Gypsy Joynt, 2711 Market
Step into this eclectic bohemian paradise decorated with quirky chandeliers, colorful tapestries, mismatched chairs and strands of flashy beads dangling from the ceiling. The menu at this counter-service cafe is just as groovy, with items like oven-baked sandwiches, gourmet pizzas, creative tacos, huge burgers and gorgeous salads. The colorful Boho salad is loaded with fresh greens and topped with whole grapes, diced pineapple, sliced strawberries, cranberries, walnuts and salty chunks of feta.
Or choose from one of the crazy-named burgers, all served on fresh, homemade focaccia. The Ziggy Up burger comes with peanut butter, fresh mozzarella, homemade jam, bacon jam and the housemade Sriracha-based
Gypsy Joynt also has vegetarian options, including the Cosmic Clover sandwich, made with mushroom, spinach, green peppers, onion, provolone, tomatoes, pesto, mixed greens, cucumber and Italian dressing. Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Closed Mondays.
DiBella’s Italian Restaurant 1902 31st
A setback from Hurricane Ike in 2008 and a fire in 2009
The menu is loaded with succulent entrées, like a tender marinated Angus rib eye either pan-fried or grilled and served with a side of pasta. Or try the ravioli combo with pillows of pasta stuffed with chicken and cheese, porcini mushrooms and goat cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach and cheese with your choice of sauce. Meat and vegetable lasagna is on the menu along with other vegetarian options like cheese tortellini, fettuccine
Shrimp 'N Stuff Downtown, 216 23rd
Jeff Antonelli creates a new feel for Shrimp 'N Stuff — this location, which opened in 2014 at the former Phoenix Bakery, is quite different from the seawall location — with tableware made in Mexico and broiled versions of fresh fish and shrimp. Choose from broiled snapper, flounder, salmon and redfish, or try some broiled stuffed shrimp. Po-boys and fried items are also available, as well are non-seafood items like chicken poblano, chicken-fried chicken or a classic burger.
On the lighter side, several entrée salads are available and some are gluten-free. The Strand Salad, with mixed greens,
BLVD Seafood, 28th & Seawall
You’d never think that this hip, modern restaurant operates in a building that was once a convenience store. The clean, industrial feel, the great view of the ocean, and the delightfully plated food make dining here a pleasant affair. Executive chef Chris Lopez has created a crafty menu with a variety of sliders, tacos, seafood
Choose from the Mambo Italiano sliders with 100 percent Angus beef that has been soaked in red wine, along with fresh mozzarella, basil and pesto aioli, roasted red peppers, and greens, or the BLVD sliders topped with guacamole, greens, cheddar, applewood smoked bacon,
Choose from many taco options, like the Asian tacos with tuna or crispy chicken, soft-shell crab with jalapeño coleslaw, or Caribbean-style with jerk shrimp and colorful salsa. Entrées range from a 14-ounce cowboy bone-in rib eye and a double-cut blackberry pork chop to several samplers with choices of andouille-crusted redfish, baked oysters, scallops and more. Don’t forget to order a refreshing cocktail from the stocked bar. Hours: Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.