All Aboard! The Station Grill is an exciting new addition to the South Tampa dining and entertainment scene. Opening soon at 1001 West Cass St., just one block west from the University of Tampa, The Station Grill will feature delicious food, craft beer, cocktails, live music and DJ's in a railroad inspired space that pays homage to the "King of Florida", Henry B. Plant.
Back in 1884, Tampa was a sandy, rather desolate town of only a few hundred. There were no paved streets, sidewalks were made of planks, and the ancient wooden bridge that crossed the river at Lafayette Street displayed a sign that read "Walk Your Horses". The area that is now Hyde Park was uncharted wilderness with little more than cattle paths winding their way through the woods. Then, a man named Mr. Henry B. Plant came to town and everything changed.
Henry B. Plant was a railroad magnate with rail lines running through Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. But, his sights were set on Florida, Tampa in particular. He built the Plant System, a network of rail and steamship lines which connected Florida producers with the Eastern seaboard. He laid 1,196 miles of tracks across the state which enticed many industries to Tampa and allowed the states' citrus, celery, cigar, lumber and phosphate industries to flourish.
Thanks to the Plant System, Florida's tourism industry also started to boom. Northerners seeking refuge from the harsh winters "rode the rails" to bask in the Florida sunshine. Plant built 8 Florida hotels but opened his grandest and most lavish hotel, the Tampa Bay Hotel, in 1891.
Built in the style of a Moorish palace, it cost over $2 million to construct and nearly $500,000 to furnish. In addition to the lavish room amenities, guests could enjoy golf, tennis, shuffleboard, billiards, a casino, a race track, a flower conservatory, stables and places for wild game hunting, fishing, sailing, rowing, and canoeing. Today, a portion of the Tampa Bay Hotel and its grounds house the University of Tampa campus.
Rising in the shadows of Plant's famous Tampa Bay Hotel and the University of Tampa campus is The Station Grill. This fun, railroad themed restaurant and bar is the perfect place to unwind with friends and enjoy an excellent array of food and drinks.
Specialities include Station Loaded Nachos, House Made Onion Rings, Smoked Fish Dip, Station Mac 'N Cheese, Station Grouper Sandwich, Station Grouper Tacos, Station Burger, Sweet Potato Fries, Tots and a special Late Night Menu. Wash it all down with an assortment of craft beer, wine and cocktails inside or on the large patio. Party the night away to live music, DJ's, video DJ's or your favorite sports.
Stay tuned for the opening date. This is one train you don't want to miss!
