Without question, there are hundreds of places in the Tampa Bay area where you can get dinner for under $20. My challenge was to find a) little nooks you may not have heard of that offer the most for your money (along with a bit of atmosphere), b) fine dining restaurants where at least 50% of the menu offers affordable dishes (many under $15 a plate), and c) places you wouldn't think you could eat for less, but have a separate deck menu, early bird menu or tapas galore.
Top Picks:
- Oyster Shucker: Arrive between 4-5:30 p.m. for $10, plus nightly dinner specials
- The Kind and I: Best place for ambiance and light bites if you want to order a few tapas to share.
- The Venue: A swanky hot spot that serves lighter faire tapas.
- Sam Hudson's Beach Restaurant: Affordable entree's with a water view.
- Mad Dog's: Dinner for under $20 per person in a lively English Pub.
- Circles: Classy setting with great food within budget.
- SandBar/BeachHouse: Sit on deck (it's prettier there anyway) for discounted menu items, or arrive before 5:30 p.m.(inside) for entree's at $12-$17.
- Central Cafe': Discounted daily specials and ambiance with great prices.
- Marinas: Open only 2 months, this little pizzeria offers great food and personable owners who like to share stories.
- 15th South St. Enoteca: Fine dining with a large selection of in-range entree's and dancing on the 2nd floor!
- Marina Jacks: Sit on deck for the wallet-friendly menu, and get a water view and live music to boot!
- Matsuri Sushi: Higher priced entree's, but they offer bento box specials, sushi by the piece, and healthy-portioned appetizers.
- Drunken Poet: $14 makimono rolls and sushi by the piece in the heart of Main St. Sarasota
- Primos: A perfect pre-theater dinner date spot, with more than 50% of the menu under $20.
- Favs: A cute little spot with outdoor dining in historic Bradenton. Most entree's are $9-$15.
- Barnacle Bills: 2 locations offering 1/2 plate entrees, fish baskets and $11.95 dinner specials before 5 p.m.
