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Take back the night in Ybor City
By AMYABBOTT
© St. Petersburg Times, published May 31, 2001
Spring Break is done. The relatives and old friends from up North are gone. It's just you now. No longer do you have to pick out the just-can't-miss places for your guests. No more obligatory late nights and crazy weekends. So what do you do now? If you're suffering from empty-nest syndrome, you can soothe your troubled soul by rubbing elbows at any one of these places. After all, there's no way you made it to all these venues -- is there?
Price guide
This price guide for businesses serving food is based on meals for two:
- $ Inexpensive, less than $25
- $$ Moderate, $25-$50
- $$$ Expensive, $50 and up
1. 8th Avenue Grille, 1811 N 15th St.; (813) 242-6616. Don't go looking for a pizza-by-the-slice window to line your beer-blitzed stomach. This is grown-up Italian with crisp and contemporary decor. Lunch 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Mon.-Fri.; dinner 5 p.m.-midnight Wed.-Sat. $$$
2. Amphitheater, 1609 E Seventh Ave.; (813) 248-2331. The 13,000-square-foot nightclub features a 30-foot revolving dance floor, professional house dancers, a dress code, laser light shows, shadow dancing contests, VIP rooms and an oxygen bar. 10 p.m.-3 a.m. Mon., Fri.-Sat.
3. Atomic Age Cafe, 1518 E Seventh Ave.; (813) 247-6547. Original Atomic Agers are in for a shock. The place has been stripped of its former self except for a few remaining tables and the bar. The goal: a jazzy night spot with a kitchen opening soon for lunch and light night menus. Live music dominates the weekends, while poetry readings and open jams fill weeknights. You'll recognize the distinctive old sign out front, but the perfectly executed mid-20th century modern interior is gone. Tue.-Sat. 8 p.m.-3 a.m.
4. Bar Tampa, 1401 E Seventh Ave.; (813) 248-3422. "No Theme, Just Bar" they say, but there is a well-defined atmosphere here: meat market. Gals do the bump and grind on the countertops, while open-mouthed guys watch them from the tight-as-sardine-cans floor. It's noisy and it's crowded, and the young-and-buff set seems to love it. 9 p.m.-3 a.m. Wed.-Sat.
5. Bernini's, 1702 E Seventh Ave.; (813) 248-0099. Ooh, the serpentine copper bar and the big plates of pasta whizzing by. Cozy upstairs cigar and martini bar. 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Mon; 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Tue.-Thur.; 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m. Fri.; 3 p.m.-11 p.m. Sat.; 3 p.m.-9 p.m. Sun. $$
6. Blue Shark, 1620 E Seventh Ave.; (813) 248-3499. In part of a storefront, a pub now sits with an odd range of offerings. Open mike on Tuesdays, college night and karaoke on Thursdays and live blues on the weekends and Wednesdays. A pool table out back completes the atmosphere. 7 p.m.-3 a.m. Tue.-Sat.
7. Brooklyn's, 1724 E Seventh Ave.; (813) 248-2828. Formerly the Ybor City Diner; the interior was given a paint job and pictures of Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio, and baseball bats were hung to recreate baseball heydays nostalgia. It's still really a place to get basic munchie food after all the bars close. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Mon.; 11 a.m.-2:30 a.m. Tue.; 11 a.m.-3 a.m. Wed.-Sat.; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sun. $
8. Cafe Creole, 1330 E Ninth Ave.; (813) 247-6283. Gumbo and crawfish in the historic El Pasaje building. 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Mon.-Thur.; 11:30-11:30 Fri.; 5-11:30 p.m. Sat. Available for private parties Sundays. $$
9. Carmine's, 1802 E Seventh Ave.; (813) 248-3834. The old Seventh Avenue standby for Cuban and Italian food is open late with a full menu. Line your stomach with a Cuban sandwich and garbanzo bean soup before filling it with beer. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun.; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Mon.; 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Tue.; 11 a.m.-1 a.m. Wed.-Thur.; 11 a.m.-3 a.m. Fri.-Sat. $
10. The Castle, 2004 N 16th St.; (813) 247-7547. A Gothic-inspired space with iron candelabra, bare brick walls and a stream running through the stone-topped bar. Monday nights, the Castle's busiest, feature semi-obscure new wave and scantily clad go-go dancers. At night it's always packed and, contrary to the popular belief that the Castle is "a Goth club," customers come from every walk of life. 9:30 p.m.-3 a.m. Mon. and Fri.-Sun.
