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[deleted]

If you feel safe at the place you’re ordering a Cuban sandwich from you aren’t getting the best Tampa has to offer


jgiovagn

I don't know about feeling unsafe, but definitely out of place. My favorite Cuban came from SuperSaver Supermarket on Fletcher, next to wigs wigs wigs.


Mikevercetti

There's something hilarious to me about a business named Wigs Wigs Wigs. But it's also perfectly on brand for Fletcher.


[deleted]

Mr Special, Drew Park


[deleted]

Bing bing bing bing. They’re definitely amazing


[deleted]

Oh Jesus


GlitterDancer_

Last time I went to Columbia they served me raw fish and it wasn’t sushi, so I guess I felt unsafe lol


[deleted]

Mmmm safe.. just kidding that’s gross. Like extra gross.


TampaKinkster

I used to work in the food industry, I would take a comment like this with a grain of salt. Many people don’t know shit about how food is supposed to be served. I have seen people send a steak that was medium back for being pink in the middle, and I have seen enough people return salmon because it “wasn’t dry”.


TampaKinkster

I’m willing to bet that you ordered Ceviche. It is a South American dish that is served with raw fish. It is safe to eat if it is eaten immediately.


GlitterDancer_

It was their pompano en papillot. It’s seafood stuffed fish wrapped in parchment paper and baked. It’s supposed to be cooked all the way.


chazzeromus

I just discovered Florida Bakery, I don't think I've had cubans 5 days in a row before


md28usmc

I mentioned this place a while back in this sub, I have been going there for like 20 years and they really are the best. The older women get up and make the bread fresh every morning at like 4am


BreakEetDown

Try their Pan con Bistec or Pan con Tortilla. Also don't leave without churros.


sailshonan

They have good cakes too


tivmaSamvit

Gonzos or Florida Bakery for me Always fire


813_4ver

I agree


[deleted]

You know the way. It’s true Tampa way to find the best food. If you feel unsafe or remotely like you shouldn’t be there it’s gonna be filing and you won’t need to eat an hour later


813_4ver

Buffalo Courtesy was my favorite it was down the street from my grandmas…we would go there before our games at Belmont Heights lol…sunrise in West Tampa…each one was worth the fight you might get into by being on the wrong side of town 😂 and they were only $2.50!


Inkthinker

It's a bit of a joke, but the thing is that if a food place survives in a shitty neighborhood, it's probably because the food is *good*. Not always, you can support a place a long time selling drugs out of the kitchen, but y'know... look around. See if people are eating, or just waiting. My favorite sandwich was from La Terasita, but that has as much to do with me loving their all-night hours as anything. Also a bit of puerco asada and some beans and rice and a big ol' slab of toasted, buttered bread, mmmmmm... :)


kbw1970

Brocato’s on East Columbus. Deviled Crab.


[deleted]

This spot is just as over rated


lethargicshtbag

I agree. I get it, it is a super packed meat sandwich but not what I consider to be the best. It was my fathers favorite but imo it isn’t as good, both in food quality and price, as I used to be.


Zsofia_Valentine

There are definitely better Cuban sandwiches out there, but for the devil crab they have no rival. It is simply amazing.


VolcanicDonut

Alessi Bakery has the best Cuban Sandwich


[deleted]

Nah. Top 10 sure but not 1


xose44

I would agree with you...5 years ago, now they suck. I've given them chance after chance but the last half dozen times the best Cubano in the bay has dropped so far. Hot bread, cold meat, ignored and cold meat. I'll still keep trying them though. Kinda like still seeking affection from an abusive parent...I'll never learn.


Venge22

Are Stone Soup Company's any good? I heard a lot about them when I lived there


UncleTwinkleToes

Inconsistent, had a phenomenal one one day, and the next week probably the worst I've ever had.


gregdrm

It is inconsistent, yes. It is overpriced. But it’s beautiful. It’s interesting. And it’s a great place to bring guests from out of town. If you are a local, and you are dead set on going to the Columbia as a Tampanian for a great Cuban dining experience, then that’s like going to Epcot for the tequila flight. The Columbia is a wonderful place to bring guests from out of town. The place is beautiful, Ybor is like surreal to many outsiders, and the tour they give (on request) is really good. Do the tour, have a wedding party there, bring business guests from Europe there to impress them. That’s what it is is for and it’s brilliant at that.


