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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Tampa

Crab cakes and American food

You want American food that centers around a well-made crab cake rather than just serving it as an afterthought.

Based on 665 Opinions
+662
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Updated May 2026
01
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Restaurant

Boat cruise restaurant offers relaxing river views and an elegant atmosphere with air conditioning and scenic waterfront sights. Guests enjoy well-crafted cocktails and perfectly cooked meals while dining in an intimate, peaceful setting that feels exclusive and special.

Huge crab cakes feature no breadcrumbs, focusing on fresh crab meat and delicious flavor. The gluten-free option highlights the same quality, earning multiple compliments for its taste.

Crab cakes and whole snapper get multiple compliments. Steak and eggs come out cooked perfectly. Stuffed brioche French toast stands out as well.

People are saying

"The food at these dinner spots is amazing and beautifully prepared."

"The American Food here is served by the friendliest staff."

"The crab cakes are truly all crab, without fillers or breading."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for special events like Valentine's Day and Father's Day brunch.

2

Dinner cruises typically cost around $79 per person, excluding drinks.

3

Parking at the Garrison lot costs $2 per hour via the Park Mobile app.

02
The Outside Kitchen image 1

Small restaurant with intimate seating and vibrant R&B music sets a chill, welcoming vibe. Live DJ energizes the space while the decor adds a cozy touch. The atmosphere feels spotless and inviting, creating a relaxed dining experience.

Crab cakes come with a creamy Alfredo sauce on top. They taste rich and flavorful, often standing out alongside other dishes like lamb chops and pasta.

Rich, creamy shrimp mac and cheese stands out with juicy garlic shrimp. Lamb chops come glazed and pair well with grits. Pasta dishes feature Cajun creamy sauces, especially with shrimp and lobster or grilled chicken.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, flavorful, and cooked fresh."

"The lemonade here is so well balanced and delicious."

"I thought the crab cakes were excellent."

Good to know

1

They have weekly food specials that change regularly.

2

The restaurant primarily focuses on takeout orders.

3

Expect a line for takeout orders during peak hours.

03
The Rez Grill (in Seminole Hard Rock Tampa) image 1

Elegant dining room offers a warm and inviting atmosphere with rich decor and live band music creating a lively vibe. Guests enjoy well-crafted cocktails and bottomless mimosas alongside high-quality dishes like short ribs and steak tartare. The space balances relaxed yet vibrant energy, welcoming lively conversation without feeling crowded.

Crab cakes come out meaty and excellent with a yummy flavor.

Crab cakes come out meaty and flavorful. Main dishes like Snapper and meatloaf arrive well-presented and tasty.

People are saying

"The dinner menu here never failed to impress me."

"The American Food here, especially the oysters and short ribs, is amazing."

"I thought the crab cakes were good and meaty."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to limited seating and high demand.

2

Latin night on Thursday features live music and a vibrant atmosphere.

3

On Sundays from 11am to 4pm, enjoy bottomless mimosas during brunch.

04
Watervue Grille- Downtown Tampa- Harbour Island image 1

Restaurant sits right on the water with beautiful waterfront views and a vacation relaxed vibe. Indoor and outdoor seating offer shady, pleasant dining near a marina and downtown skyline. Atmosphere feels cozy and quiet, ideal for casual meals or date nights.

Crab cakes come perfectly seared with a balanced mix of sauces and garnishes. The crab cake sandwich stands out as a well-flavored, satisfying meal.

Crunchy smoky chicken wings stand out alongside Wagyu burger and flavorful shrimp and grits. Desserts include Key Lime Pie and Creme Brulee, with options like lobster roll and New York Strip also available.

People are saying

"The Dinner Spots here are delicious, especially the perfectly seared crab cakes."

"The American food, especially the seared tuna and mussels, was delicious."

"I tried the crab cake sandwich; it's so delicious and well balanced."

Good to know

1

They are now open Friday to Sunday for brunch.

2

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with great drink deals.

3

Expect a busy atmosphere on Saturdays between 11-2 pm.

05
Brocato's Sandwich Shop image 1

Small sandwich shop with old-school vibes and nostalgic memorabilia creates a lively, bustling atmosphere during lunch rush. Outdoor seating offers a covered picnic area that expands space beyond the tight interior. Friendly, fun energy reflects a mom-and-pop style with authentic hometown character.