11. CENTRO YBOR, 1600 E Eighth Ave. It took more than $50-million and 23 national food and retail chains to bring an element to Ybor City that had been lacking in the past few years: families. If you wander out of Centro's comfort zone, though, don't be offended by what you see. You can take the Ybor out of the mall but you can't take Ybor out of Ybor.
Adobe Gilas, (813) 241-8588. A cross between a chain Mexican restaurant and a chain frozen drink-jockey bar. The menu is all drinks, drinks, drinks. Perched atop the balcony overlooking Seventh, it offers the best view in Ybor. 11 a.m.-2:30 a.m. Mon.-Sat.; 1 p.m.-2:30 a.m. Sun. Barley Hopper's, Centro Ybor (813) 242-6678. The newest edition to the Centro Megaplex is a cross between Busch Gardens and Hops. Beer barrels line the walls, and you can map out your drinking excursion on the wall map to earn free T-shirts and prizes. The selection of international beers is truly amazing -- more than 48 on tap and 55 in bottles. If you can't quench your thirst here, maybe you should be switching to water. 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m. Mon.-Thur.; 11:30 a.m.-midnight Fri.-Sat.; noon-8 p.m. Sun. $$
Big City Tavern, (813) 247-3000. One of the coolest places to grab lunch and hang around the lounge on weekend nights. Big leather booths and dark wood accents add to the poshness. Patio is perfect for people-watching on Seventh. 11:30 a.m.-1 a.m. Sun.-Thur.; 11:30 a.m.-3 a.m. Fri.-Sat. $$$
Big Mouth, (813) 241-8845. A '50s style diner with handmade shakes and open grill. Mosey up to the fountain bar or grab a booth. Be entertained by reading the wallpaper. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Sun.-Thur.; 11 a.m.-1 a.m. Fri.-Sat. $
Cafe Mezzanotte, Centro Ybor (813) 242-4885. To get away from the bustle of Seventh is difficult to do, but this place is a world away. Situated on the Ninth Avenue side of Centro, the restaurant spills out onto a patio. A light, breezy tone sets the scene for a romantic dinner or for several friends to kick back and enjoy. Lunch time here is a welcome break from the roadside eateries on Seventh socked in with exhaust. Later on in the evening, the DJ kick-starts the pulse of the place and gets people dancing. Even on the tables. Lunch 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Mon.-Sun.; dinner 5:30-11 p.m. Sun.-Thur., 5:30-midnight Fri.-Sat. $$$ Dish, (813) 241-8300. Pluck some filet, salmon or turkey and top with fresh veggies and custom sauces to invent your own dish to be cooked on an open 8-foot grill. Every inch of the decor is coated in stimulating patterns and textures in reds, black and pinks. If you don't like it, start over. It's all you care to eat. The owner hates it when you call this upscale Mongolian barbecue, but there it is. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sun., Tue.-Thur.; 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Mon.; 11 a.m.-midnight Fri.-Sat. $$
GameWorks (813) 241-9675. If you haven't been, you've probably heard what you're missing from the thousands who have. Respectable menu at the retro Jax Grill. Many inventive cocktails for those of you who can't make up your mind at any of the three bars. Save your quarters for the two floors of video games. 11 a.m.-midnight Sun.-Wed.; 11 a.m.-3 a.m. Thur.-Sat. $$
The Improv, (813) 864-4000. Taking someone who knows the Heimlich maneuver is recommended. Sizable menu with chicken fingers and full portions of steak make it a hazard to watch the likes of Judy Tenuta, Rita Rudner and Brett Butler. There are non-smoking shows and 18-and-up shows available. Shows are 8 p.m. Sun., Tue.-Thur.; 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Fri.; 7, 9:30 and 11:30 Sat.. $
Starbucks, (813) 241-4457. Coffee, cappuccino, muffins, lattes. You know, the whole Starbucks thing. 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Mon.-Thur.; 9 a.m.-midnight Fri.-Sat.; noon-9 p.m. Sun.
