We're deep into The Dog Days of Tampa Summer so we decided to escape the heat by sneaking into the new Cask Social Kitchen.  Located in a beautiful indoor-outdoor space on the northern end of the Soho party strip, Cask is not your typical Howard Avenue spot.

Partners TJ Miller, Adam Itkowitz and Vincent Jackson, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver, wanted to bring the best in southern fare and handcrafted cocktails to Soho.  They reinvented the 5,200 square foot Mangroves/Sunova Beach spot into a refined two story restaurant-bar.  There's wood everywhere, along with "industrial-hip" touches like Edison bulbs, Big Ass Fans, and cool reclaimed artwork on the walls. 

 

Cocktails were calling our name so we took a seat at the charming indoor-outdoor bar.  It just happened to be Happy Hour so I decided to dive into one of their special $6 Mason Jar Punches.  It was a difficult choice between The Southern Belle and Black Bubbles but I chose the latter and wasn't disappointed. 

Black Bubbles is Ketel One Vodka, fresh blackberries. St. George Raspberry Liqueur, fresh lemon juice, and topped with champagne, so refreshing and delicious on a hot summer day! Aside from the $6 Mason Jar Happy Hour Drink Special they also offer $5 Red and White Wine as well as $6 Champagne.

Cask has a full menu of tempting handcrafted cocktails.  Their Tito's Lemonade, made with Tito’s Vodka, fresh squeezed lemon juice and seasonal berries was a crowd favorite as well as The Bee's Knees, made with Hendrick’s Gin, fresh blueberries, honey, and fresh lemon juice.  

Some of the cocktails are worth ordering just because of their inventive names.  Why not try The Ol' Dirty Bastard made with Belvedere Unfiltered Rare Diamond Rye, olive juice, fresh cracked pepper, and goat cheese olives; the Farmer's Daughter made with Hanson Organic Vodka, fresh watermelon and Thatcher’s Organic Elderflower Liqueur; or The Hoppy made with Death’s Door Gin, fresh grapefruit juice and Cigar City Jai Alai.

Cask also offers $6 Happy Hour Shareables. Choices include Duck Wings, Buffalo Cauliflower, Edamame Hummus, and Deviled Eggs.  I loved the Buffalo Cauliflower which is buttermilk fried with a scratch-made buffalo sauce and ranch on the side for dipping.  

My friend adored the Duck Wings which have an orange Sriracha glaze, scallions, and toasted sesame.

I thought my hunger pangs had subsided until the Cask Mac 'N Cheese arrived!  Made with cavatappi pasta, 5 artisanal cheeses and baked with a crunchy herb crust, it's absolutely divine! 

Unfortunately we had to call it a night but I will be back at Cask, soon!  You should give it a try too.