Ybor City is Tampa's enchanting historic district. By day a sightseer's delight, by night a hub of adult-oriented entertainment as party-goers parade from venue to venue sampling the wide variety of nighttime attractions. To help you decide on the best nightlife options in Ybor City, 10 Best has compiled a list of ten popular hot spots.
Whatever type of nighttime entertainment you are looking for can be found here from dive bar to swank club. If live music is your jam, check out the RITZ which features both local and national artists. The Ritz is also home to Tampa's most popular Friday night dance party, Filthy Richard.
If you're looking to sample a few of Tampa's popular craft beers, check out the Tampa Bay Brewing Company. At the forefront of the local brewing scene, this popular bar and restaurant feature a good selection in-house brews such as the favorite Old Elephant Foot IPA. The pub grub featured here is also very good.
It's not all bars and clubs though! Take a wander down 7th Avenue and check out the tattoo parlors, buy a souvenir, relax with a Hookah pipe, or satisfy the munchies at late-night pizza joints.
Photo courtesy of Prana (Facebook)
The Ybor club scene sees its fair share of turnaround, but Club Prana has been around for more than a decade because it isn't afraid to reinvent itself on occasion. With five different levels, this ultra-modern dance club features an eclectic mix of Latin, hip-hop, reggae, and dance music. Most people clubbing in Ybor choose to at least make a stop here to check out the DJs and take advantage of the traffic drink specials. The sound and light system is unmatched in the area, making sure you lose your bearings by the end of the night. The exclusive rooftop bar is a great place to have a conversation or just look at the lights of downtown Tampa in the distance.
Recommended for Ybor City's Best Nightlife because: With multiple dance floors, celeb DJs and great drink specials, you can dance the night away at Ybor City's Club Prana.
Scott's expert tip: They fill the club from bottom to top, so on slow nights, not all levels will be open.
Among the most entertaining gay bars in Tampa, Florida, this high-energy club is a sweet spot to shimmy like you mean it on an expansive dance floor bathed in flashing lights. After busting every move you've got, retreat to the balcony where danced-out clubbers sip cheap, tasty drinks and chat with the sociable staff. The Honey Pot also features Steam Fridays with phenomenal drag shows for men and Tease Saturdays with sensational specials for women including $1 drinks from 10 pm - 11 pm. There are also plenty of special events and guest DJs.
Recommended for Ybor City's Best Nightlife because: Although one of Tampa's most popular gay clubs, everyone is welcome to shake their booty at this high energy dance spot.
Skye's expert tip: Check out the popular drag show on Fridays at midnight.
Photo courtesy of The RITZ Ybor
This poll-topping venue is hailed by many as the premier spot in Tampa, Florida for live music. Originally built in 1917, the Ritz underwent a $2 million renovation and now boasts three magnificent rooms, a grand foyer, multiple full-service bars and state-of-the-art sound and lighting. The venue is large enough to bring in top music industry names like Lady Gaga and Interpol but intimate enough to provide excellent sight-lines and electrifying musician-audience interaction. Ticket prices are reasonable and there is a good drink selection. General admission only and no seating in the concert area. So, get there early and wear comfortable shoes!
Recommended for Ybor City's Best Nightlife because: The Ritz Ybor is considered one of the best live music and dance venues in Tampa.
Skye's expert tip: Prices here are a little higher here than at many other Ybor City venues - expect to pay $10 - $15 for a co*cktail.
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Photo courtesy of Gaspar's Grotto
Gaspar's Grotto is a popular bar and restaurant located in Tampa's Ybor City historic neighborhood. Perfect for visitors who have not had the opportunity to experience the annual Gasparilla Celebration, Gaspar's celebrates the famous pirate invasion all year long and everyone gets to party like a pirate. Three large bar areas offer patrons options for seating and entertainment and there is always something going on. If you get hungry, Gaspar's offers some very decent bar grub from Tampa favorites like the Cuban sandwich and Devil Crab to the hottest hot wings in the city.
Recommended for Ybor City's Best Nightlife because: Gaspar's Grotto features daily entertainment and great drink specials allowing visitors to party like a pirate all year round.
Skye's expert tip: Weekend brunch is fit for a hung-over pirate with a full buffet, unlimited mimosas and a Bloody Mary bar.
Photo courtesy of Tampa Improv Comedy Club
Get your yuks on at Tampa's Improv Comedy Club located in the Ybor City historic district. This is the same Club that for 40 years has launched the careers of countless famous comedians such as Jerry Seinfeld, David Spade and Bette Midler, just to name a few. Tampa's version showcases up-and-coming talent as well as nationally-known comedians on their stage, complete with the iconic brick backdrop everyone knows so well. The Club features a full menu and a well-stocked bar to keep you fortified for any laugh attacks that may occur. Reservations are recommended and shows run Wednesday through Sunday.