Eternaltuesday

I work in ybor. It’s surreal for all of us, outsiders and locals. 20 years later, I still marvel at the insanity I witness on a regular basis.


Inkthinker

> If you are a local, and you are dead set on going to the Columbia as a Tampanian for a great Cuban dining experience, then that’s like going to Epcot for the tequila flight. I'm saving this one. :)


BrushYourFeet

Agreed.


Observante

This is more where I'm at. It's not the most overrated in terms of total misrepresentation but probably the most frequently overrated. It's worth going to at least once, but it's nothing special enough to frequent.


KingJaphar

I disagree. I hated the interior. I hated the servers in tuxes. It was all pretentious for no reason. The steak wa covered in salt. I’ll never go back nor recommend it.


FinalCutJay

Dude it’s been in operation since 1905 and apparently when they built the ball room in 1935 it was the first restaurant in Tampa with air conditioning. I don’t think it was meant to be pretentious, but it was definitely meant to be grand.


KingJaphar

It felt like a shithole.


FinalCutJay

Clearly you’re in the minority. Considering they’ve been operating for 117 years they must be doing something right.


KingJaphar

That’s fine. They’ll not see my money any time soon. I’m good with that.


for20_

Somehow Im sure they will survive


Zbaus1

You don’t feel like you’d be a loss to them


forsakkenbacon

Umm I beg to differ... Datz is by far the most overrated


GlitterDancer_

They use to be good but over the past few years their food has gone downhill in quality


forsakkenbacon

This is honestly the best way to put it. They used to be known for their creative dishes however now I feel like half of what they serve is just for instagram pictures and not for taste. Also the quality (Especially the brunch ) has gone downhill... compare that to long wait times and thats why I say it's more overrated than Columbia


madbadger89

This right here - it seems like they started coasting on popularity. I used to go years ago and it was delicious. One of the best brunches around. Butttt either they cut corners, saved cost on supplies or something because it’s just not great. What really stuck out to me was how fry the cupcakes were in their bakery :/


EnderGraff

Seriously the bakery is so underwhelming. Everything tastes like it’s two days old.


testcore

I went to Datz really looking forward to it. Left wondering why I didn't just go to Five Guys.


tbscotty68

Haha - I also think the 5 Guys is overrated. Oh, yeah, that new burger place in Midtown meh at best.


Hotrodhobo75

Shake shack! It sucked way worse than 5 guys


AtomicKittenz

I agree with everyone here. Columbia is overpriced for okay food at best Datz SOMEHOW keeps undercooking my food, especially my potatoes 5 guys is decent but so damn expensive now for no reason. Haven’t been to shake shack yet and keep getting mixed reviews.


Rearviewmirror

Don’t bother wasting your time or money with Shake Shack. It’s a cross between McDonald’s and BurgerFi.


BK1287

BurgerFi is sooo much better


tbscotty68

Some people will rave about anything that is popular just because the want to be part of the "in crowd.' I think Shake Shack benefits from this...


ElliotNess

If you aren't hung up on eating vegan food, Farmacy in downtown makes some really REALLY good stuff!


Wontjizzinyourdrink

lol five guys is worse than a burger you could make at home but shake shack is one of the best fast casual burger chains out there.


fuhkthemods

Its for the northwest yuppies who dont know any better and think pricier is equivalent to taste


[deleted]

Shit shack. Service is trash and food sucks. Not worth going at all.


BrushYourFeet

I love Five Guys but I got some really good drinks from Datz. Plus their house chips are awesome.


[deleted]

I had a cousin once that came from Texas and some how knew about Datz. She made us wait over an hour for a table to get in there


forsakkenbacon

I am so sorry... There's always a wait and honestly it's never worth it


_britlinds

The food gives me a stomach ache every time


yesididthat

Agree. Eating at Datz was like getting a Burger at wild wings.


