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Unveiling the new Ybor
By MICHAEL CANNING
© St. Petersburg Times, published August 31, 2000
[Times photo: Kevin Sullivan]
The Empire on a recent Thursday.
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Kindly step around that wet patch of cement, and excuse Ybor City's dust. It's only experiencing the most significant single commercial development project in its history, and we've got a sneak preview for you here.
After two years of construction, the Centro Ybor entertainment and shopping complex will officially open Oct. 5. The $45-million, 210,000-square-foot project will boast the Muvico Centro Ybor 20 multiplex, the 20,000-square-foot Gameworks arcade, an assortment of retailers and restaurants including the Improv Comedy Club, Camelot Music, Starbucks, Urban Outfitters, Victoria's Secret, Big City Tavern and Metropolitan Deluxe.
The sprawling brick Spanish Renaissance complex occupies portions of the 1500 and 1600 blocks of Seventh Avenue, all of the former Centro Espanol Plaza, part of the 1500 and all of the 1600 block of Eighth Avenue. Those familiar with CocoWalk in Miami's Coconut Grove should recognize Centro Ybor's use of outdoor space, even a few weeks before its completion. That's because the two projects have the same developer, Miami-based Steiner and Associates.
Using five shades of brick and other architectural details, Centro Ybor is designed to blend in with the historic neighborhood. The 1912 Centro Espanol building, which until this project had sat dormant during Ybor's '90s commercial boom, has been restored and incorporated into the development.
The rest of Ybor City has been in a holding pattern, seemingly in anticipation of the impact Centro Ybor will have on the district. When we last ran this guide of Ybor's night spots and restaurants, in October, there were 62 entries. There's 62 this time, too. Some businesses have closed, such as Blues Ship Cafe, Jackie's Coffee Unlimited and Gyland's. Others have switched ownership and emerged with new identities, such as Turbulence, Velvet, Tahiti Joe's, La Femme Buvette and the Mission. There seem to be a lot of establishments with names beginning with "La."
The unsung hero, which thus far has had the most universal impact on the Ybor experience, doesn't sell beer or vittles. It's the city's Centro Ybor Garage, a 1,200-space stacked lot that opened in May and has driven down the prices for nearby vacant-lot parking.
Price guide
For businesses serving food, we used the following price guide based on meals for two:
$ Inexpensive, less than $25
$$ Moderate, $25-$50
$$$ Expensive, $50 and up
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1. Amphitheater, 1609 E Seventh Ave.; (813) 248-2331. Joe Redner's 13,000-square-foot foray into fully clothed adult entertainment features a revolving dance floor, the Ampets (a female dance troupe), a dress code, laser light shows projected on big screens, VIP rooms and oxygen bar. 10 p.m.-3 a.m. Fri.-Sat.
2. Atomic Age Cafe, 1518 E Seventh Ave.; (813) 247-6547. Original Atomic Agers are in for a shock. You'll recognize the old distinctive sign out front, but the perfectly executed mid century modern interior is gone. The new ownership is switching over to a vague Greco-Roman theme. It's still in transition, but the plan for now is a bar with live music. A name change is also imminent. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Wed., 5 p.m.-3 a.m. Thurs.-Fri., 8 p.m.-3 a.m. Sat.
3. B Man's Barbecue, 1604 N 17th St.; (813) 247-1966. Temporarily closed for remodeling.
4. Bar, 1401 E Seventh Ave.; (813) 248-3422. "No Theme, Just Bar" they say, but there is a well-defined atmosphere here: meat market. Girls 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, 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. Lunch 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Tue.-Fri.; dinner 5:30-9 p.m. Mon., 5:30-10 p.m. Tues.-Thurs, 5:30-11 p.m. Fri.-Sat.
6. Blue Shark, 1620 E Seventh Ave.; (813) 248-3499. In part of a storefront where a game room once operated until recently, a pub now sits with an odd range of offerings. Open mike on Thursdays, live blues on the weekends and Wednesday, and a pool table in back. 7 p.m.-3 a.m. Wed.-Sat.