12. Cherry's, 1512 E Seventh Ave.;(813) 247-4541. The Ybor diner and bar stays open late. If the wee hours are weighing on you, the neon-lighted glass-block bar should be loud enough to wake you back up. 11:30 a.m.-2 a.m. Tue.-Wed.; 11:30 p.m.-4 a.m. Thur.-Sat.; 4 p.m.-2 a.m. Sun. $
13. Club 1509, 1509 E Eighth Ave.; (813) 247-6606. Always heavy on the faux-VIP vibe, 1509 turns out to be more inviting inside if you don't perceive too much exclusivity at the door. Inside, it's all cushy couches, laser lights, wooden Georgian style bars, and an elevated stage. The upstairs lounge-balcony is for the supposed VIPs. 10 p.m.-3 a.m. Wed.-Thur. and Sat.; 9 p.m.-3 a.m. Fri.
14. Club Electra, 1618 E Seventh Ave.; (813) 241-0128. This video bar has 12 monitors hanging from the ceiling for music videos and football games. The wavy stainless-steel bar and preponderance of silver and blue lend a cool, modern feel. Local and national acts pump up the rock 'n' roll on the weekend, and DJs spin for Thursday's college night. 8 p.m.-3 a.m. Thur.-Sat.
15. Club Hedo, 1510 E Seventh Ave.; (813) 248-4336. This tropical-theme bar feels like a cross between Hooter's and the set of Joe Versus the Volcano. 10 p.m.-3 a.m. Wed.-Thur.; 7 p.m.-3 a.m. Fri-Sat.
16. Columbia Restaurant, 2117 E Seventh Ave.; (813) 248-4961. In Ybor City since 1905, the venerable Columbia is a palace of Spanish tile and old-world ambience. The red lounge with the doll hutches is a prodigy of cool-weird decor and a great place to whisper into someone's ear. Flamenco show in the main dining room nightly except Sundays, and a cigar bar in the cafe on the restaurant's east side. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Mon.-Thur.; 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Fri.-Sat.; noon-9 p.m. $$
17. Daddy Wigglers, 2015 E Seventh Ave.; (813) 248-2214. Wide-open dark bar with somewhat confusing decor points -- neon-green trim, green alien mascots on the walls and a pop art painting of a superhero saying, "Thank you for everything you Wiggley Daddy." Oooookay. Fight nights are Wednesdays for some down-home fun. Live blues and swing for the rest of the week. 5 p.m.-2:30 a.m. Wed. and Fri.; 8 p.m.-2:30 a.m. Sat.; 1 p.m.-8 p.m. Sun.
18. Deli Plus, 1605 E Seventh Ave.; (813) 241-9526. Exceedingly generic sandwich and ice cream shop. 8 a.m.-4 a.m. Thur.-Sat.; 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon.-Wed. $
19. El Molino Gourmet Coffee and Gifts, 2012 E Seventh Ave.; (813) 248-2521. Connected to the Naviera Coffee Mill, where the smell of roasted coffee is the real deal. The aroma can be picked up well beyond Seventh Avenue. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Mon.-Fri.; 1-5 p.m. Sat. $
20. Elmer's Sports Cafe, 2003 E Seventh Ave.; (813) 248-5855. A dark and roomy sports bar with pool tables in the back and a liquor store on the side. Live music Fri.-Sat. and plenty of munchie food and good-for-you salads. 11:30 a.m.-midnight Sun.-Thur.; 11:30 a.m.-3 a.m. Fri.-Sat. $
21. Empire, 1902 E Seventh Ave.; (813) 247-2582. If the regulation mix of house-techno-hip-hop-and-booty gets you in touch with your repressed tribal yearnings, if you need a dark, noisy, gritty place to behave in a way you'd rather not during the day, this is the club for you. Any residual vibe this building once had as a pioneering alternative Ybor venue is long gone. 10 p.m.-3 a.m. Thur.; 9 p.m.-3 a.m. Fri.-Sat.
22. Fat Tuesday, 1722 E Seventh Ave.; (813) 248-9755. Did somebody say frozen daiquiris? Why, yes -- 17 kinds in all. That seems to be the entire point of this brightly painted and echo-y-y space. Tue.-Sat. 3 p.m.-3 a.m. $
23. Fly Trap, 1929 E Seventh Ave.; (813) 248-3053. If the Greeks in their pledge shirts and all-around popularity of the Castle have kept you home lately, cinch up your patent leather corsets and break out your eyeliner. The Fly Trap is the epitome of the glory days of Goth. Big comfy couches to rest on, a wide open dance floor to flounce about and retro alternative sub-pop videos are shown on giant screens. The clientele is welcoming to people who are welcoming to them. Really! Though you can't see it, they're smiling on the inside. 9:30 p.m.-3 a.m. Mon., Thur., Fri.; 10 p.m.-3 a.m. Sat.
