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Capital Tacos
10
Outback Steakhouse
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Hibachi Express
I couldn’t help but notice that Capital Tacos recently (finally) added a sign in front of its location on S.R. 56, but the food quality is always top-notch and the service is spot-on. The fajita salads are still my favorites, but there’s usually great specials, too.
With all of the chains now located in or adjacent to Wesley Chapel, a few are bound to find their way to my top-25, and Outback’s ongoing efforts to keep the prices for good steaks, lamb chops and appetizers affordable helps this location in my top 10.
While no one is going to confuse Hibachi Express’ steaks with Dempsey’s, you can’t beat the value for your money at this popular Village Market lunch spot. The sushi is also less expensive than at most other local places.
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Arroy Thai
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La Prima Pizza
After taking over for the Fine Thai Express on S.R. 54, Arroy Thai is my highestfinishing newcomer in Wesley Chapel, with the best garlic and black pepper sauce of any Thai place in the area, great crispy duck and affordable lunch specials.
O’Brien’s Irish Pub
15
Longhorn Steakhouse
16
Texas Roadhouse
17
Cantina Laredo
PizzaMania
19
OTB Delight Café
20
Wolf’s Den
21
Kwan Ming Bistro
22
Cody’s Original Roadhouse
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Bonsai Sushi
PizzaMania doesn’t have my favorite pizza in WC, but I’ve always enjoyed the Italian specialties, like veal parmigiana and pasta with Paesana sauce (broccoli, garlic and oil).
I keep asking for OTB to expand its menu a little, but not only does it have great breakfast, but also tasty salads, wraps and rice bowls.
Still my favorite breakfast place (amazing hash browns) in Wesley Chapel, I also enjoy the sandwiches and burgers at Wolf’s Den.
The menu has definitely been upgraded at Kwan Ming since it first opened a couple of years ago. My favorite dish is the house special fried rice. See ad on pg. 38.
Obviously, I’m a steak lover and while Cody’s steaks are a notch below Longhorn and Texas Roadhouse, they’re also less expensive, and I like the unlimited salad bowl.
Although we have a few very good pizza paces in Wesley Chapel, La Prima, in the SuperTarget-anchored Northwood Plaza, is still my favorite New York-style ‘za in either of our distribution areas; La Prima also has quality Italian specialties.
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This favorite in the Shoppes at New Tampa plaza on BBD still has perhaps the best sushi and non-hibachi grill Japanese fare in Wesley Chapel.
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Vallarta’s Mexican Restaurant It might finish even higher if the menu were a little more diversified, but O’Brien’s has great burgers, wings and the Murphy’s chicken sandwich & crispy tater tots are winners, Just like its New Tampa counterpart, the Vallarta’s in the Wesley Chapel Village plus there’s almost nightly entertainment & great drink prices. See ad on pg. 43. Market offers great value for your money and a full liquor bar. See ad on pg. 40. My favorite of the new restaurants that opened near the Tampa Premium Outlets in 2016, Longhorn’s bone-in ribeye and other well-seasoned steaks are well worth their price tag. I like the full premium liquor bar and fair drink prices a lot, too.
I can do without the hourly country line dancing, but Texas Roadhouse on S.R. 56 still has some of the best steaks and sides in our area.
I’m not a guacamole enthusiast, but it’s hard to resist when made tableside. I also love Cantina’s new bone-in ribeye and fresh fish specials, as well as the gorgeous bar.
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25
Union 72 BBQ
Just opening in late 2016, this newcomer is more than just your typical BBQ joint, although the ribs, brisket and house-made sides are excellent. See ad on pg. 43. Gary’s Next 25+ Wesley Chapel Favorites (in alphabetical order) Amici Pizza Applebees Bagelicious & MOre Best NY Pizza BJ’s Brewhouse Bosco’s Italian Burger Monger Buttermilk Provisions Cheddars
Chick & Peas Grill China Wok CineBistro Don Pan Intl Bakery Culver’s First Watch Gonna China Ho Wok Hot Wok 88
Lexington Oaks GC NY NY Pizza PDQ Pepe’s Cuban Pinchers Crab Shack Quail Hollow CC Red Robin 365 Caffe Italiano Tokyo Japanese
For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 25, Issue 4 • February 10, 2017 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com
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