The most recent addition to the dining landscape in Tampa’s SoHo neighborhood is Bar Asia. An indoor-outdoor restaurant and bar, the casual newcomer at 122 S. Howard Ave. celebrated its grand opening Saturday.
Taking inspiration from the food traditions of Vietnam, Korea and China, Bar Asia specializes in putting spins on classic Asian dishes. The lunch and dinner eats include lemongrass chicken lettuce cups; a big selection of sushi; a bánh mì offered with grilled pork, chicken or beef; tempura shrimp tacos; and made-to-order bowls that call for the standard formula of base + sauce + protein = a diner’s customized dream.
Each bowl, BTW, comes loaded with citrus slaw, pickled carrot and daikon, pickled red onion, fresh cilantro and mint, bean sprouts, shredded romaine, cucumber, watercress, scallions, crushed peanuts, and crispy onions.
For drinks, the bar features draft and bottled beer, plus wine, in addition to a cocktail list broken down by margaritas, Mules and options “with a twist” — among them the Asian pear mojito and a martini mixed with Vietnamese coffee.
Bar Asia operates 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday, and 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Thursday through Saturday.
This article appears in Mar 8-15, 2018.