Restaurant history; Lucy Ho: A dynamo, a pioneer restaurant owner, a ‘Tallahassee tradition’ | TLH 200

Hopkins Eatery | 1982

Hopkins Eatery has three locations in Tallahassee.

This long-standing casual eatery, popular for its specialty sandwiches snuggled between its fresh baked bread, decadent salads and delicious treats has been around for over 40 years. This eatery got started with one single mother of four, the late Martha “Dee Dee” Johnston, who was looking to fulfill her dream of “serving her friends and neighbors delicious and fresh food,” as the website says. With the help of her family and longtime patrons, she’s done just that. This gourmet sandwich shop has been recognized by many for its family style service and flagship dishes ranging from the “guac sandwich” served on rye pumpernickel or the specialty “Chicken Tetrazzini” a cashew chicken salad with linguine, mushrooms, cheese, iceberg lettuce, tomato, onion and bell pepper with a house dressing drizzle on top.

Kool Beanz | 1996

921 Thomasville Road; 850-224-2466; koolbeanz-cafe.com

You may not know what to expect on the menu when you visit, but one thing is certain, the artsy, funky and family-friendly vibe of Kool Beanz Cafe remains as a consistent food landmark in Midtown. Opening in 1996, under the ownership of Keith Baxter, Kool Beanz continues to prevail as an award-winning establishment by connecting to the community with its vibrant decor, dynamic dishes, loyal staff and easy-going aura. Whenever you can catch it, one of the praised dishes from the dinner menu is linguini made with shrimp, mushrooms, tasso ham, asiago and roasted garlic cream sauce. Baxter, originally from London, uses the lessons and inspiration from his travels to keep guests on their toes with new menu options rolling out daily.

Lindy’s Chicken | 1968

1231 E. Lafayette St..; 850-877-5698; lindys-chicken.com

Tallahassee has had its fair share of chicken joints from franchises looking to settle into the capital city, but many say they don’t hold a candle to this Tallahassee institution. Lindy’s Chicken, operating for nearly 60 years, is now down to one Tallahassee location. Besides being dubbed as one of the only places rapper T-Pain visits when he’s in his hometown, this prized chicken spot got started in the back of a bowling alley and was able to expand to other locations. Outside of the specialty chicken, the “odds and ends” menu is offered as well which features gizzards and livers.

Little Italy | 1987

111 S. Magnolia Drive; 850-878-7781; littleitalytlh.com

Little Italy, a family operation has continued to serve Tallahassee a little slice of Italy for over 35 years now. The intimate shop located on Magnoli Drive has served traditional Italian dishes from pizzas, pasta entrees, baked entrees and other staple dishes. Its attractive outside dining area creates the perfect ambiance for any occasion for both its lunch and dinner service.

Mom & Dads Italian Restaurant | 1963

3421 Bannerman Road; 850-877-4518; momanddadstally.com

This fine dining Italian restaurant has been loved by generations of patrons for its traditional Italian dishes first served at its location on Apalachee Parkway. The restaurant then expanded to Bannerman and Thomasville roads over 50 years later. Not only do we know this gem for its dinner and weekend brunch services suitable for any occasion, but Mom & Dad’s Italian Restaurant made its big-screen debut when Oscar-winning director Jonathan Demme (“The Silence of the Lambs”) used its retro decor as the backdrop for a memorable scene while filming his road movie “Something Wild” (1986).

Olean’s Cafe | 1997

1605 S. Adams St.; 850-521-0259; Facebook

Anyone looking for a little bit of warmth and comfort can find it in a hearty plate from Olean’s Cafe, perfected with a side of “Jesus Passion Juice.” This cafeteria-style restaurant has been operating for nearly 30 years with the fuel of morning prayers and a determined owner, Olean McCaskill, who knows that hospitality is her calling and food is the answer, offers soul food for its breakfast and lunch services. Guests are greeted and treated like family, with staff making sure you get enough to eat and adding their recommendations if your plate is a little light. While waiting for a platter, you’re bound to reunite with an old friend or family member. Former president Joe Biden stopped by for a plate when we was vice president in 2016.

Reangthai Thai Restaurant | 1994

2740 Capital Circle N.E.; 850-386-7898; orderreangthai.com

The restaurant wedged between a handful of shops in the Festival Shopping Center on Capital Circle Northeast for nearly three decades exudes its own personality, much aligned with its operator Nipada Mulsing – warm and expressive. Mulsing, more popularly known as “Chef Donna”, makes guest feel like they are in the comfort of their own grandmother’s home with her natural attentiveness and desire to fulfill every guest that walks through the door with her authentic Thai dishes. The Thai-fused restaurant pridefully offers a mix of her grandma’s traditional recipes and Mulsing’s personal flair with the use of locally sourced ingredients.

Riccardo’s Italian Restaurant | 1999

1950 Thomasville Road; 850-386-3988; riccardostally.com

The family-owned Riccardo’s Restaurant in Betton Place celebrated 25 years of operation in Tallahassee in October. Operating since 1999, the restaurant was originally owned by Tina Lipford, who bought Riccardo’s and made it into a family affair on Capital Circle. In 2006, Lipford’s daughter Alicea and son-in law John Acevedo took over. Saucy meatballs, handmade pizzas, and a secret dough recipe, each relished for quality and consistent taste, are all factors that make Riccardo’s an Italian casual dining destination in the city, but its family style operation is what makes it a true “dining room away from home,” as their personal mantra says.

Shell Oyster Bar | 1945

14 Famu Way; 850-224-9919; Facebook

Oysters, a salty sea delicacy and Tallahassee tradition are enjoyed at longtime establishment Shell Oyster Bar located on FAMU Way. The dive style oyster shack and restaurant started in a former gas station on South Monroe Street in 1945, selling only raw oysters and small bottles of soda until 1992. When it moved to FAMU Way, still in the shadow of the Capitol, owner Leroy Milligan added fried oysters, plus scallops, shrimp, grouper and other seafood to the menu. The generous grouper sandwiches are a favorite. It’s all devoured by students, families, legislators and lobbyists alike. Cash only.

Uptown Cafe | 1983

1325 Miccosukee Road; 850-219-9800; uptowncafeandcatering.com

This family owned Uptown Cafe has been operating for more than 40 years serving appealing breakfast and lunch items daily including its giant pancakes. The intimate restaurant first operating downtown on College Avenue and moved its operations across from Tallahassee Memorial Hospital after 20 years. One of its specialties is apricot glazed smoked salmon, not only enjoyed by its Tallahassee patrons but across the nation.