Kelly's: Dunedin's Hidden Secret

A small store front with a few high top chairs and a bench sit just off the main side walk. A little girl runs in circles waiting with her family to be called at the always busy restaurant. On the floor as you enter is a picture of a woman wearing what looks like a dress made of grapes. Under the lady's bust is the name of this great restaurant: Kelly's.

Dunedin, Fl is nestled just 40 miles above downtown St. Petersburg, and just 20 miles north east of Clearwater, Beach. It's a small little town that boasts a history rich with culture. It was founded by a group of Scottish families, and still holds true to its Scottish ancestors. Downtown Dunedin is made up of an array of eclectic shops and eateries. As you walk down this picturesque street that looks like it is a throwback to the old times in central Florida when the days were slower, and we had time to stop and smell the roses by the Pinellas trail, you'll find yourself in front of Kelly's.

As soon as you walk in you realize you're in for a treat. A well dressed mannequin and a server meets you at the door. As your eyes wander back there's 1 row of tables seating 4-6 at each table running down the left side of the building. On the right is the pass through window, and some of the friendliest servers you'll meet in an eating establishment. Out the back door is a full bar and a complete 1/2 acre of outside seating with plenty of fans and open air. The ambiance and atmosphere alone is inviting and wonderful to be in. As soon as you cross the threshold, you feel like you're welcome there.

At each seat is a different quirky salt and pepper shaker, and a menu that will blow you away. If you're a vegetarian, like myself, there is a steamed vegetable sandwich, a portobello sandwich, and several vegetarian breakfast items available. All of their breakfasts, including their 3-4 egg omelets, are made from scratch. Their signature eggs Benedict is to die for. Their lunch has been nominated by the local free newspaper (Creative Loafing) as the best lunch and sandwiches in the bay. They have great salads and every award winning burger you can imagine. They have been said to be the best restaurant in the entire Tampa Bay area.

Kelly's was created in 1989 by two entrepreneurs. Since the first year they were open, they have been voted the best of Tampa Bay by the Pinellas County Chamber of conference. Not only that, Shane, a life long resident of Dunedin states that "Kelly's is a Dunedin staple and Tampa Bay wouldn't be the same without it. In the future, when you're in the Tampa Bay area, stop by Kelly's. Prepare for a good 15-20 minute wait, but it's worth every second.