Deviled crab cakes come huge and tender, packed fully with a crabby mixture and thick breading. These crab cakes use real crab and have a rich, tasty flavor that stands out.

Deviled crab cakes stand out as big, tender, and packed with crab flavor, often considered better than Maryland crab cakes. Cuban sandwiches and crab cakes also feature as delicious, hearty options with reasonable prices.

People are saying

"I thought their Cuban sandwiches were the best I've ever eaten."

"I thought deviled crab cakes were the best I'd ever had."

"I thought the deviled crab cakes were the best American food I'd ever had."

Good to know

1

Anyone from out of town should try to eat a large sub in less than 15 minutes.

2

Lunch Rush is always packed, so plan accordingly.

3

Order online to avoid a lengthy wait during busy hours.

06
Madame Fortune Dessert + HiFi Parlour image 1

Speakeasy-style space with a secret entrance behind a bookshelf creates a unique setting. Live music and a jazz vibe fill the room, offering outstanding entertainment and ambient tunes. Cocktails like espresso martinis and rum punch complement the warm, inviting atmosphere that draws people in and keeps energy lively.

Crab cakes come with perfect seasoning and pair well with salmon or corn puree. The crab cake Benedict stands out as a highly recommended dish.

Lobster and Shrimp Grits stand out with rich flavors. The oxtail pairs well with shrimp and grits. The cornbread offers a unique, unmatched taste.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented."

"You have to try the sweet potato cornbread with the American Food."

"The crab cake Benedict was saturated with sauce."

Good to know

1

Reservations are necessary to ensure entrance, especially for special events.

2

Happy hour features special drinks and appetizers, typically from 4-7pm.

3

Live music nights occur regularly, enhancing the atmosphere.

07
Ruth's Chris Steak House image 1

Steak house offers an elegant and cozy atmosphere with complimentary valet parking and a talented piano player in the lobby. Tables sometimes feature rose petal decorations for celebrations, creating a special vibe. The energy suits romantic meals and business meetings, with a calm yet refined pace.

Crab cakes come out crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. They serve with a delicious remoulade sauce and arrive sizzling hot.

Sweet potato casserole stands out as a notable dish. The crab cakes arrive sizzling and packed with flavor.

People are saying

"The steak was cooked perfectly and delicious."

"The American Food here, especially the steaks, is perfectly cooked and incredibly tender."

"I found the sizzling crab cakes to be phenomenal."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4 to 6 PM in the Cocktail Lounge.

2

Reservations are not required for dining.

3

Parking is limited, so arrive early or consider alternative transport.

08
Driftlight Steakhouse image 1

Upscale steakhouse with classic design and clamshell booths creates an elegant yet inviting atmosphere. Dim lighting and calm energy support romantic dining and quiet conversation. Bar area buzzes with a lively crowd enjoying craft cocktails and martinis made to perfection.

Crab cakes come with a solid reputation here, often paired with sides like creamed corn or calamari. They hold up well for the price and deliver consistent quality.

Crab cakes stand out with good value and flavor. The prime New York strip steak balances tenderness and marbling well. Appetizers like calamari and creamed corn also show quality.

People are saying

"The Delmonico steak was delicious."

"The American Food here, especially the crab cakes, is excellent."

"The crab cakes here were great and worth the price."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for dinner and breakfast to ensure seating.

2

Valet parking is complimentary for up to 3 hours on non-event nights.

3

The restaurant is cashless; credit cards and mobile payments are accepted.

09
Table 22 image 1
Brunch restaurant

Space features stunning decor with paintings of Black icons and an upscale laid-back atmosphere. A live DJ plays R&B, creating a lively vibe that energizes the room. Food and drinks include top-tier margaritas and standout dishes like oxtails and grits.

Crab cakes come with grits and have a delicious flavor. They arrive quickly alongside other dishes like ox tails and collard greens.

Catfish and grits stand out with their rich flavor and hearty texture. Oxtails paired with grits offer a comforting, savory experience.

People are saying

"The live DJ kept the vibes going and the music was good."

"The American Food, especially the oxtails and grits, was tasty."

"I found the crab cakes to be delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required for large parties to ensure seating.

2

Expect a 20% gratuity added automatically for groups over six.

3

The restaurant has a one hour and 45 minute dining limit during busy hours.

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