Today was beautiful with temps in the mid-70’s, bright sunshine and blue skies. A perfect day for a Florida adventure to a place Niki had visited in the past when she lived in Bradenton South of Tampa. When it comes to good food I’m always ready for the next adventure!
Our destination was Popi’s Place, a family restaurant in Palmetto, Florida. Part of the fun was getting there. It’s about an hour Southeast of our home in Clearwater traveling by I-275. The route takes us over the Sunshine Skyway Bridge which crosses Tampa Bay and measures 1.1 miles in length and 430′ high at its center. The views of the Bay from the top as well as the long runs up to it are fantastic. You almost always see huge oceangoing container ships coming into or leaving from the Port of Tampa. Remaining approaches to the previous bridge extend far into the Bay and remain in use as the Skyway Fishing Pier State Park and both are usually packed with anglers and their cars. All in all quite a sight.

Shortly after exiting the South end of the bridge there is an exit for US-41 – The Tamiami Trail – which runs South toward Miami and our route took us Northward toward Tampa and Popi’s Place.
We’ve long found that looks can be deceiving when it comes to good restaurants. Popi’s could easily be passed by without a second look but not for us on this occasion. The interior is pleasant and inviting and the people are friendly. They offer a list of daily specials but we decided to pick from the regular menu.

They have a nice listing of starters and sandwiches and many entrees starting in the $11 range. All dinner choices come with soup or salad and a choice of two sides. Niki chose the Crabmeat Stuffed Shrimp with a slightly spicy, Cajun style breading with rice and black-eyed peas. A tossed green salad and a fantastic, freshly-baked dinner roll. Rounding it out with sweet iced tea and a nice slice of chocolate cake for dessert.

I love really good fried scallops and my plate did not disappoint me with sides of mashed potatoes & gravy, cole slaw, a tossed green salad and also a dinner roll fresh out of the oven. I picked the chocolate cream pie for dessert. Me, I’m an un-sweet iced tea kinda guy.

Niki and I both agreed that the meals were exceptional but we both also think we may have to have a second visit just to be sure. Our trip back home turned out to be not as pleasant and leisurely – it was during drive-time and all roads in and around the Tampa area are slow going at quitting time. All in all a beautiful day and well worth the traffic inconvenience.
Popi’s Place Family Restaurant is located at 10508 US-41 North in Palmetto, Florida. Telephone: 941.729.0753.
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