More Family Treats in Tampa Bay: BBQ, Sandwiches, Fried Clams

In an earlier article on these pages, I criticized the caliber of restaurants in the Tampa Bay area, with the notable exceptions of Johnny's Italian Restaurant in Clearwater and Rossi's in Elfers. In a subsequent opus, I acknowledged that there were a number of inexpensive family-friendly restaurants in the area. Upon reflection, there are a number of additional places that meet my criteria and warrant a visit or two. My criteria are,

First, I must have eaten there and been satisfied; second, the place should not be part of an impersonal chain but reflect the idiosyncrasies of the owners; third, there must be value; and, fourth, they each must be unique enough to warrant a closer look!

With that in mind, let us proceed.

I love Bar-B-Que

Kojak's House of Ribs has been family owned and operated since 1978. It sits at the south end of Bayshore Boulevard (2808 Gandy Boulevard) in a converted southern bungalow-style house beneath the shade of huge live oak trees. One can sit indoors, but if the weather permits, the choice place is the fan-cooled verandah. Get a slab of the best pork spare ribs, anywhere, with a pitcher of cold beer. They have the usual BBQ dinners of pork, chicken, beef and smoked link sausages that will knock your socks off. (I have family living in San Antonio, Texas, but I'd put Kojak's to any test. Whatever one does, room must be left for homemade chocolate cake or fresh apple pie, with ice cream.

Kojaks is said to be named after the original owner, Bill Forney who had been chief of detectives in Oklahoma before he decided to go from catching felons to making the best BBQ in the world.

There are other acceptable BBQ joints in the Tampa area, not including the giant chain, Sonny's. One could find BBQ happiness at Jimbo's on Kennedy Boulevard in Tampa and First Choice on Route 60 in Brandon. But nothing surpasses Kojak's. Nothing.

I am a lover of hamburgers, too.

There are several places in the area that serve up fairly decent hamburgers. One that does not meet my criteria is the Outback chain restaurant, located everywhere. They serve up a truly great hamburger. But it fails the second quality that I require, it isn't cheap!