We have so many restaurants in Tallahassee that it’s hard to keep up with the status of all of them. All restaurants are struggling right now but I started compiling some lists — with suggestions from many of you — of places that may have fallen under your radar or have just resumed service.
You can get a more expansive list of restaurants and their status by checking The Tallahassee Democrat: tallahassee.com/…/local-restaurants-respond-co…/5044845002/
Other sources for restaurant information: the Tallahassee-Leon County Office of Economic Vitality , including a map of restaurants and their status at oevforbusiness.org/ And there’s a list at tallytogo.com/
I’d love to hear your suggestions. Good luck to everyone as we navigate this new, and hopefully not normal, new world.
Aaru’s, 1108 S. Magnolia Dr. The multicuisine restaurant, featuring Indo-Chinese and South Indian food, is only open since January so facing this crisis is tough for a restaurant just building its business. You can give Aaru a try by ordering lunch or dinner takeout, curbside pickup or delivery directly to you at a flat fee of $5, or through delivery partners BiteSquad, or DoorDash.deliveries. Closed on Tuesdays. 850-350-0129.
Arepana Latin Grill, 1176 Capital Circle SE. Arepana is now focusing on its Family Meal selection, offering two main options.“Together Everyone Eats More:” For every Family Meal purchase, Arepana will donate an individual meal to workers unemployed by the crisis. Nam Vu said that your purchase pays for the ingredients and “we donate our time to provide the meal. As a personal touch, we encourage guests to message or send a pic of a handwritten message that we will print and attach to donated meals. We hope to create a scalable model others can adapt or take part in.” Family Meal Kits: Order a Family Meal for dinner and add a Meal Kit for later. The Meal Kits will include the portioned items (dry and cold) needed to prepare a Family Meal at home. Other pantry staples will be available for purchase.
Arepana will continue to offer curbside pick-up and multiple delivery options. Family Meals and Meal Kits will be available at arepanalatingrilltogo.com. 850-597-9931.
Artistic Confections, 1712 Thomasville Rd. Twinkies. Banana pudding. Cakes. Cookie decorating kits.These are some of the tempting treats at this sweet space. Call to place orders and find out about pickup and delivery. Takeout from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday. 850-577-3000.
AXIOS lifestyle spa: 1122 Thomasville Rd. You can now find salads and sandwiches, including build-your-own avocado toast, for takeout at Axios along with a juice bar, smoothies and açaí bowls. Hours: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday to Saturday. 850-765-5064.
Bahn Thai Of Tallahassee , 1319 Monroe St. The Thai restaurant is offering its usual array of stir fries, curries and chef’s specials for take-out from 4 to 9 p.m. Monday to Saturday. 850-224-4765.
Bar 1903, El Cocinero, The Hawthorn Bistro & Bakery and Liberty Bar: You can pick up your favorite items from Liberty, El Cocinero, Hawthorn and Bar 1903 starting again today, April 10. Jesse Edmunds, owner of the Seven Hills Hospitality Group, has streamlined all of his restaurants into one centralized kitchen located at Liberty to streamline delivery and curbside pickups from one location. As Jesse said, it’s “pretty awesome to be able to let people mix and match their fav items. 1903 has a few cocktails in there and a date night box” with a large format cheese and charcuterie board. During their closure, the restaurants have been sanitized from floor to ceiling and staff has been self-isolating during these two weeks, Jesse said. Operating hours are 4 to 9 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday. You can also order packaged cocktails and bar specials. To order from the restaurants, visit https://www.libertytlh.com/ or call 850-354-8277. Check out the restaurant websites or Facebook pages for menus.
The Bark: 507 All Saints St. The vegan restaurant reopened today, April 10, to offer takeout from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday. You can order at thebarkfl.square.site/ for pick up or delivery for the regular menu. Along with the vegan menu offers cheese options that can be added to sandwiches or eggs. Call 850-900-5936 to order pick up or delivery.
Bird’s Aphrodisiac Oyster Shack, 325 N. Bronough St. Have you been missing Bird’s big burgers, fresh oysters and possibly the best grouper sandwich in town? Well Bird’s is back. You may not be able to experience the restaurant’s funky atmosphere and comedy nights but you can still eat like a Bird’s fan. The restaurant reopened April 14 for takeout and delivery (within a five-mile radius) from noon to 8 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday. 850-222-1075.
