Channel Side Bar & Grill (AKA Zeldas Cafe) — Restaurant in Tampa

I really hate to leave a review of less than five stars, but I must be honest about our visit to this place that occurred on December 27, 2023. Channelside was very handy, being only a couple blocks from the hotel we were staying at before embarking on a cruise the next day. My wife and I walked in late afternoon. We were their only customers at the time. They had apparently just cleaned the floors of their main inside dining area as there was a strong disinfectant smell in the air and the floor was wet. They allowed us to sit in their outside patio area. After ordering drinks, we eventually decided to get one reuben sandwich and one cuban sandwich, then split them. We asked to have tater tots as a side. Julie, our server, informed us that they were out of tater tots. So we decided on french fries. She left, and came back within a couple minutes to inform us that the cook had shut down the fryer to clean it, so we would not be able to get fries. So, we asked if she could at least get us some potato chips, etc. She said she could do that. It is my belief that she went next door to a gas station (we watched her walk over in that direction) and bought a family size bag of Lays. She brought the unopened bag to our table, saying that it was all she could find. It began to sprinkle before our sandwiches arrived, so we moved to the covered bar area, and Julie served us there.

I do want to point out that the reuben and cuban sandwiches were excellent. High quality ingredients and a wonderful taste.

Julie, our server, was the saving grace of this visit. She was very apologetic regarding the food choices that were unavailable, and went out of her way to make sure we got chips with our meal.

I'm giving the food 3 stars, only because they did not have the fryer (and, in turn, the fries or tater tots) available on a Wednesday afternoon. I did bump the atmosphere rating from 3 to 4 as the patio area is very comfortable, sans the rain.

If we ever return to this area again, we will definitely stop in and give them...

The restaurant has a new name, but it looks like the same woman is in charge. She wasn’t very friendly or welcoming.

The food is pretty much the same, and I almost enjoyed my meal. The toast wasn’t buttered, and I had to ask for butter. There was no jelly, and when I asked for hot sauce, I noticed the bottle had been used by multiple tables, and was told it was the last that they had. It was pretty gross! The container was wide open, and I worried it could be contaminated and full of germs.

The same woman, as shown in the picture, passed by other tables without checking mine to see if anyone needed anything. I had to go to the counter three times to request items.

It’s really disappointing because I’ve been recommending this place for years. I brought some friends with me today since we were in town for an event, but I don’t think they’ll want to come back, and I’m sad I can’t say good things about...

I recently had breakfast here with my partner. He had the meat lovers omelette which came with a lot of toast and a side of his choice, he enjoyed all of it. I had the French toast which was very yummy, minus small parts of each slice that were a little burnt. Love how quickly the food was served! The portion sizes are rather large which makes it all great bang for your buck. The woman who served us was very nice. She was also helpful when I questioned the parking lot situation, don't hesitate to ask her to clarify where you can park for free! It is a simple, casual cafe with a couple of TV's. We would have preferred the news only be on one TV rather than both because we respect that others like to watch the news but we do not. Also, there was an echo between the two TVs which was not ideal. Overall this cafe is great and I recommend you...