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5 longstanding Tallahassee restaurants that keep the spirit of Old Florida alive
Tallahassee is changing every day. While parts of the city are losing that old Florida charm with new developments and chain eateries springing up, there are still a handful of restaurants that have maintained their classic ambience.
Every time you walk through their doors you can anticipate the same meals, recipes and even the same decor. It's almost like going back home. They've never lost their feel or character even as the world around them changes. They transport us to a time when the Sunshine State was slow-paced, carefree and there were no bells and whistles needed to get guests into the door.
Each restaurant boasts its own origin, from longtime chefs looking to transport people to different countries with their food and family recipes that drew in crowds, what makes them legendary is their ability to still do just that.
Here is a list of classic Tallahassee restaurants that have withstood the test of taste and time for at least 25 years and more, bringing us back to that old Florida time.
Food Glorious Food | 1982
1950 Thomasville Road; 850-224-9974;
For all 43 years of its glory, this local favorite has provided an eclectic range of fare giving you a taste of international flavors from its brick-and-mortar location on Thomasville Road for its brunch, lunch and dinner services. This family operation has become and remains as a dining destination, and the award-winning menu is the main attraction with a little something for everyone.
There are no limits when it comes to this menu, from the starters to the decadent desserts, you're in for a treat with plenty of options to choose from with its hamburgers and appetizers, salads, sandwiches and hot entrees. During lunch hours, you can eat specialty chicken sandwiches in the upstairs dining area from Birdie's at Betton. Everything you're looking for you can find at Food Glorious Food with indoor and outdoor seating, a full service bar and decadent desserts.
Georgio's Fine Food & Spirits | 1994
2971 Apalachee Parkway; 850-877-3211;
The landmark establishment Georgio's Fine Food & Spirits, a fine dining restaurant, offers Greek, Italian and American dishes for their dinner service Tuesday to Saturday. Upon your visit, longtime restauranter and owner George Koikos, with a career spanning over five decades may greet you and say hello.
The restaurant on Apalachee Parkway is full of old-school character, bringing a relaxed and comfortable approach to upscale dining. The decor features floral decorated booths accented by cherry red seats, black and white picture frames that line the wooden panels and ocean-themed knickknacks sprinkled throughout. Outside of the warmth from its family friendly dining service, the food is what leaves a lasting impression. The classic menu includes appetizers, sandwiches, salads, seafood, chicken, vegetarian, beef and lamb entrees to pair with a generous wine, beer and spirits selection.
Hopkins Eatery | 1982
Hopkins Eatery has three locations in Tallahassee: 1415 Market St., 1660 N. Monroe St., 1208 Capital Cir SE;
This long-standing casual eatery, decorated with kitchen like decor and popular for its specialty sandwiches snuggled between its fresh baked bread, decadent salads and delicious treats has been around for over 40 years. This eatery got started with one single mother of four, the late Martha 'Dee Dee' Johnston, who was looking to fulfill her dream of "serving her friends and neighbors delicious and fresh food," as the website says.
With the help of her family and longtime patrons, she's done just that. This gourmet sandwich shop has been recognized by many for its family style service and flagship dishes ranging from the "guac sandwich" served on rye pumpernickel or the specialty "Chicken Tetrazzini" a cashew chicken salad with linguine, mushrooms, cheese, iceberg lettuce, tomato, onion and bell pepper with a house dressing drizzle on top.
Olean's Cafe | 1997
1605 S. Adams St.; 850-521-0259; Facebook
Anyone looking for a little bit of warmth and comfort are bound to find it in a hearty plate from Olean's Cafe, perfected with a side of "Jesus Passion Juice." This cafeteria-style restaurant has been operating for nearly 30 years with the fuel of morning prayers and a determined owner, Olean McCaskill, who knows that hospitality is her calling and food is the answer, offers soul food for its breakfast and lunch services with authentic recipes that have never changed and never will she says.
Generations of guests are greeted and treated like family, with staff making sure you get enough to eat and adding their recommendations if your plate is a little light. While waiting for a platter, you're bound to reunite with an old friend or family member. Former president Joe Biden stopped by for a plate when he was vice president in 2016.
TLH Eats! Olean's Cafe on Adams Street feeding souls and stomachs
Shell Oyster Bar | 1945
14 FAMU Way; 850-224-9919; Facebook
Oysters, a salty sea delicacy and Tallahassee tradition, are enjoyed for every occasion at longtime establishment Shell Oyster Bar, located on FAMU Way. Celebrating its 80th year, the dive style oyster shack and restaurant started in a former gas station on South Monroe Street in 1945, selling only raw oysters and small bottles of soda until 1992. At that time oysters were only $1 a dozen, and while prices may have changed over the years the spirit of this local eatery hasn't.
When it moved to FAMU Way, still in the shadow of the Capitol, employee turned owner Leroy Milligan added fried oysters, plus scallops, shrimp, grouper and other seafood to the menu. The generous grouper sandwiches are a favorite. Its farmed oysters are devoured and slurped by students, families, legislators and lobbyists alike. Cash only.
This article includes previously reported information. Kyla A Sanford covers dining and entertainment for the Tallahassee Democrat. New restaurant opening up, special deals, or events coming up? Let me know at ksanford@ You can also email your suggestions for a future TLH Eats restaurant profile.
