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Behind A Strip Mall Sign That Simply Says “Pub” Hides A West Central Florida Culinary Secret

Behind the modest “PUB” sign wedged between a Big Lots and Family Dollar lies one of Brandon’s most beloved culinary secrets.

The Stein & Vine proves that extraordinary dining experiences can emerge from the most unexpected places, transforming what could easily be mistaken for a dive bar into a sophisticated gastropub that consistently earns the #1 ranking among Brandon restaurants.

Owners Ty and Lacey Mathis opened this craft beer taproom and restaurant in 2012, creating a neighborhood gem that features over 40 rotating craft beers, 100+ bottled selections, and 35+ wines alongside a menu that changes daily.

What sets this place apart isn’t just the impressive beverage selection, but the culinary creativity that keeps locals coming back week after week to see what innovative dishes the kitchen has dreamed up.

Menu Highlights That Define This Experience

The Famous Pig Wings: These aren’t your typical appetizers – they’re mini pork rib tips deep-fried to crispy perfection on the outside while maintaining succulent, fall-off-the-bone tenderness inside.

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You’ll choose from five house-made sauces including Sriracha Ranch, Habanero BBQ, Latin Lime, Teriyaki Chili, or Buffalo. The flavor and texture combination is so exceptional that many customers consider them the best wings they’ve ever had, regardless of the fact they’re pork instead of chicken.

The 33 1/3 Burger: This half-pound masterpiece gets its name from being blended with one-third bacon directly into the ground beef. Topped with your choice of cheese and served with their legendary tater tots, this burger delivers an intense bacon flavor throughout every bite that you simply can’t achieve by just adding bacon strips on top.

Juicy Lacey Burger: Named after co-owner Lacey, this innovative creation features cheese stuffed inside the patty rather than just on top. The result is a molten cheese center that creates an incredible eating experience. You can order it with various cheese options, and the Buffalo version includes blue cheese, sriracha, and jalapeños with house-made buffalo sauce.

Those Legendary Tater Tots: Nearly every review mentions these golden, crispy perfection sides that accompany most meals. The kitchen clearly maintains their fryer oil to high standards, resulting in tots that achieve the ideal balance of crunchy exterior and fluffy interior. Many customers claim these are the best tater tots they’ve ever tasted.

Elk Burger: For the adventurous eater, this fresh ground elk burger comes on a toasted onion roll topped with aged smoked Gouda, applewood smoked bacon, rocket lettuce, tomato, and bacon jam mayo. It’s a unique protein option that delivers rich, gamey flavors you won’t find at typical restaurants.

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Fish & Chips: The panko-crusted North Atlantic cod receives consistent praise for its fresh taste and perfect beer batter. Served with seasoned French fries, homemade tartar sauce, and coleslaw, it’s become a go-to comfort food option that even impresses coleslaw skeptics.

The Ever-Changing Daily Specials

Rotating Menu Magic: Half the menu remains constant while the other half changes daily, creating an exciting dining experience where you never know what culinary surprises await. Recent specials have included Korean Shrimp Tacos, Chopped Cheese sandwiches, Pastrami on pretzel buns, Elk burgers, and Softshell Crab Tacos.

Social Media Updates: The restaurant posts daily menu updates on their social media platforms, allowing you to preview new offerings before arriving. This system works perfectly for both adventurous diners who love trying new things and those who prefer knowing their regular favorites will always be available.

Innovative Appetizers: Beyond the pig wings, you’ll find creative starters like loaded potato boats stuffed with Italian sausage, beef, spinach, roasted red peppers, and cheese, or Korean-style duck wings tossed in scorpion pepper honey hot sauce.

Atmosphere & Décor

Surprising Interior: The unassuming exterior gives way to a warm, inviting space that feels much larger than expected. The interior features black-painted exposed ceilings, reclaimed brick from an old Ybor City schoolhouse, custom cast iron chandeliers, and dark carved woodwork that creates an authentic German pub atmosphere.

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The Penny Bar Top: One of the most charming details is the bar top covered with hundreds of pennies placed heads-up by owner Ty himself, then set with epoxy. This personal touch took him a week and a half to complete and represents the attention to detail that permeates the entire establishment.

Casual Gastropub Vibe: The atmosphere strikes the perfect balance between casual neighborhood hangout and elevated dining experience. You’ll find beer-themed artwork, comfortable seating, and a layout that accommodates both intimate dinners and larger group gatherings.

Moderate Noise Level: While the space can get lively, especially during peak hours, the acoustics allow for conversation without overwhelming background noise that would interfere with your dining experience.

Other Considerations

Excellent Value Pricing: Most entrees fall into the moderate price range, typically $12-18 for burgers and mains, with generous portions that often result in leftovers. The quality-to-price ratio consistently delivers substantial, creative meals without breaking the bank.

No Reservations Policy: The restaurant operates on a first-come, first-served basis, though they do accommodate private events in their separate dining room. Arriving during off-peak hours ensures shorter wait times.

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Beer & Wine Only: Don’t expect cocktails or mixed drinks – the focus remains strictly on craft beer and wine selections. However, the rotating tap selection and bottle variety more than compensate for the limited liquor options.

Strip Mall Location: The Big Lots and Family Dollar neighbors might throw you off initially, but the unassuming location keeps this gem from becoming overcrowded while maintaining reasonable prices.

Parking Convenience: Unlike many popular restaurants, you’ll find ample parking in the strip mall lot, making visits stress-free even during busy periods.

Family-Friendly: Despite the bar atmosphere, families with children feel welcome, especially during earlier dining hours. The restaurant offers kid-friendly options and maintains a relaxed environment.


The Stein & Vine
📍 827 W Bloomingdale Ave, Brandon, FL 33511

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Writer: Jamie Benson
Click to read bio

Jamie grew up just outside of Springfield, Illinois, and has spent most of his life exploring the state’s mix of small-town charm and big-city energy. After earning a journalism degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, he stuck around to cover local events, hidden gems, and the quirks that make Illinois unique. When not writing, Jamie can usually be found digging through vinyl at record shops in Chicago, hiking trails in Starved Rock State Park, or tracking down the best deep-dish pizza outside the city.