Tampa Bay's Stylish and Surprising Comfort Foods

Apr 4th 2011 1:28PM / by Nanette Wiser

Ozzie and Harriet cuisine never tasted this good, from creamed spinach with bacon to SOS. Fifties and '60s favorites sport seasonal ingredients and ethnic influences from spicy and savory.

Back Fin Blue Cafe: Charming bungalow and garden patio set the stage for Back Fin's famous prime rib, gorgonzola meatloaf and Maryland-style jumbo lump crab cake lovers best washed down with a Delirium Tremons Belgian beer or crisp Sauvignon Blanc . Closed Tuesday.
2913 Beach Blvd. S., Gulfport; 727-343-2583

Bailey's Restaurant & Catering: The delicious meatloaf with broccoli cauliflower mashed tators, grits, crab cakes and mac & cheese will make you swoon at mom-style dishes and upscale decor Bailey's excels on Davis Island. Sweet and sour meatballs go Asian, made with brown sugar soy wasabi sauce. Don't miss the open-faced rib eye Philly cheesesteak or fresh corn fritters.
815 S. Rome Ave.; 813-254-8018

Pinky's Diner: Enjoy friendly service and heaping portions of Texas hash, stuffed French toast, classic egg benedicts, and grilled cheese updated with prosciutto and basil that makes this the must-visit weekday breakfast hangout.
3203 W. Bay to Bay Blvd.; 813-777-4000

The Refinery: The award-winning bungalow serves up stylish comfort food and boutique beers at dinner and Sunday brunch (homemade biscuits smothered in country sausage gravy, fried grit cake topped with poached eggs and tomato gravy). Owners Greg and Michelle Baker feature a happy hour menu in the bar (5pm - 7pm) and late night menu (11pm - 1am, Friday - Saturday, Tuesday - Thursday, 10pm - midnight). Where else can you get organic chocolate milk sippy box, lots of fab wines and beers, maple pudding, Carolina mustard barbecue flat iron steak, and pickled okra with shook and baked pork chop. Ask them about the jackalope in the dining room.
5137 N. Florida Ave.; 813-237-2000

The Royal Brownie Co.: If you love fried Twinkies and cupcakes, you'll flock to Chef Alexis Winning's sweets shop featuring brownies for every taste (s'mores, red velvet, maple bacon blondies) and devilish chocolate treats.
4 Sixth St. N., downtown St. Pete; 727-238-7226

Photo Courtesy of Bailey's Restaurant & Catering