Ybor City’s myriad of food and drink options make it the perfect spot to explore during daytime or late-night hours. Keep this guide to neighborhood coffee shops, bars, restaurants and more on hand.
Acropolis Greek Taverna Enjoy a Greek-inspired meal, everything from tzatziki and falafel to pesto-topped Athenian fish and Greek meatballs with crumbled feta. There’s also nightly entertainment, including bouzouki and belly dancing. 1833 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa, 813-242-4545, acropolistaverna.com.
Al’s Finger Licking Good Bar-B-Que This family-owned restaurant serves up barbecue, Tennessee-style, using a dry rub and tomato-based sauce on meats. Pulled pork sandwiches, Honest Abe’s Thursdays-only turkey leg, Joanna’s Rise and Shine cornbread, and other down-home fare. Al advises to leave room for his pies and cakes as well. 1609 Angel Oliva Sr. St., Tampa, 813-956-0675, alsybor.com.
Bad Monkey Pub fare (think beer cheese pretzels and simple sandwiches), $8 cocktail specials and pay-as-you-pour tableside tap service — for special events and groups of eight or more — at the military-themed watering hole. 1717 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa, 813-280-9971, badmonkeyybor.com.
Beaune’s Wine Bar For a day in “wine lover’s paradise,” Beaune’s offers 1,000-plus wines to choose from (in addition to a bar for corporate events and private tastings). Pair that with its collection of cured meats, cheeses and pates for a sophisticated soirée in Ybor. 2009 N. 22nd St., Tampa, 813-241-8587, westpalmwines.com.
Bernini An eclectic eatery with inventive Italian cuisine in the form of dishes like Eggplant Bonanno and Veal Chop Aneto, as well as pizzas, sandwiches and pastas. Don’t miss the champagne raspberry sorbetto or signature tiramisu. 1702 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa, 813-248-0099, berniniofybor.com.
Big Easy Bar A cocktail menu of New Orleans stalwarts (from Old Fashioneds to Hurricanes), local and out-of-state brews like Abita and Rock Brothers, and regular specials help laissez les bons temps rouler inside this large slice of the, well, Big Easy. Foosball and pool are available, and we hear the bar has plans for food, too. 1704 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa, 813-248-3444.
The Blind Tiger The coffee, tea and pastry shop side of this speakeasy-inspired space delivers grab-and-go breakfast options and sit-down-to-catch-up offerings alike — specifically, specialty coffee drinks, pastries that speak to Ybor’s roots and way more. 1901 E. Seventh Ave., 813-540-2233, 813-540-2233, blindtigerybor.com.
The Boneyard Mean wings, hot dogs, beer and other tastes get served up at this neighborhood dive bar. 1823 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa, 813-248-6224, boneyardybor.com.
The Brass Tap This bar franchise in Centro Ybor houses 70 taps and more than 300 craft beers from around the globe. The Ybor location’s food menu has prime rib nachos, beer-battered fish tacos and individual pretzel pizzas, to name a few. 1600 E. Eighth Ave. E-113, Tampa, 813-241-0000, brasstapbeerbar.com.
The Bricks An American eatery featuring creative crowd-pleasers such as deluxe grilled cheese and pork tacos. The cocktail and coffee selections are just as good; try a Constantine (bourbon, blackberry, grapefruit shrub, rosemary, pear cider) or Liquid Heroin (mocha, vanilla, double shot). See “Nightlife” listing for more info. 1327 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa, 813-247-1785, thebricksybor.com.
Buffalo Wild Wings The well-known sports bar chain isn’t just good for football season. Head to B-Dubs on Wing Tuesdays or Boneless Thursdays for discount wings to pair with your favorite domestic, imported or craft brew. 1625 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa, 813-247-9453, buffalowildwings.com.
Carmine’s Specializing in Spanish, Cuban and Italian dishes. Enjoy a pressed Tampa Cuban sandwich, or a Palomilla Steak for lunch. 1802 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa. 813-248-3834, carminesybor.com.
Carne Chophouse This casual, classic steakhouse is open for lunch and dinner, offering items like mojo chicken and fried grouper sandwiches alongside New York strip and T-bone steaks. Pair that with one of Carne’s signature drinks for a complete meal. 1536 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa, 813-341-9555, carnechophouse.com.
Centro Cantina In Centro Ybor, this eatery overlooks La Septima, making it a prime spot to grab margaritas or Tex-Mex fare while watching passersby. The cantina also offers daily drink specials and live music Wednesday through Sunday. 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa, 813-241-8588, centroybor.com.
Cephas’ Hot Shop Reopened last year and serving up authentic Jamaican bites, beer and signature aloe smoothies for all. 1701 E. Fourth Ave., Tampa, 813- 247-9022, cephashotshop.com.
