A hidden gem

By AMY ABBOTT, Times staff writer

© St. Petersburg Times, published August 4, 2000

The place may be hidden, but the patrons have another idea. The club is nestled under some trees, but the trendy flocks of people strolling across Howard Avenue are dressed as though they're rare birds on display.

Any weekend, you'll find limos, Humvees and a smattering of Beemers and Benzes parked out front. There was no shortage of women in animal print cowboy hats, knee-high black boots with miniskirts and tube tops. Guys stuck to the conventional professional casual with buttoned-down oxfords undone at the top in a rainbow of pastel colors. No club kids here.

The joint packs in a crowd bound to make any bartender's feet throb. Patrons bellow drink order after drink order, sending the tenders spinning off to slam out another round. The drink of choice is anything with tonic or soda and shots straight up.

Variety is the theme. Pool tables are in the far corner. A patio facing the building across the way flickers with that night's game. It later switches to Matlock, and no one bothers to change it. The floor is tile and the walls brick. People accent the club, save the array of uniquely colored and styled lighting fixtures.

A place to bring a date or to find one.

The Hydeaway

• 720 S Howard Ave.
• HOURS: 4 p.m.-3 a.m. Mon.-Sat. Closed Sundays.
• HAPPY HOUR: 4-8 p.m. Mon.-Sat.
• DRINKS: The usual array of club drinks. Whatever you need to make a rum and Coke, rum runner or flaming Dr Pepper.