Early birds flock here

The clear favorite is Sioux City Steakhouse, where the specials are under $10.

By BARBARA L. FREDRICKSEN, Times Staff Writer
Published August 10, 2007

Paul Homan mans the grill at Sioux City Steakhouse, which got nearly three times as many votes as the runner-up, Golden Corral. The early bird hours are 2:30 to 5:30 p.m.
	[David Degner | Times]

ADVERTISEMENT [David Degner | Times] The salmon with dill sauce early bird at Sioux City costs $7.99, and a mug of beer is $1.79.

Of all the people who submitted ballots in the Pasco Times' Favorite Restaurant Reader Poll, about 30 percent didn't list a Favorite Early Bird Special.

"Don't do yet," wrote Pat Woods of New Port Richey.

"Not an 'early bird,' " said Tanya Serio, also of New Port Richey.

"Never can make it in time," said Johnna Lantz of Palm Harbor.

But those who do relish this longtime Florida ritual voted overwhelmingly for one place: Sioux City Steakhouse, at Ridge and Little roads in New Port Richey.

In fact, Sioux City got nearly three times as many votes as the runner-up and at least four times as many votes as each of the other 30 restaurants that received votes.

"Great ribs, falling off the bone," wrote Judy Murphy of New Port Richey.

"Good steaks, prices and add-ons," agreed Theresa and Frank Raudonis of Port Richey.

"Best value for your money," according to Skip and Gail Havee, also of Port Richey.

"Perfect portions, delicious food," said Pat Dunn of New Port Richey.

The 210-seat restaurant is also popular for lunch and dinner. A recent $5.99 lunch special of country fried chicken, fresh salmon with creamy dill sauce, boneless pork chop, fried fish filet with chipotle tartar sauce or smothered chopped steak had 'em standing in line.

But year after year, people flock to Sioux City between 2:30 and 5:30 p.m. for a generous early bird that includes an entree and two sides. The prices range from $6.99 for a grilled pork chop or Campfire Chicken topped with pineapple and red peppers to $9.99 for a Ranch Hand Strip Steak or slow-roasted 8-ounce prime rib. In between are salmon, chicken, shrimp, ribs or sirloin steak for $7.99 and $8.99.

To sweeten the deal, Sioux City offers a choice of mug of beer, glass of house wine or other beverage for $1.79; the early bird apple pie for 99 cents; and the chance to add 12 fried shrimp to any meal for $2.99.

Pasco has several other favorite places to go for the early bird specials, including runner-up Golden Corral and a three-way tie for third place: Niko's Place Restaurant & Bar on U.S. 19 in New Port Richey, Raymond's Italian Grill at U.S. 19 and State Road 52 in Bayonet Point, and Sam Seltzer's Steakhouse in Gulf View Square Mall.

"Food fresh and great waiters know you," wrote Holiday residents Fred and Virginia Russell of Golden Corral.

"The scrod at Niko's (is) seasoned delicious and good for you broiled," wrote Betty and Bob Hope of New Port Richey.

"Best bite for the buck," wrote Patricia Schwartz of her favorite, Raymond's.

Sam Seltzer's has the "best steak for the $," Len and Eileen Trubia of New Port Richey say.

Other restaurants receiving "favorite early bird" votes were Applebee's, Barnhill Buffet, Beef O'Brady's, Bennedetto's, Blue Dolphin, Carlucci's, Catches Waterfront Grill, Chili's Grill and Bar, Chinese Express, the Clock, Country Inn Pizza, the Grand, Grandma Sally's, Ile de France, Leo & Joe's New Jersey Pizza and Italian Restaurant, Mel's Diner, Jeannie's #1, Old Country Buffet, Olive Garden, Outback Steakhouse, Pasta Uno, the Pit Stop, Remington's Steakhouse, Steve's Place, Sung Hee Chinese Restaurant, Susie's Too Family Restaurant and Tokyo Japanese Steakhouse.

[Last modified August 9, 2007, 21:14:14]