The food at Row Boat Mediterrean Cuisine is delicious, it is well plated and very fresh. The portion size of the platters will certainly fill you up.
Cons:
They do not have their own parking lot but the garage and street parking is plentiful.
Comments:
I went to Row Boat for the first time during lunch and was on it immediately. The staff was super friendly and the food was amazing. I actually liked the food better than Acropolis. Mostly because they season everything with spices and can make your order spicy. I do wish they had a more intimate restaurant area and not just the quick fast casual experience; however, that does make it a great lunch spot and an alternative to the Downtown options.
The food at Taco Bus is amazing! The service was very friendly and quick.
Cons:
The original location is not in the best area of Tampa.
Comments:
I rated them a 10 for restaurant atmosphere because it is their own unique atmosphere they create. It is a one of a kind experience to eat at Taco Bus. I suggest trying a few different items from the menu. They have multiple locations now including one in Downtown Tampa.
The food was delicious and the outdoor patio is a great way to enjoy the Tampa weather.
Cons:
Our server was not on top of it at all and we waited way to long for server but the food and drinks did not take very long. The parking is not the best and they have an overflow lot by a gas station.
Comments:
Bungalow is not the best place to go for a quick lunch as the service was not the best. The food was very good and the portions were certainly fair. Go on a good day and enjoy the patio. Also the beer selection, at least what our server told us about, was not too good. Still worth the visit!
The food is by far the biggest pro at La Teresita. The flavor was good, the portions are fare and the price is affordable.
Cons:
It can be a little confusing that you have a cafeteria separate from the dining room so if you are meeting friends, make sure you communicate exactly what part of the restaurant you are meeting.
Comments:
Plenty of parking in the back of the restaurant. I suggest going to La Teresita at lunch and experience it again at dinner. The Sangria is very good but very sweet.
The outdoor shopping experience represents Tampa well.
Cons:
There could be more restaurants and shops.
Comments:
The Hyde Park Village is well known for hosting events such as their holiday events, live music and art festivals. It is a nice little area tucked away in Hyde Park and they have a parking garage.
They offer both Chicago style deep dish pizza and New York style pizza.
Cons:
35 minute wait for carryout order seems a bit long for just one pizza and cheese bread.
Comments:
The restaurant looks really nice from the outside but when you are inside it feels too small because the kitchen is smack in the middle. But for a pizza joint, Cappy's fits the bill. They also have a decent selection of beer. We tried the Chicago style and the pizza was really filling and made for a couple meals with the left overs. Worth trying but not something I would frequent at the price.
The atmosphere is wonderful! They have this southern hospitality feel going on. The food is unique and delicious.
Cons:
The parking is limited in the area.
Comments:
Their benches are wooden benches almost like having a picnic so some might find them uncomfortable but I thought they were unique and a great part of the dining experience. The smoked wings were really good. Different from your ordinary wings but the smoked flavor and sauce were a perfect match. I look forward to going back again soon.
Winthrop Town Center has a good variety of restaurants that include Greek, burgers, tex-mex, pizza and dessert. The shopping center has a unique style that gives it a historic ambiance.
Cons:
The parking lot sometimes fills up making it a little annoying and the exit onto Bloomingdale Ave can be dangerous at times.
Comments:
Winthrop is one of my favorite shopping centers in the area, primarily because it is well kept up and has some very good options for dining.
Curtis Hixon Park is clean, has great views of the city, is easy to get to and is a great place for concerts.
Cons:
I usually can find street parking in the city but parking sometimes can be annoying.
Comments:
I enjoy going to Curtis Hixon Park even just as a place to relax. The events they host here are always a great time and it brings action to the city, which Tampa really needs more things to do in Downtown.
The breakfast sandwiches on cuban bread are amazing! The cafe de leche is very sweet as expected and delicious.
Cons:
The service could be a little quicker in the morning but it is worth the wait.
Comments:
For anyone commuting from Brandon area to Downtown, Liborios is a great place to stop for breakfast. I have not been there any other time but they do also have a bar area with a pool table. This is a dive restaurant/bar but a place you must check out.
