Chuck Lager America's Tavern Opens New Oldsmar Location

OLDSMAR, FL — Oldsmar is an area that Tampa Bay Food Tours often chooses to find a bite to eat so I was very happy to have a new option open for lunch. Chuck Lager Oldsmar | Hours + Location | Chuck Lager's America Tavern | Classic American Tavern with an International Flair in Wilmington, DE

The restaurant is from Chef Fabio Viviani, a "fan favorite," was on three seasons of the television competition show "Top Chef." Fabio learned the recipes of his family at the side of his beloved grandmother. She taught him the skills to make delicious pastas and the patience required to create the best sauces. These lessons serve as the basis of Fabio’s menus — fresh, rustic ingredients combined with passion and talent to produce exceptional dishes.

One day, Fabio met a man in his grandmother’s kitchen. That man was Chuck Lager who, through his legendary architectural excursions, uncovered his love of great cuisine. They vowed to work together on a restaurant, which ultimately became Chuck Lager America’s Tavern.

The space is no frills with a nice patio affording shaded or sunny al fresco dining. The menu has a palatable assortment of appetizers, salads, soups, entrées, sides, handhelds and desserts. For those Patch readers located more to the north, Chuck's also has a location in Wesley Chapel.

We remember Fabio's signature meatballs from the late Osteria in Tampa. The deceivingly light and tender meatballs are served with creamy polenta, tomato confit, Parmesan, basil and Calabrian chilies.

We would make a return trip for the nachos. The pork was really flavorful and juicy and paired really well with the other ingredients. We excluded the heat of the jalapenos, but did not miss out on the flavor.

With a half dozen flatbreads to choose from there is something for everyone's tastes.

Burgers and over a dozen sandwich (handhelds) are accompanied by crave worthy crispy fries.

Both lunch and dinner menus feature entrée options of chicken, salmon / fish, steak and six pasta dishes.

We did save room for dessert, and this limoncello mascarpone cake with berries was luscious and vibrant. Definitely an unexpected standout I never knew I would yearn for.

We hope you will visit soon and tell them Tampa Bay Food Tours sent you. To register for guided walking tours in St. Petersburg, Tampa and Dunedin, visit the website.

The Oldsmar location is at 4016 Tampa Road.

The Wesley Chapel location is at 2001 Piazza Ave., Suite 175.

And a location in the Westshore Marina District is scheduled to open soon.

Click here for Chuck's lunch and dinner menu. The eatery also serves a great happy hour and brunch on the weekends.

Hours are Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.