Boru Boru, Varsity Plaza, 1861 W. Tennessee St. Asian fusion restaurant has reopened, as of April 17, about a year since the Asian fusion restaurant first opened its doors in Tallahassee. Boru Boru is in a modern space that specializes in poké bowls, rice bowls, salad bowls, Asian-style sliders and sushi burritos. They also serve sushi nachos and sides like edamame, sweet fried yam disks and the ball-shaped snack takoyaki (with diced octopus inside) and boba tea and desserts. Gluten-free and vegan dishes are available. The menu is available for togo orders from noon to 3 p.m. and 4:30 to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and noon to 9 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday. You can call to place your order, with curbside pick up available. Also Delivery: BiteSquad, GrubHub, or UberEats. Order Online: Clover App. 850-270-9253.
Chicken Salad Chick, 1496 Apalachee Pkwy., The restaurants in the Northeast and Apalachee will be serving takeout from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Saturday but now all service is curbside only. Call in orders over the phone or order online. Orders of $100 or more are available with no delivery fee. 850-402-0653. Also 1410 Market St.; 850-894-2502.
Clusters & Hops: 707 N. Monroe St. The intimate restaurant and market is open for its retail goods only and these are pretty special, with fine wines, cheeses, caviar and other gourmet goodies. Hours are 2 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday but you’ll want to call before you go. 850-222-2669.
El Viroleño: Northampton Shopping Center, 2910 Kerry Forest Pkwy. As my friend Naomi Molina said, let’s not forget the small places. One of her faves, and mine, is this storefront restaurant specializing in home-cooked food from El Salvador. The specialty is pupusas, round hearty corn cakes made by hand each day — a Salvadoran street snack. You’ll also find tacos, empanadas and dinner entrees. The restaurant is open for to-go orders from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday. 850-906-0123. Delivery by Bite Squad.
Flour Blossom Bakery: 1210 Capital Circle SE. The new bakery features cupcakes, muffins, cookies, scones and vegan options. Temporary hours for takeout are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday. 850)-270-9140
G&G Caribbean Restaraunt – Apalachee Parkway – Apalachee Parkway,745 Apalachee Pkwy. You can still find island-influenced items like jerked chicken, curried goat and curries at G&G, open for takeout and delivery through Bite Squad. If you pick up in person, you order on the premises. Open 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. 850-222-9157.
The Hidden Garden Eatery, 2810 Sharer Rd. (near the Tallahassee Mall). This small spot is indeed a hidden treasure for many reasons. Aside from its menu of homey soups, salads and sandwiches — including vegan and vegetarian options — the Hidden Garden is part of a Recovery Ministry “to help those struggling with a compulsive life style.” From its website: “The Hidden Garden is a social enterprise, which means it is aimed at improving human well-being rather than making a profit. All profits from this eatery go to support a non-profit residential program for men who have made a decision to change their lives. Our focus is on providing work opportunities for people that are recovering from a destructive life style and who often face stigmatization as they try to enter the job force.” Here’s a place where you an get a good meal and do some good. Check the menu at hiddengardeneatery.com, call 850-999-6999 and pick up your order curbside. Delivery services available.
Hilltop Country Store, 14807 Mahan Dr. The family-owned deli, restaurant and convenience store features an array of home-cooked dishes that are favorites to locals in the know. Look for chicken, tuna, crab and egg salad made on-site, made-to-order hot dinners, sandwiches, barbecue, shrimp po’ boys, cakes and other baked goods. The restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday to Sunday. They stop serving wings at 7:15 p.m. and hot food at 7:30 p.m. The store and deli are open to 8 p.m. Hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday to Wednesday. 850-906-0752.
KitchenAble Cooking School and Catering: You might not be able to experience the fun of cooking classes taught by Jessica Bright McMullen, but you can still get a taste of her home-cooked meals. Check her online menus at kitchenable. Dishes, which change daily, are active until they are sold out. Preorder at 850-264-2308 or online. Pick up your meal between 4 and 6 p.m. by the back door at her cooking school, which is located in one of the Lake Ella cottages at 1635 N. Monroe St.
Korean BBQ And More: 2624 W. Tennessee St. This hidden gem, owned by Seunghwan “Swan” Lee, a native of Seoul, is still serving its popular lineup of Korean dishes and sashimi for takeout from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday. 850-574-4151.
La Tiendita Mexican Restaurant, 1840 Monroe St. The family-run eatery is open again, offering favorites like tacos, enchiladas, fajitas, tortas and tamales plus dessert and the Brazilian dish coxinhas (ko-shing-as). You can also order (Mexican sodas), margaritas and sangria. Hours for takeout are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. 850-523-1494.
Los Compadres Mexican Restaurant 2102 W. Pensacola St., The Mexican restaurant offers curbside pickup from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily for your favorite dishes. You call in an order and pay over the phone. They’ll give you a pick up number and will meet you at your car just outside the restaurant. They also deliver through BiteSquad and Uber Eats. 850-576-8946.
