From Tampa to Key West: A Taste of Southern Florida — On the Road with the Great Food Truck Race
Jeremiah Alley, 2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.
This past weekend, the finale of The Great Food Truck Race brought the remaining two teams to Florida. Tyler had the teams on a five-city tour of the state from Tampa to Key West, covering over 4,000 miles. Along the way he had them face challenges that even included cooking alligator in the Everglades. Luckily, they didn't have to catch their meat first. In the end, one team brought something different to the game and came out on top, earning their own food truck and $50,000 (find out who won).
Whether you're looking for seafood specialties in the Keys or Cuban classics in Tampa, you'll find unique flavors that will have you going back for more in the Sunshine State. Check out all that southern Florida has to offer with these top 10 restaurant selections.
With an on-site brewery and 12 house beers on tap, this family-owned spot proves that beer's not just for drinking. The kitchen infuses a bevy of entrees with brews, from the crispy wings with Red Eye Ale cider sauce to the Thai Curry Mussels with Wild Warthog Weizen.
One bite of Jose Baserva's Lechon Asado at Jose's Real Cuban Food and you'll know they're the real deal. Cuban-born Jose uses his mother's recipes in recreating authentic Cuban sandwiches and mouthwatering piccadillo, which Jose calls Cuban ground beef.
Danny's All-American Diner & Dairy Bar — Tampa, Fla.
Athletics and food unite at this diner where all the burgers are named after sports Hall of Famers. Try the Triple D Triple Play burger with mojo pork and pastrami, invented by Guy. If you're not afraid to get messy, try the juicy chili cheeseburger or the Cuban with capicola and Genoa salami.
The Taco Bus operates out of a 35-foot school bus and is always open. The torta chilorio is filled with pulled pork, cheese, cilantro, cabbage and tomatoes, and is a must-try while you're there. The butternut squash tostada, hailing from the Yucatan, is a fan favorite for its good texture.
If you head over to California Tacos to Go in Tampa, Fla., expect a quick, alfresco experience. They serve their tacos in an outdoor patio only. Try the California fish taco, made with super thinly sliced cabbage slaw and spicy white chile sauce.
Keegan's Seafood Grille — Indian Rocks Beach, Fla.
In Indian Rocks Beach, you'll find Keegan's Seafood Grille, a local favorite where the cuisine has a Mediterranean twist. Stop by for the gumbo, grouper sandwich and Keegan's She-Crab Soup
Before Munch's became the go-to spot for fried chicken and shepherd's pie, it was Munch's Restaurant & Sundries, selling candy and toys, and even acting as a post office. Today the restaurant has become an institution, serving tasty hash and creamed chipped beef, two of its specialties.
Ted Peters Famous Smoked Fish — South Pasadena, Fla.
At this smokehouse, you won't want to leave without trying on the mullet. And it isn't what you think. The mullet is prepared as it has been done for more than 50 years, smoked in red oak, and it simply tastes like heaven.
The Fish House Restaurant & Seafood Market — Key Largo, Fla.
When you're in Key Largo, stop by The Fish House, where Chef Matt Selgado offers the freshest seafood around. Try their specialty dish, Mahi Mahi Matecumbe.
Blue Heaven Restaurant inspired Jimmy Buffett to write the song "Blue Heaven Rendezvous." Whether you're here for musical inspiration or not, the Caribbean cuisine is worth staying for.
Find more recommended restaurants around the nation with Food Network On the Road .