Ybor City Nightlife • A Complete Guide [2024 July Update] (2024)

Welcome to Ybor City’s #1 nightlife guide.

On this page, you’ll discover the vibrant and varied nightlife scene in Ybor City. You’ll find the perfect venue for you and your preferred night out. Whether you want to go all-out clubbing or if you’d like a more laid back dinner and drinks with a view, we’ve got your covered.

Enjoy!

Ybor is a historic multicultural township in Tampa, Florida. The beaches and fun party lifestyle in Florida make it crazy busy during the holiday season. Ybor is known for its Hispanic vibe and magnetic charm. The city is always bustling with street performers and food vendors bringing a touch of Cuba here into Florida. In addition, the area is crucial to the South American immigrant community. So, it’s a melting pot of North and South American styles.

Best places to see in Ybor city

Ybor is best known for its original quality cigars. The 7th Avenue is the first place to look around. Boutique shops, Latin food, and gay bars. The city is very diverse and multicultural. The famous Ybor history district has immortalized ancient Latin and Native American cultures. Many eateries, bars, and bakeries to eat your heart out in the fantastic metropolis.

Nightlife in Ybor city

There is something fun for everyone to do at Ybor. Energetic dance parties or be it laid back drinking and lounging, there is a good spot for everything. There LGBTQ groups are very outgoing here, and there are many exclusive gay bars. In addition, Florida has many outstanding colleges, which makes party life a lit scene in Ybor during weekends.

Best restaurants near Ybor City in Tampa

Ybor restaurants have great variety in cuisine. It’s a melting pot of Cuban, Spanish, and American flavors. Get the authentic taste of Ybor’s most delicate and some of these restaurants.

Colombia restaurant

7^th Avenue is the busiest area in the historic city of Ybor. The 1905 landmark eatery also serves vegan and gluten-free options along with meat preparations. The fine diner also has live music and a fully stocked back. The interiors are gorgeous. Plus, the dinner menu features authentic Spanish and Cuban bean soups, Gazpacho and Empanadas. The list of sea food, scallops, red snapper, grouper, and mahi mahi fish is worth a try.

Website: https://www.columbiarestaurant.com/

Phone: +1 813-248-4961

Address: 2117 E 7th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605, United States

Timing: Sunday – Thursday11 a.m. – 9 p.m. Friday – Saturday11 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Acropolis Greek Taverna

In the middle of bold Latin American flavors, this Greek restaurant is a breath of fresh air. The round blue sofas, pristine décor, and authentic flavors from the islands of Greece make this spot special. Must-try items include Caeser salad, Pastit*io, Gyro Wrap, Greek Souvlaki, and Fried Kibbe. The falafel bowl and falafel slider are customer favorites, according to reviews. You can also cater or book personal events here at the acropolis.

Website: https://www.acropolistaverna.com/

Phone: +1 813-242-4545

Address: 1833 E 7th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605, United States

Timing: Sunday – Thursday11 a.m. – 11 p.m. Friday – Saturday11 a.m. – 1 a.m.

Bernini Restaurant

Located in the heart of historic Ybor, this clean-cut classic Italian diner is a gateway to Europe. The dinner menu is full of exotic dishes made with fresh ingredients. Some classic dishes prepared are The Eggplant Rollatini, Shrimp Florentine Risotto, Pork Osso Bucco, and their house pizzas. The cigar city chop and the 17^th street are some of the chef’s bestselling innovations. Also, try their mixed co*cktails and unique wines from the extensive alcohol menu.

Website: http://berniniofybor.com/

Phone: +1 813-248-0099

Address: 1702 E 7th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605, United States

Timing: Wednesday – Thursday11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m. Friday – Saturday11:30 a.m. – 11 p.m. Sunday 11:30am – 9pm. Closed on Monday, Tuesday.

Gaspar’s Grotto

This pirate-themed bar cum restaurant is a party lover’s paradise. You can spend the whole evening here without getting bored. There is live music, plenty of seating area, outdoor space, and dance floor. It’s not as loud as nightclubs, but more laid back and fun. Pick a quesadilla from their many varieties of pulled pork or crab and shrimp. The chicken wings with ranch and Korean barbeque sauce are a must-try. There is also a unique bottle lounge for VIP guest tickets.

