Mangrove's offers a popular singles bar, outdoor patio, valet parking and American cuisine such as chicken breast on mashed potatoes or grilled mushroom caps and succulent steaks. While you're there, listen to a roaming jazz saxophonist and enjoy. Feeling less Italian and a little more south of the border, try Taqueria Quetzalcoatl at 402 S. Howard Ave. Here, Mexican cuisine takes on a modern flair with specialty soft chicken tacos with caramelized onions. A wide range of foreign and domestic beers rounds out the menu.
Diners can eat in or at the small outdoor patio.
With limited space, the Taqueria is a popular take-out venue as well. This lively bar is neither trendy nor pricey and is home to a lot of South Howard's locals. The large restaurant has been a Tampa staple and maintains its status with low prices and a lunchtime buffet that cannot be compared. The trendy eatery has an outdoor patio and patrons can view their dinners being cooked on a large open grill. Good food is expected with free wine tastings on given nights.