Tampa has a wide variety of unique neighborhoods, and Tampa's signature party central, Ybor City, it’s not for the faint hearted once the sun goes down. Stay overnight at the Hampton Inn & Suites, and party till the wee hours if you dare. Ybor City nightlife includes some of the hottest college bars & night clubs in Tampa. You will also find everything to include techno dance clubs, outdoor patio bars, martini bars, entertainment venues, happy hour bars, live music jazz bars and much more.
History is everywhere, from the Spanish facades to the Ybor Museum State Park where you can tour a cigar worker's home and visit the gardens. So much history up in smoke, a visit to Ybor must include shopping Tampa Sweethearts Cigar Company and King Corona cigars cafe and bar.
Two of the biggest events are the Guavaween Festival and the Gasparilla Night Parade. There is trolley transportation to and from Downtown Tampa and Channelside. Also enjoy shopping at the many specialty shops along the streets as well as Centro Ybor which also has restaurants, Muvico movie theater & a few bars.
Ybor City is a diner's delight, from the homemade deviled crabs and Spanish bean soup at La Tropicana Cafe to the fresh seafood at Shrimp & Co. Restaurant. Everywhere, pungent Cuban coffee, chilled Sangria and eclectic shops beckon.
DINING
Beaune's Wine Bar - One of the region's best collection of Spanish, French and Italian wines, which you can sip at the bar, or choose to accompany a continental meal fit for kings.
Columbia Restaurant: A Florida tradition since 1905, this restaurant has entertained locals and celebrities year after year. One of the most famous dishes is Cuban Black Bean Soup. This age old recipe still draws locals and wins over skeptical visitors. Don’t’ leave without trying the famous 1905 Salad.
Samurai Blue: Some of the best Nigiri, Sashimi and Makimono in the area and dozens of sake choices.
The Green Iguana: Stop in for “Good times, Old History.” Old Key West Shrimp, mojitos, frou frou cocktail and on Monday, enjoy some local entertainment Monday at open mike night.
Acropolis Taverna: Traditional Greek specialties, gyros, and a Greek salad, following by lots of ouzo and partying.
NIGHTLIFE
For uncommon fun for the common good, hit Club Czar. This authentic vodka bar has the flavor of the Czars. Night owls will also enjoy Club Prana, Club Skye, G-Bar, New World Brewery and others, followed by a smoke at Habibi Cafe & Hookah Bar.
Laugh out loud at the Improv Comedy Theater. Giggles begin with the Last Comic Standing wannabes and for the brave, you can spin your best jokes on stage,or take a class and improve your chances.
For a particularly interesting evening on the town, you have to try The Castle. Opened on Guavaween 1992, this off the wall establishment has been going strong ever since. This nightclub serves up extra strong drinks and live celebrity deejays spinning every genre of music.
