After we first confirmed and advised you about Birkin’s Steakhouse & Sushi Bar, situated on N. Florida Ave. in Lutz (just a little north of W. Bearss Ave.) again in June, the then-new restaurant’s fundamental eating room was the principle attraction — and it positively attracted an upscale clientele that appreciated proprietor Mark Birkin’s collection of prime steaks and contemporary sushi.
The restaurant has finished so nicely that Mark determined that the sushi bar aspect — which beforehand was the place reside music was performed when the restaurant was the “LA” (Lutz-Space) Hangout (and the Twisted Rooster after that) — wanted and deserved an improve in order that his ever-growing roster of shoppers wouldn’t should cope with a wait on the weekends.
Nicely now, with greater than 100 further seats in quite a lot of each cozy four-top and bigger 8-10-top cubicles, in addition to a couple of giant spherical tables, Mark and GM Doug Scagliola say the revamped Birkin’s sushi aspect is rapidly turning into the situation of alternative for a lot of of their regulars.
“It’s solely been open three or 4 weeks,” Mark mentioned at our press time, “however we have already got folks requesting to take a seat within the sushi bar space.” (Be aware- Now that the climate is cooler, Birkin’s also-all-new, giant out of doors patio with its personal large bar space, is bound to change into one other hotspot for his prospects.)
The guess right here is that the transformed part additionally will assist enhance gross sales of Birkin’s excellent contemporary sushi — from fundamentals like California and Rainbow rolls and thick-slice tuna, yellowtail and salmon sashimi to extra unique choices like Caterpillar Roll (eel roll topped with avocado and eel sauce), Large Buda Roll (tempura shrimp with mayo, crab, smelt roe and avocado, all deep fried and topped with eel sauce and spicy mayo), to my new go-to, the Yummy Roll (with crispy baked fish, tempura crunch and roe, topped with avocado, eel sauce and spicy mayo; above picture). Birkin’s doesn’t but have as giant quite a lot of sushi as some Japanese eating places, however maybe the perfect factor about it’s which you could nonetheless order from the restaurant’s full menu on the sushi aspect.
It was Comfortable Hour (Wed.-Fri., 3 p.m.-5:30 p.m.) throughout our final go to, so Charmaine, Jannah and I shared a couple of of the Birkin’s Comfortable Hour meals specials. All of us cherished the steak kabobs, made with filet ideas and grilled onions and peppers (prime picture) with house-made chimichurri sauce ($10 for 2 kabobs). Charmaine raved concerning the tangy seafood ceviche (which I couldn’t pattern as a result of it’s made with shrimp), served in a martini glass (left picture), for less than $6. And, all of us loved the crispy potato wedges with blue or peppercorn sauce (I most popular the latter), additionally for $6. There’s additionally a Massive Burger for $10 and tenderloin sliders for $12, plus Comfortable Hour California, spicy tuna and a few different rolls for simply $6 every.
I effused final time about Birkin’s 12-oz. prime filet mignon, however after seeing the 28-oz. tomahawk ribeye (proper picture) come out, that might be my subsequent dinner possibility. However, whether or not you crave starters like escargots in butter, fried lobster bites or jumbo shrimp cocktail, entrées like a Surf & Turf (8-oz. filet & lobster tail), hand-cut Chilean sea bass (under picture), grouper piccata or lollipop lamb chops, and even Italian specialties like a thick, tender rooster parmesan or ravioli with portobella mushrooms, you possibly can’t go improper at Birkin’s. Some entrées do embrace aspect dishes, however there are also Household Model sides like a tasty sautéed vegetable medley, mac & cheese, garlic mashed potatoes, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, inexperienced beans, creamed spinach and extra. I feel Jannah, Charmaine and I’ve sampled most of them and all have been yummy.
Save room for dessert, as a result of Birkin’s has a scrumptious Bailey’s Irish Cream cheesecake, an apple crumble and brownie with vanilla ice cream and extra.
And, Birkin’s positively has your bar favorites coated earlier than, throughout and after Comfortable Hour, when choose glasses of wine, specialty drinks (together with a home quaint and “Florida Ave.” margarita) and favorites like Tito’s, Jack Daniel’s, 4 Roses, Captain Morgan and Herradura Repo tequila are all simply $8.
For those who’re planning a vacation occasion, Birkin’s even has a personal room that seats as much as 24 folks.
The restaurant additionally might be open each Christmas Day and for New Yr’s Eve, so why prepare dinner when you can also make any vacation just a little extra particular at Birkin’s?
Birkin’s Steakhouse & Sushi Bar (16411 N. Florida Ave.) is open 3 p.m.-11:30 p.m. on Wed.; 3 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Thur.-Sat. & 3:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m. on Solar. (it’s closed Mon. & Tues.). For reservations (that are advised, however not required, besides when reserving a celebration) & extra info, name (813) 374-8002 or go to BirkinsSteakhouse.com.