Website: https://gasparsgrotto.com/

Phone: +1 813-248-5900

Address: 1805 E 7th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605, United States

Timing: Monday- Saturday: 7:00am – 2:00am Sunday: 11:00am – 2:00am

Al’s Finger Licking Good Soul Food

The new branch of soul food of this famous barbeque restaurant just opened in Ybor City, Tampa. For some home-style authentic southern soul food, come to this newly opened spot. The classic yet straightforward black-eyed peas, Mac and cheese, pork roast, and fried chicken fill your heart with joy. In addition, there is a unique item for each day of the week, including oxtail on Sunday.

Website: https://www.alsybor.com/

Phone: +1 813-515-5036

Address: 2302 E 7th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605, United States

Timing: Mon – Thurs: Closed Fri – Sat:11:30am – 7pm Sun: 12pm – 5pm

Bests bars in Ybor

Drinking is a huge part of Florida’s culture. The beer and wines from nearly breweries and orchards are highly celebrated by local bars. Here are some of the best bars in the heritage city of Ybor, Florida.

Tampa Bay Brewing Company

People come here for a fantastic variety of beers. The most acclaimed ones are reef donkey, Old American foot, Double coast lager, and Gourds gone wild. You won’t get this range of beer anywhere else, and it’s all their house-brewed specialists. Customers are equally fond of the food here. Pizzas, calzones, and burgers make for great finger food with the nonstop beer at this watering hole.

Website: https://www.tbbc.beer/home

Phone: +1 813-247-1422

Address: 1600 E 8th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605, United States

​Timing: Everyday: 11am-10pm. The kitchen closes one hour before.

Ybor city wine bar

For as low as 20 dollars, anyone can enjoy the fanciest of Tampa wines at this wine bar. There is also a wine of the month which every customer must try during their visit. The upscale and intimate wine parlor is a chic hangout place for elites of Ybor city and tourists. There are always special discounts and deals to avail and they also have a unique wine club. The assorted wine list consists of bodega Norton from Argentina, Gazela from Portugal, La Joya from Italy, and Chateau Bonnet from France.

Website: http://www.yborcitywinebar.com/

Phone: (813) 999-4966

Address: 1600 E 7th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605, United States

​Timing: Monday – Saturday: 5pm – 3am, Sunday: 1pm – 2am

The Bad monkey

This place is a drift from the fine dining and high-end options. But it is unlimited fun at Bad monkey with bowling, gaming, drinking, and plenty of eating. During happy hours which lasts till 5:30, draft beer is available at as low as 3 dollars. The beer pairs perfectly well with their juicy burgers, Buffalo wings, hot dogs, and nachos. The bartenders are extremely friendly, and a good tie with friends is guaranteed a The Bad Monkey.

Website: https://badmonkeyybor.com/

Phone: +1 813-280-9971

Address: 1717 E 7th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605, United States

​Timing: Mon-Fri 3PM–3AM Sat-Sun 12PM-3AM

Clubbing and partying in Ybor city

Coyote Ugly Saloon Tampa

This franchise is famous all over the United States of America. This club hosts some amazing gigs featuring Hollywood’s popular DJs and singers. Thirsty Saturdays with DJ Knox, Saturday with Tex Flex, and D3Z are their busiest events. Youngsters from all over the city gather here to party all night with DJ T-Quest & DJ Ace Vedo. For ladies, there are also free shots on the house.

Website: https://www.coyoteuglysaloon.com/tampa/

Phone: 813-241-(8459)

Address: AGUILAR BUILDING, 1722 E 7th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605, United States

​Timing: Monday – Thursday and Sunday 4 pm – 10 pm Friday – Saturday: 4 pm – Midnight

The Castle

Party starts a little late at this 1992 club but goes on till almost the crack of dawn. The strong drinks and electric music makes partying here the best. Some regular events include midnight mass on Fridays and Carpe Noctum on Saturdays. You can also spot Nick Warren and Sunshine Jones playing here from time to time. Moreover, the 80s video night-themed party is coming up on the 3^rd of September.