24. Frankie's Patio, 1920 E Seventh Ave.; (813) 248-3337. Once a sprawling restaurant and outdoor venue for national and local acts, the legendary patio is now open for concerts and special events only. The kitchen has been closed.
25. Full Moon Saloon, 1613 E Seventh Ave.; (813) 248-3309. The facade of the Full Moon is enigmatic. Half the business is just that, a fully restored building facade fronting an open air courtyard (or drinking yard). It also has the best sign on Seventh Avenue, a wispy cloud-obscured moon with the message "Somewhere on 7th." But beyond the facade, it's primarily an all-too-common Ybor specimen: dark cavernous bar with exposed brick walls and pool tables. 9 p.m.-3 a.m. Thur.; 5 p.m.-3 a.m. Fri.; and 9 p.m.-3 a.m. Sat.
26. Fuma Bella, 1318 E Eighth Ave.; (813) 248-6130. It means "beautiful smoke." Saying this place is tiny would be an understatement. This one-room bar is straight out of the 1800s smoking parlors. Newcomers gawk at the many conversation pieces. 9 p.m.-3 a.m. Tue.-Sun.
27. FUN, 1507 E Seventh Ave.; (813) 247-6234. Surreal is the flavor of fun at FUN. Twisted velvet rope posts mounted on the lobby's wall tip off what you're in for. The main room is huge but not too warehouselike. The VIP upstairs is walled off with glass and blue neon tubing, making it seem like an aquarium. Take a breather on the balcony overlooking Seventh. 9 p.m.-3 a.m. Wed., Fri.; 10 p.m.-3 a.m. Thur., Sat.
28. Green Iguana, 1708 E Seventh Ave.; (813) 248-9555. Key West meets Bennigan's, including some of the best vegetarian food in Ybor. At night, it's the upper-end college hangout with live bands and a new VIP area upstairs. 11 a.m.-3 a.m. Mon.-Sat.; noon-3 a.m. Sun. $
29. Harpo's, 1805 E Seventh Ave.; (813) 248-4814. Multiple stages, both inside and out on the patios. All feature live bands covering Top 40 hits for the mostly older crowd that comes to Harpo's to par-tay and get picked up. 8 p.m.-3 a.m. Fri.-Sat.
30. The Irish Pub, 1721 E Seventh Ave.; (813) 248-2099. Looks like it could have been airlifted from O'Connell Street. Pub grub, college crowd and lots of women's undies strewn over the bar. 4 p.m.-3 a.m. everyday. $
31. James Joyce Irish Pub 17041/2 (upstairs) E Seventh Ave.; (813) 247-1896. Nice, quaint place to get smashed off your Blarney Stone. You'll need the luck of the Irish to get down that long flight of stairs later, though. Billiards, darts, alcohol, throw in a grand literary figure and what else could you need? 7:30 p.m.-3 a.m. daily.
32. Joffrey's Coffee Co., 1616 E Seventh Ave.; (813) 248-5282. Tampa's first name in coffee houses bolsters Ybor tipplers with java and decadent desserts. Besides Joffrey's own, you'll find the coveted desserts of Zudar's Deli Cafe of Hyde Park. Breakfast sandwiches, too. 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon.-Tue.; 7 a.m.-midnight Wed.; 7 a.m.-1 a.m. Thur.; 7 a.m.-3 a.m. Fri.; 9 a.m.-3 a.m. Sat.; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sun. $
33. Johnny's Pizzeria, 1833 E Seventh Ave.; (813) 241-2279. Typical New York pizzeria fare with a genuinely surprising wall fresco of the Piazza Grande in Rome and faux Roman columns. 11:30-3 p.m. Tue.-Thur.; 11:30 a.m.-3 a.m. Fri.;, noon-3 a.m. Sat. $
34. Kaos, 1812 N 17th St.; (813) 241-8818. If you have glow sticks, a tube-top or an adjustable visor with some sportswear symbol on it, you'll fit in just fine here. Warehouse-y postmodern nightclub, with a hip-hop patio out back. 10 p.m.-3 a.m. Fri.;, 9 p.m.-3 a.m. Sat.
