Tarpon Tavern

Posted by Jeff Stolbom in Craft Beer, Dining, Downtown District, Family, Florida, Food, Tarpon Springs, Things To Do, Wine | 0 comments

This article is part of a series of pieces written by Visit St. Pete Clearwater called “Detours” designed to send you just a little off the beaten path from the beaches and attractions of St. Pete/Clearwater, to discover other, lesser-known local favorites like family-run stores, unique galleries, and tantalizing restaurants. Read on and take a Detour into authentic St. Petersburg and Clearwater, Florida!

Tarpon Tavern, Tarpon Springs. A local favorite.

Dan Jenkin figured the last thing his adopted hometown of Tarpon Springs needed was another place serving gyros, souvlaki and moussaka. The county’s popular Greek community, with its rustic sponge docks and kitschy shops, has more than its share of Greek eateries.

Dan chose a different path with the Tarpon Tavern in the downtown district, a few blocks south of the Hellenic-focused waterfront. It’s an American place—with food he describes as “traditional American that’s been brought up a few notches.”

When he opened Tarpon Tavern four years ago, the big question was: Would the locals come? It didn’t take long to get an answer: absolutely. The restaurant/bar (emphasis on restaurant) has become a go-to place where locals mix easily with visitors.

In Tarpon Tavern’s first year, Urban Spoon named it one of the Top 50 Bar/Restaurants in the U.S.

The 1920s-era building is painted an eye-catching ruddy pink. It features a homey interior and a breezy covered deck, each of which seats 50.

Dan, a first-time restaurateur, came up with most of the menu items. The staples are burgers and sandwiches, along with salads, flatbreads, seafood and pasta. Behold the ultra-tasty Big Buffalo, a gargantuan stack of breaded, fried chicken bathed in buffalo sauce, topped with bacon and bleu cheese crumbles on a brioche bun.

Dan proudly represents St. Pete/Clearwater’s booming craft brewery scene by serving a rotating array of locally produced beers.

Tags: alfresco, award, beer, burgers, craft, dining, district, downtown, food, historic, live, music, patio, springs, tarpon, tavern, wine, winning