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Visitors guide to Tampa!

Posted on 12/3/23 at 4:43 pm
Posted by wiltznucs
Apollo Beach, FL
Member since Sep 2005
8961 posts
Posted on 12/3/23 at 4:43 pm
So it’s LSU vs Wisconsin in Tampa on 1/1/2024…. I know it’s not the sexiest of matchups but I’m excited to have some purple and gold in Tampa.

Lifetime LSU fan here; been in Tampa for almost two decades.

Figured I’d break the ice and give you some insights into Tampa.

I’ll confess that I’m more familiar with the Tampa side. Perhaps others from the area will chip in some intel too. St Pete/Clearwater is right around the corner.

Other sports events near that time…

Saints vs Bucs on 12/31

Lightning vs Canadiens 12/31

Lightning vs Rangers 12/30

So an opportunity to see the Saints at Raymond James.

The Lightning at Amalie is always a blast.

Places to eat..

The Michelin guide…

LINK

There’s lots to add that aren’t on the list. Some of my personal picks…

Food Hall - Armature Works

Ramen - Dosunco

Pizza - Eddie & Sam’s

Chinese - Yummy House is listed and deservedly so.

Cuban - La Teresita, Arco Iris, West Tampa Sandwich Shop

Deli - Wright’s Gourmet House

Steaks - Bern’s is a legit icon. Getting reservations may prove difficult. Charley’s is fantastic too.

Korean - Sa Ri One

Best Cuban Sandwich - La Segunda Bakery in Ybor

BBQ - The Brisket Shoppe

Wings - Press Box or Anchor Bar

Craft Beers in Tampa

Angry Chair
Woven Water
Barriehaus
Magnanimous
Ology
King State

Want to drink mead? Come to my place at Garagiste Meadery.

There’s some great options in St Pete too including Cycle, Arkane, Green Bench.

Cocktails..

Ciro’s
EDGE
CW Gin Joint

Nightlife…

Ybor is changing. I’d exercise some amount of caution there. The Water Street area seems to be more trendy lately.

I’ll do my best to keep this updated as new stuff added. I’ve undoubtedly forgot some great ones.









This post was edited on 12/3/23 at 4:59 pm
Posted by RUSTONSAINT
Tampa Florida
Member since Mar 2006
288 posts
Posted on 12/3/23 at 5:07 pm to
Cigar City Brewing!!

If you go to St Pete you can do the brewery hop down 1st Ave.

I was stationed in Tampa for 3.5 years and it the best time for our family. So much to do. No shortage of good Cuban food either!
Posted by FLBooGoTigs1
Nocatee, FL.
Member since Jan 2008
54478 posts
Posted on 12/3/23 at 5:11 pm to
quote:

Ybor is changing. I’d exercise some amount of caution there. The Water Street area seems to be more trendy lately.


Get off and away before 10 pm. It gets sketchy and the thugs start the takeover after 10.
Posted by wiltznucs
Apollo Beach, FL
Member since Sep 2005
8961 posts
Posted on 12/3/23 at 5:12 pm to
quote:

Cigar City Brewing!!


Unfortunately; not the same since the second buyout. It’s pretty corporate nowadays. Feels more like a TGI Fridays than a brewery. I hate that; a legit iconic Tampa company.
Posted by Madking
Member since Apr 2016
47649 posts
Posted on 12/3/23 at 5:13 pm to
Hit the strip clubs… the end
Posted by Rouge
Floston Paradise
Member since Oct 2004
136794 posts
Posted on 12/3/23 at 5:15 pm to
Special Menu items if St Landry Parish is mentioned?
Posted by SalE
At the beach
Member since Jan 2020
2402 posts
Posted on 12/3/23 at 5:15 pm to
The stadium is in a good area...saw the Stones there in 2019 my son lives in Crystal Beach..a great little town.
Posted by Btrtigerfan
Disgruntled employee
Member since Dec 2007
21376 posts
Posted on 12/3/23 at 5:16 pm to
quote:

Hit the strip clubs…


There are strip, sex, and swinging clubs in Tampa that would rival LA.
Posted by Slippy
Across the rivah
Member since Aug 2005
6571 posts
Posted on 12/3/23 at 5:16 pm to
Is Mons Venus still open?

Only question that matters.
Posted by wiltznucs
Apollo Beach, FL
Member since Sep 2005
8961 posts
Posted on 12/3/23 at 5:19 pm to
quote:

Is Mons Venus still open?


Still going!