Cigar City Cider & Mead With cideries and meaderies taking off in other cities, Tampa Bay enthusiasts now have a tasting room to call their own thanks to craft beer heavyweights Cigar City Brewing. CCC&M’s diverse and revolving tap list features meads and ciders made in-house with Florida ingredients. 1812 N. 15th St., Tampa, 813-242-6600, cigarcitycider.com.
Columbia Restaurant What was once a 60-seat corner cafe known for its Cuban coffee and sandwiches is now a major dining destination. Five generations have continued operations at this, the largest Spanish restaurant in the world, for more than 110 years. 2117 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa, 813-248-4961, columbiarestaurant.com.
Coppertail Brewing Co. This contemporary-industrial craft brewery and tasting room, founded by a homebrewer and “reformed attorney,” has gained a loyal following for its state-inspired beers. 2601 E. Second Ave., Tampa, 813-247-1500, coppertailbrewing.com.
Cristino’s Coal Oven Pizza Tasty coal-fired pizza combinations like the Quattro Formaggi with tomato sauce, mozzarella, ricotta, goat cheese, Gorgonzola, fresh basil and oregano, plus starters, salads, panini, gelato and more. 1701 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa, 813-248-2056, cristinospizzeria.com.
The Dirty Shame This rider-friendly “pub on the edge” has a rotating draft selection of 25 beers alongside a stellar liquor collection. Oh, and free pool every Monday. 1929 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa, 813-247-7930, dirtyshameybor.com.
The Double Decker An Ybor nightlife stalwart with a full-liquor bar with German beers and others from around the globe, games like pool and darts, a tropical biergarden, and big-screen TVs for sports fans. 1721 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa, 813-248-2099, doubledeckertampa.com.
Due Amici Authentic Italian grub with big slices of New York pies, a welcoming vibe and late-night hours to back it up. Wine and beer are on hand as well. 1724 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa, 813-443-0906, dueamicipizzatampa.com.
El Molino With a range of flavors for any caffiene lover, this gourmet coffee shop from the family-run Naviera Coffee Mills, now operated by the fourth generation, roasts its own blends fresh daily. 2012 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa, 813-248-2714, elmolinocoffee.com.
El Puerto Restaurant & Grill An explosion of Latin flavors in traditional recipes from Argentina, El Salvador, Mexico and more. Expect dishes such as Peruvian lomo saltado — strips of skirt steak sautéed with red onions and accompanied by fries and white rice. 1623 E. Fifth Ave., Tampa, 813-248-8222. elpuertoybor.com.
Elmer’s Sports Cafe A classic sports bar fit for grabbing a drink, digging into some wings and watching the game. 2003 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa, 813-248-5855.
First Chance Last Chance Craft cocktails and drafts, nightly drink specials, two big screens and good tunes throughout the cozy bar’s city chic setting. The pub, also featuring a lounge and open-air courtyard, is within close proximity of the parking garage at 16th Street and Seventh Avenue, which explains its name. 1707 N. 16th St., Tampa, 813-248-5555, firstchancelastchance.com.
Florida Cane Distillery Recently relaunched inside the historic El Encanto Building, Florida Cane (the neighborhood’s only craft distillery) has expanded its production capacity and will have regular hours for scheduled tours, tastings of its spirits and more. 1820 N. 15th St., Tampa, 813-347-6565, floridacane.com.
Fuma Bella A tiny, convivial bar across from New World where you can’t help but get up close and personal with your fellow imbibers. 1318 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa, 813-248-6130.
Gaspar’s Grotto This indoor-outdoor pirate restaurant-bar features laid-back bites like tostones with mojo-marinated shredded pork and weekend brunch. The venue’s three bars also make for fine places to share an after-hours drink (or two). More info in “Nightlife.” 1805 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa, 813-248-5900, gasparsgrotto.com.
Green Iguana Bar & Grill Upbeat and fun, Green Iguana highlights live music seven days a week in addition to its crowd-pleasing bar bites. The burgers offer everything from The Cheesiest Cheese OverDose to Iggy’s Veggie. 1708 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa, 813-248-9555, greeniguana.com.
Habibi Cafe and Hookah Bar An open-air joint at the corner of 17th Street and Seventh Avenue where you can relax with a hookah and watch the passing throngs. 1632 E. Seventh Ave., 813-248-0911.
Hamburger Mary’s Bar & Grille This heavenly (and sassy) find in Centro Ybor merges one-of-a-kind entertainment with good food for the ultimate dining experience. Find favorites like salads, burgers and wraps. 1600 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa, 813-241-6279, hamburgermarys.com.
