Good Food in the Florida Capital

[artemisanne]

Hello-

My sister just started FSU and we're going to visit her next month. I've never been to Tallahassee and am wary of what I hear of its ambiance. Anyone have suggestions? I am looking for fresh, interesting and not expensive food.

Anne E.S. Vela

Wandering fool,...

[Scherb]

As a frequent business traveler to Tallahassee, I like Cypress the best, 320 E. Tennessee St. It's a little pricy, with entres in the $15-$30 range, but the quality is high and the service is better than most. The atmosphere is lively, not stuffy. A more casual choice is Kool Beanz, with food nearly as good and the crowd a little younger and louder. I've also enjoyed Mozaik, which is on the other side of town but owned by the same folks as Kool Beanz(with higher prices and a more upscale atmosphere). If you want southern, try the Old South, which has moved to a shopping center from its original location; we're talking casual, fluorscent lights and formica tabletops, but excellent fried chicken and greens at lunch.

[davebr]

I had an awesome meal at Cypress. Shiitake and truffle soup with cornbread, Shrimp and grits. Upscale southern but not stuffy.

[Susan in FL]

Like Davebr, I had an awesome meal at Cypress. It is fresh and interesting, but about the not expensive part, it depends on your budget. I thought it was reasonably priced for such quality and delicious food.

[Nathan]

I lived in Tallahassee for a few months a couple years ago.

Kool Beanz was pretty decent.

by far the best dining in town was at this wine store cum restaurant: Grapes and Grain or something like that. nothing else is even close (if it's still open).

some of the local downscale fish shacks are pretty good.

everything else sucked.

[star792]

ok, i can add a little something. i went to fsu and grad in 2002. i never did any fine dining because i was too poor but i can tell you some good college student priced places. for cuban food- gordos is the best. they have a few locations. also i liked Bagel Bagel on pensacola street. they are a must!!! (esp after a long night) there was joke going around that if you hooked up with someone, the next morning he at least had to take you to bagel bagel. i am pretty sure thats the name of it. there is a fancy pants wine place called cafe cabernet. i worked next door to it at the bookstore. i ate there once. it was pretty good and all the yuppies liked it. it used to be pretty packed. i am now drawing a blank, if i think of anymore, i will post.