Tampa Bay and the Bayshore Area have a variety of delicious restaurants that Academy students love.
Starbucks and Storm provide easily accessible drinks students love to order before school starts for the drive or during class. Restaurants like Del Frisco’s and Fresh Kitchen are popular places to eat and socialize with friends after school. Both restaurants also provide healthier options. Chick-fil-A, however, offers many drinks, quick snacks, and fast food options. Depending on the occasion, each of these restaurants deliver unique experiences and delicious food.
Del Frisco’s:
For more special occasions such as dinner before or after a school dance, Del Frisco’s is a popular option due to its formal food and scenery. Del Frisco’s serves steak, beef, seafood and provides healthier options like salad. Many students have been to Del Frisco’s with their family or friends to enjoy a longer meal, especially to celebrate a special accomplishment.
Naomi Tamulski (27′) said, “Del Frisco’s is one of my favorite restaurants in Tampa. The food is always elaborate and incredible, and it’s conveniently located right next to the International Mall.”
Fresh Kitchen:
At Fresh Kitchen, all food options provided are made completely fresh and gluten free, making it a great restaurant for those looking to eat healthier. When customers arrive, their food is immediately cooked rather than pre-made. Each customer receives a list of various ingredients from the menu that they choose several of to create their own bowl. These options include “bases,” which are usually vegetables, noodles, and proteins. Customers enjoy bowls consisting of combined ingredients they wouldn’t typically eat by themselves and usually the food isn’t overly filling. Sophomore Jayé Coleman said, “I prefer Fresh Kitchen because the food doesn’t feel too heavy but I leave feeling energized and fulfilled.”
Starbucks:
One of students’ longtime favorite restaurants is Starbucks due to their sweet treats and warm drinks. Students specifically enjoy their coffee, refreshers, and breakfast sandwiches which are accessible options for students to quickly order on their way to school. Starbucks’ coffee and refreshers are popular treats for long days and cold weather.
Junior Annabelle Bennett said, “I love going to Starbucks because my orders always taste the same. Other coffee shops sometimes taste different every time you go but Starbucks is always very consistent. I also love the food they offer because it’s so tasty and unique.”
Storm:
As one of the closest restaurants to AHN, Storm serves different types of energy drinks in the form of smoothies and protein shakes. Unlike typical energy drinks, Storm provides ingredients that complement the drinks including fruit and cookie crumbles. Both their smoothies and shakes offer tropical flavors like banana, berry, and watermelon. Since Storm is nearly across the street from Academy, students love purchasing drinks before they begin their day.
Chick-fil-A:
Chick-fil-A mainly offers chicken options due to their emphasis on consuming less beef. Chick-fil-A also serves milkshakes and soft drinks that are popular treats before or after school. During Lent, Chick-fil-A sells a fish sandwich option for Catholics fasting from meat on days of obligation. Many students also work part-time jobs taking orders at the drive through lane.
Payton Johnson (‘28) enjoys the menu, culture, and efficiency of the restaurant. Johnson said, “I love Chick-fil-A because the food is very good, the service is fast, and I appreciate their Christian values.”
Although these are the most recommended restaurants by AHN students, there are many more popular places to eat around the Tampa Bay area. Purchasing a drink before school and going out to eat are some of students’ favorite rewards during a long week.
