Zudar's Deli, Catering & Baking Co.   

Nearly three-quarters of a century ago, the Hungarian Zudar family challenged the Tampa Latin status quo, bringing traditional German and Eastern European flavors to city mostly unfamiliar with the tart and spicy, vinegary goodness of Eastern European mom-and-pops throughout the Northeast. Now son Marc is keeping the deli tradition alive with his wife, Didi. The couple opened their first eatery, Zudar's Deli, on Platt Street in the early 1970s, and the deli's fat sandwiches and luscious coconut cream pies have drawn so many people that they needed another location to keep up with the catering orders and lunch takeout. The Zudars' sophomore effort, a comfy little sit-down style restaurant down the street next door to Publix, also enjoys a busy lunchtime rush, filled with Davis Islands,' downtown and Hyde Park professionals having a quick bite before heading back to the office. They keep coming back for the hearty sandwiches and lunch menu combos, which include a meatloaf melt; the Reuben; Turkey Pride with Thousand Island dressing, red-ripe tomatoes, bacon and provolone on pumpernickel; and ever-popular West Coast, which includes a chicken salad, avocado, Gouda cheese and bacon. Hot dishes include soups, Hungarian beef and cabbage and quiches like Lorraine, chicken portobello, spinach-tomato, and crab artichoke. The famous coconut cream pie is served at Marc & Didi's along with peanut butter and chocolate cake, the carrot cake and dulce de leche cheesecake.