Small Giant - Bar and Restaurant — Restaurant in Tampa

I've been here twice, once only to get a drink and the second time for dinner. Both times I was not impressed with the food, service, or atmosphere. Food items and service are subpar, and the atmosphere was unnecessarily loud and unpleasant. These were the food items that I had: brussel sprouts: the brussel themselves were delicious and crispy but was drowned in this salty sauce so became soggy and almost inedible. Then they throw a few pieces of kimchi on top almost as an afterthought. cheesesteak eggrolls: flavor was decent but eggrolls were not crispy and felt like it was previously frozen and not properly heated up. loaded tots: your quintessential frozen tater tots with some gloopy cream/cheese sauce that didn't have much flavor. pepperoni pizza: seems to be the theme here but tasted like previously frozen thin crust pizza with soggy crust (aside from the edge pieces), watery tomato sauce, with cheese and pepperoni slices thrown on top. You know it's a problem when you bite into your slice and tomato "water", not sauce oozes onto the plate. espresso martini: tasted like a water down coffee with some vodka thrown in. I've had much better at other places around Tampa. old fashioned: also tasted water down as if it was left sitting with the ice melted into the drink.

As for service, we had some leftover in all the dishes we ordered but once the waiter brought the check, he never asked if we wanted a box and just took our food away. I know the food wasn't to die but he wasn't aware of how we thought and it is a common practice to ask when it comes to food left on the table. The environment itself was extremely loud and echo-y that my two friends and I could barely hear each other and have a conversation over dinner. We used a decibel measuring app on one of our phones to test it out and it was consistently around 90-93.3. For reference, 85 is considered damaging to your ears. Needless to say, we were so glad to finally walk out of there after we were done due to the noise level alone. Overall, if you're on Water street and couldn't find another place to eat or drink, it's a more casual spot and seems to have more availability for walk in so it can do the job but if you're planning on having a solid dinner, drinks, and a conducive environment to actually converse with your friends or party, I would consider...

Nestled in the heart of [insert location], Small Giant is a culinary gem that promises an unforgettable dining experience. Recently, I had the pleasure of indulging in a feast at this cozy yet vibrant bar and restaurant, and it left an indelible mark on my taste buds.

As a devout carnivore, I couldn't resist diving straight into their Meat Lovers pizza. The aroma alone, infused with the tantalizing scents of pepperoni, bacon, and ground beef, transported me to a gastronomic paradise. What sets Small Giant apart is their commitment to quality, evident in the use of ingredients imported from Ohio, which added an extra layer of authenticity to every bite.

Next up were the Chicken Wings, and let me tell you, they were nothing short of spectacular. These colossal wings boasted a perfect balance of crispiness and succulence, served with a dilemma-inducing choice of house-made blue cheese or ranch dressing. Whether you're a traditionalist or a flavor explorer, these wings are sure to leave you craving more.

For a unique twist on a classic dish, the Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts stole the show. Crispy and coated in a tantalizing kung pao sauce, each bite was a symphony of flavors dancing on my palate. The addition of kimchi added a delightful kick, elevating this dish to new heights of culinary brilliance.

Last but certainly not least were the Cheesesteak Eggrolls, a fusion masterpiece that had me swooning from the first bite. Stuffed with tender ribeye, gooey provolone, and a zesty spicy aioli, these eggrolls were a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. The queso drizzle took it over the edge, leaving me in a state of pure gastronomic bliss.

In addition to the exquisite fare, the ambiance at Small Giant is warm and inviting, making it the perfect spot for everything from intimate dinners to lively gatherings with friends. The attentive staff further enhance the dining experience, ensuring that every visit is nothing short of exceptional.

In conclusion, Small Giant is a culinary haven where innovation meets tradition, and every dish is a work of art. Whether you're a meat aficionado, a wing connoisseur, or an adventurous foodie, this charming establishment is sure to delight your senses and leave you craving more.

Drinks...

Nestled along Channel Side, our meandering stroll led us to an oasis of sophistication, the elegantly adorned locale evoking nostalgic European charm. The petite yet imposing bar beckoned with a happy hour allure, drawing us in to quench our thirst. The Stella, a revelation in North American beer, boasted a London-worthy frothy crown, effervescence, and vitality, a stark departure from the uninspiring libations commonly encountered on this side of the Atlantic.

As we imbibed the ambiance, a gem emerged in the form of the house wine—until an unexpected twist. The loaded tots, an impulse due to the enticing happy hour deal, arrived fresh and tantalizingly crisp. Yet, concealed beneath their golden exterior lurked an unannounced surprise: bacon. My partner's countenance transformed from anticipation to dismay, a revelation unmentioned on the menu and an utter shock to a vegetarian. Swiftly, I diffused the situation, salvaging the evening with a discreet plea for another glass of wine.

In the face of this bacon-laden incident, the bar staff exhibited unwavering friendliness. Overhearing tales of their raucous weekend involving copious tequila, minimal sleep, and undisclosed escapades, we appreciated their resilience. Despite the tots debacle, the service remained impeccable.

In conclusion, this establishment, a beacon of charm, beckons for a return during the enchanting hours of happy hour, where the mishap with tots becomes a distant memory in the wake of conviviality...