Alright team- time to get this s#it done in Tampa this week. Here's your complete guide for things to do/areas around the arena!
This post WILL NOT include any recommendations by the beach, or things like Busch Gardens, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, or areas like Westshore, Seminole Heights, Bayshore, etc, but if anyone wants anything like that, just let me know!
Our Kentucky Wildcats are staying at the JW MARRIOTT right next to the arena.
I am sure I missed some stuff, but just let me know some questions- I know there are other Tampa people on here as well so chime in!!
1. Sparkman Wharf
A huge outdoor food hall/beer garden, less than 5 minute walk from the arena. Has about 15-20 restaurant options (both fast and sit down), and some other cool concepts like a Splitsville and a beer garden in the middle. Cruise ships pull right up to the edge of it for cruise passengers to hop off and enjoy. Open late, live music every night, will be packed with SEC Tournament fans, great food and drink options.
2. Ybor City
This is like the French Quarter in New Orleans. Crazy, awesome bar and party scene, tons of amazing restaurants too. Places open till 3 or 4AM. Definitely a party scene and a ton of fun if you want to go out and get after it. Less than 5 minute drive from the arena, or you can take the FREE STREET CAR SYSTEM that drops off right in the heart of Ybor. Some great bars down there: Gaspar's Grotto, Bad Monkey, Double Decker, Showbar, White Lie, Coyote Ugly, etc).
3. Armature Works
This is another massive (INDOOR) industrial food hall, one of the best food halls in the country. Right on the river, this place has 15 or so restaurant options and a rooftop bar and a big downstairs indoor bar. Probably a 15-20 minute walk along the riverwalk from the arena, or take a 5 minute Uber or 10 minute scooter ride to get that. Can't say enough about this place, awesome food, awesome atmosphere.
4. SOHO
Another big party scene is the SOHO neighborhood in Tampa. 10-12 minute drive from the arena, quick Uber. Very walkable, lots of good bars like MacDinton's, Yard of Ale, SOHO Saloon, World of Beer, Bar Howard, etc...a bit of a younger crown (mostly 20s and 30s, young professionals), but a very cool neighborhood and lots of great bars and restaurants.
5. Hyde Park
5 minute drive from arena, huge walkable village with great restaurants and shops! Some good bars in here as well, but mostly geared towards restaurants and shopping, etc.
6. Harbor Island
Right next to arena, across a tiny little bridge onto the island, about a 5-7 minute walk from arena. Has really cool restaurants/bars like American Social and Jackson's. Huge outdoor patio right on the water with bars open until 1 or 2AM usually.
OTHER LANDMARK PLACES TO CHECK OUT IN BETWEEN GAMES
- Sail Bar & Pavilion- right on the water, right next to arena! Cool outdoor beer garden type setting.
- Anchor & Brine at the Marriott Water Street- cool outdoor bar on the riverwalk right next to the arena.
- SIX- Rooftop bar at the JW Marriott where the CATS are staying.
- Driftlight Bar- Bar in the lobby of the JW Marriott, where our CATS are staying
- Garrison Tavern- big sports bar, also at Marriott Water Street, with tons of TVs and some virtual TopGolf bays to hit golf balls while you eat.
- Hat Tricks- awesome sports bar, about 5 minute walk from arena.
- Yoeman's Cask and Lion- Sports bar, 5 minute walk from arena.
- Park and Rec Bar- This is a cool arcade bar with a ton of TVs, right across the street from Sparkman Wharf
This post WILL NOT include any recommendations by the beach, or things like Busch Gardens, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, or areas like Westshore, Seminole Heights, Bayshore, etc, but if anyone wants anything like that, just let me know!
Our Kentucky Wildcats are staying at the JW MARRIOTT right next to the arena.
I am sure I missed some stuff, but just let me know some questions- I know there are other Tampa people on here as well so chime in!!
1. Sparkman Wharf
A huge outdoor food hall/beer garden, less than 5 minute walk from the arena. Has about 15-20 restaurant options (both fast and sit down), and some other cool concepts like a Splitsville and a beer garden in the middle. Cruise ships pull right up to the edge of it for cruise passengers to hop off and enjoy. Open late, live music every night, will be packed with SEC Tournament fans, great food and drink options.
2. Ybor City
This is like the French Quarter in New Orleans. Crazy, awesome bar and party scene, tons of amazing restaurants too. Places open till 3 or 4AM. Definitely a party scene and a ton of fun if you want to go out and get after it. Less than 5 minute drive from the arena, or you can take the FREE STREET CAR SYSTEM that drops off right in the heart of Ybor. Some great bars down there: Gaspar's Grotto, Bad Monkey, Double Decker, Showbar, White Lie, Coyote Ugly, etc).
3. Armature Works
This is another massive (INDOOR) industrial food hall, one of the best food halls in the country. Right on the river, this place has 15 or so restaurant options and a rooftop bar and a big downstairs indoor bar. Probably a 15-20 minute walk along the riverwalk from the arena, or take a 5 minute Uber or 10 minute scooter ride to get that. Can't say enough about this place, awesome food, awesome atmosphere.
4. SOHO
Another big party scene is the SOHO neighborhood in Tampa. 10-12 minute drive from the arena, quick Uber. Very walkable, lots of good bars like MacDinton's, Yard of Ale, SOHO Saloon, World of Beer, Bar Howard, etc...a bit of a younger crown (mostly 20s and 30s, young professionals), but a very cool neighborhood and lots of great bars and restaurants.
5. Hyde Park
5 minute drive from arena, huge walkable village with great restaurants and shops! Some good bars in here as well, but mostly geared towards restaurants and shopping, etc.
6. Harbor Island
Right next to arena, across a tiny little bridge onto the island, about a 5-7 minute walk from arena. Has really cool restaurants/bars like American Social and Jackson's. Huge outdoor patio right on the water with bars open until 1 or 2AM usually.
OTHER LANDMARK PLACES TO CHECK OUT IN BETWEEN GAMES
- Sail Bar & Pavilion- right on the water, right next to arena! Cool outdoor beer garden type setting.
- Anchor & Brine at the Marriott Water Street- cool outdoor bar on the riverwalk right next to the arena.
- SIX- Rooftop bar at the JW Marriott where the CATS are staying.
- Driftlight Bar- Bar in the lobby of the JW Marriott, where our CATS are staying
- Garrison Tavern- big sports bar, also at Marriott Water Street, with tons of TVs and some virtual TopGolf bays to hit golf balls while you eat.
- Hat Tricks- awesome sports bar, about 5 minute walk from arena.
- Yoeman's Cask and Lion- Sports bar, 5 minute walk from arena.
- Park and Rec Bar- This is a cool arcade bar with a ton of TVs, right across the street from Sparkman Wharf
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