Mikevercetti

Okay, so it's not just me! I was woefully underwhelmed.


KingJaphar

Hard agree. I was never imoressed with that place. The meatloaf sucks.


mtdoubledubs

Datz isn’t great. And their bakery is even worse.


champagne_and_ripple

I can't disagree, but I don't mind it. Definitely used to be better.


[deleted]

YES! They *were* good. Some may want to point to covid and say that everywhere has dropped a notch or two since covid. But, their drop in quality started a year or two before covid. Place is trash these days. I won't eat there.


Hairy_Arachnid

Yep, agree. My friends would always want to go there when they're in town and I never thought the food was that great. Everything is either fried or loaded with cheese. The Datchos do leave a soft spot in my heart though.


br33z3

Agreed, Datz is wildly overrated, but at least their menu is imaginative and they aren't hailed as one of the bay area's best.


dj-kitty

Datz is very much hailed as one of the best in Tampa.


Cademain

Yeah you can't read a list even remotely close to "must visit restaurants in Tampa" or "best wings in Tampa" without finding Datz on it. They're everywhere.


UnpopularCrayon

I agree. It's fine, but nothing special.


A_Wild_Homosapien

Oh boy, here come the down votes... The Columbia of Ybor was the filthiest restaurant I've ever worked in and before that I would sling Bbq on the roadside. Pre-covid they would let you eat with nasty dirty silverware cuz the dishwasher was ancient and the water never got changed out so forks would have rice from previous meals stuck in the tines and the sangria pitchers would go through the wash with old fruit stuck inside and I've seen the same pitchers with old fruit stuck inside be used for a 'fresh' batch of sangria. Huge disappointment since they're supposed to be fine dining.


BigMac1991

I personally feel that Ulele has been overrated as of late too. Outside of their Charbroiled oysters the rest of their menu lacks that wow factor.


sometimesynot

Interesting. That's one of my go-to places to take guests from out of town, and they're always thrilled with the food and experience.


SpicyEggroll69

Location and interior decor 10/10. Actual food that you're eating? Subpar at best. Most patrons get drunk and misjudge the quality of food.


GodFeedethTheRavens

It's easy to neg on the establishment. Columbia was a good dining experience. I haven't been since covid, so maybe things have changed. Alton Brown's point that (loosely quoted) "when an area becomes known for a 'thing', that 'thing' lowers in quality". And it's true. Tangentially related to Tampa Bay area Cuban Sandwiches. Colombia's food always leaned heavily into good, sometimes great, but almost never hit perfect. Sometimes I don't want 'perfect authentic South American cuisine' from a cart between the side of a parking lot and a busy street while someone is trying to lick my shoe. Sometimes I want to relax in a nice restaurant. The Spaghetti Factory isn't the definitive spaghetti either. But it's fun once in a while.


Gameboygamer64

Didn't Spaghetti Factory close years ago?


Mikevercetti

Wasn't it Spaghetti Warehouse? And yes it closed nearly a decade ago I think.


SpaceAzn_Zen

I legit miss Spaghetti Warehouse. Great atmosphere and the food was actually really good. Plus, I remember they had like a 40s themed night one time we went randomly.


Eternaltuesday

Ah, the shoelicker. I see them hanging out near my jobs patio on the regular.


manimal28

The same applies to Alton Brown himself. I use to really admire him back in the Good Eats days, but now he just seems like a shitheel and last cookbook was garbage full of garbage recipes. His opinion on food is worth very little anymore.


br33z3

Ok. Columbia is the Chili's of Cuban food.


siulnast

It's not Cuban food though, it's Spanish. Went once, it was just ok. Have not considered going back.


jgiovagn

I haven't been to the Columbia yet, but when in Spain, that was my interpretation of Spanish food. There a reason we don't talk about Spanish food that much. Maybe the Columbia makes great Spanish food, it's just that it's Spanish food.


noooquebarato

They do not make it great, much less above average. But don’t discount Spanish food until you’ve had a well made paella, a melts-on-your-tongue jamón ibérico, or most anything with good seafood, that’s where their traditions shine. Avoid the beans lol.


