When it comes to great places to grab a beer in Tampa, Mr. Dunderbak's may or may not be the best, but we'll venture to guess that there's no other place like it. We mean this in the best way possible, though, and realized it even more after a recent stop there on our weekly Taste Tour of 813.
This North Tampa beer bar and restaurant screams German authenticity before you even look at the menu. Dimly-lit with a heartwarming smell of cooking meat wafting through the air, Dunderbak's is lined wall-to-wall with authentic German snacks, dried meats and cheese, trinkets, and other goods for sale. It's almost a market and restaurant all in one providing, at least from our perspective, one of the most unique dining and drinking environments in Tampa.
But, this is all the supporting act. As far as we're concerned, the real stars at Dunderbak's are the meals and monstrous varieties of beer lining their menu pages.
Dunderbak's beer selection is impressive to say the least. They've got 55 beers on tap with a constantly-rotating variety of authentic German beers, craft brews, and even more bottles (around 400) to choose from. If you're looking for variety when it comes to your beers, it's hard to think of a better bar in Tampa Bay.
Their food menu is just as notable with a variety of authentic German entrees, sausages, sandwiches, and more to choose from. I went with the waiter-endorsed Der Caravan sandwich which comes packed with a decent amount of roast turkey, havarti, lettuce, tomato, and onion.
Even with two layers, the Caravan nothing huge in terms of portion size, but it packs a punch where it counts - the flavor. The melty havarti oozes from the sides of your choice of grilled bread (rye here) and works as a match made in heaven with the smokey, roasted turkey. It's a sloppy mess, but a delicious sloppy mess. Paired with a nice pint of ale, the Caravan makes for one solid mid-day meal.
After visiting, it's easy to see why Dunderbak's is a longstanding institution for great beers, sandwiches, and more in the Tampa Bay area. Give this authentic German eatery a try for yourself, then let us know what you think with your own rating and review on the Mr. Dunderbak's business listing on 813area.com.