Hamburger Mary’s Pub House Next door to the original, this pub is the newest venue to join the Hamburger Mary’s family. More than 20 beers on tap, 30-plus bottled brews, cocktails, 25 large TVs for sports games, and a menu with beloved Mary’s burgers but also some Pub House-only eats. 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa, 813-248-5777, hamburgermarys.com.
Istanblu Restaurant & Grill The selection churning out of this Turkish kitchen includes traditional mezes, grilled kabobs, musakka and vegetarian plates. Entertainment like belly dancing can be found here as well. 1919 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa, 813-304-2348, istanbluybor.com.
James Joyce Irish Pub & Eatery Shepherd’s pie, corned beef and cabbage, French dips and other Irish delectables, along with an Irish whiskey menu and 50 craft suds on tap from local and national breweries. 1724 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa, 813-247-1896, jamesjoyceybor.com.
Jimmy John’s A gourmet sandwich franchise in Centro Ybor that throws together combos like the Pepe with applewood-smoked ham, provolone, lettuce, tomato and mayo. 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa, 813-241-9600, jimmyjohns.com.
Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company Tasty drinks that celebrate this coffeehouse’s Ybor home, including Cuban espresso frappes and Cuban margaritas. There’s also the Breakfast Cubanita with roast pork, eggs and Swiss and a Jamison B. Breadhouse Bakes retail rack, among other tastes. 1811 N. 15th St., Tampa, 813-247-4600, joffreysybor.com.
King Corona Cigars and Cafe Get the Ybor experience in full from this neighborhood staple: hand-rolled cigars, Cuban toast and Cuban coffee. The cafe menu delivers other fare, too — starters, salads and sandwiches included. 1523 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa, 813-241-9109, kingcoronacigars.com.
La Creperia Cafe Specializing in the French tradition of sweet and savory crepes, a health-conscious cafe that caters to meat-eaters and vegetarians alike. Wraps, panini and pasta are among the other menu items. 1729 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa. 813-248-9700, lacreperiacafe.com.
La Segunda Central Bakery Score your Cuban sandwich (and guava turnovers) straight from the source, this local landmark whose bread is the first choice for those in the Cuban sandwich biz. The bakery has been run by four generations of the Moré family for a century and counting. 2512 N. 15th St., Tampa, 813-248-1531, lasegundabakery.com.
La Terrazza Ristorante Italiano A stylish, intimate Italian restaurant, established in 1996, slinging super-good eats and equally good service. 1727 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa, 813-248-1326, laterrazzayborcity.com.
La Tropicana Cafe “Home of the old-fashioned Cuban,” the casual La Tropicana offers just that, along with other sandwich variations (breaded palomilla steak, fried fish, chicken Parm), soups, salads, and a traditional Ybor breakfast. 1822 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa, 813-247-4040.
The Lion's Den A laid-back hidden gem in the form of a cigar lounge and bar. Liquor, a nice assortment of beer in bottle, live music and more. 1704 1/2 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa, 813-248-0700.
Mama Rosa’s Pizza Italian sandwiches, pasta and other bites in addition to the 10-plus pies at this affordable pizzeria. 1616 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa, 813-242-0700, mamarosaspizzatampa.com.
Mangia Bene Pizzeria Adding to Ybor’s pizza purveyors, a small spot serving up New York-style pies in flavors like Mediterranean and seafood. Subs, wings and burgers are available, too. 1811 N. 15th St., Tampa, 813-248-2929, mangiabenepizzeriacorp.com.
The Market on 7th Walking by, you wouldn’t mistake this place for a fun dive bar with some of the best pizza in Tampa. Grab a slice or two here before heading ‘round the back to watch whatever band is playing that night. 1816 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa. 813-248-3834.
New World Brewery Another neighborhood hangout that serves ridiculously good stone-seared pizzas, other pub snacks and craft beer alongside live bands. More info in “Nightlife.” 1313 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa, 813-248-4969, newworldbrewery.net.
New York New York Pizza Known for their large, thin and foldable crust, these something-for-everyone pies are done up New York-style. Dine inside the eatery’s spacious interior, out front or on-the-go along Ybor’s main drag. 1512 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa, 813-248-1845, nynypizzeria.com.
Reservoir Bar They’ve got pool tables, dartboards, a jukebox and drink specials daily at this hole-in-the-wall dive bar known for serving flaming drinks, more than 50 types of beer (some offered in mason jars) and $4 Jager shots — plus a varied and interesting clientele, from hipsters to bikers and beyond. 1518 E. Seventh Ave., 813-248-1442, resbar.com.
