New Hot Spots around FSU

This year has brought many exciting changes around Florida State University.  The recent building of sites such as “Capital Cascades Park” and the new “College Town” have been designed to enhance our local community.  There is also the current renovation of Gaines Street this summer, bringing us some awesome additions to the Tallahassee area.  Many new shops, restaurants, and bars have opened in the past year or will be opening soon, making fall 2014 a highly anticipated time for both students and locals.

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Merv’s Melt Shop – 825 Railroad Avenue, Tallahassee, FL. 32301

The second that I surveyed the menu at Merv’s Melt shop, I knew that I had discovered something great.  Located on Railroad Avenue, this daytime restaurant was opened by three Tallahassee guys with a passion for cheesy melted sandwiches, and boy oh boy do they know their stuff.  Serving up gourmet grilled cheeses, specialty sandwiches, soups, burgers, salads, and even home made potato chips (the BBQ and PBR chips are divinely crispy), Merv’s will satisfy anybody craving a delicious breakfast or lunch. I recommend trying the tasty Brie N’ Bacon Melt, or The Dirty Bird which is a warm and delicious combination of roasted chicken, caramelized onions, sliced tomato, home made salt and vinegar potato chips, with pepper jack and muenster cheeses.  The outdoor patio and casual indoor seating make it the ideal spot to grab a cheesy melt while enjoying a sunny afternoon.  Stop by Merv’s Melt Shop this summer and treat yourself to the ultimate cheese lover experience, but be sure to arrive early because they’re only open until 3 p.m.

Tally Thai and Sushi – 2037 West Pensacola Street, Tallahassee, FL. 32304

As a lover of Asian food, I’ve discovered a shortage of high quality, yet affordable Asian restaurants around campus. Don’t get me wrong, a hung-over me won’t discriminate against some Publix fried rice, but on a regular day I’m not as flexible with my options. Luckily I’ve discovered Tally Thai and Sushi. Opened eight months ago in the heart of West Pensacola Street, by a husband and wife chef duo, this cozy little restaurant offers authentic Thai and Japanese cuisine at reasonable prices. Chef Krishna handcrafts the wide variety of delectable sushi rolls with the freshest seafood and ingredients.  Order a classic roll or try something new like the popular off- the-menu Trust roll, in which you basically trust the chef to create a unique sushi masterpiece especially for you.  Not only is the sushi fantastic, their Thai entrees include an array of rice and noodle dishes like Curry duck or Pad Thai.  The best part is that the spice level of every entree can be customized to the diner’s liking. That way no one has to miss out on a dish because it’s too mild or too hot.  The consistently delicious food, attentive staff, friendly atmosphere, and great prices will certainly solidify “Tally Thai and Sushi” as a landmark Asian restaurant in Tallahassee.

Lucy and Leo’s Cupcakery – 631 W Madison St #133 Tallahassee, FL. 32304 & 1123 Thomasville Rd, Tallahassee, FL. 32303

Hope you still have room for dessert, because Lucy and Leo’s will surely excite any appetite. With two shops, one in Midtown and another on Madison Street, the girls at Lucy and Leo’s have perfected the art of cupcaking. Chefs and co-owners Jean and Paula created this cupcake wonderland in order to sweeten things up around town. Opened in 2009, the first Lucy and Leo’s location instantly brought the pair recognition for their edible delights. Not only was Lucy and Leo’s winner of the 2012 Tally Award for best dessert along with various accolades, Jean and Paula were featured on season two of Food Network’s “Cupcake Wars.” Needless to say, these little bites of heaven are definitely worth a try. The seasonal rotating cupcake menu offers a selection of home-made-daily-from-scratch flavors, which never cease to surprise any sweet tooth. Indulge your chocolate withdrawals with a Mississippi Mud or Chocolate Cream Cheese cupcake. If you’re looking for something on the savory side try the Chocolate Bacon, or one of their current summer flavors like the creamy Coconut or sweet Mango.  The opening of a location within walking distance of FSU makes it easy for any student to celebrate a good grade with something sweet. (I must admit that I now look forward to any special occasion as an excuse to purchase some L and L’s.) So If your dream birthday celebration is to have an infinite supply of cupcakes, then have the Lucy and Leo’s duo cater your next special event and keep a look out for the mobile “L & L” food truck around town. Express your love for a friend or simply satisfy your own sugar urge, and pick up a yummy cupcake at Lucy and Leo’s today.

Proof Brewing Company Production Brewery – 644 McDonnell Drive Tallahassee, FL. 32310

The guys at Proof certainly found success with the opening of the Proof Pub and Bottle Shop”on Tennessee Street.  However, their brand new Production Brewery is really a sight to see.  After my first visit to the new PBC Brewery I immediately deemed it my summer hangout spot.  Upon entering, you immediately encounter a neighborly atmosphere in the covered beer garden area with outside seating, bocce ball stations, and a variety of outdoor games and other entertainment.  The backdrop for the indoor tasting room is a massive state of the art 20 barrel three vessel brewing system and complete brewery operation all out of which the Proof Brewing Company crafts, cans, kegs, and bottles their variety of beers.  The tasting room bar features all of the PBC brews on tap, along with other featured guest selections.  Not only can you sample all of the unique PBC brews, such as the award winning Proof Guru IPA or the refreshing Mango Wit with mint and jalapeno, you can take your favorite one home by purchasing a PBC growler at the bar.  The lively ambience and delicious full-bodied beers will certainly keep students and locals alike returning for more.  Come check out the new “Proof Brewing Company Production Brewery” this weekend and taste for yourself.  Open Fridays and Saturdays inside the Railroad Square Art Park.

Not only will Proof be brewing straight out of Tallahassee, the opening of the Brass Tap (with two locations) and Grasslands Brewery in the fall will certainly have us all wearing beer goggles at some point next semester. Along with these great new places, keep your eyes peeled for even more grand openings coming soon to the FSU campus area!