cool... it's a small brewery - and very tasty. people are so very nice. you get a tour and a glass and a beer for like $5!

Mixed drinks - CIRROS SPEAKEASY - handcrushed, mixolgist... great food.

but seriously if you have not been here in 20 yrs you need to see St. Pete, it's so different, very trendy. They are tearing down the "Pier" soon - so it's a must see icon.

I could go on and on and on... having lived here my whole life. Please let us know if you need anything!! or have any questions.

Just remember, people drive like crap - everyone is retired.. those that are not are usually partying.. and driving.

I can't wait to hear what you decide to do!

 

Tampa Hard Rock Casino... The Oak Council has some good steaks.

 

When will you be here? The 26th is Gasparilla- a pirate invasion of the bay- complete with food trucks, parade, lots of beads and drinking. FREE- just get there early!

http://www.gasparillapiratefest.com/

You CAN walk to WJ, but it's dirt along the causeway- scary.

 

Floridavegas:
We found out it changed from Crabby Joe's to Hogan's. Man, I've never seen such terrible reviews for a restaurant and it's in our hotel. Maybe they are just getting their sea legs since they just opened but...

Courtney:
We arrive the 25th, so thanks for the heads up

We will have a rental car Fri-Tues.

Thanks for all the advice!

 

I use to travel to tampa like it was going out of style....

Places I suggest going to eat are the following

Grillsmith
Rigatoni's Tuscan Oven
Charleys Steakhouse

 

I live near a grillsmith and can confirm its pretty good.
drinking - look out for a world of beer - or The brass tap. plenty of selection there.

beaches - clearwater is ok - but head south over the causeway and try out Sand key - much nicer - or just beyond it is the sheraton at sand key - park up, head beach side and enjoy a drin there as the sun sets.

Tarpon Springs is good if you like greek food - yelp is your friend there!

I ate at a little dockside place on the north of Tarpon springs recently - good if you get a table outside and can overlook the marina as the sun sets - inside was like a cheap cafe and would detract from the place.

ybor city has plenty going on food and drink wise....


and now the nhl is back you might be able to go to a tampa game.......