By now, you've heard that a new chapter is on the horizon for Fly Bar & Restaurant, which has announced its closure at 1202 N. Franklin St. The pioneer of downtown Tampa's nightlife scene, owned by restaurateur Leslie Shirah and scheduled to shutter later this month, will reopen in the nearby downtown Tampa/Channel District with a slightly more intimate location by spring 2019.
It's the end of an era for the building Fly has occupied for over a decade, yes. But the year-round haunt wants to celebrate its signature specialty cocktails and world fusion cuisine in the North Franklin Street Historic District with throwback dishes and drinks until closing time.
"We're bringing back all the things people were sad about when we took them off the menu," Shirah told CL last week.
Now through the end of service Sept. 28, Fly's aptly titled "Retro Month" features a popular lineup of menu favorites. Five plates from the past are in the spotlight: shrimp and grits, panko-crusted goat cheese, ropa vieja, D-May Salad and tuna tartare.
Beloved cocktails that haven't been around in a while also make an appearance. Guests can look forward to Wrong End of the Gun, Poolside in Mexico, Rosé All Day, Brazilian Sidecar and PX Old Fashioned.
Editor's Note: This story has been updated since its original publication.
This article appears in Sep 6-13, 2018.