7. 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.-Thurs., 11:30-11:30 Fri., 5-11:30 p.m. Sat. $$ 8. Cajun Cuban Seafood Grille, 1831 E Seventh Ave., (813) 247-3593. Straightforward cafe with exposed brick walls and pressed tin ceiling. Along with the customary Cuban sandwiches and beans and rice are gumbos, etoufee, po-boys and the like. 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Mon.-Thurs., 10:30 a.m.-midnight Fri.-Sat. $
9. Carmine's, 1802 E Seventh Ave.; (813) 248-3834. The old Seventh Avenue standby for Spanish and Cuban food is open late with a full menu. Line your stomach with a Cuban sandwich and garbanzo 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. Tues., 11 a.m.-1 a.m. Wed.-Thurs, 11 a.m.-3 a.m. Fri.-Sat. $
10. Castillo's Cafe, 1823 E Seventh Ave.; (813) 248-1306. Spanish-Cuban cafeteria spiced with live bands most weekends. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Mon.-Wed., 10 a.m.-3a.m. Thurs.-Sat., 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sun. $
11. 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 night, the Castle's most successful night, features semi-obscure new wave and scantily clad go-go dancers. The night is always packed and, contrary to the popular belief that the Castle is "a gothic club," the people come from every walk of life. 9:30 p.m.-3 a.m. Fri.-Mon.
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. Jukebox music. 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Mon., 11:30 a.m.-2 a.m. Tues., 11:30 a.m.-2 a.m. Wed., 11:30 a.m.-4 a.m. Thur-Sat. $
13. Club Electra; 1618 E Seventh Ave.; (813) 241-0128. This video bar has 12 monitors hanging from the ceiling which show music videos and football games. The wavy stainless steel bar top and preponderance of silver and blue lend a cool, modern feel. DJ spins Latin and salsa music on Saturday nights, college music on Thursdays. 4-8 p.m. Mon.-Wed., 4 p.m.-3 a.m. Thurs.-Sat.
14. Club 1509, 1509 E Eighth Ave.; (813) 247-6606. Always heavy on the VIP vibe, 1509 turns out to be more inviting inside if you don't perceive too much exclusivity outside at the door. Inside, it's all cushy couches, laser lights, wooden Georgian style bars and an elevated stage and upstairs lounge/balcony for the very important people. 10 p.m.-3 a.m. Wed.-Thur. and Sat., 9 p.m.-3 a.m. Fri.
15. Club Hedo, 1510 E Seventh Ave.; (813) 248-4336. This tropical themed bar feels like a cross between Hooter's and the set of Joe Versus the Volcano. 10 p.m.-3 a.m. Wed.-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.-9:30 p.m. Mon.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat., noon-8:30 p.m. Sun. $$
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. Live blues and swing. 5 p.m.-2:30 a.m. Wed. and Fri., 8 p.m.-2:30 a.m. Thur. and 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. Thurs.-Sat., 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon.-Wed. $
19. 8th Avenue Grille, 1811 N 15th St., (813) 242-6616. Don't go looking for a pizza-by-the-slice window to help line your beer-blitzed stomach. This is a grownup Italian restaurant with crisp and contemporary decor. Lunch 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Mon.-Fri.; dinner 5 p.m.-midnight Wed.-Sat. $$$
20. El Molino Gourmet Coffee and Gifts, 2012 E Seventh Ave.; (813) 248-2521. Connected to the historic Naviera Coffee Mill. You can smell the roasting coffee beans well beyond Seventh Avenue. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 1-5 p.m. Sat. $
21. 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. 11:30 a.m.-midnight Sun.-Thur., 11:30 a.m.-3 a.m. Fri.-Sat. $
22. 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.