Recommended for Ybor City's Best Nightlife because: The Improv Comedy Club in Ybor City will have you in stitches showcasing local and national comedy acts.
Skye's expert tip: Shows are 21+ unless otherwise indicated.
Photo courtesy of Tampa Bay Brewing Company
Handcrafted brews are always on tap at this family-run microbrewery, located in Centro Ybor. Within these walls, patrons clamor for house and seasonal brews, cask-conditioned ales and special beers created by other independent breweries. The place has a comfortable, welcoming ambiance, and there are multiple bars. Happy Hour is particularly good because it lets you sample six of the house specialties for a single price. Once you've figured out what you like, then go back for full-sized servings of your favorite. If you need a little sustenance along the way, try out the authentic pub grub or any of their American classics.
Recommended for Ybor City's Best Nightlife because: The popular Tampa Bay Brewing Company offers handcrafted local brews in the heart of Ybor City.
Skye's expert tip: Want to skip the alcohol? Try a satisfying glass of their handcrafted root beer. Guaranteed to please kids of all ages.
Devoted to nurturing live musical acts, the Orpheum in Ybor City supports both local and national performers. The sound system is first-rate and, on nights when the DJs run things, there's a dance floor for those who feel inclined to move and groove. Drink specials are offered during the week, and there's a nice selection of draft beers as well. If you're curious about what Tampa's music scene can offer, drop in for the evening and check out the talent and the atmosphere. Among the name acts who have performed here are Juliana Hatfield, Make Up, and Michelle Malone.
Recommended for Ybor City's Best Nightlife because: The Orpheum is a popular live music and event venue located in the heart of Ybor City.
Skye's expert tip: The music is good and the price is right, but if you're over 25, you may feel a little elderly for the venue.
Photo courtesy of The Attic at Rock Brothers
Downstairs, Rock Brothers in Tampa's historic Ybor City is a craft brewery, full-service bar and tasting room with house-made beers on tap and a full menu of craft co*cktails. Upstairs is the Attic, a live music venue that has quickly gained popularity for the quality of the music and the comfortable intimacy of the space.Built on the unique combination of music and craft beer, Rock Brothers was formed to work with bands to create beer recipes and brands reflective of their music.Their first brand was created in partnership with local band "Have Gun Will Travel" and won a National Championship at the United States Beer Tasting Championship (USBTC). Following a successful incubation period at Tampa's famous Cigar City Brewing, Rock Brothers moved into their new space and haven't looked back.
Recommended for Ybor City's Best Nightlife because: Rock Brothers is a chill, relaxed bar, brewery, and live music venue, with quality libations and a serious dedication to combining good music and good beer.
Skye's expert tip: While co*cktails are unavailable upstairs in the Attic, patrons can order online and have them delivered from the downstairs tasting room.
Photo courtesy of The Castle (Facebook)
This massive club has a different theme for nearly every night of the week, ranging from pop video night to goth or trance. There are 3 different areas for music, and 5 areas altogether to hang out, each offering something a little different and it's a good bet you'll leave having seen something completely new. Despite - or perhaps because of - the alternative clientele, everyone in The Castle is friendly and welcoming. Because the Castle is so wide-ranging, it's a good idea to check their website before you go to see what you might be getting yourself into.
Recommended for Ybor City's Best Nightlife because: Popular with the alternative crowd, the Castle is one of Ybor City's most eclectic nightclubs.
Skye's expert tip: "Everyone is welcome, nothing is taboo" is the motto here - so feel free to get your freak on!
Photo courtesy of Skye Rodgers
Rock, jazz, ska, dubstep, hip-hop, indie, metal, reggae - the Tampa, Florida live music scene doesn't get more varied than this. The Crowbar is a popular live music and special events venue offering a clean, intimate space in which concert and party-goers can feel completely absorbed by the music. Bar service is consistently stellar, and if your eardrums need a break, you can pamper them on the quiet outdoor patio. Open mic nights and karaoke are also well-loved here. Cover varies from free to $10, so it's a very reasonable price to pay for enjoying live, original music.
Recommended for Ybor City's Best Nightlife because: The Crowbar is a popular live music venue in Ybor City that features an eclectic variety of music options and reasonable prices.
Skye's expert tip: Check out the popular Ol' Dirty Sundays party for a laid back afternoon of good music and free food.
