The wife and I are heading to FLA this weekend, and are swinging through Tampa tomorrow so I can get my CCB on. I'm not going to bother with another thread about CCB and FLA beer, but what I would like to know is this: Is there anything super fun that, being our first time in Tampa, we should try to do? We'll get in mid afternoon and plan on spending a chunk of the evening at CCB, so what should we do in between? Is there something local and fun that y'all would recommend (aside from the aquarium or Bush Gardens)? A good local place to eat (seafood or Cuban)? We like to experience new places and are open to lots of suggestions!
The most noteworthy Spanish/Cuban restaurant in Tampa is The Columbia Restaurant in Ybor. It's among the longest standing businesses in Tampa and offers great cuisine at a reasonable price. For straight Cuban with minimal fanfare/ambiance you may do better with Arco-Iris or La Teresita but both are a major step down from the Columbia imho. If you are a ravenous carnivore and like Argentinian food, try El Puerto in Ybor. The service is hit or miss but the food is rock solid. I'm from Louisiana and of the opinion that the seafood in Tampa sucks, so I'll let someone else offer an opinion on that. As for things to do, Tampa has a few good breweries worth checking out. 7venth Sun in Dunedin isnt nearly as prolific or well known as CCB but makes some great stuff. Dunedin Brewery is only a few blocks away so you could knock out both on a day trip. Things to do... Busch Gardens is actually pretty fun but will be slammed. The Ray's are not in town this weekend so catching a game is out. Hope this helps...
Arco Iris and Teresita are no Columbia, but the food is VERY good and the prices are very reasonable, not to mention they are 5 minutes from CCB.
If you're looking for any eclectic cuisine, check out either The Refinery or Ella's, both located in Seminole Heights, about 10 minutes or so from CCB. My two favorite restaurants in town. Enjoy yourself!
+1 for the Refinery...Datz is also a great local spot with some great craft beer...I believe they are doing a tasting of the Widmer Collab on Thursday night so they may have some left over on Friday
Can anyone speak to the practicality of getting around by public transportation in the Tampa/St. Petersburg area? I'll be in town the first weekend of August to see my Giants play (and probably lose to) the Rays. Planning to stay out on St Pete beach but would like to check out CCB etc. Also need to get to the games on Friday/Saturday. Is a car a requirement? Any suggestions for good watering holes on St Pete beach? 'Places' only lists one. Any other words of wisdom? Thanks. Sorry if I'm hijacking the thread.
Tampa Bay Brewing Co. located in Ybor City serves up some great food. Their menu consist of various items prepared or cooked with house made brews! I always look forward to visiting this spot when in the area.
