Tucked off E Sligh Ave, Frontier Steakhouse does not shout for attention, but the sizzling aroma from its grill speaks loud enough. Locals swear by the char-kissed steaks, the kind that arrive perfectly cooked and full of smoky depth.
Inside, Western decor and roomy booths set a relaxed, old-school vibe that feels like a secret you are glad to share. If you crave a classic steakhouse experience with heart and history, this Tampa favorite is worth planning your evening around.
Bone-In Ribeye Signature Cut
The bone-in ribeye is the kind of steak that makes you slow down and savor every bite. Thick, juicy, and kissed with a smoky char, it brings that classic steakhouse flavor you crave.
You can hear the sizzle as it lands on the table, and the aroma promises the deep marbling will melt into buttery richness.
Order it medium or medium-rare to enjoy the perfect balance of crust and tenderness. A simple pat of butter and a sprinkle of salt let the beef shine.
Pair it with sweet tea if you want to lean into the Southern comfort vibe that regulars love.
What makes this ribeye special is consistency. Even reviewers who nitpick other details admit the seasoning and char hit the mark.
You get a hearty, satisfying plate that feels like Tampa tradition, best enjoyed in a roomy booth under warm lights.
Sirloin and Scampi Combo
If you like surf and turf without the fuss, the sirloin and scampi combo hits a sweet spot. The sirloin arrives with a gentle smoky edge and a firm, juicy bite.
Next to it, garlicky shrimp scampi glistens in butter, creating a savory contrast that keeps your fork moving back and forth.
This is the order to choose when you want a little variety, especially if you are sharing bites across the table. Squeeze the lemon over the shrimp for brightness, then drag the sirloin through any buttery drippings.
You will appreciate the straightforward, old-school approach.
Regulars often mention how well the steak is cooked to order, and this combo keeps that promise. It is not fussy dining, just dependable flavor and portion value.
If you are new to Frontier, consider this an easy on-ramp to the steak crowd, with enough seafood flair to keep things interesting.
Big Bang Shrimp Starter
Start with a little fireworks by ordering the Big Bang Shrimp. Lightly breaded, crisp, and coated in a creamy, mildly spicy sauce, these bite-size pieces disappear fast.
The heat is friendly rather than fierce, so you can keep snacking without reaching for water every minute.
The texture is what wins people over. There is a satisfying crunch under the sauce, and the seasoning lands in that craveable zone.
A shareable portion means your table will get involved quickly, which sets a fun tone for the meal.
While the menu leans classic, this starter gives you a modern, zippy twist before the steaks arrive. It pairs nicely with sweet tea or a cold beer.
If you are on the fence about appetizers, this is the nudge that pays off, and it will not ruin your appetite for the main event.
Classic Baked Potato Side
A steakhouse baked potato should be simple, hot, and generously sized, and Frontier sticks the landing. Split it open to release the steam, then add butter, sour cream, and chives for a creamy, comforting side.
The skin is sturdy enough to hold up, perfect if you like scraping every last fluffy bite.
There is no showy twist here, just the kind of potato that feels right next to a well-charred ribeye. Some diners wish for extras like fresh-shaved cheese, but the basics do exactly what they are meant to do.
Season with a little salt and pepper and call it perfect.
If you want to stretch your meal without overwhelming the steak, this is the move. It soaks up juices, complements the crust, and adds that old-school steakhouse balance.
It is a reliable classic that tastes like the way dinners used to be done.
Sample Platter Appetizer
When the table is indecisive, the sample platter steps in like a friendly referee. You get a mix of crispy, shareable bites with dipping sauces that keep hands moving.
It is the appetizer equivalent of rolling out the welcome mat, especially for families or larger groups.
Frontier leans into comfort-food favorites, so expect classics over house-made novelties. That is part of the charm if you are in the mood for familiar flavors.
It pairs especially well with cold drinks and conversation while you wait for steaks to land.
Reviewers say the platter does not disappoint when you want a little bit of everything. It is a straightforward crowd-pleaser that does its job: take the edge off hunger without stealing the show.
If your goal is a friendly, relaxed meal, this sampler gets everyone settled and smiling before the main course arrives.
