A nice change of pace in Ybor where there isn't loud club music blasting so loud it hurts your…read moreears. Here you can walk in, sit at the bar and get yourself a real cocktail. That is what I was looking for, and that is what I got. Up first, I tried a $15 Grapefruit Moon. The bartender warned me if I don't like grapefruit, I won't like this drink. Holy smokes he wasn't joking. I was hoping the mezcal would cancel out some of the grapefruit, but it really didn't. Super duper strong grapefruit taste. Then, I tried a $15 Martini. It's a pretty standard dirty martini. I liked it, and it was fine. Good to see there is a place in Ybor with real cocktails, and not cheap awful cocktails served in a plastic cup. I didn't try any food or any other items. I'd just be a little worried that on a Saturday night during primetime there were like 10 people in here. Although, that's also why I walked in here because it was quiet and not crowded.

Lara is such a fun and unique spot in Florida! The vibe is eclectic with small plates that are…read moreperfect for sharing, and the cocktail menu feels like it was designed by an apothecary creative, balanced, and so much fun to explore. Plenty of easy street parking, which made getting here a breeze. My wife and I split the tuna tostada (she dove right in as soon as it hit the table!) and the Maduros Negras caramelized plantains with cilantro, aioli, and pickled onions. Both were packed with flavor and beautifully done. This is one of those places that feels like a little discovery you come for the food, stay for the cocktails, and leave already planning your next visit. Highly recommend for a date night or a casual night out with friends! We sat at the bar and had great service! Bartenders know the drinks well and had some great suggestions to get us started and what paired with each dish. Ps - the drink here is the fruit cup!

The Copper Shaker is easily a 10/10 vibe all the way around. If you're looking for a bite to eat or…read morea few drinks, this is absolutely the place to go. I was in Tampa for work and stumbled upon this spot, and from the moment I walked in, I felt genuinely welcomed by the staff. The energy was warm and relaxed, the kind of place where you instantly feel at ease. I enjoyed it so much that I came back twice in one day. For food, I ordered the Steak and Holly, which was packed with flavor. After I had finished the steak, I mentioned to my colleague how much juice and seasoning was still left at the bottom of the bowl. Unbeknownst to me, the bartender overheard and came out with a bowl of rice so I could finish it all. That small, thoughtful gesture really stood out. Special shout-out to the bartender, Jesus--he really made the experience. I also tried several specialty cocktails--many made on the spot based on the flavors and alcohol I requested. The bartenders were attentive, creative, and clearly passionate about what they do. Later that evening, I came back for the "Sunday School" experience, and the vibe completely delivered. The ambiance screamed lounge-meets-speakeasy, and the space felt welcoming and inclusive. Have you ever been blessed by stumbling upon a gem while traveling? Because that's exactly what this was. A true Ybor find, and a place I'll absolutely return to next time I'm in Tampa.

Copper Shaker Ybor is an absolute vibe! The moody, cool ambiance create the perfect atmosphere for…read morea night out. Whether you're looking for a stylized spot for photos or just a high-end environment to relax, this place nails the aesthetic. Major shoutout to Maze and Nate behind the bar. Their service was top-tier and they made the experience seamless. The highlight of the night,, was the cocktail menu and their drink recommendations. The amazing bar staff even let me get creative and sub some of their specialty cocktails with my favorite tequila-Dulce Oro. The drinks were perfectly balanced with a sophisticated flair. The smash burger and truffle waffle fries hit every time. The food is always juicy and flavorful. If you're in Ybor and want a spot that with a dark, chic ambiance with professional mixology, and high quality eats, this is it. I will definitely be back!

A unique, one of a kind cafe/tea house/lounge/bar that is not to be missed in Tampa. As the name…read moresuggests, the decor is incredibly spooky, featuring scary statues, pictures that change on the walls, and furniture that looks like it all belongs in a haunted house...all located in renovated former Baptist church. But other than being one scary venue, Spookeasy has food and drinks that are worth hanging around for while you take in the spookiness of the place. A full coffee bar, they already have my name on it, but they also feature sandwiches, snacks, salads, and other bar food. While I came here for a Death Cafe event, I decided to make myself comfortable by getting myself some food and lattes. Thankfully, the place serves up food that makes a visit here worth more than just a quick look around. I got myself a hot marshmallow flavored latte, and a breakfast sandwich. The latte was delicious, and I loved the marshmallow flavor I got with it to give it a more unique taste perfect for winter. It gave me just the right kick while I waited for my event to start. The breakfast sandwich seems simple enough, bacon, eggs, cheese on toast, but each ingredient was thoughtfully prepared to make one filling meal. I can tell the egg is fresh cracked and the bacon was perfectly crispy, all held together by two slices of thick toast. I also loved the fries that came with it, well seasoned with cheese sauce AND melted cheese, so I was pretty occupied and well fed during my meeting. The staff here is great, laid back, and super-friendly to talk to. They have a good vibe about them that makes me want to come back to haunt--er visit them, haha, Death Cafe meeting or not.