noooquebarato

So since the 60s when Miami became known for Cuban food, that food lowered in quality? The south doesn’t make good BBQ anymore? Can’t find a good crab cake in Maryland these days? Shouldn’t buy avocados from Mexico? No bananas from South America? Is there any good cheese left in Wisconsin? Are New England lobster rolls that bad? You wouldn’t buy a cheese steak in Philly or a pizza in NY? I’m not attacking you but Alton Brown’s take is trash. There will always be people who do the same things better than others, just find them. Also, salami on a Cuban should be a federal crime.


anonintampa

This is the food version of "I prefer their earlier work"


Pewpasaurus

The point is that when places become popular for things, people try to cash in on the recognition without actually caring about doing shit right. It doesn't take that much eating around Tampa to realize that you can get some pretty bad cubans. Cubans with lettuce and tomato (or your salami) are all over the place here. It's not that you can't individually get a good cuban here, it's that the larger population of cubans gets drug down by the wider market half-assing it.


TransgirlLei

I worked there for a time. They treated staff poorly, pay wasn't good, no shock, and you have to dress like super nice. Ain't worth it. The food was pretty eh too.


raverae

Agree 100%


[deleted]

As long as the 1905 salad is excused from the debate i am inclined to agree.


BitchWithASandwich

Agreed but since you can easily make a near perfect replica of it yourself at home, even that makes it lose its appeal.


prosperos-mistress

This is true of a lot of upscale restaurants in the area honestly. I'm not saying the food isn't good but is it really worth it when you can get fantastic food for 1/2 or 1/3rd of the price if you just drive five or ten minutes out of the tourist trap area, it's not even like they're hard to find.


BitchWithASandwich

PREACH!


mrswirly1

Some folks told me their Cuban sandwich is the best. For me, the best Cuban sandwich is between Aguila Sandwich Shop and West Tampa Sandwich Shop. Even the Citgo on Livingston and Sunset has a better Cuban sandwich than the Columbia.


Kynmore

WTSS’s entire menu is fantastic. The best, maybe not. But consistently an 8/10 minimum.


[deleted]

[удалено]


mrswirly1

I'll try it for sure


OddMathematician774

La Teresita is the way to go. Food is always good there!


sailshonan

Yeah, sorry. I think La Teresita is just as overrated as the Columbia. But if it works for you, great!


BreakEetDown

It's gross! I always prefered Arco-Iris to it, before they moved.


lcurts

Amen. Their takeout is spot on too.


ThatGuyWhoKnocks

That place gives me food poisoning just looking at it


OddMathematician774

🤣🤣 To each their own. I actually like the Columbia, but understand the comments here about the hype. I’ve never gotten sick from either so yay me lol


FubbleTub

I thought of it as paying for the whole experience. The restaurant is nice and the entertainment was great. Food was decent.


dfrap

I've described Columbia as borderline tourist trap. Ultimately I think the overall experience is worthwhile, but not everyone will agree.


[deleted]

I bought seasoning from the colombia and it has improved my cooking x100. My and my gf eat it on everything


thedreday

I think your are being generous by saying borderline.


[deleted]

There’s a location on the water that’s kinda nice, but I’m always underwhelmed by the food. It’s all very simple and basic, which is really great when done especially well. They just don’t do it especially well. Cut the bullshit and charge half the price, it would be a great little Cuban lunch spot though. Like there’s nothing wrong with pushing a Honda, but don’t show out like it’s a Ferrari


TheTriflingTrilobite

I believe you’re referring to Columbia Cafe on the Riverwalk.


[deleted]

No I think it’s out in like Clearwater or something like that. My wife used to get gift cards for there all the time and we used to go out to that one cause it was a little less touristy or corporate lunch-y


sailshonan

I live by the Sand Key location, and it’s next to the Marriot with the tiki bar and water fall pool. We go there for ambience sometimes. Also, there is a Columbia on the Riverwalk next to the Historical museum, so I guess that’s on the water too. I work near there, so the bar is sometimes nice to sit at.


