Inside: The Front Porch Grille and Bar

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If you don’t have a front porch, this makes a mighty fine substitute. The welcoming glow from tiki torches light the path up to the porch where a few small groups chat and eat. Nobody seems in a rush to go anywhere. Self-described as “possibly the eldest eating house in Tampa,” The Front Porch serves dinner from 4 p.m. on and bar food late night, with comfort food their specialty.

The Feel: The Victorian home was built in 1898 by a blind carpenter (yeah, I don’t know how either) and is one of Seminole Heights’ oldest homes. Constructed with lumber from Southern Pine trees from the Hillsborough River, its former lives included a filling station in the 1930s, an insurance company and a barbershop.

The spacious, wrap around porch makes up the largest part of the restaurant with understated décor and grandma-style table settings. There is some seating inside along with the dark wood bar, but the upstairs is only used for storage. Pairs of women in hushed conversations and some couples fill a few tables…there seems to be a similar type of group arriving for every one that is heading home. The mood is happy and relaxed, not overbearing from the patrons to the servers.

Ceiling fans whir above the outside tables on the open-air porch and subtle tunes filter through the speakers, everything from Tom Petty to Fleetwood Mac. Even with the steady stream of traffic passing by on Florida Avenue, you feel removed from the cars, street and car dealerships’ bright lights as you sit in the old wooden chairs.

The Food: Always a sucker for cornbread, I was in heaven when our server brought some out—still warm—spread with a thick layer of sweet honey butter brushed on top. Arriving quickly and steaming hot, we began with a special of gratineed blue crab-stuffed mushrooms presented on a bed of sautéed spinach and chopped tomatoes fragrantly cooked in garlic and olive oil.

In true, comfort food-style, the entrees are large and we couldn’t finish them all. Ranging from char-grilled steaks and chops with buttery mashed potatoes and veggies to “olde-time favorites” like meatloaf and pot roast, you can also find pasta, pizza, chicken and fish. Don’t know what you’re in the mood for? You’re sure to find something that suits you here. The specials change depending on what’s in season, and there’s a weekend barbecue too.

One of us went for the Chicken Chevre, super-moist, grilled chicken breast, smothered in melted goat cheese. Sprinkled with sun dried tomatoes and artichokes; it was all covered in a lemon butter and basil sauce with buttery rice underneath. The veggies were served on the side and presented almost tapas style: an oversized broccoli floret, mini piece of corn on the cob, and sweet and sour purple cabbage.

We couldn’t resist the Porch Chop (love the name!), a 10 oz. boneless pork chop surrounded by beefy mushroom slices and creamy Gorgonzola, swimming in a well-balanced port demi-glace. We added a salad for an extra $2 and split it—the house is a colorful, sectioned plate of shredded carrots, chopped tomatoes, red onion and cucumber slices encircling a bed of leafy greens.

Even though we were stuffed, we were curious about the bread and butter pudding cake with warm caramel sauce. And you can never go wrong with chocolate cake with raspberry sauce, right? But, in the end it was the banana heaven that spoke to our sweet tooth. Warm homemade banana bread paired with vanilla bean ice cream served as the foundation with banana foster sauce and freshly made whipped cream. So good.

The Drinks: Whether you want a nice glass of wine, a more spirited drink (try the vodka-based Orange Blossom Special), or a sturdy beer, you’re in luck. In addition to your usual draft selections, they’ve got Guinness and Blue Moon, and premium bottles include Hennepin, Belhaven Scottish Ale and Stella Artois. Every day there’s happy hour until 7 pm. After dinner, indulge in a coffee liqueur drink with your dessert.

Good to Know: Singer/songwriter types and sometimes bands play in the corner of the porch on Wednesday and Saturday nights. If your heart is set on music, call ahead. The Saturday we stopped by, the music was cancelled, but we did get to hear some Latin grooves filtering over from the bar across the street. From the blend of sounds including the music, conversations, and cars to the satisfying food and drinks, it all makes for a nice night outside on the porch anytime.

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Open Mon. – Sat. from 4 pm until late. Closed Sunday.

5924 N. Florida Avenue, Tampa, FL 33604

Phone: 813-237-5511

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