Esrom is an absolute standout at Spookeasy Kava Bar…read more We were initially told by the bouncer that we had to leave because there wasn't a place to store my electric scooter. Esrom caught wind of the situation and immediately went out of his way, came outside, and told us he would personally store my scooter so my girlfriend and I could come in and enjoy drinks. That level of care is rare. He didn't have to do that -- but he chose to. On top of that, once we were seated, he brought us games to play and made sure we were having a great time. It's extremely uncommon to see someone who genuinely cares about their job and the customer experience to this extent. Esrom is a huge asset to this establishment, and that kind of hospitality doesn't go unnoticed or forgotten. Because of him, we'll absolutely be back.

How cute is this place ??…read more Originally found on Yelp however I was not prepared for such good food nor vibes ! My party and I got the band for unlimited mimosas and buffet style food ... this food was sooo darn flavorful and filling ! The drinks were tasty as well(many options of mixed drinks outside of the mimosa) Staff was pleasant , sweet and professional which you don't see to much of lately in businesses. Cali love ! We will be back and tell everyone all about it ! Thank you for the amazing time !

I happened to stumble across this place while looking for places to have brunch in Tampa. It's a…read morenice urban social restaurant and bar. It has 2 sides. A full service bar and restaurant on one side and a lounge type atmosphere on the other side with a live DJ. They play a variety of rnb and hip hop from old school to modern day. I really had a nice time. The reason only 4 stars was due to the host not being actively present at the reception area when you walk in. He was too busy on the lounge side dropping it like it was hot and helping the bottle girls "hold" the sign. We stood at the host stand upon entry for a while until someone went to get him from the other side. The food was just "ok". For the price of the food I expected more. I had the lemon pepper honey wings and the chicken and French toast. The wings were not cooked through and served in a bowl which made it very difficult to eat. It came with 2 cornbread muffins that were dense and very dry. The French toast was great. I opted for the one with peaches and icing. It was great. It was served with chicken tenders. Again, in a bowl, which made it very difficult to cut, as I had to dig in the bowl. They were ok, a little on the dry side, the breading was falling off but they were edible. The drinks were flowing and the vibe was good. No complaints there. Would I go back??? Yes, I'll probably try something different on the menu. I feel like if the service was a bit better, more attention to detail on the food and the plating of food was different it would have earned 5 stars. But I had an overall nice time.

Stopped by for breakfast around 9 AM opening time, and unfortunately, the experience was far from…read morewhat you'd expect. The staff situation seemed rough. Our waitress, who was friendly and clearly trying her best, appeared to be doing everything -- taking orders, serving tables, and possibly even cooking. It wasn't her fault, but it made the entire service feel slow and chaotic. Despite the place being nearly empty, it took 1 hour and 40 minutes to get our food. That kind of delay would be hard to overlook even during a rush -- let alone a slow morning. Several menu items were already "out" which was confusing and disappointing for a small menu. It felt like they were unprepared to open for the day.

The actual name of this listing is The Attic at Rock Brothers. It is the musical venue located…read moreabove my favorite drinking establishment in Ybor, Rock Brothers. The venue seems to book a few acts a week. You can go online, purchase tickets, and pick your actual seat - they sell seats by the table. We were at Table 20 for The Verve Pipe, and it was a four-top, in the 3rd row of tables, on the side, with an excellent view of the stage. Sadly, they do NOT offer their fabulous cocktails upstairs here, even though there is a bar. If you want to drink something stellar, you will need to walk yourself back down the two flights of stairs, and get it yourself. Instead, they have instructions on each table of how to order a standard cocktail on-line; you choose your basic booze, then your basic mixer, and a cocktail server will bring it out to you and take your credit card. Efficient, but very boring. The venue is small, but the sound was good, with the exception of the two magpies behind me screaming and nattering the whole time. Why go to a concert if you're just going to talk through the entire thing? But I digress.... This is a wonderful venue to go see some surprisingly good artists, and I highly recommend a visit.

Ok, I'm so happy I finally tried this place. The ambiance, the service, the food were all top tier!…read moreThey had live music and he sounded amazing. I can't wait to come back.

Stunning Speakeasy Vibes, but the Menu is Carb-Heavy, the entrance to Madame Fortune is pure magic…read more You enter through a small shop and ring a bell at a hidden bookshelf door--it feels like a true secret spot. The interior is cozy, dark, and incredibly unique. We arrived early while it was still quiet and sat at the bar. Our host/bartender/server, Chanel, took care of us. While she was pleasant, the service felt a bit disorganized and it took quite a while to receive our drinks, which was surprising given how few people were there at the time. The Food: The flavors are definitely there--tasty and with a nice Caribbean kick--but the composition of the dishes left me disappointed. I ordered the Oxtail Shepherd's Pie ($35), and while the flavor was good, it was overwhelmingly mashed potatoes and corn bread. For that price, I expected more than just a few small pieces of oxtail and a tiny portion of cooked greens and onions. The Verdict: If you love carbs and cornbread, you'll be in heaven. However, the menu feels like it needs a modern touch. There is only one salad option, and the meat-to-starch ratio is way off. I'd love to see more protein-focused options and fresh greens added to the menu to balance out the heavy sides. Great for a drink and the "wow" factor of the hidden door, but the value for the food isn't quite there yet. Also a lot of fried food, which I rarely eat.