The drinks are never disappointing and there is a wide selection of food to choose from when dining.
Cons:
The last two times I have been to this location, the service was nowhere near exceptional which is not like The Cheesecake Factory. Servers did not clear plates timely and even managers would be walking around but did not clear plates. The Spicy Chicken sandwich was sub-par. Parking, as with any place at the Brandon Mall, is horrible.
Comments:
It will be a while before I go back, but hopefully next time, I will be as impressed with this place as I have been at other Cheesecake Factory locations.
The venue is huge and can hold quite the crowd. Even when there is a long line, they move the people quickly through the doors.
Cons:
If you arrive late you will have parking trouble. They will also tow your car if you are not parked legally.
Comments:
The Dallas Bull is a huge country night club venue. They have pool tables, dart boards, multiple dance floors and plenty of bars to get drinks served quickly. Country concerts at Dallas Bull are a must see. You can also go to the 2nd floor and watch from above the crowd. If you Love Country then you will Love the Dallas Bull!
The sunsets over the Bay and there is a little beach area along the water to walk down to.
Cons:
Comments:
Cypress Point Park is tucked away and everytime I have gone, there have been few people at the park which makes me feel like there is a hidden gem that even many locals don't know about. Great place to have a picnic lunch or enjoy an evening with some friends.
There are several different rooms and bars inside of Czar which allows you to move around for a change of scenery throughout the night.
Cons:
Unless you are a regular, it is hard to know what night is a good night to go.
Comments:
I have only been to Czar a couple times and I would say that it is a crazy night club in Ybor City. I go to a lot of places in Ybor and this is not one of my favorite but I would go back again. It is certainly far from your typical night club and I suggest you know what is going on the night you go so you have a better idea of what to expect. There are several clubs to choose from in Ybor and you can always hop around from club to club. So arriving early in Ybor allows you to avoid long lines.
Crazy Buffet is located within walking distance from Raymond James Stadium and it is a great place to go after a long day of tailgating and drinking at a USF Football game or Bucs game. The variety of food and sushi is amazing.
Cons:
The quality, as with most Buffets, is not always the best.
Comments:
Going there for lunch is about half the price but still has a lot of great selections including sushi rolls.
The food at Capital Grille is typical of your upscale steakhouse. The few times I went though I was quite pleased. The outside dining is nice for people watching at Bay Street but the inside is much more romantic.
Cons:
Parking at International Plaza can be annoying although it is not nearly as bad as the Brandon Mall.
Comments:
Enjoy a bottle of wine or martinis with your steak. The Capital Grille is about the experience so if you are not ready to put down a few bucks, then head over to the nearest Outback Steakhouse.
The bucket specials always make for a good night! Howl at the Moon is one of the best places in Tampa to have your Birthday Party or a party for any occasion. The live entertainment is engaging and makes for a fun and energetic atmosphere. Some of the best piano players at this dueling piano bar.
Cons:
The parking at Channelside is not always the best but they have the Valet parking lot nearby too.
Comments:
I highly recommend you arrive early to Howl at the Moon becaue it gets extremely crowded. Having a few tables close to the piano players is a great way to experience the bar. Bring money for tipping! This is a great pre-party bar as well so when I say arrive early, go when they open and get your party started!
When you go to tour the Yuengling Brewery you get two beers to sample for free. Not to mention the tours are free too so it definately makes a good bang for the buck.
Cons:
You only get to have two beers when you do the tour. It is understandable though.
Comments:
If you have never taken a tour of a brewery, the Yuengling Brewery tour is definately a great experience. There is a lot of history about the beer as well which will make you love the beer even more!
If you like greasy New York pizza, then you will love Eddie and Sams New York Pizza. Some of the best pizza in Tampa and convenient for those working in Downtown Tampa.
Cons:
Parking on the streets in downtown are a hit or miss during the day, but if you can walk here then you are in for a treat.
