In the state of Florida, Orlando (Technically Lake Buena Vista, but still part of Orlando) has all the great theme parks, Miami has the best nightlife and nightclubs, and Tampa Bay has the best bars. Treasure Island’s Ricky T’s Bar and Grill easily destroys any bar I have visited in the Central Florida area. And now, Whiskey Joes is just more proof that the best area for grand bar food and atmosphere is the lovely Tampa Bay area. Located right on a beach, Whiskey Joes gives you as perfect view of the ocean and surrounding hotels, while offering some of the best seafood I have ever had. While the prices are a bit on the upside, the quality of the food more than make up for it.
Open since 2008, Whiskey Joes is located on one of the major driveways that connects Tampa to Clearwater (W. Courtney Campbell Causeway to be exact). So while it is technically on Tampa, it is closer to the Clearwater side. The standout feature of Whiskey Joes is that it’s placed right next to nice a relaxing beach-like area. While the small beach doesn’t have the population, vastness, or activity of Clearwater Beach or St. Petersburg Beach, the area is still a very nice spot to visit. With the charge being just 50 cents an hour, you don’t have to pay much either. On the inside, Whiskey Joes has a few fish tanks, a gift shop, a couple of small bars, a fireplace-like area, and plenty more. Compared to Ricky T’s, another popular bar in Tampa Bay, the place is much bigger, although not as popular in the afternoon when we visited.
We were seated outside, and the view was very relaxing. Music blazed through the speakers while we glanced at the menu. For the appetizer we ordered the shrimp scampi dip. The wait for that food was minimal, and the dish came out nice and hot. It was a mesh of shrimp, olive oil, feta cheese, garlic, tomatoes, and other flavors. It was served with a side of bread for dipping. This, was, spectacular. It was a very strong taste, but nonetheless a very flavorful one. The bread easily soaked in the juices of the dip, and we wound up having to order another side of bread to clean out the plate. The tomatoes were not necessary, but were not a distraction.
Me and Josh ordered one of Whiskey Joes’ most popular item: the fish and chips. The special thing about the fish and chips is that instead of using cod, which is the norm, they use flounder. I’ve personally never had flounder, so I don’t know how much of a difference it would make. Michael, the third person in the party, orders the fried shrimp. Each of our items comes with French fries. While we waited for the food, our server did a great job filling our drinks. I shall admit I am not easy with the drinks because I go through cups of water in mere seconds. Fun little tidbit: you can save yourself at least two bucks every time you go out by ordering only water for drinking. Sounds cheap, but it also is healthier as you chowdown on your calorie heaven food.
The fish and chips were very good. The flounder made the fried fish a lot thicker than your usual beer-battered fish. It was lightly-breaded, and isn’t overloaded on the grease factor. Honestly, it was some of the best fried fish I’ve had since Epcot. The fries were also amazing, as they were spiked with a hintage of seasoning and a hintage of pepper. Easily the best fries I’ve ever had in a bar-like setting, even topping those of the already-amazing Ricky T’s. But, they pale in comparison to the big hit of the show: the fried shrimp.
The fried shrimp was unbelievably spectacular. Now, another little tidbit, Florida shrimp has a reputation for being mildly sweet before all the other ingredients and toppings remove the proof. However with this fried shrimp, it was crispy, thick, a little bit sweet, and overall unbelievable. The shrimp was fried in a way in which even the tail disappears underneath the light and fluffy batter. I fell in love. Very rarely will you find an order of fried shrimp that not only in plentiful in quantity, but also requiring of multiple bites per shrimp to finish. While I did not regret my purchase, I did secretly yearn for some combination of fish and shrimp while finishing my meal. The entire meal was delicious, and makes you feel better for paying a hefty dollar for the lunch.
Bottom Line: Whiskey Joes is in a prime, perfect location, and is supported with prime, wonderful food. The entire meal was without a single ounce of disappointment, except for the fact that I desired more shrimp. Two shrimps are not enough, I wanted so much more. Nonetheless, the fish and chips were hefty, meaty, and very good, as well as the delightful appetizer. This and Ricky T’s Bar and Grill have set the bar so much higher for bars everywhere (no pun intended). Nothing bar-wise in Orlando has come close to topping the quality of food and atmosphere that these areas present. I strongly recommend this place for good food, good view, and a good time.
Whiskey Joes
7720 West Courtney Campbell Causeway
Tampa, FL 33607-1430
(813) 281-0407
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