23. Fat Tuesday, 1722 E Seventh Ave.; (813) 248-9755. Did somebody say frozen daiquiris? Why yes, they did -- 17 kinds in all. That seems to be the entire point of this brightly painted and echo-y-y space. Tues.-Sat. 3 a.m.-3 a.m. $
24. Frankie's Patio, 1920 E Seventh Ave.; (813) 248-3337. A sprawling concert venue and restaurant with typical American favorites on the menu. Downstairs patio sports a respectable stage rig, black furniture, elevated dance platforms and the giant "Breezemaker" fan. Upstairs patio has a canopied bar and commanding view of Seventh Avenue. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Wed., 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Thurs., 11 a.m.-3 a.m. Fri.-Sat. $
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." This tiny bar is serious about two things: cigars (modest selection) and single malt scotches (21 brands). Popular with local bar and restaurant employees. 9 p.m.-3 a.m. Tues.-Sun.
27. Green Iguana, 1708 E Seventh Ave.; (813) 248-9555. Key West meets Bennigan's, including some of the best vegetarian food in Ybor. 11 a.m.-3 a.m. Mon.-Sat., noon-3 a.m. Sun. $
28. Harpo's, 1805 E Seventh Ave.; (813) 248-4814. Multiple stages, both inside the tightly packed club and out on the patios. All feature live bands covering Top 40 hits for the buff babes and dudes who come to Harpo's to par-tay and get picked up. 8 p.m.-3 a.m. Fri.-Sat.
29. 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. 3 p.m.-3 a.m. everyday. $
30. 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 after puttin' 'em down all evening. Billiards, darts, alcohol, throw in a grand literary figure and what else could you need? 7:30 p.m.-3 a.m. daily.
31. 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. In addition to their own, you'll find the highly coveted desserts of Zudar's Deli Cafe. Breakfast sandwiches, too. 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon.-Tues., 7 a.m.-midnight Wed., 7 a.m.-1 a.m. Thurs., 7 a.m.-3 a.m. Fri., Sat. 9 a.m.-3 a.m. $
32. Johnny's Pizzeria, 1833 E Seventh Ave.; (813) 241-2279. Typical New York pizzeria fare with a genuinely surprising fresco of the Piazza Grande in Rome and faux Roman columns. 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Tues.-Thurs., 11:30 a.m.-3 a.m. Fri., 6 p.m.-3 a.m Sat. $
33. Kaos, 1812 N 17th St.; (813) 241-8818. 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.
34. La Cueva, 1707 E Eighth Ave.; (813) 242-4249. That's Spanish for "the Cave," and the banner hanging over the stage of the spacious outdoor patio says "Ritmo de la Noche." That's "rhythms of the night." Latin rhythms, of course. Tends to draw a younger crowd, who come out to dance to a plethora of Latin styles, not just the usual helping of salsa/merengue. 10 p.m.-3 a.m. Fri.; 9:30 p.m.-3 a.m. Sat.
35. La Femme Buvette, 1320 E Ninth Ave.; (813) 247-9966. Ybor's most beautiful club routinely packs its dance floor and puts on high-energy drag shows. The Cherokee 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.
36. La Mezzanine, 1619 E Seventh Ave.; (813) 241-4139. There are still places in "Ybar" where you can impress out-of-town clients or a hot date. The moment you step inside you'll swoon at the cool yet inviting decor with odalisque furniture lines. Menu features French classics, American favorites, New World and Asian inspirations. 6-10 p.m. Tues.-Thurs., 6-11 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 11 p.m.-3 a.m. Thurs.-Sat.
37. 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. $$.
38. La Tropicana Cafe, 1822 E Seventh Ave.; (813) 247-4040. Cuban cafeteria from the old neighborhood. Have a little politics with your Cuban sandwich. Drive-through window. 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mon.-Sat. $.
39. Luna Lounge, 1802 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.
40. 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). 4 p.m.-midnight Mon.-Tue., 4 p.m.-3 a.m. Wed.-Sat. $.
41. 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.
42. The Mission, 1909 15th St. N, (813) 248-4443. An enduring clubhouse for the Ybor cognoscenti, despite the metro-chic decor and furniture that could easily frame a scene for MTV's The Real World. Atmosphere it's got, especially downstairs in the basement club where the refined clientele let it hang out a little more. 11 p.m.-3 a.m. Thurs., 10 p.m.-3 a.m. Fri.-Sat.