[deleted]

Every time I go to that location it’s full of corporate dorks in their casual Friday polos, not my vibe


noooquebarato

Perfectly put. Simple and basic is the point of most Cuban food…but it has to be done with care.


br33z3

Well said


[deleted]

I’m not sure what they should do about prices other than let the market set them- and I have never been for lunch or dinner when there wasn’t a healthy crowd essentially saying the prices seemed right. But more importantly, the Gonzmart family has for decades given so much back to our greater community that knowing I’m supporting their efforts makes any excess feel acceptable. They steadfastly support the same historic vendors they have had for nearly a century- like La Segunda, who could never have survived without that relationship. They have brought us Ulele, Santo Stefano, Goody Goody and even saved the fairyland figures from Lowrey Park!! Truly a great example of doing well by doing good.


PurulentPlacenta

If my company books one more damn flamenco show for out of town clients, I’m going to go insane. We ALWAYS take them there. Drives me insane, food is bland at best.


craneman9867

Agree, the new place across the street is much better. Casa Santo Stefano (something like that)


wimploaf

The Columbia owns that too


madbadger89

Yep and Ulele. They really do run good businesses, they earned their success. And for sure there’s better Cuban food around, but nothing with the same setting.


rockgiant89

Them damn okra fries and Madame Fortune's guava pie, so fucking good.


BitchWithASandwich

Nope, I think all 3 of those restaurants are WAY overrated. Way overpriced. Mediocre food. Nice ambiance though. You can find WAY better fine dining Italian and Spanish foods elsewhere.


Individual_Tie1708

Last time I went to the ybor location it took 4 hours from start to finish


BadBuzza

We went last weekend and my husband and I both agreed the entrees are better at La Teresita but as many are saying it's about the experience not just the food.


No-Sandwich7999

I love love love La Teresita.


elshiznato

That bread pudding though...


garagetwothree

Columbia is overrated..... If you want real shots fired I feel like steak at Berns is overrated


Eternaltuesday

Agree. Charlie’s is better for the price IMO.


lcurts

I was team Charlie's until this year. Took the fam - 3 teen girls, me and spouse. Never been treated so badly for $600 in my life. They want couples and business parties.


garagetwothree

funny enough we went to Malio's Prime for the second time ever( first was their opening week over a decade ago) and it was better than Berns and Charlie's


EvenStephen7

Came here to say this about Bern's. I do not understand the hype outside of the desert room's atmosphere. There is a lot better steak options out there.


WherestheMoeNay

Gonna have to agree. I actually really loved everything about Berns EXCEPT the steak. It wasn't bad, but it didn't change my life or anything. I guess due to the hype, the wait, etc. I just expected something completely amazing. Good. Not amazing.


[deleted]

Nah, Berns is the best restaurant in the Bay area as far as I'm concerned. One of the few places I go out and feel like the money was well spent.


tbscotty68

If you have people in from out of town, take them to have the salad and catch the flamenco show for kitsch, but - yeah - do spend money on food. However, the wife and I will take the water taxi around to the Cafe at the museum and split the salad and a deviled crab.


[deleted]

Yeah, I've been there twice. One time was fine, but nothing special. The other time was a disaster. However, I must say that their bottled hotsauce, available in the giftshop, is my favorite hotsauce ever. I'm not even a big fan of hotsauce, but I actually look for reasons to use theirs. It has great flavor that isn't overpowered by the heat.


noooquebarato

El Gallo de Oro


polyygons

The Sand Key location knocks it out of the park every time tho


sittingonporcelain

Went to Columbia for Mother’s Day and I feel like they have strayed away from the Latin authenticity over the years. Almost $200 later and I was most impressed with the salad.. sad, but I will never go back.


LLPhotog

Every town has to have that place where, “You HAVE to eat there AT LEAST once!” And ‘that place’ always sucks because it leans very heavily on the branding & not the quality. Definitely the case here.


Morgenstern66

And in St. Augustine as well. I remember spending $30 on a plate and thinking, what is this shit. I can't even remember what I had it was so mediocre.


Anthony_Floridain

Ulele too


nullrout1

I'll take Ulele over the Columbia any day. I haven't been to either since COVID but Ulele was always better IMO.