35. King Corona Cigars & More, 1523 E Seventh Ave.; (813) 241-9109. This little haven has truly found its niche. You can now kick back on the patio outside with wine in one hand and a big fat stogie in the other to watch the Seventh Avenue drag. They even have a resident barber, Rich Avila, who can make you a dapper Dan for $10. Live bands and a jazz theme resound after the 10 o'clock hour on weekends. 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Mon.; 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Tue.; 10 a.m.-12 a.m. Wed.; 10 a.m.-3 a.m. Thur.-Sat.; 12 p.m.-10 p.m. Sun.
36. La Cueva, 1707 E Eighth Ave.; (813) 242-4249. The name means "the cave" in Spanish but the club resonates "patio" in English. Latin rhythms and booty music drift out of the Key West style cabana-bar into the surrounding open-air patios. Tends to draw a younger crowd to dance to Latin styles and house music, not just the usual helping of salsa and merengue. 10 p.m.-3 a.m. Wed., Fri.-Sat.
37. La Femme Bouvet, 1320 E Ninth Ave.; (813) 247-9966. One of Ybor's most beautiful clubs routinely packs its dance floor and puts on high-energy drag shows. Caters to women of all persuasions (but sympathetic men can get in, too), and the historic, high-ceiling space vibrates with a fun-loving, all-inclusive atmosphere. Elegant appointments include a balcony overlooking a fountain in a courtyard below. 9 p.m.-3 a.m. Sat.
38. La Terrazza Restaurant, 1727 E Seventh Ave.; (813) 248-1326. Intimate restaurant with Northern Italian cuisine. Lunch 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Tue.-Fri.; dinner 6-10 p.m. Tue.-Thur.; 6-11 p.m. Fri.-Sat. $$.
39. La Tropicana Cafe, 1822 E Seventh Ave.; (813) 247-4040. Cuban cafe from the old neighborhood. Have a little politics with your Cuban sandwich. Drive-through window. 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mon.-Sat. $.
40. Laughing Cat, 1811 15th St.; (813) 241-2998. The newest place to be for a bite. Take-out is quick. Dishes can be made to your liking. And there's more than pizza. Menu of salmon, pasta and salads uses your lunch hour to its fullest and quenches the late-night munchies. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Tue.-Wed.; 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Thur.-Fri.; 3 p.m.-3 a.m. Sat.; closed Sun.-Mon.
41. Little Sicily, 1724 E Eighth Ave; (813) 248-2940. A shining example of a mom 'n' pop deli. Warm service and daily Sicilian specialties. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat.
42. Lloyd's Cafe & Sports Bar, 1910 E Seventh Ave.; (813) 242-4364. This is the real deal here. The food, drinks and entertainment just ooze Big Easy feel. None of the employees had to be trained by a video on hospitality. The owner greets many of the customers, and the head chef bounces about handing out samples of his most recent concoctions. If the festive atmosphere gets to you, duck out onto the patio for a breather and take in the Seventh Avenue scene from afar. 11 a.m.-3 a.m. Mon.-Sat.; 1 p.m.-6 p.m. Sun. $$
43. Luna, E Seventh Ave.; (813) 248-3460. Above Carmine's restaurant is a stylish little aerie where soothing music and other mellow modern sounds are played. It's a nice place to dance or relax in a sophisticated atmosphere, and there's a balcony overlooking Seventh Avenue. 9:30 p.m.-3 a.m. Fri.-Sat.
44. Market on 7th, 1816 E Seventh Ave.; (813) 248-2356. Pool tables, TVs behind the bar, sandwiches. (The "market" left with the former Demmi's Market). 5 p.m.-midnight Mon.-Tue.; 5 p.m.-3 a.m. Wed.-Sat. $.
45. Masquerade, 1503 E Seventh Ave.; (813) 247-3319. In its former location, Masquerade held a vaunted place in Ybor Club history. Now inside the renovated Ritz Theater, it has become the grande dame of Tampa alternative clubs. Huge dance floor where the theater seats used to be, and the more intimate Solarium on the side. 10 p.m.-3 a.m. Thur.-Sat.
