9 Best Places for Appetizers in Florida
When they’re really good, appetizers are the shining star of the meal. Appetizers kickstart your appetite, they’re shareable, they’re delicious, the list goes on. And these Florida restaurants are serving up some seriously mouthwatering options. From stuffed jalapenos to ribeye beef skewers, here are the 9 best places for appetizers in Florida.
The Porch, Winter Park, FL
There’s a ton of southern goodness going on here, but their appetizer menu is a surefire crowd pleaser. Elevated favorites like bison meatballs, pretzels poppers, and even fried chicken make it easy to skip the rest of the menu completely. But their real coup de grace is their world famous totchos—a creative take on nachos using crispy tater tots piled high with pulled pork, beer cheese, jalapenos, and other toppings.
Seven Bridges Grill & Brewery, Jacksonville, FL
This timeless brewery also features a scratch-made kitchen with appetizers you won’t want to miss. Classic bar fare gets an upgrade in terms of flavor and quality, turning ordinary apps into extraordinary starters. You’ll find the likes of firecracker shrimp, bacon jalapeno poppers, and fresh made-to-order guac alongside other filling selections.
La Casona, Tampa, FL
Featuring the best in authentic Puerto Rican and Caribbean cuisine, their appetizer menu makes it hard to choose just one. Their pizza de tostones con pollo are simply divine, combining fried green plantains with chicken and cheese for a unique take you can’t find just anywhere. They also offer a creative selection of seafood and Creole-style apps that can easily be a meal in itself.
The Ravenous Pig, Winter Park, FL
‘Ravenous’ doesn’t even begin to describe how you’ll feel about the food here—no matter how hungry you are, you’ll always want more because it’s so savory! Their charcuterie board is a must-order for an appetizer, which is fit to fill a crowd and then some. Or, you can order some stand-by classics that pair well with their barbecue, including deviled eggs, pimento cheese, and gruyere biscuits.
Rumba Island Bar & Grill, Clearwater, FL
This tropical-themed tiki bar and restaurant is an obvious choice for appetizers. Island-style coconut shrimp, stuffed jalapenos, and jerk chicken wings are favorites among the locals, with every dish infused with the best flavors of the Caribbean. Even better? You can enjoy your apps alongside some live music you’ll actually want to listen to.
Red Mesa Cantina, St. Petersburg, FL
The apps and ambiance here are a combination no other place in town can beat. The lineup includes several varieties of nachos and tacos, delicious mofongo, and ceviche galore. You can enjoy your appetizers at one of several bars, or in the garden-style courtyard that makes it hard to believe you’re in the midst of a big city.
Mangos Restaurant, North Redington Beach, FL
This beachside tiki bar offers a view that’s worth savoring just as much as the food. All-star apps like their crab cakes with Key Lime sauce and the Tuna Sambuca can’t be found anywhere else and are reason enough for folks to keep coming back. Pair it with your favorite tiki drinks for a meal worth remembering.
Tucker Duke’s, Boca Raton and Deerfield, Beach, FL
The “snacks” here are inventive and perfect for sharing (or for smaller appetites that don’t want to sacrifice flavor). Nacho tots, portobello fries, and their highly acclaimed PB&J Bon Bons know how to satisfy. They’ve really pushed the boundaries on what an appetizer menu should look like, balancing classic items with creative concoctions to give every diner something to crave.
YOLO Restaurant, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
This well-balanced app menu offers hearty options alongside lighter fare so everyone can have their pick. Meal-worthy choices like rib eye beef skewers and yellowfin tuna tostadas can fill any appetite, while smaller options like fire roasted corn dip are perfect for snacking and sharing. They also have a killer “brunch bites” menu and appetizers during Happy Hour.