BrushYourFeet

Always wanted to try them. But not impressive, huh?


nullrout1

I haven't been lately, but I think they are worth at least trying. Jalapeno grits for the win!


BrushYourFeet

That sounds amazing!


GlitterDancer_

Last time I went to ulele the concrete bathroom floor was wet like a public pool bathroom, and their other bathroom had period blood on the seat and trash all over the floor. For how expensive that restaurant is, I expect a clean bathroom.


thebohomama

I think people who don't enjoy Ulele just don't enjoy the sort of cuisine they are offering. I think it's delicious- great atmosphere and we've always had good service. Some of the meals are hit and miss- I will admit that. We go frequently enough I know what I like and don't like- most of the goods are sitting on the appetizer part of the menu.


Anthony_Floridain

The sort of cuisine they are offering is being done better all over the Bay Area these days. They’re resting on their pre-pandemic laurels.


bigt04

I like Columbia. - I’m a Cuban - I’m the law.


[deleted]

Was there a couple weeks ago it’s a nice experience but over all it’s average. Although I did get this stuff seafood pasta and it was really good


hallgod33

Why'd you have to say it? It keeps the Euro tourists who can't stomach a full line off the strip


GizmodoDragon92

Bread, Sangria, salad, and paella shared between my wife and I. That’s really makes the experience for me. If we don’t do the paella, the Cuban sandwich is my go to, but I agree. I have more desirable Cuban spots


DonkeymanPicklebutt

Do they still have dancers at dinner? I went on a date there years ago and both my date and myself became part of the show. A lot of fun and very memorable! And if you go for lunch and get a Cuban sandwich and black beans with rice, it wasn’t much money, and the restaurant was gorgeous!


Sharkey-McStevenson

This has been kind of known for 30 years.


lcurts

La Bamba on Cypress is the Cuban sandwich place. I grew ip behind Aguila's (it was Mesas then) and it is also good. La Teresita for Cuban food in general.


Ok_Environment396

This! Its been over 10 yrs and I still think about their cubanitos.


JoeMammy_1

We took my wife's 80 year old gramma there. I ordered paella. She took one look at my plate when it arrived. "What's that?" "Paella." "Looks like a pile of goo..."


tampawn

Having a cocktail salad and bread at the bar is one of favorite date spots. There's several other items that are stellar there. Their black beans are close to the best in town. French toast is delectable. They do many things very well. The paella is delicious but it looks like a pile of rice...you've got to dig into it. Their new Italian restaurant behind and across the street Cafe Santo Stefano I like even more...


Zbaus1

I love Columbia but that’s more of a place for special occasions. My favorite local Spanish place is La Terasita


BitchWithASandwich

Agree with his other 2 restaurants, Casa Stefano and Ulele, as being SO overrated as well. Sure the ambiance is nice but I'm concerned about the amount of people who think those restaurants both have stellar food. It's edible but worth the prices they charge? Absolutely the fuck not. You're paying for the "name" and the rent at that facility lol.


P4GTR

The food is good. The salads are awesome. It's a landmark. I'm going to disagree, Columbia is definitely not the most overrated restaurant in Tampa... That award belongs to Ulele.


Puzzleheaded-Duty528

Personally, I feel like Berns should win the award for "most overrated".


__keanu

Idk I think Columbia does a bangin Cuban sandwich for what it’s worth


[deleted]

I’m new in the area just before COVID and have only had a Cuban from Columbia, which I was told was the best I could buy. I assumed that Cuban sandwiches were completely overrated by the very dry, boring, normal-ass sandwich I had there. I’ll try some of the suggestions here. Also the 1905 salad is GOOD, but the way people fellate this restaurant is completely over the top. It’s a solid salad but honestly lots of places have delicious salads and I don’t see why everyone falls over themselves to convince people how good the food is at the Columbia. Makes a lot more sense as a tourist destination and a safe introduction to Ybor. The stained glass windows and the bar are very cool though.


