EVOS

2631 4th St. No., St. Petersburg, FL. Tel. 727-571-evos

Evos claims to serve fast food that's healthy and, therefore, guilt free. How, you ask? Well, for one thing their hamburgers, chicken and fries are Airbaked (that's with a capital A) instead of deep fried. They don't offer technical explanations for Airbake that I might pass along but that's their spiel. Add to that, no hormones or antibiotics have been added to the beef. Organic milk and real fruit and fruit juices are used in their shakes.

I stopped by yesterday for lunch and had a turkey avocado wrap and a bottle of water, I'm just not into those shakes no matter what they're made of. There was alot of ground turkey in the wrap but I couldn't seem to find the avocado, except for a smooth green buttery substance throughout. Not to say it didn't taste good. With tomatoes and lettuce this generous portion on a spinach wrap totally satisfied my hunger. Just a little more flavor please. It's odd how every supermarket has aisles of herbs and spices but they can be so hard to find in restaurant food.

Anyway, for slightly less than $6 I did feel that I'd just eaten a relatively healthy lunch. Well, the best I could expect that hadn't been prepared by me in my kitchen.

The Burg Bar and Grill

1752 Central Ave., St.  Petersburg, FL
Tel: (727) 894-2874

The warmth of this small establishment drew my friend and I in on a rainy night recently. The Burg Bar and Grill is known for its "Cheers"esque atmosphere and juicy burgers, it is bound to become one of your favorites. The menu offers not only burgers, but cheese steaks, and Greek specialties including soups, salads and spinach pies. A good selection of craft brews and less routine wines. The crew that started this place originated at the Hangar Restaurant (reviewed here) and brought to it a healthy dose of attentive customer service. Not that I struck up a conversation with anyone, but the atmosphere made you feel like you were a part of something. I had the Angus burger which was juicy and well seasoned. It was served with homemade potato chips. I felt happy and satisfied when I left there, sure to return. Prices range from $3.50 - $7.99

Hours: Daily 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.

Munch's Restaurant

3920 6th St S, St Petersburg, FL
Tel: 727-896-5972

I returned to Munch's Restaurant as promised to try their famous Munch Burger. I've been trying get there on a Tuesday to try the also famous fried chicken, but unfortunately, haven't been able to do so yet. I made it on a Wednesday instead, which turned out fine since I was treated to that day's special, Munch's Cuban sandwich. My husband and I split the sandwich and a lip smacking  cheeseburger. Order your burger any way you like, with or without cheese, dressed in lettuce, tomato, onion and something a little different, relish. Of course, ketchup, mayo and mustard are available too. We enjoyed the sandwich with the homemade chips that accompany it and added fries to the burger for a little more pocket change. The Cuban sandwich was full of delicious meats, piled high on authentic Cuban bread. The whole lot was pressed into crunchy submission and had just the right mustard/mayo component. The burger was a good sized portion, juicy and flavorful. Prices for lunch are less than $10 and who knows? You may find something fabulous in the "Sundries" section started by one of the legendary owners years ago. Munch's is a classic experience for locals and visitors alike, and worth the trip to Southeast St. Pete. Testing burgers is something Java and I take seriously, look for our article on the best burgers in St. Petersburg coming soon. We will be looking for your input on this!

The Chattaway

358 22nd Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33705
Tel: 727-823-1594

Small and medium sized groups can take advantage of the picnic style seating in the garden area of the Chattaway Restaurant. I felt like I was walking back in time, through my grandmother's back yard when I rounded the corner from the parking lot. Of course, her house was only about 30 blocks north of here and probably built about the same time. The decor is more like that of a dotty aunt though, with whimsical signs and garden statues here and there. Tropical foliage planted in old footed tubs and a fish pond with a bridge make for a fun atmosphere and one that is mostly kid friendly. Smokers are allowed to do their thing out in the garden area so beware or be happy whichever your stance. The inside seating is a little clausterphobic, restrooms are on the side of the house. The food is good, fast and fresh. The staff is super friendly which is not always the case in these classic joints. The burger is a must try since it's been named "best of" in a few contests. For those who don't partake in beef, there are veggie burgers, salads, soups and sandwiches. The Chattaway should undoubtedly be on your visiting friends and family list. They're open for breakfast and lunch. The prices are reasonable for what you get and for the most part remain under $10. Remember though, it's cash only.

Biff Burger

3939 49th Street North St. Petersburg, FL 33713
Tel: 727-527-5297

It takes a measure of confidence for a restaurant to call itself a "Florida Attraction," but Biff Burger lives up to the hype. I recently went back to my teen years by visiting this landmark and ordering a Biff Burger, Tater Tots and a Vanilla Milkshake. The burger is dipped in a special sauce which I assume is barbeque and placed between a classic style hamburger bun. The tots are deep fried to a golden color, crispy on the outside, tender on the inside. Shakes are hand dipped and have an old fashioned thickness that require you to let them sit a few minutes before slurping. Companions of mine have been known to dip their hot tots into the frozen shake for a sweet/salty snack. Prices are reasonable, especially if you stick with the classic fare. Biff Burger is one of a kind and an attraction worth visiting.

El Cap

3500 4th St N, St Petersburg, FL 33704
Tel: (727) 521-1314

The burgers are tasty and the shoestring potatoes are an absolute must. El Cap is a St. Petersburg landmark worth visiting, but be prepared for the fact that the service is a little brusque. People, especially sports fans, love to hang out here with friends. Dress your handmade all beef burger or cheeseburger with lettuce, tomato, pickle, onion, etc. The ketchup and mustard are on the table within easy reach. Other bar food is available, as well as cold beer. A steady stream of people makes weekends difficult to find a seat in the dining room or a spot in the parking lot. The feeling among diners is relaxed and casual.