This morning, Amalie Arena announced the winner of their Cur(ate) TPA Challenge. Two Tampa area barbeque restaurants were invited to battle for a spot in the building. After the vote, Wicked Oak Barbeque on Florida Avenue in Tampa came out on top. Many of their menu items will now be available at Section 124 and on the Budweiser Biergarten.
Wicked Oak has pretty top notch ratings on Yelp with 4-1/2 out of 5 stars. Most popular among reviewers is the "Tampa Two," their signature sandwich. It has pulled brisket and is topped with mac & cheese and queso. Then they add in some BBQ sauce in between two buttered slices of Texas toast and then it's grilled. It goes for $15 at the restaurant so we'll have to see what they charge for it at the arena.
Also popular is the Wicked Rib with St. Louis ribs pressed between Cuban bread. The Dirty Dog has smoked sausage topped with a slow-smoked pulled pork. They even have their own version of the Cuban called a "Que-ban." Ham, pork, salami and Swiss with pickles and a custom homemade mustard barbeque sauce.
“When we were invited to be a part of the competition it seemed too good to be true,” said Felix “Bubba” Flores, founder of Wicked Oak Barbeque. “I have won quite a few awards over the last few years but winning the Cur(ate) Challenge was a huge highlight in my professional career. I have always dreamed of seeing our Wicked Oak Barbeque brand inside Amalie Arena, and now that dream has come true. We are excited to showcase our menu to guests that visit the arena.”
Whether you're going to a concert or a Tampa Bay Lightning game, you've got some good choices to pregame before events near Amalie Arena in Tampa. There are lots of great choices for eating inside the arena, but you definitely pay extra for the convenience. Here are a few top choices for where you can fill up before you go inside.
Hattricks on Franklin Street
If you're going to a Lightning game, there really isn't a better hockey vibe in Tampa than at Hattricks Tavern. I love their wings. It's one of the options for after the game too as they're open until 3am. Lots of TVs to catch out of town games from a high top table. Go with the shake and bake wings. Trust me.
Columbia Restaurant at the Tampa Bay History Center
It doesn't get much more Tampa than Columbia Restaurant. While it's true that the original Ybor City location is a better choice, it's often tough to get in without a reservation. Plus the museum location is literally across the street from Amalie Arena. You might just not have noticed it since it's not on the side where you enter. You really can't go wrong with the half and half combo for about $15. Imagine a world where you were forced to choose between a 1905 Salad OR one of those Cuban Sandwiches? That'd be cruel.
Fabrica Pizza on Meridian Avenue
As much of a pizza lover as I am, I don't recall trying Fabrica's pies. But people love 'em. It's on the pricier side. You won't find those $6.99 specials like you do at Hungry Howie's. A 12 inch Chorizo with goat cheese will set you back about $20. They say they take their inspiration on pizza creation from Napoli, Italy.
The Pint and Brew on Tampa Street
The star of the show here is the loaded kettle chips. Cripsy crunchy fresh chips are topped with cheese and the wings are pretty solid too. A couple dozen craft beers on tap and the bread made in house is really popular.
The Naked Farmer on Channelside Drive
OK, full disclosure. I've never been here either, but friends love it. If you're one of those weird healthy eaters, this is probably your best bet. Lots of choices for vegetarians, but there are things like steak too. It's one of those places where you build your own custom bowl of ingredients.
Yeoman's Cask and Lion on Tampa Street
Fish and chips sound good? If you love the English Pub vibe, go hungry. The fish and chips plate comes with 2 big filets. But they have lots of fat guys food staples I love ... burgers, a bunch of different kinds of mac & cheese like Philly Steak Mac and Seafood & Lobster Mac.