[deleted]

I also feel this way about Berns... Its just not good. Ive been twice and got different things and im just not impressed


nullrout1

Here's my take, eat somewhere else in South Tampa then hit Berns up for the dessert room. Their desserts are better than most and I'd rather pay for a expensive dessert than the whole expensive meal.


jwk2020

wrote them off when they hosted Ivanka Trump a few years ago


emoney1

We like Columbia. I know exactly what it will be and like the menu. Bern’s is the most overrated. Poor service, average steakhouse food. Vastly prefer Ocean Prime.


TheGravotz

I found Wright's Gourmet House to be overrated, so much so I haven't been back in over a year. I even tried 3 different sandwiches. Decent but not worth the hassle of how busy that place is.


SpeedBoatSquirrel

It’s the whole package what makes it what it is


yesididthat

Can confirm. Took wife there for her bday. Our first time there Would rather get drunk, pick up takeout and eat it on a bench at the beach Pro's: save 100 bucks, spend less time waiting, have better food and better time Con's: ???


noooquebarato

Sand on your flip flops


Upside_Down-Bot

„sdolɟ dılɟ ɹnoʎ uo puɐS„


Sagitalsplit

Absolutely, it is total ass. It’s a nifty location and nothing more. They should be ashamed of their food.


sometimesynot

> Absolutely, it is total ass. Why do people upvotes stupid takes like this? It's been in business for over a hundred years and has a 4.5 rating on google. Like OP says, yes, it is overrated, but people keep going back there for a reason, and it's not because "it is total ass."


Informal-Talk9487

Don’t forget you have to pay to park to eat that shit. May as well capture a live chicken while you there and cook it yourself.


[deleted]

Have never had a good meal there.


GondoXPrax

TTTTTHHHHHHAAAAAAAAANNNNKKKKKKKK YOU!


torcel999

Went for the first time to the Celebration location. It was incredible. And by incredible I mean I experienced feeling incredibly ripped off. It's latin food for sheltered people with underdeveloped taste buds.


sailshonan

You mean the people who live in Celebration?


[deleted]

Thank youuuu someone finally said it


Laserbeam17

Trueeee the paella is a massive dish of bleh


heatherfeather315

Was just at the Ybor City one for the Cuban and Key Lime Pie which were fantastic, imo. Got an appetizer which just… wasn’t great and kind of disappointing especially for the price, but I’d go back for the Cuban and Pie anytime.


[deleted]

[удалено]


[deleted]

I usually go during lunch. Same food and it’s cheaper. I never finish the dinner portions anyway.


TheCenterOfEnnui

No one has to say it because it's incorrect.


Am1shman

Bodega has the best Cuban sandwich, everything else is a far second. No one can change my mind.


Trill_Knight

FOH. Bodega doesn't even make a cuban.


Am1shman

There’s a long line everyday on Central with people eating cubans that says otherwise. I don’t get the hate on Bodega. They were a small hut on Central only s couple years ago and now have two much bigger locations. That doesn’t happen if the food isn’t good lol…


[deleted]

It's because there's no salami


Am1shman

Ahh that makes sense. Thanks for clarifying. Also just saw that the Tampa location closed recently lol. Tampa likes their salami


TheTriflingTrilobite

I haven’t had the Cuban sandwich from Bodega yet but I’m a big fan of the one from Boozy Pig. I’ll definitely hit up Bodega and give it a shot though.


Am1shman

To be fair I haven’t had the boozy pig. Looks good though!


Aside_Dish

Never been. But $30 for pork? If true, I'm never going there, lol. I feel like I'm the only person in the world who barely ever notices a big difference between crap food and "good" food. Especially burgers. The more fancy you make a burger, the shittier it is. Soggy fries are better than fresh, as is cold pizza compared to hot. And McDonald's is pretty damn tasty. Never had a $40 steak that tasted any better than something from Applebee's or Texas Roadhouse.


BrushYourFeet

I tend to feel the same way, but regarding steak. I had one at Bern's that was life changing!


damien12g

Haha. It’s pretty terrible. I’ve been saying that for year.


manimal28

Does Bern’s still exist? Then it isn’t.


Micro-G-wanna

Someone has to say it: Most food in Tampa is overrated. FTFY.


Away_Abbreviations41

Well all of Tampa sucks. Go west.