Comments:
I go for the pizza with chicken and jalopeno loaded with some crushed red pepper, but you can never go wrong with a good pepperoni pizza pie.
Located across the street from St Pete Times Forum, so this is a great bar to pre-game or celebrate after the Lightning games or concerts. They have fresh sushi rolled at the sushi bar.
Cons:
Can be loud if there is a game or concert going on and you have to pay for parking.
Comments:
They set up a tent during big games and concerts to have extra room for the party and sometimes feature live music. The Luxury Box is building up to be one of Tampa's premier Sports Bars.
The Kennedy has great music, guest DJs and has both indoor and outdoor bars. The VIP sections are close to the dance floor and make it a great spot to host a party.
Cons:
The only parking available is valet parking, otherwise you are on your own which is very difficult any night in Hyde Park.
Comments:
Get on the guest list if possible because some nights have a very long line to get into the club.
The food, the atmosphere and the service. I have never had a bad experience with service or food. They can handle large groups of people for lunch on most days.
Cons:
For people that work in Downtown, you have to drie to Ybor and find parking on the streets or in a nearby garage; however, the garages are very cheap.
Comments:
Pitcher specials during lunch time always makes a good break from a busy day. They also feature daily and nightly specials to make a more affordable option for dining out. They feature wing specials with a variety of flavors to choose from. They also have a nice outdoor patio option for dining outside.
The Tampa Bay Brewing Company has some of the best beer in the area! If you like beer, then you will love Brew Co! The food here is suprising good as well. The overstuffed calzones are a great choice or any of their sandwiches.
Cons:
They do not have their own parking lot. You need to either park on the streets in Ybor City or a nearby parking garage.
Comments:
I wish they did more events and had live music nights. They have a huge patio in Centro Ybor with a good size bar too.
They have amazing food, friendly staff, private dining, outdoor dining, very clean, great happy hour specials and plenty of parking!
Cons:
Cannot think of one!
Comments:
They have several locations so it is hard for me to say which is my favorite. This GrillSmith is definately worth checking out if you have never been here!
This is one of my favorite GrillSmith locations. Although location is very nice for their own reasons. I love the large outdoor patio here. It is a good spot if you like people watching by the mall but most importantly it is just a great spot for large groups. The Private Party dining areas are also very nice. Had a birthday party and had great service and experience.
Cons:
The mall traffic.
Comments:
I wish the bar was open later because this location is the closest to my house!
This is by far one of my favorite Hard Rock Cafes. Not just because it is here in Tampa but all the Technology used throughout the place is amazing! Nothing quite like it!
Cons:
The only issue I have is that you have to park and enter through the casino. But that is part of the whole experience anyways!
Comments:
They have several Live Music acts throughout the week. Live bands, DJs, comedy shows! Also you can play slots while at the bar. Check out the Rock Wall and shop for your favorite Rock gear!
This bar has ultimate drink specials including sink or swims and nickel beer nights. I once went here with one other person, had a blast all night and only spent a few dollars. They have beer pong, flip cup, pool tables, dancing and much more.
Cons:
Parking seems ok but I can imagine it causing some trouble since they sometimes get slammed with a lot of people.
Comments:
This is a USF Bulls hangout spot. Great place to watch the USF Football games.
The food here is always consistent and amazing. The drinks are delicious. I highly recommend the Spicy Thai Shrimp appetizer and you can't go wrong with free breadsticks!
Cons:
They should have a few more flavors of mojitos and margaritas.
Comments:
Arrive early for happy hour if you can so that you can get a table.
The food is delicious, the staff is friendly and the dining experience is wonderful. If you have not yet been to GrillSmith, I highly recommend you checking them out. They have multiple locations throughout Tampa Bay too.
Cons:
Comments:
Do not skip out on dessert. Order the Bananas Foster!
The food at Gogos is always good and fresh. The service is also been top notch as well as their delivery. I have eaten here several times and have always been more than pleased.
Cons:
The parking is somewhat limited in the front of the restaurant but more parking is in the back.
