Bamboozle Heights — Restaurant in Tampa

Bamboozle Cafe would normally get a four to 5 star rating from me. They are the only Vietnamese joint, at least that I know of, here in the Tampa Bay area (I’ve tried just about every one) where you can get custom summer rolls and vegan broth Pho soup. This is a great business model that I wish the owner would one day expand throughout the Tampa Bay Area and beyond. However, my most recent visit this weekend during these ultra careful food preparation times of the Covid 19 pandemic, left me disappointed because of one individual that appeared to be the lead preparer up front that did not put on a face mask as she simultaneously prepared and talked over customer’s food. I asked her why she wasn’t wearing a mask like the other preparers and she responded - nicely I must add - “ oh we are practicing social distancing sir” while she prepared my wife’s meal. In my mind I said - I should have said out loud, “ no you’re not just practicing social distancing, you’re preparing people’s food, and you should be practicing sensible food preparation, like having a mask on and not talking over customer’s food while your preparing it “ Every other preparer in the back had on Masks. I politely asked the preparer of my meal and that I’ve known at the cafe for years, if she wouldn’t mind wearing a mask as she began to prepare my meal. She eagerly obliged and I was thrilled because she makes GREAT summer rolls! But back to the preparer of my wife’s meal that left me bewildered as to why she didn’t want to to put on a mask. Granted I could imagine the masks are uncomfortable and annoying to wear as you prepare meals, but considering we are dealing with a highly infectious virus that is spread by microscopic droplets that occur when people talk, sneeze, and talk, this should be a no brainer! I’m hopeful that this was a one off event and the next time I visit Bamboozal Cafe all food preparers will have on gloves and masks, because I really enjoy the food here and I’ve been coming here to get custom summer rolls since 2011. It is one of the best if not the best Vietnamese...

I really wanted to like this place, but it didn't deliver in our opinion. Tried a few meatless dishes and they were just okay at best. Definitely healthy. But severely lacking flavor. The staff was friendly, but I didn't like the cafeteria style setup and tipping at the time of ordering.

Detailed version:

FOOD:

Fresh rolls - tasted very fresh and looked pretty, but the dipping sauces could be more flavorful.

Vegan dumplings - didn't have much flavor, but the chili oil was good though.

Fried rice - ok - I've had better, and I had worse.

Banh Xeo (crepes) - the crepe itself was delicious. Perfectly crispy on the outside with the coconut flavor subtly coming through. But the tofu filling was abysmal. There was zero flavor, not even salt. The dressing had a weird sour taste. The crepe was better without it.

Tropical Fruit Smoothie - delicious!

SERVICE: You line up at the counter, place your order, pay and include the tip. The person taking the order was very friendly and helpful. You take a number to your chosen table inside or out. And servers bring the dishes to your table. You basically have to flag someone down when they're bringing food to a nearby table if you need something. You have to ask for side plates and serving spoons. If you want water to drink, you have to go to the water station and get it yourself. No one comes to check and see if you need anything.

TIP: Ask for Sriracha and/or hoisen for a flavor boost. I heard someone else ask for it as we were finishing our meal and realized that would have helped a lot!

I think this establishment has a lot of potential, but I really don't think healthy, vegetarian food needs to be bland, nor do I like the cafeteria-like setup for the prices they charge. I spend a fair amount of time educating people and trying to get them to try meatless dishes, but the way they do it here seems to enforce the stereotypical way of thinking that vegetarian food has to be boring. Tofu needs to be marinated or seasoned, and it's...

First of all, the whole restaurant was beautifully designed. My favorite being the hats in different sizes along the wall. It was cute and cozy on the inside, and the food makes it feel homey and warm!

Secondly, the customer service was great! My brother and I had a couple of questions since it was our first time there, and they answered them all respectfully and with a service that made me feel like I wasn’t being belittled.

Now for the food, I ordered a small pho and the sesame pork bahn mi. My brother ordered the peanut curry ramen, shrimp spring rolls, and the fried duck bao buns. 10/10 I will be coming back for these!! The fried duck bao reminded me of siopao, one of my favorite Filipino foods, with the sweet and savory flavors. Now I didn’t try my brothers food due to my allergies, but I from what he told me, he enjoyed them very much and found them to be reminiscent of the Vietnamese food back home in Jacksonville. The pho was perfectly cooked, but the only thing I wish that I had was a lime. I should have asked for one, that’s on me. The broth was delicious and everything about it made me feel warm and cozy after being caught in heavy rain. The flavors capture the essence of Vietnamese food which can be hard to do. I’ve only ever found pho that I’ve liked from Asian festivals.

Verdict: Everything is decently priced for the size, quality, and flavor. Give this small but mighty restaurant a try!! It’s worth the money and...