CL photographer Chip Weiner and editor-in-chief David Warner got another sneak peek of the soon-to-open Ulele restaurant Wednesday, May 14, from its managing partner Keith Sedita and Michael Kilgore, chief marketing officer.

Housed in the historic Tampa Water Works Building, Ulele is the Columbia Restaurant Group’s most recent undertaking. Credit: Chip Weiner
The restaurant at 1810 N. Highland Ave. is housed right across from Ulele Spring and the city’s Water Works Park project, which will connect to the Riverwalk. Sedita said he hopes that manatees will flock to the spring-fed basin from the Hillsborough River. Credit: Chip Weiner
Richard Gonzmart, president of the Columbia Restaurant Group, stands at the front door of Ulele. Credit: Chip Weiner
The restaurant’s front door design matches the industrial-style theme of its interior. Credit: Chip Weiner
Chief marketing officer Michael Kilgore and managing partner Keith Sedita stand outside of Ulele. Credit: Chip Weiner
Another view of the interior. Two mezzanines hang above the ground-floor dining room. Credit: Chip Weiner
Kilgore and Sedita said the Ulele team used as many original pieces of the former steam-powered pump house as possible. The interior’s exposed brick-lined walls are one example. Credit: Chip Weiner
Diners may admire the river from high-tops or the lounge area. Credit: Chip Weiner
The rooftop patio that overlooks Ulele’s beer garden. Credit: Chip Weiner
A mezzanine view of the restaurant. Credit: Chip Weiner
Sunsets and glimpses of the Hillsborough River are still accessible for those noshing on the mezzanines. Credit: Chip Weiner
Ulele’s round barbacoa that sits next to the oyster bar. The menu offerings are inspired by early Tampa Bay inhabitants as well as pioneers who came along later. Credit: Chip Weiner
A portion of the building’s authentic brick walls are situated near the barbacoa and kitchen. Credit: Chip Weiner