(Editor’s note: In the final installment of his guide for OU fans heading to this weekend’s big game against Florida State, Rich from ChantRant.com gives us the lowdown on the best places to eat in Tallahassee.)
Making the trip to Tallahassee? Bring your appetite, because the home of the Noles has some good eatin’. It ain’t Dallas, but for a city of around 100,000, you’ll find a lot more than pizza, burgers and wings in a sports bar. Sure, you’ll find Hooters and similar venues, but check out some of the other choices awaiting your taste buds.
Dock-Fresh Seafood in a Festive Atmosphere
Tallahassee’s only a half hour from the Gulf, which is why Cabo’s Grill has some of the freshest catches along with vegetarian dishes, and Mexican favorites. Chow down on the fish or shrimp tacos or the fish o’ the day tostada. Big margaritas and affordable prices help make it fun.
1221 Apalachee Parkway / 850-878-7707 / www.cabosgrill.com/
Graze on Grub From the Range
Ted’s Montana Grill is the brainchild of media mogul and environmentalist Ted Turner. The menu includes grass-fed meats, like Bison meatloaf, and made-from-scratch comfort food in a turn-of-the-century Montana-rustic atmosphere. Because you won’t find a Ted’s anywhere close to Oklahoma, Sooner fans might enjoy discovering this chain with a limited number of locations.
1954 Village Green Way / 850-561-8337 / www.tedsmontanagrill.com
Off the Beaten Track Taste-wise, But Close to the Stadium
Mr. Roboto is a fast-casual Japanese hibachi and sushi restaurant that also serves pan asian and vegetarian delights. Good spot for a pre-game meal because you can practically walk to the stadium.
2043 W Pensacola St / 850-574-4126
Full Menu and Room for Large Groups
Kool Beanz Cafe sounds like a coffee house, but instead of lattes you’ll find Florida favorites like Cuban-spiced pork chops with mango habanero salsa, plus sophisticated dishes such as Tuscan style lamb and Sake-teriyaki glazed salmon.
921 Thomasville Rd / 850-224-2466 / www.koolbeanz-cafe.com/
Affordable and Family Friendly
Red Elephant Pizza and Grill with a long menu of lunch and dinner goodies, from salads, pastas, burgers, specialty pizzas to fire-grilled entrees.
1872 Thomasville Rd. / 850-222-7492 / www.redelephantpizza.com
Très Chic
Chez Pierre Bistro touts gourmet fare from Provence in a 1920s home. Dine indoor or in a climate-controlled outdoor patio. Entrees from $18 to $32.
1215 Thomasville Rd. / 850-222-0936 / www.chezpierre.com
Upscale Without Busting Your Travel Budget
Cypress Restaurant is a local favorite. Casual yet sophisticated (no flip-flops) with a gourmet flair and creative twists by a seriously-trained chef. Small dishes $7-10 and entrees run $18 to $36.
320 East Tennessee St. / 850-513-1100 / www.cypressrestaurant.com