43. 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. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon.-Thur., 11 a.m.-3 a.m. Fri.-Sat. $
44. 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. Another one of the few bars/clubs that hosts progressive, alternative and underground events (DJs, film, live, experimental music), mostly on Wednesday and Thursday nights. House beers are brewed on site, with 15 beers on tap and more than 50 bottled beers. Thin crust pizzas are baked on site, too. 3 a.m.-3 p.m. every day. $
45. NRG, 1502 E Seventh Ave., (813) 248-1023. Formerly Club Flamingo, Tampa nude club king Joe Redner's Ybor City outpost. Redner switched it over to a more conventional high energy dance club after the city won an injunction. Flamingo was a first, but NRG hardly is, being another glitzy club where techno thumps and the booze flows. Also female impersonator shows. 10 p.m.-3 a.m. Fri.-Sat.
46. Orpheum, 1902 Avenida Republica de Cuba.; (813) 248-9500. This perfectly sized 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 passed like 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. Swing nights (remember those?) and Brit pop nights are also popular DJ themes here. 9 p.m.-3 a.m. Tues.-Sat.
47. 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.-Tues., 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Wed.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-1 a.m. Fri.-Sat., 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sun. $$
48. 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. Thurs.-Sat.
49. Pleasuredome, 1430 E Seventh Ave.; (813) 247-2711. The old El Goya/Tracks building still hosts female impersonators in its El Goya showroom. There's also two other mini nightclubs that carry the rotating themes of hip-hop/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. Tues., Fri., Sat.
50. The Rare Olive, 1601 E Seventh Ave.; (813) 248-2333. Feels like the bar in a 1970s Holiday Inn, without intending to. It's small, but can really heat up when they book some of this town's better jazz acts. Serves up martinis with their specialty garnish, baby octopus. 7 p.m.-3 a.m. Tues.-Sat.
51. The Rock, 1817 E Seventh Ave.; (813) 247-5500. 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 just a place to get honest sandwiches and salads, plus fried seafood, Cajun gumbo and pastas with chicken. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Mon.-Wed., 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Thurs., 11 a.m.-3 a.m. Fri.-Sat. $
52. 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)? 5-11 p.m. Tues.-Wed., 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m. Thurs., 11:30-1:30 a.m. Fri-Sat. $.
53. 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.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Fri.-Sat., noon-10 p.m. Sun. $
54. Spurs, 1915 E Seventh Ave. (813) 247-7787. Boot scootin'. There, we said it. Now let us add that this is a fun, friendly club where you feel welcome even if you're not wearing a big hat and pointy boots. Since there are at least three clubs in Ybor where you can dance to "techno" with the pierced and tattooed legions, Spurs feels pretty alternative by comparison. 7:30 p.m.-3 a.m. Fri.-Sat., 8:30 p.m.-3 a.m. Sun.
55. Sushi on 7th, 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. Lunch 11:30 a.m.- 2 p.m. Tues.-Fri.; dinner 6 p.m.-11 p.m. Tues., 6:30-11:30 p.m. Wed.-Thurs., 6 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Fri.-Sat. $$
56. 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.
57. 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.-Thurs., 11:30 a.m.-2 a.m. Fri.-Sat., 1 p.m.-midnight Sun. $
58. 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.
59. 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.
60.Ybor City Diner, 1724 E Seventh Ave.; (813)248-2828. It really is a diner -- they serve breakfast all the time -- only one with cool postmodern decor edge in the cobalt blue spreader light fixtures and ceiling fans that look like carburetors. '50s icons decorate the walls. Yes, they stay open until 5 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Mon., 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Tues. and Thurs., 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Wed., 8 a.m.-5 a.m. Fri., 9 a.m.-5 a.m. Sat.
61. Ybor Market, 1632 E Seventh Ave.; (813) 248-0615. An open-air bazaar of food and goods, including hemp necklaces, pipes, silver jewelry and other stuff that disaffected youth can't live without. Also music on the patio toward the back. 8 a.m.-10 p.m. daily.
62. 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. Thurs., 9 p.m.-3 a.m. Fri.-Sat.
- Michael Canning can be reached at (813) 226-3408, or at canning@sptimes.com.
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