Love's Artifacts Bar and Grille has only been around for a few years now and its location, while not ideal, is quite a find (pardon the pun)! You can find Love's on S. Macdill Ave. near the Gandy intersection. This South Tampa restaurant has a subtle archaeological theme that gives it an almost antique store feel. Overall, the restaurant has a nice atmosphere. It's definitely a comfortable place to have a meal and/or a drink.
I went last friday night with a friend and we ate out on their outdoor patio area because the weather was very favorable. My friend ordered a chicken dish and I got their award winning Veggie Burger. We were both quite satisfied with our dishes. The Veggie Burger, having won the Creative Loafing's Best Veggie Burger in Tampa two years in a row, was quite the sight. It's a double decker burger with grilled onions, mushrooms and provolone cheese. It's huge! Served with large cut fries, it was quite a meal. I couldn't finish the whole meal and had to bring the leftovers home, but it was well worth the $9 I paid for it.
Love's Artifacts drink menu is quite likeable too as the beer and wine list are both extensive and full of variety. I ordered the locally brewed Tampa Ave. beer, which I am a big fan of. While we ate, there was a live folk band playing covers and original music in the background. There was a very sedate and comfortable mood going on that night. I came away really liking the place and plan on returning many times to try some of their other unique dishes found on the menu.
So, whether you are with a friend or a date I would definitely recommend going out of your way to find Love's Artifacts Bar and Grille on a Friday or Saturday night. The crowd on Friday night while older than the crowds I normally hang out with, was very cool. The folk band who was playing I guess had their loyal fans and for whatever reason, those fans were of the 40 years of age plus crowd. Not a big deal though, Love's Artifacts Bar and Grille is a cool place. I liked it.