Comments:
I suggest trying different things each time you go. I also get the double meat having both steak and chicken sometimes. Also be sure to try the Greek Yogurt which is also delicious.
The pizza and beer selection make this a great place to go. The service is friendly and the specials save on the wallet.
Cons:
Located in a shopping plaza.
Comments:
If you are a fan of great beer, this is definately a place to check out. The wide selection of beers on tap, bottled beers and season beers can keep you coming back for more.
Great location in Channelside away from most of the problems near the larger bars. Has great staff and management always spending time with the guests. The people that hang out here are very friendly. They also carry a great selection of cigars and have TVs to watch the games.
Cons:
The parking garage in Channelside is probably the worst I have ever experienced. It is not Lit's fault. I would suggest the Valet lot right near the bar.
Comments:
Lit Cigar Lounge is exactly the type of bar Channelside has been needing. Something trendy but welcomes casual. A small martini lounge type bar with a great crowd. Lit has done a great job bringing that to Channelside.
There is so much to do at The Retreat! 2 pool tables, dart boards, corn hole machine, juke box, arcades and great drinks.
Cons:
They do not serve food but they allow you to order delivery.
Comments:
This is a great place for happy hour especially if you work right in Downtown Tampa. The Retreat is also a great spot to bring a large group as there is plenty of entertainment at this bar.
Splitsville has a lot to entertain you. Enjoy bowling, play some pool, drink from a fish bowl. Combine it all with great pizza and sushi and you have a great place for a Friday or Saturday night.
Cons:
You can easily spend a lot of money in one night.
Comments:
I would recommend trying their pizza. People rave about their sushi but personally I think its good but not amazing. I guess try it out for yourself. Splitsville is a lot of fun though and I would recommend trying it out if you have never been there.
The gym is open 24 hrs on most days and they offer many classes including boxing classes. The machines are all in great shape and they have tanning beds.
Cons:
The parking can sometimes be a bit crazy but they usually have plenty of spaces with the parking in the front, an overflow lot and parking along the side.
Comments:
Although I never saw it too busy, I enjoyed going late at night because you do not have a crowd of people so you don't have to split time on machines.
I have always loved the food at Green Iguana and this is just another great location. The food, the people and the atmosphere are great.
Cons:
The parking is kinda tricky. Sometimes they have the back parking lot blocked off and have you go through the valet parking but I don't think they make you valet if you don't want to.
Comments:
The Green Iguana is located in the Westshore Hotel so I recommend just parking in the back of the hotel and walk in the back entrance. When I first heard of them opening this new Green Iguana location I didn't think it was such a great idea but I was quite impressed. The restaurant is extremely nice, the food is just as great, and the bar has a great crowd. A few things...there is a bathroom in the hotel hallway that is rarely used so there is no wait, a great place to go for dinner and a few drinks before catching a movie at the Westshore Plaza movie theater and finally...if you can...check out all the Green Iguana locations in Tampa. Each one is uniquely different so there is bound to be a favorite for everyone!
The "Blue Martinis" are amazing, the music and atmosphere is off the charts and the location is great. Although the parking lot at the mall can get busy, they have valet close to the club.
Cons:
Expensive for the average person but worth the experience.
The service was incredible, the food was amazing & the mojitos were delicious. There is a variety of appetizers, mojitos & martinis.
Cons:
I live in Tampa but it is certainly worth the drive.
Comments:
I recently went here with some friends because I heard great things about Mojito's Grill and they were certainly right. Everything was wonderful. The mojitos were delicious, we enjoyed outdoor seating, live music was being played and the food was incredible. I highly recommend you trying this place out.
Located in Downtown Tampa which makes it convenient and much easier to get together with friends to watch them play. The St Pete Times Forum is a great venue for the Lightning and always a great time.
Cons:
When they lose it is not nearly as fun leaving the game.
Comments:
The Tampa Bay Lightning are Stanley Cup champions and hopefully will be champions again for 2011! Let the Lightning Strike twice!
The park rangers here are very helpful. The museum and the state grounds are usually in beatiful shape & the small fee is well worth the knowledge you gain about the history of Ybor City.