Krishna Lunch, 1323 Nylic St.. The nonprofit lunch spot, open since 1996, features an all-vegan menu with dishes like chickpea masala, coconut curry and lentil soup, vegan mac and cheese and banana cream halva. It’s open for takeout from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday to Friday. Delivery service through Grubhub. 850-583-1353. KrishnaLunchFSU.square.site Photo by Krishna Lunch
Lucilla, 1241 Lafayette St. Order Lucilla favorites like herb-crusted salmon, shrimp and grits and meatloaf. Pickup curbside from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday to Saturday. Check menu for choices and prices. 850-900-5117
Midtown Caboose, 1406 Meridian Rd. Find your favorite burger and sandwich concoctions at this popular spot from the Wells Brothers. It’s open for takeout orders from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. There’s delivery with Bite Squad, Postmates and Grubhub. 850-521-1933.
Mimi’s Table: 1311 Miccosukee Rd. Mimi’s is doing curbside pickup for its top-notch cuisine, including three-course meals with bread, salad, entree and dessert and family meals. Open for takeout from 5 to 10 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday. 850-999-8406
New Orleans Seafood: 2819 Mahan Dr. My husband picked up takeout from the small restaurant today (April 3) and it was as wonderful as usual. We’ll be feasting on chicken and seafood gumbo, red beans and rice with andouille sausage and crawfish étouffée. New Orleans Seafood is owned by Alex Bui, who owned a po’ boy restaurant in New Orleans before moving here, so po boy fans will be happy, too. Hours are 10:30 to 8 p.m. Monday to Saturday. 850-727-8464.
Olean’s Cafe: 1605 Adams St. Olean’s Café is down-home soul food, known for the personality of longtime owner Olean McCaskill as well as her homey dishes, including smothered pork chops, mashed potatoes, catfish and big breakfasts. You can stop inside and pick out what you want for takeout, tell the restaurant what you want and get it curbside or get delivery through DoorDash. Breakfast is available all day. Hours are 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday to Saturday. 850-521-0259.
Pappas Diner, 2531 Apalachee Pwky. Peter Pappas creates Greek, Italian and American classics, with an extensive breakfast menu. Takeout is now offered from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday. 850-391-9585.
Pepper’s Mexican Grill and Cantina, Cathi Lungren Lungren tells us that she was at Peppers Northeast and had their delicious queso and margaritas to go last night and it was almost like being there.” The Peppers family kit feeds up to eight people. Curbside pickup only now available from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.. Order will be taken to your car. Order online a peppersmexicancantina.com or call 850-536-6800. You can also get margarita mix by the gallon, wine and bottled beer with valid ID. Also at 1140 Capital Circle SE. 850-877-2020.
Persis Biryani, 3111 Mahan Dr., The Indian restaurant is open for takeout on Friday, Saturday and Sunday only from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Pick up or delivery services available. 850-877-8899.
Pho Me Vietnamese Noodle Bar, 2320 Apalachee Pkwy. The Vietnamese restaurant offers a variety of its namesake soups, noodle dishes, sandwiches, including banh mi, and appetizers includign spring rolls and summer rolls. The Vietnamese restaurant is offering a 10 percent discount for all curbside and pick up orders for lunch and dinner. 850-597-9051.
Railroad Square Craft House, 644 McDonnell Dr. The restaurant, which replaced Proof in Railroad Square, has only been open since August so it could use a boost. Railroad Square Craft House has also been giving food to health care workers. Order food, including pizza, burgers, sliders and other casal fare plus sangria, Growler fills, wine and mix & max choices plus gift cards. Open 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 850-329-7056.
Rankin Tacos, 2386 Allen Rd., The Rankins, known for their popular food truck, recently opened their first brick and mortar spot, located in an old Long John Silver restaurant, so they’re also trying to make it as a new establishment. The menu offer stacos, bowls, wings, shrimp and grits and they fill growlers. Open for lunch and dinner. 850-877-8226.
Real Paella: You can order takeout paella, including paella mixta, classic paella and a Spanish salad for smaller groups. Available weekly only on Wednesday and Sundays, 24-hour notice required. “The paella will be delivered warm, by contact-free delivery, in disposable aluminum containers, to your front door.” Check realpaella.com
Reangthai Restaurant, 2740 Capital Circle NE. If you haven’t tried the cuisine of chef Donna, this is a good time to check out her Thai dishes. The restaurant is open daily from noon to 8:30 p.m. (the restaurant closes at 3 today, April 6, but resumes hours April 7). Reangthai is selling the chef’s homemade delicious sauces for $7 each, including her pad Thai, monkey wings, stir fry, and curry sauces. For lunch everyday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., meals will include a spring roll, soft drink, and fried wonton. When you order five or more meals, your order will will include a complimentary pad Thai entree with your choice of chicken or tofu. If you are looking for anything else such as rice noodles, let them know. 850-386-7898. Takeout, curbside service and Bite Squad delivery.