46. Moses White & Sons BBQ, 1815 E Seventh Ave., (813) 247-7544. Friendly family barbecue with deep Tampa roots. Unless you're from Georgia or certain parts of North Carolina, its sharp, mustard-tinged sauce will intrigue you. And greens to die for. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon.-Thur.; 11 a.m.-3 a.m. Fri.-Sat. $
47. New World Brewery, 1313 E Eighth Ave.; (813) 248-4969. Palms, tropical plants and handmade furniture crafted from recycled materials fill the courtyard of this funky little bar. One of the few clubs to host progressive, alternative and underground events (DJs, film, live, experimental music), mostly on Wednesday and Thursday nights. House beers are brewed on site with a total of 15 beers on tap, 50 bottled beers, six video games, a Foosball table and a dart board. Thin-crust pizzas are baked on site, too. 3 p.m.-3 a.m. every day.$
48. NRG, 1502 E Seventh Ave.; (813) 248-1023. Formerly Club Flamingo, it's another glitzy club where techno thumps and the booze flows. Oh, and female impersonator shows. 10 p.m.-3 a.m. Fri.-Sat.
49. O'Grady's Irish Pub, 1823 Seventh Ave.; (813) 241-2607. The giant, bulky bar dominates the smattering of comfy tables and booths. Authentic Irish brogues, beers and hospitality are the staples here. Random musicians will wander in to entertain the masses, but the big draw is the food. If you're not partial to corned beef and cabbage, good. There are plenty of stateside and Mediterranean-influenced dishes that will give you another reason for a second pint to wash it all down. 11 a.m.-12 a.m. Mon.-Wed.; 11 a.m.-3 a.m. Thur.-Fri.; 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sun. $.
50. Orpheum, 1902 Avenida Republica de Cuba; (813) 248-9500. This perfect-size live music venue, all bricks and dim light, has emerged as the cradle of the local alternative scene, taking the place of joints long since past such as the Stone Lounge, Gyland's and the Rubb. It's the first, best and often only place to catch the hippest touring alternative bands and their local counterparts opening for them. 9 p.m.-3 a.m. Tue.-Sat.
51. Ovo Cafe, 1901 E Seventh Ave.; (813) 248-6979. A chi-chi late-night watering hole and daytime eating spot. Pierogies, martinis and waffles the way Mom should have made them: with a dash of liqueur and a dollop of ice cream. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Mon.-Tue., 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Wed.-Thur., 11 a.m.-1 a.m. Fri.-Sat., noon-5 p.m. Sun. $$
52. Prana, 1619 E Seventh Ave.; (813) 241-4139. This place seems to have an identity crisis more severe than Madonna's. It has changed its name several times in the past few years, but it remains classy. Lots of martinis and VIP wanna-bes. If you remember the club's former selves, forget the food. It has been done away with. 9 p.m.-3 a.m. Thur.; 9 p.m.-3 a.m., Fri.; 10 p.m.-3 a.m. Sat.
53. Platforms, 1625 E Seventh Ave.; (813) 241-6603. Spending the night at Platforms is like doing the time-warp, again. The music evolves from sleek polyester grooves of the '70s to thumpin' dance mixes of today as the time ticks toward the 3 o'clock hour. The newly revamped interior has tiny colored glass lights, huge mirrors and riveted chrome bar tops. No more freakish, giant, air-brushed Disco Dans staring down at you from every wall. VIP is open to anyone wanting a little techno and a lot of cool air. 9 p.m.-3 a.m. Thur.-Sat.
54. Pleasuredome, 1430 E Seventh Ave.; (813) 247-2711. The old El Goya/Tracks building still hosts female impersonators in its El Goya showroom. There are also two other mini nightclubs that carry the rotating themes of hip-hop and booty, high-energy dance and progressive house. Add in the adjoining lounge Velvet, which is accessible to Pleasuredome patrons, and you've got a club that continues a long legacy of varied environments that effectively mesh under one roof. 9 p.m.-3 a.m. Tue., Fri., Sat.
55. Rare Olive, 1601 E Seventh Ave.; (813) 248-2333. Very cozy with attentive bartenders. There are so many mirrors, bar hops don't know whether to check out their own well-dressed reflection or fellow lounge lizards. It's small but can really heat up when it books some of this town's better jazz acts. Serves up martinis with a specialty garnish, baby octopus. 7 p.m.-3 a.m. Tue.-Sat.
