Overgrown foliage, exposed wood and rope swings have taken over Tampa bar and eatery Platt Street Borough.
No, seriously. You can now sway and sip along the outdoor bar in Hyde Park.
Thee Tree House is the new restaurant occupying 1809 W. Platt St., where an extensive renovation transformed the short-lived Platt Street, which opened last year and was a pretty great place, into a jungle-like hangout with decorative artwork.
Outside the restaurant, artist Patti Suzette created a prominent tree protruding from the corner of the building and an oak tree on both sides of the main entrance. Muralist Mike Jenney is behind the interior’s animal sculptures and airbrush details. And the animal portraiture, also found inside, was done by visual artist and muralist Michael Vahl.
Thee Tree House's grand opening is planned for 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7. Highlights include food and drink tastings, plus a tour of the outdoorsy digs that still feature a patio and game room.
“Bringing a fun, experience-driven lounge and eatery to South Tampa was an easy decision considering the community we are nestled in,” said owner Mike Piper, who has 15 years of hospitality industry experience under his belt, in a statement. “We sit right in between SoHo and Hyde Park Village, two eccentric and vibrant locations whose reputations challenged us to create an environment and menu as unique as the area itself. With Thee Tree House, any night can be an adventure.”
According to Thee Tree House, house-made ingredients are used in all of its menu items, from the wedge salad dressing to the poutine gravy. Shareable plates like seasonal cheese and charcuterie boards mingle with mains like lobster paella and sous-vide chicken breast with roasted sweet potato and grilled peaches.
A section of the bill of fare, “We Don’t Give a Fork,” is even dedicated to handhelds.
Thee Tree House has an affinity for CBD, too. Several beverages and bites feature cannabidiol oil, including smoked salmon and the Herbaliser cocktail; for every sale of the latter, BTW, the restaurant will plant a tree in partnership with global reforestation nonprofit One Tree Planted.
What else can patrons drink while enjoying those swings? Wine and smoked cocktails — including a “decantered” Old Fashioned — are other options, as well as the pineapple-jalapeño margarita and some bacon-infused bourbon.