RikSha Tacos, 1955 W. Pensacola. This isn’t an ordinary taco shop. It features Southeast Asian street food, with intriguing tacos and bowls. You can pick a flour tortilla or use paratha (Indian flatbread) or scallion pancakes as a base. Pick from the menu or create your own combo with a variety of exotic sauces. Pickup and delivery from noon to 7 p.m. Monday to Friday. 850-536-6352.
Shell Oyster Bar, 14 Famu Way. The longtime restaurant is open for takeout, offering its popular seafood dishes and sandwiches. You can also order oysters (when available) available shucked or on the half-shell. Shell’s is open from 11 a.m. to about 6 p.m. Cash only. 850-224-9919.
Super Perros Colombian Restaurant: 2010 W. Tennessee St. The homey Colombian restaurant is open for takeout and delivery from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Not surprisingly the menu includes elaborate hot dog combinations (perros means dog in Spanish), as well as tacos, arepas, churrasco and lots of Colombian specialties. 850-421-2378.
Sweet Pea Cafe: 832 W. Tharpe. The vegan, farm-to-table restaurant features its full menu and lunch and dinner specials for takeout (check on Facebook and Instagram). Pick up orders from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Sweet Pea is accepting electronic and card payments. There’s also delivery through DoorDash. 850-692-3476.
Tan’s Asian Cafe: 2743 Capital Cir NE. Known for its Indonesian cuisine, Tan’s offers generous portions of exotic as well as familiar dishes. You can order takeout daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Saturday and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. When you order, an employee will bring your food to the outside gate. Call 850-523-4282.
TC Bakery feat. Ma Mary’s, 614 Eugenia St.,You can find chicken wing and pork chop baskets plus cakes at the diner and the only bakery on Tallahassee’s South Side. Jennifer Young, at the helm of the family business, also features whole lavish cakes or just slices if you only want a bite of sweetness. Young is the daughter of the late Tommie C. Williams, the original co-owner of Ma Mary’s, which closed after Williams’ death 20 years ago. TC Bakery and Ma Mary’s opened in August 2019. It’s open for takeout from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.Tuesday to Saturday. You can also get delivery through Bite Squad. 850-577-1776.
Thai Kitchen cuisine,1400 Village Square Blvd. Thanks to Marsha Rule for suggesting this “small, family-owned place in Village Square.” You can choose your Thai favorites including curry, rice and noodle dishes and Thai favorites. 850-999-8960. Top photo: Thai Kitchen
Uptown Cafe & Catering,
Uptown Cafe and Catering, 1325 Miccosukee Rd. If you’re missing Uptown favorites like banana bread French toast (above), smoked salmon, omelettes or homemade kartoffel (German-style potatoes), you can still find these if you do a takeout order at the breakfast and lunch staple in Tallahassee. You can also order grocery staples for sale. You order during normal hours, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday to Saturday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. Place your order in the morning and do pickup or delivery in the afternoon. Uptown is offering items like eggs, bacon, coffee, milk, coffee beans, toilet paper and housemade items including tuna and chicken salad and roasted turkey breast, said Uptown’s Nic Tedio. 850-219-9800.
Voodoo Dog, 805 S. Macomb St. You have to love the name of this restaurant, which has lots of funky charm in a humble but fun setting. This longtime hot dog and hamburger favorite is decorated with 80’s and 90’s memorabilia and movies. It deserves a boost especially in these days when the campus is empty. You have plenty of takeout options including three family meals that bring six, nine or 12 dogs to mix and match, from veggie, voodoo (bacon wrapped) or plain dogs. Meals include sides, toppings, and fries. daily 11 to 9 p.m. Call 850-224-0005 to order for curbside pick up.
Woodchuck’s Cafe, 2520 W. Tharpe St. Locals know this folksy restaurant for its extensive breakfast menu with items like pork chops, sweet potato pancakes and caramelized apple and pecan stuffed French toast. Also, lots of lunch choices and homemade cupcakes. Owner and Tallahassee native Chris Benfield has been cooking local favorites for more than 18 years. Check Woodchuck’s Facebook page for daily specials. 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday to Saturday and 8:30 to 3 p.m. Sunday. 850-224-9766
