Rocco
Ybor City is Tampa’s most culturally diverse and hip neighborhood. Established by Cuban immigrants who erected cigar factories, shops, and restaurants in the early 20th century, Ybor City has transformed into Tampa’s cultural hub.
You’ll find a myriad of vintage shops and clothing boutiques to explore by day. By night, Ybor City is Tampa’s premier nightlife spot, featuring countless fashionable restaurants and bars.
For a lively night out on the town, I’ve compiled a list of the best bars in Ybor City below for you to add to your evening itinerary.
The Castle
2004 N 16th St, Tampa, FL 33605
Phone: (813) 247-7547
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The Castle is a giant nightclub decked out in medieval décor in Historic Ybor City, a block from the Centennial Park streetcar stop. There are multiple dance floors and stages for an all-night dance party.
Their full bar features an extensive list of craft cocktails, scotch, bourbon, and aged tequila menus, and a selection of craft beers.
Gaspar’s Grotto
1805 E 7th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605
Phone: (813) 248-5900
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Located one block from Centennial Park and the Ybor City Museum, Gaspar’s Grotto is a pirate bar and restaurant that honors Tampa’s famous Cuban pirate, Jose Gaspar.
Gaspar’s Grotto has a fun, old-school atmosphere that honors Ybor City’s rich Cuban history.
Gaspar’s Grotto serves a full lunch, brunch, and dinner menu with Cuban and Latin American cuisine to pair with a list of craft cocktails or bottles of spirits. I love their Cuban sandwich!
The Ritz Ybor
1503 E 7th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605
Phone: (813) 248-4050
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Another Historic Ybor district favorite, The Ritz Ybor is a giant event venue and one of Tampa’s premier destinations for all types of entertainment, from burlesque shows to music concerts. ll
It’s inside a historic Ybor building built in 1917, with three rooms, each containing full-service bars, dance floors, stages, and amazing lighting. I went for a vodka-tonic-fueled dance party to my favorite house music.
Coyote Ugly Saloon
1722 E 7th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605
Phone: (813) 241-8459
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True to its Hollywood movie namesake, Coyote Ugly Saloon is a rowdy female-staffed saloon where women really dance on top of the bar.
Located diagonally across from Gaspar’s Grotto, Coyote Ugly Saloon has pool tables, a full bar, and non-stop entertainment from the pretty barwomen who encourage female and male customers alike to join in.
The drinks are strong, and they have a nice selection of beer. However, it’s the atmosphere that garners the following more than the drinks.
Bad Monkey Ybor
1717 E 7th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605
Phone: (813) 280-9971
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Located across the street from Coyote Ugly, Bad Monkey Ybor is a neighborhood sports bar with WWII memorabilia, a cozy lounge area, an outdoor patio, and a bar lined with flatscreen TVs broadcasting all your favorite sports games.
They have a long list of draft and bottled beers, liquor, and delicious American food. I went for happy hour to enjoy a cheap premium draft.
Tampa Bay Brewing Company
1600 E 8th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605
Phone: (813) 247-1422
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Tampa Bay Brewing Company is a brewery, taproom, and gastropub in an industrial-chic warehouse space next door to the Improv Comedy Theater in Historic Ybor.
They have 24 rotating taps and a unique menu of beer-infused dishes to enjoy on the massive patio or inside the airy dining room.
Club Prana
1619 E 7th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605
Phone: (813) 241-4139
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Located next to Bad Monkey, Club Prana is a massive 5-floor nightclub that has been a glamorous destination for the most sought-after parties in Tampa.
Each floor has a beautifully designed cocktail lounge, dance floor, and theme. Club Prana is a nightclub with sophistication and elegance worth dressing up for.
I went for an expertly crafted vodka martini in the super-modern mezzanine room.
Crowbar
1812 N 17th St, Tampa, FL 33605
Phone: (813) 241-8600
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Located steps away from Centro Ybor streetcar stop, Crowbar is a live music venue, bar, and beer garden with an edgy, modern vibe.
Whether you’re into electronic, rap, or punk rock, Crowbar has a diverse lineup of concerts, sets, and other entertainment events.
They have a wide selection of beers on tap, cocktails, spirits, and a full menu of decadent bar fare.
Ybor City Wine Bar
1600 E 7th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605
Phone: (813) 999-4966
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Ybor City Wine Bar is a charming, Miami-chic wine bar founded by sommelier Jayme Kosar. They offer 200 different bottles of fine wines, 100 different craft beers, and another menu of bubblers and dessert wines.
I’d recommend Ybor City Wine Bar for a romantic date night or a cozy night out with friends. They have a full small-plates menu designed to pair wonderfully with the bottles of your choice.
Final Thoughts
Every bar and nightclub on my list of the best bars in Ybor City lies within one block of each other. Many are on the same block!
You can bar-hop to every location and report back on which bar you liked best in the comments section below!
Best Bars in Ybor City
- The Castle
- Gaspar’s Grotto
- The Ritz Ybor
- Coyote Ugly Saloon
- Bad Monkey Ybor
- Tampa Bay Brewing Company
- Club Prana
- Crowbar
- Ybor City Wine Bar
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