Serenity Spa At The Tahitian

The Scene
There's frequently a line of people jammed in the restaurant's tiny entryway. It's kind of reminiscent of a diner--cramped, teeny, with a row of seats at the counter, and tables elbow-to-elbow. No-nonsense waitress calls you "hon," and the food arrives, pronto. It feels like a neighborhood restaurant, but people from all over Tampa turn up here to eat.

The Food
Typical breakfast: Three farm fresh eggs, with potatoes or grits and toast; coffee, tea or soft drink, with choice of bacon, sausage, smoked sausage, ham or corned beef hash. There are also hotcakes that arrive in a big, steamy stack; omelets, including perhaps the most unorthodox dish on the menu--a spinach and feta or Swiss cheese omelet; and all manner of cereals, bagels and muffins. For lunch, the menu offers big burgers, salads, and an excellent, hand-dipped milk shake.

Useless Trivia
The coffee shop is adjacent to the Tahitian Inn. It used to serve dinner as well, but now only serves breakfast and lunch.