Website: http://castleybor.com/

Phone: +1 813-247-7547

Address: 2004 N 16th St, Tampa, FL 33605, United States

​Timing: Friday – Saturday: 10:30pm to 3am

Showbar Ybor

This is not your regular club; it is a unique live music piano bar. One of its kind in the Heritage city. It is a great social setting to meet and connect with new people. The rock, pop hit played on piano gets the crowd in the mood. They also have DJs for more energetic dance parties. The co*cktail list is never-ending. Also, enjoy more experimental endeavors at the drag shows. You may also plan your parties or events at this amazing location.

Website: https://www.showbarybor.com/

Phone: +1 813-443-8581

Address: 1613 E 7th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605, United States

​Timing: Thursday – Saturday: 5pm to 2:30am Sunday 12 – 10pm Tuesday: 5pm – 12am

Club Prana

This club is extended over five floors, one level each for sky bar, lounge, and nightclub. Reggae, hip hop, and rock music is played all night, and the dance floor remains packed as the bartender keeps the alcohol flowing. Some of their events organized during the week include play Fridays and flirty Thursdays. In addition, there is VIP bottle service and lounge seating for more exclusive guests at Club Prana.

Website: https://clubprana.com/

Phone: +1 813-241-4139

Address: 1619 E 7th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605, United States

​Timing: Friday – Saturday: 9pm to 3am Sunday 8pm – 3am Tuesday- Thursday: 10pm – 3am Wednesday- 12 -4pm

Gay bars in Ybor City Tampa

Bradley’s on 7^th

This is Ybor’s most happening LGBTQ club, where people from all walks of life come to connect and enjoy. Every night, there is a dedicated spirit. Tuesdays are for Vodka, Wednesdays for beer and tonic shots. There is happy hour every day at Bradley’s, where the same drinks are so much cheaper. Thursday and Friday night are also from drag shows content, featuring amazing local talents like Lady Janet. At Bradley’s, you’ll get a taste of a true Florida-style party.

Website: https://www.showbarybor.com/

Phone: +1 813-241-2723

Address: 1510 E 7th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605, United States

​Timing: Monday – Friday: 4pm to 3am Saturday and Sunday 2pm to 3am.

City side lounge

This one is not a nightclub but an LGBTQ-friendly and promoting co*cktail lounge in Ybor. The best event is spotlight Tuesday, featuring drag queens Conundrum and Sorcha Mercy. And Fridays, there are strip shows by men featuring Alejandro, Maxi, and James Cass. Everything is dedicated to the gay community. Plus, the co*cktails and pizzas here are worth ordering while enjoying the shows.

Website: https://www.citysideloungetampa.com/

Phone: +1 813-350-0600

Address: 3703 Henderson Blvd, Tampa, FL 33609, United States

​Timing: Open every day from 11am to 3am.

Frequently asked questions

People from out of America might not be so familiar with Ybor. Also, Americans from other parts of the country might have some misconceptions about Florida’s cultural and heritage city. These are some frequently asked questions about Ybor, Florida.

Why is Tampa called Ybor city?

Ybor City is a neighborhood in Tampa, Florida, legitimized as a township in 1885 by cigar manufacturers. It is mainly made of Spanish and Cuban immigrant communities.

Is Ybor city a party town?

Ybor City has a reputation for having a multicultural and vivid nightlife. You can jump from one bar to another on the 7^th boulevard. The historic city is heavy on drinking and loves their home-brewed beer with local cigars.

Is Ybor city safe?

Ybor City is very safe and has low crime rates. In addition, it has lower racism and low crimes against the LGBTQ minority. Travelers are also safe in this neighborhood.

Conclusion

No better place to live in Tampa, Florida, than in Ybor city. It is the most eccentric and lively neighborhood with the most exclusive hotels and bars. Most people gather here to have a good time and party from evening to late night. It is the best place for tourists to get a feel of the magical and surprising nightlife Ybor offers. So, hurry and book your tickets for a weekend getaway to Ybor city, the cigar capital of America.