Loving this bar - just can't stand the smoking inside :/ Seems like all bars in Ybor that do not…read moreserve food allow smoking inside. Ugh! Still love it though, just don't stay as long as- it gets to be too much smoke ‍

One of the best bars i found in ybor always casual always welcome never had a bad time hereread more

If you are in Ybor City and trying to enjoy yourself without lighting your wallet on fire, Barrio…read moreTacos is a very smart move. What I appreciated most is the build your own taco option, because it allows you to order exactly what you want without paying for a bunch of filler ingredients you were going to push to the side anyway. When you strip it down to the proteins and toppings you actually like, the cost savings are real. In a place like Ybor, where prices can creep up quickly, that matters. Now, the à la carte menu can feel a little confusing at first glance. It is not the most straightforward ordering system if you are just breezing through. But once someone walks you through it and you understand how to piece your order together, it becomes completely worth it. You end up with exactly what you want, and you are not overpaying for things you did not ask for. The vibe was great. The service was friendly and patient, which helps when you are trying to decode the menu. And the location is ideal. There is an outdoor patio with umbrellas on the sunny side of the street, which gives you options. You can sit in the sun if you want that warm Florida glow, or you can stay shaded if you are protecting your skin but still want to be outside watching the action unfold on the strip. And let's be honest, half the entertainment in Ybor is people watching. Add in the random roosters casually strolling around like they own the neighborhood, and you have a full show with your meal. I loved everything about this place and highly recommend it if you want to save a few bucks on food while still soaking up everything Ybor City has to offer. Good tacos, good vibes, good people watching. Hard to beat that combination.

We're out in Ybor and decided to stop at Barrio. The…read moreambience of the location is really dark. Not much changed from it being the previous locations of other restaurants, but it definitely needs more natural light. It's like eating in a dungeon. The tacos there was a lot going on on the menu and I'm sure this is a niche, but it is not a niche. I am on board with any taco that had ground beef was kind of disgusting the other tacos. You could've made them at home and probably made them better if you're looking for authenticity this is not the place. Service the service was not much to write home about nothing was stellar, but nothing was bad. With all things being equal, this is not a place that I would naturally recommend somebody likes it but it's probably the same people that eat Tijuana flat.

What a DOPE, PIRATE THEMED, speakeasy to go to grab some delicious drinks! Totally blown away!…read more Tucked, downtown Tampa you enter through a secret bookcase door and you enter a very low key pirate bar! Lighting is dim, which is part of the concept. (Auto flash is needed for pics) The joint, is VERY CLEAN! The staff is awesome and very attentive! They understand process. The drinks are SOOO WELL MADE! I had a Zombie as my first drink, and it is very well presented and STRONG! I prefer,my first drink at an establishment to be strong cause then I can lighten it up later. Then I had a Rum Barrel, not as strong, but well presented and delicious! Note: Prices for drinks are worth every dime! They have a small food menu, but everything on the menu looked delicious, but I did not eat there. This speakeasy is attached to a British pub which I went for food after. (Review to come) All-in-all great spot to come and have a drink you are well treated, appreciated and just a fun experience! I will DEFINITELY come back here for a delicious drink and DEFINITELY will try something off the food menu. I'll just make sure next time I won't go there after a big breakfast lol! Five stars alllllll day long!!!

These are the coolest places in Fla. Secret cryptic entrances with a speakeasy like ambiance…read more Hidden passages and a clear throwback to the days of prohibition. With all that was going on, it's a wonder we could find the exit after all the drinks. The pirate theme was the caveat. A perfectly dimmed atmosphere and willing performers that can conjure up delicious delights. The red light and point on music only enhanced the experience. Plenty of signature drinks, a dozen different beers and even a few dishes are offered. They stir a nice whiskey sour. It's really what suits your fancy. Fear not. They have mocktails, too! 12/25

Just awesome! My Gasparilla Krewe booked Ocean Ink for our Knight Parade after party and it…read morecouldn't have been better. We arrived to a great seafood buffet of shrimp, lobster, fish dip, and much more. All the food was on point and service was excellent. As a matter of fact, we went back yesterday and had two kinds of oysters, vodka martinis, wine, tuna nachos and all were excellent. This will now be our go to spot when in Ybor. Met some fun people at the bar and had a great time all around. Good view of 7th Ave too for people watching. See pics below for all the food.

The happy hour shrimp tacos here were pretty delicious. The bartenders were friendly, accommodating…read moreand provided great service. Nothing like catching the breeze on a nice day and enjoying some happy hour specials on 7th Ave in Ybor. This spot is a great addition to the area offering a twist compared to what is currently available in the area. Hoping to try the flatbread on my next visit!