56. The Rock, 1817 E Seventh Ave.; (813) 242-0613. The New Age cosmic scenes on the walls and ceiling remain, but gone is the overt (and perhaps confusing) Christian vibe of the restaurant's former owners. Now it's a place to get sandwiches and salads, plus fried seafood, Cajun gumbo and pastas with chicken. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Tue.-Thur.; 11 a.m.-1 a.m. Fri.-Sat.; 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sun. $
57. Seventh Heaven Psychic Cafe, 1725 E Seventh Ave.; (813) 242-0400. Want your fortune told while you munch on a Southern Cross salad (pasta, turkey, feta)? Give them the hand that's not holding your glass of wine and let them read you like an open book. 5-11 p.m. Tue.-Wed., 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m. Thur., 11:30-1:30 a.m. Fri-Sat.; 1 p.m.-6 p.m. Sun. $.
58. Spaghetti Warehouse, 1911 N 13th St.; (813) 248-1720. The perennial anchor at Ybor Square has survived that converted 1886 cigar factory's failed retail phase. Basic, middle-Americanized Italian fare popular with families and tour groups. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Mon.-Thur., 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Fri.-Sat., noon-10 p.m. Sun. $
59. Spurs, 1915 E Seventh Ave.; (813) 247-7787. The old country theme has high-tailed it out of there and has been replaced with Latin and high-energy dance. The spacious venue always packs the house now, but you don't have to worry about peanut shells getting stuck on the tips of your stiletto heels. 7:30 p.m.-3 a.m. Sun., Thur.-Sat.
60. Sushi on Seventh, 1919 E Seventh Ave.; (813) 247-8744. American and Japanese pop culture collide in an unlikely formula that actually works. Creative full menu along with sushi. 5:30-10:30 p.m. Tue.-Thur., Sun.; 5:30 p.m.-midnight Fri.-Sat. $$
61. Tahiti Joe's, 1327 E Seventh Ave.; (813) 248-5533. If Jimmy Buffett says Margaritaville can be anywhere you want it to be, then why not Seventh Avenue? Big with the yuppie crowd, it's a roomy, loud place with faux palm trees and staffers decked in Hawaiian shirts and khakis. The tropical theme is somewhat shortchanged by the music format: '70s, '80s and '90s Top 40, and nary a soca, reggae or salsa beat. Live music on Wednesdays and Sundays. 8 p.m.-3 a.m. Wed.-Thur., Sat., Sun.; 6 p.m.-3 a.m. Fri.
62. Tampa Bay Brewing Company, 1812 N 15th St.; (813) 247-1422. "Home" beers brewed on premises. Also "guest" beers, sandwiches and burgers. 11:30 a.m.-midnight Mon.-Tue.; 11:30 a.m.-2 a.m. Wed..-Sat., 1 p.m.-midnight Sun. $
63. Turbulence, 1910 E Seventh Ave.; (813) 241-8593. Lots of red and black, a loft VIP area with one-way glass, and no dedicated dance floor. It's wherever you're standing, dawg. Wednesday nights are hip-hop. Saturdays are Latin. 9 p.m.-3 a.m. Wed.-Sat.
64. Velvet, 1430 E Seventh Ave.; (813) 247-2711. This adjunct to the Pleasuredome is heavy on the velvet (as in couches), burgundy tones and loungey vibe. Choose from 20 martinis, plus cigars. The DJ plays what they call "lounge funk." 9 p.m.-3 a.m. Fri.-Sat.
65. Ybor City's BBQ, 1604 N 17th St.; (813) 242-4933. Just what most would think Southern barbecue would look, taste and smell like. The smoking chimney sticking out of the red and yellow hut tells you they're open. Picnic tables under the giant grandfather oak tree are there so you can sit and munch down your pulled pork sandwich. 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Mon.-Wed.; 11 a.m.-4 a.m. Thur.-Sat.; closed Sun.
66. Zion, 1802 E Seventh Ave.; (813) 248-3834. In a tiny space that used to be a back room at Carmine's, a funky little bar has appeared. Good place to sit and people-watch, since it's open to the street and feels very connected with the sidewalk scene. Nicely done interior with tile-topped tables. Zion hosts dancehall, hip-hop and other funk genres provided by an array of colorful DJ characters. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Thur., 9 p.m.-3 a.m. Fri.-Sat.
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