Amongst the other storefronts including a Family Dollar and Gun/Pawn Shop in Brandon's Kings Row shopping center, the sign atop The Stein & Vine reads "Pub" in a narrow red font. It's the only remnant left of the now-closed Pirate's Cove Bar & Grill, and a funny one at that, because what's inside there now is a far cry from the excruciatingly dull description of the letters above.
Step into The Stein & Vine and you'll enter a small, but ample brewpub atmosphere adorned with exposed brick, dark wood tabletops, an ample lineup of rotating draft beer selections, and even more coolers of bottled beers and wines to choose from behind the bar.
Despite its unassuming strip mall setting, The Stein & Vine looks like it could easily hang with other ornate, like-minded brewpubs in the Tampa Bay area like The Pub or The Brass Tap, and it performs on a caliber that's pleasantly surprising.
Beer and wine are the obvious name of the game at Stein & Vine, but their small food menu is one that shouldn't be overlooked. Their unique take on typical bar fare shines with selections like "Pig Wings", a pork shank cut served in the style of chicken wings with a variety of sauces to choose from, as well as tater tots which you can get as a side or "loaded" with chili, cheese, and other toppings.
The star of our loaded chili cheese tots was, far and beyond, the chili, which boasted a deep, bold, and hearty flavor that managed to excite the taste buds without scorching them to bits.
Main course offerings at Stein & Vine include a small selection of tacos, burgers, sandwiches, and chef specials which rotate quite regularly.
The pork tacos come in a pair, stuffed to the brim with the aforementioned pork shank meat as well as a roasted corn salsa and avocado salad - a simple trifecta that's pure harmony nestled between lightly-charred flour tortillas. The outer crunch and mild saltiness of the pork contrasts with the rich sweetness of the corn and cool creamy avocado making for a well-thought, simple dish that really transcends the sum of its parts.
After you've been, it's easier to see that drab old "Pub" sign as a mark of humbleness for this new Brandon bar and restaurant, which is altogether that much more respectable.
Stop by and give The Stein & Vine a try, then let us know your thoughts with your own rating and review on The Stein & Vine 813area business listing.