Rock Brothers Brewing This soon-to-open hangout — part brewery, tasting room and listening room — at one of Ybor’s many historic spaces, the King-Greco Hardware building, plans to pour the nationwide Rock Brothers portfolio and also hold concerts. 1901 N. 15th St., Tampa, 770-401-6410, rockbrothersbrewing.com.
Samurai Blue A nontraditional take on sushi as well as old favorites in Centro Ybor. Samurai Blue’s extensive sake collection and primo location sets it apart from the rest. 1600 E. 8th Ave. #C208, Tampa, 813-242-6688, samuraiblue.com.
Santo Stefano Another coming-soon concept in the works from Columbia Restaurant Group’s Richard Gonzmart. At the space once home to Ferlita Macaroni Factory, the new restaurant will pay homage to the people who came to Ybor from Santo Stefano in Sicily. During a recent Goody Goody tasting, Gonzmart said: “80 percent of that little village came to Tampa, Ybor City in particular, in the late 1890s.” 1607 N. 22nd St., Tampa.
Shrimp & Co. Restaurant This seafood eatery’s kitchen is a fusion of Louisiana, Gulf, Florida Keys and Caribbean influences. Mainly driven by fresh, in-state ingredients, the large lineup goes from shrimp-stuffed mofongo to rock lobster to key lime pie. 2202 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa, 813-374-0192, shrimpandco.com.
Spaghetti Warehouse Very much an event-driven destination, Spaghetti Warehouse spotlights homestyle Italian dishes such as 15-layer lasagna. The family-friendly, almost-closed restaurant intends to eventually leave Ybor Square for new Tampa digs, but it provides nostalgic memories for many. 1901 N. 13th St., Tampa, 813-248-1720, meatballs.com.
Stone Soup Company A soup ‘n’ sandwich shop that’s suited for carryout or dining in. There’s a wide soul-warming lineup, and we suggest the French onion soup, veggie (or “real”) Cuban or Jewish Reuben with grilled pastrami. 1517 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa. 813-247-7687, xsoup4u.com.
Sunday’s Delicatessen Open for breakfast and lunch, this neighborhood deli builds ample sandwiches for Ybor residents, workers and visitors. Aside from the Boar’s Head meats and cheeses, everything is made in-house — bread, toppings, dressings, some meats (roast beef, corned beef, roast pork), rotating prepared cold salads. 1930 E. Seventh Ave. #B, Tampa, 813-304-2041, sundaysdelicatessen.com.
Sushi House by kazoku sushi New in Ybor, this former catering business that operated like a mobile restaurant rolls out a diverse bill of fare, mostly focused on raw and cooked sushi delicacies for newbies and aficionados. 1901 N. 19th St., Tampa, 813-248-2333.
Tampa Bay Brewing Company Delicious house beer — and 18 or so seasonal offerings — brewed in vats and tuns located in the Centro Ybor brewpub’s dining room proper, as well as an accomplished menu that goes well with the suds (and might even have some beer included in the ingredients). 1600 E. Ninth Ave., Tampa, 813-247-1422, tampabaybrewingcompany.com.
Tequilas Head to this taqueria and tequila bar for a varied selection of burritos and chimichangas, nachos, horchata, tortas, fajitas, margaritas, and other Mexican favorites. 1613 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa, 813-304-2695, tequilasybor.com.
Tony’s Ybor Restaurant A traditional Italian joint with a diner feel that’s been serving Ybor since 1929. The menu includes hot and cold offerings for breakfast, lunch and dinner. 2007 N. 22nd St., Tampa, 813-247-7283, tonysyborrestaurant.com.
Tre Amici @ The Bunker This classy, modern cafe is complete with caffeinated beverages, wine, beer and a small menu of quick breakfast options and sandwiches for lunch. 1907 N. 19th St., Tampa, 813-247-6964, yborbunker.com.
Ybor City Wine Bar A curated assembly of more than 200 reasonably priced wines and 60-plus craft beers at the Centro Ybor gathering place. Complement it all with small plates — cheese boards, hummus with pita chips and gourmet cakes among them. 1600 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa, 813-999-4966, yborcitywinebar.com.
Ybor City Saturday Market Eat your way through this free weekly, family-friendly market at Centennial Park. There’s a collection of locally made gourmet foods and sauces, fresh bread, prepared items, produce, herbs and plants, and honey — along with artwork, pet treats and other non-food wares — from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in summer. 1901 N. 19th St., Tampa, 813-241-2442, ybormarket.com.
Ybor Eats Cooked up with love for (and by) the whole family, a straightforward menu with breakfast skillet wraps, cheesesteaks and other popular sandwiches. 1604 N. 17th St., Tampa. 813-247-9267, yboreats.com.
