REVIEW: Malio's Prime Steakhouse

Review: Malios Prime Steakhouse
400 North Ashley Drive #310
Tampa, FL 33602

Malio’s Prime Steakhouse has been in Tampa since before I can remember. Doing some research, I found out it actually first opened in 1969! Back then it was in a different location (off Dale Mabry) and I couldn't even begin to tell you what was on the menu. I'm sure there are similarities to today's menu. But, I’ll start off in 2007, when it relocated to where it is today, downtown Tampa, right on the Hillsborough River.

It’s kind of shocking that it’s been around for so long and many people who asked where we went to dinner on New Year’s Eve, followed up with a “where’s that?” I've driven by the restaurant weekly for years and always thought “We have to go there someday”. I’m going to blame it on the location, downtown Tampa, and it not being a real happenin’ place at night yet.

The parking can be a bit confusing, as Angelo didn't have a clue on where to even park. Once we did some U-turns, we drove up the driveway and spotted the valet stand, which is not complimentary.

We had reservations at 6:30 pm (party of 4) and we were kind of looking forward to getting some items off their Happy Hour Menu. It turns out they weren't offering that menu since it was New Year’s Eve, so that was a bummer.

To get to the restaurant, you walk through the lobby floor of the sky rise. The restaurant has a very “hotel/business meeting” feeling.

What we ate:

Fried Calamari: Sweet Pepper Drizzle, Parmesan, Crispy Salami & Pepperoni. Marinara to dip.

Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes: This appetizer came with 2 crab cakes.

Malio’s Salad:  I got this salad as a side/starter with my steak. It wasn't anything special.

Steaks: I ordered the 6 oz filet, while Angelo ordered the 8 oz filet. They were both slightly under cooked, but good flavor.

Sides: We ordered 4 sides to split between the four of us. Smoked Gouda Macaroni & Cheese, Steamed Broccoli, Baby Button Mushrooms, and French Fries. I don’t think any of those needs a description. They were your traditional steakhouse a la carte sides. I do want to say that the French Fries were deliciously crispy.

Dessert:

Cheesecake and Crème Brulee

Drinks:

Champagne: Champagne Overload over here!

Moscow Mules: Angelo didn't think they had enough vodka in them.

The complaint box:
The happy hour menu wasn't available on New Years Eve.

We all think the waitress politely kicked us out, but it was about midnight and we just needed to leave at that point anyways. She was nice.

Score Card

On a scale from 1-5 stars (in the high end Steakhouse category) Malio’s Prime gets a 3!
While our food was excellent and I would probably go back again someday, I don’t think there was anything special about any of the menu items we ordered.  It’s your cookie cutter steakhouse with the same sides and appetizers as their competition (Flemings, Charley’s). I do like the location; it’s the only steakhouse in the downtown area, so it would definitely be a great place to go if you have tickets to a show at the Straz or Tampa Theatre. 

Have you been to Malio's before? Did you have a good experience?

What is your favorite Steakhouse in the Tampa area?

XOXO