Cons:
They do not have their own parking lot so you either need to park in meters, walk from the Ybor City parking garages, 7th Ave or get lucky and find a spot on 19th Street just north of Palm Ave.
Comments:
Great place to hold a ceremony or outdoor meeting.
The food is amazing. I did not expect a neighborhood bar like this to have great food but you will love it. Try their wings but one of my favorite is the steak quesadillas. There is plenty of entertainment such as video games, pool & music. The staff is friendly & ready to serve.
Cons:
Comments:
They have Karaoke on Friday & Saturday nights which is a blast. But this place is also great for lunch, dinner & late night eating. I will return time & time again.
Channelside has been needing an upscale type lounge bar & The 29 did a great job in bringing that to them. I look forward to seeing what The 29 will do for the area.
The food, drinks & atmosphere create a feeling of being on a Caribbean vacation. Live music every night of the week, on the water with a large outdoor patio, the service & plenty of parking including valet parking. The well drinks are call or premium liquors such as Smirnoff & Barcardi rather than no name liquors.
Cons:
They close at 2am on the weekends and not 3am like most bars in Hillsborough County.
Comments:
This is a great place to eat if you are visiting the area or just looking for a different place to try out. Great food, people & atmosphere. I recommend you try several things off the menu including the drink menu.
The staff is always friendly and it is a great bar during hockey season.
Cons:
Parking on the streets in Downtown Tampa are not always easy. They do have a parking lot that is sometimes available.
Comments:
For being a staple bar/restaurant in downtown for such a long time, I would think that Hattricks would be more popular among locals. They are always slammed when a convention is going on but a normal Thursday night could have a lot more going on.
Located in the heart of Ybor city and conveniently located in walking distance from nearby parking. Green Iguana burgers are amazing! The crab rangoon is a great appetizer along with their chicken wings.
Cons:
Going to Green Iguana Ybor for lunch is a hit or miss when it comes to parking. The nearby parking garage is only $1 but is a short walk. During the hot summer months, it can be difficult to walk in business clothes.
Comments:
The Happy Hour at Green Iguana lasts longer than your typical happy hour. I recommend their specialty drinks, the Grouper sandwich, burgers and chicken wings. This GI has changed over the years and although it does not have the party atmosphere that it once did, it is a staple in Ybor and will live past most bars/clubs in the area.
The entertainment rocks & the staff always puts on a good show.
Cons:
There isn't much of a drink selection but what can you expect from a bar that is known for serving Jack Daniels & Budweiser to a rowdy crowd.
Comments:
Saturdays are rockin' all night but be sure to spend some time in there during happy hour because it gives you a chance to talk to the coyotes & actually check out the bar. Also don't leave without getting a Body Shot & a Penalty Shot.
The people who hang out here really make this a fun & chill place to go. Everyone is friendly at The Rack! The sushi is amazing and probably the best place I have ever had Sushi.
Cons:
The parking lot is in rough shape with holes and bumps so be careful driving through it. Also on busy nights you might have to park in overflow lots.
Comments:
If you are looking for a place to play a few games of pool, throw some darts, meet some people, eat awesome sushi or just have a few drinks...The Rack is definately a place to go!
Pros: They have amazing food, friendly staff, private dining, outdoor dining, very clean, great happy hour specials and plenty of parking! ... Cons: Cannot think of one! ... Comments: They have several locations so it is hard for me to say which is my favorite. This GrillSmith is definately worth checking out if you have never been here! ... Overall Rating:
Pros: IF you go on tuesday or Thursday you can do the all you can play game and go karts. ... Cons: Prices could be a little cheaper for the big go kart ring. ... Comments: ... Overall Rating:
Pros: Awesome atmosphere, great lighting and effects, and good dj's ... Cons: Ridiculously expensive drinks, very narrow corridor setup, expensive cover charge ... Comments: I went to Aja for the first time the other night and was pleased and displeased at the same time. The club is split into three narrow corridors which ... Overall Rating:
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