Western-Themed Dining Room Vibe
Frontier’s dining room feels like stepping into a familiar chapter of steakhouse history. Warm wood, roomy booths, and Western accents create a relaxed space where conversation flows.
It is comfortable without pretense, and that is exactly why locals keep coming back.
If you love old-school charm, you will appreciate the dim glow and spacious layout. It is a setting that lets the food be the star while still feeling special.
Date night, birthdays, or a casual Tuesday all fit here, especially if you arrive after doors open at 4:30 PM.
Yes, some edges show age, but that patina reads as character to many. The mood pairs perfectly with a char-grilled steak and a glass of sweet tea.
You will leave with that satisfied, unhurried feeling that only a classic chophouse atmosphere seems to deliver consistently.
Sweet Tea and Simple Sips
Sometimes the best pairing for a steak is not fancy at all. Frontier’s sweet tea is refreshingly straightforward, poured over clinking ice with a lemon slice.
It softens the smoky edges of a ribeye and keeps you sipping between bites.
If you prefer something even simpler, stick with water or a light beer and let the steak speak. The idea here is balance, not flash.
Drinks support the meal, they do not try to steal the spotlight from that charred crust.
This easygoing approach matches the restaurant’s overall vibe. You are here for comfort and tradition, not a mixology show.
Settle in, sip slowly, and let the flavors build at their own pace, just like a relaxed Tampa evening should feel.
Service That Feels Personal
Guests regularly shout out servers by name, and that tells you a lot about the service culture here. Whether it is Michelle guiding first-timers or Susan celebrating birthdays, the staff leans into hospitality.
You feel looked after, not managed, which turns a good steak into a memorable night.
Recommendations are spot on, from Big Bang Shrimp to the cut that best suits your appetite. Refill timing feels natural, and the check arrives without pressure.
It is the kind of interaction that makes you want to return with friends.
When celebrations happen, staff are quick with photos, candles, and warm wishes. That personal touch lingers long after the plates are cleared.
If you value genuine, attentive service over trends, Frontier delivers an experience that feels like being welcomed back, even on your first visit.
Timing Your Visit
Frontier keeps a focused schedule, opening at 4:30 PM on Tuesdays and staying closed Mondays, so plan around that window. Arriving early helps you settle into a comfy booth and beat any dinner rush.
It also means steaks hit the grill before the busiest hour, which can feel like a small luxury.
If you are celebrating, call ahead to confirm hours and ask about larger parties. The roomy layout handles groups well, but a little planning goes a long way.
You will appreciate the relaxed pacing when birthdays or family gatherings are on the agenda.
Parking is straightforward, and the low-key exterior hides a welcoming interior. Step in, breathe in that char, and let time slow down.
With expectations set, the experience becomes smoother, and every sizzle from the kitchen sounds like your cue to enjoy.
What Locals Really Say
Scan recent reviews and a pattern appears. Steaks come out as ordered, the char is memorable, and servers earn high praise by name.
Even when folks nitpick starters or decor, they circle back to this: the steak itself delivers.
One traveler called their search spot on after landing here for vacation. Another family celebrated a birthday and left raving about service and photos to remember it by.
A more mixed review still credited the ribeye’s seasoning and grill flavor as a highlight.
What you get is a consistent message from locals and visitors alike. Frontier feels comfortable, honest, and focused on the main event.
If a great steak anchors your night, this is the kind of place that turns first-timers into repeat regulars with a single perfectly cooked cut.
How To Order For Success
Want a foolproof lineup your table will love? Start with Big Bang Shrimp to wake up your taste buds, then split a bone-in ribeye and a sirloin combo so everyone gets char and scampi.
Add a baked potato or two to catch those savory juices, and sip sweet tea for a smooth counterpoint.
Ask your server for doneness guidance based on cut thickness that night. Medium-rare often shines on well-marbled steaks, while sirloin rewards a touch firmer.
Trust their read on timing, especially if the dining room is buzzing.
If you are celebrating, mention it early. Frontier leans into milestones with genuine warmth, making simple moments feel special.
Leave room for conversation, not just courses, and you will walk out feeling like you did dinner the old-fashioned Tampa way: hearty, friendly, and fully satisfied.