As is the Odyssey across the street.
Posted by MRDEATHVALLEY85
Lafayette
Member since May 2021
332 posts
Posted on 12/3/23 at 5:20 pm to
Damn I’m staying in ybor because every thing on google said that’s where the best night life is.
Posted by TheMT83
Member since Oct 2023
246 posts
Posted on 12/3/23 at 5:23 pm to
quote:

Is Mons Venus still open?

Only question that matters.


Absolutely still there but you better bring serious money. That's where a lot of the NFL players go. If you don't plan on spending at least $500 you won't get any attention from the girls. Plus no private areas in the back for lap dances, everything is right out in the open.

2001 Odyssey you still better bring money but it's a better deal than Mons.

My recommendations are Oz Gentlemen's Club in Clearwater and Ybor Strip just to the west of Ybor (it says Ybor Strip but it's away from the trash of Ybor) in Tampa.

And yes I know both well from experience. I live in Orlando and just drove over to Ybor Strip last Saturday. Usually go over every 3 or 4 weeks to Oz or Ybor. Oz is my favorite but Ybor is closer and it's nice not having to worry about going over the Howard Franklin Bridge (275 bridge that connects Tampa with Clearwater/St. Pete).

Both Oz and Ybor Strip have good amounts of attractive girls and are full contact. And the best part is you won't completely spend you life savings like at Mon's or Odyssey.

If you stay in Clearwater/St. Pete for a mini vacation and are just going over to Tampa for the game itself, go to Oz. If you're just coming in for the game, staying in Tampa and not worried about going to Clearwater/St. Pete than go to Ybor Strip.

Only go to Mons or Odyssey if money is of absolute no concern and you are ready to spend big. And I'll be glad to join you.
This post was edited on 12/3/23 at 5:41 pm
Posted by MRDEATHVALLEY85
Lafayette
Member since May 2021
332 posts
Posted on 12/3/23 at 5:23 pm to
What is a good club to go to that will have plenty of good looking woman and good music to dance to on New Year’s Eve?
Posted by wiltznucs
Apollo Beach, FL
Member since Sep 2005
8961 posts
Posted on 12/3/23 at 5:23 pm to
quote:

I’m staying in ybor because every thing on google said that’s where the best night life is.


Ybor has seen a major uptick in crime. It made national news back in October for a fairly significant shooting.

There’s a lot of gang activity in the area, particularly once it gets late. As another poster mentioned; it’s best to steer clear after midnight. The Westernmost side seems to have the most issues.
Posted by moock blackjack
Member since Apr 2008
96129 posts
Posted on 12/3/23 at 5:33 pm to
Mons Venus
Posted by LSUBB6366
Baton Rouge
Member since Jan 2023
1288 posts
Posted on 12/3/23 at 5:37 pm to
I used to like the "dives" on Fla Ave in Temple Terrace
Posted by UnclePat76
McHenry County Illinois
Member since Sep 2004
2439 posts
Posted on 12/27/23 at 9:43 pm to
What rum distilleries and cigar shops would you recommend?
Posted by wiltznucs
Apollo Beach, FL
Member since Sep 2005
8961 posts
Posted on 12/27/23 at 9:49 pm to
quote:

What rum distilleries and cigar shops would you recommend?


Gasparilla Rum in Ybor won Gold at the San Francisco Spirits Competition.

Siesta Key Rum is also very good; but, an hour plus from Tampa.

Cigars International, Arturo Fuente, Davidoff/Corona, Cathedral Cigars..
This post was edited on 12/27/23 at 9:54 pm
Posted by Palm Beach Tiger
Orlando, Florida
Member since Jan 2007
29854 posts
Posted on 12/27/23 at 11:22 pm to
Been trying to get over to Bern’s for a few years now from Orlando.
Posted by TheMT83
Member since Oct 2023
246 posts
Posted on 12/28/23 at 11:20 am to
I'm in Orlando as well. Going to tailgate for the Saints - Bucs game on New Year's Eve with some Saints fans. Some are LSU fans, some aren't, 2 have told me they are staying around and will be going to the LSU game on Monday as well. Not sure if I'm going to the Saints - Bucs game yet as the prices are pretty crazy high for a fairly mediocre matchup. I was honestly surprised by the prices. Might just tailgate before the game and then find a bar to watch the game.

Staying over by the Clearwater/St. Pete airport that night and then going to the LSU game the next day before heading back to Orlando. Decided with it being NYE that's the far safer option than driving back and forth between Orlando and Tampa on the death trap that is I-4 two straight days.

Thinking about going to one of the restaurants near or on the beach on NYE or even hitting up one of the strip clubs. Mons Venus and Odyssey will both be crazy, thinking about Oz in Clearwater which isn't far from my hotel. Any gatherings planned for NYE for those going to the game?
This post was edited on 12/28/23 at 11:23 am
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