Tampa Suggestions

[HuskyHawk]

This is a very short notice trip. Wife has a day off next Thursday, doesn't work Friday, so we are headed to the Tampa area because we've never been and it seems interesting. First two nights are on Clearwater Beach. Good idea or bad, that's booked. We will figure it out. Will have one day where we go to the beach and explore the surrounding area. Another we will probably check out downtown St. Petersburg. Suggestions are welcome. We aren't foodies, meaning I'll be wearing shorts, sneakers and a t-shirt or short sleeve casual shirt, so casual food suggestions would be fine. Fine dining is out. Is John's Pass worthwhile? There's a brewery there.

We do like breweries, so I figured we'd go to Cigar City at some point. That brings up Saturday. We haven't booked a stay. Were looking at places that would be walkable to breweries, bars, live music, food etc. Is that Downtown? Ybor City near 7th? Downtown St. Pete? We'd at list see some of Ybor visiting Cigar City, but I really don't know where to stay that would be fun, walkable and safe.

 

[Deepster]

Mons Venus.

 

[Fishy]

There’s a Zaxby’s on West Hillsborough that flip-flop friendly so you’d probably be fine there.

 

[HuskyHawk]

There’s a Zaxby’s on West Hillsborough that flip-flop friendly so you’d probably be fine there.

Zaxby's has very good chicken sandwiches, I am familiar with the ones in South Carolina.

Given our on-going pizza threads and the new clam shack thread, I think many of us appreciate good food in a casual environment.

 

[Fishy]

Zaxby's has very good chicken sandwiches, I am familiar with the ones in South Carolina.

Given our on-going pizza threads and the new clam shack thread, I think many of us appreciate good food in a casual environment.

I have a pineapple Scotch for you.

 

[HuskyHawk]

Well despite the outstanding recommendations of a chicken sandwich chain and a strip bar (Google maps) for this nice getaway with my wife, I think I'll just stay in downtown St. Pete and visit Tampa & Ybor City during the day. Central Street St. Pete is probably what we are looking for on a Saturday night.

 

[dvegas]

pay homage to the Trop (you never forget your first one!) by toasting it with a beer at Fergs (basically in the parking lot)

 

[BullDawg]

Beach Drive in St. Pete has lots of restaurants that are very good, but you can be dressed casually. Stroll down and look at menus. You can eat outside if it’s not too hot and humid for you.

In Tampa, check out the River Walk, lots of nice restaurants including Ulele
Ulele – Award-Winning Restaurant Located On Tampa’s Riverwalk, one of our favorites. But here are more good suggestions

17 Delicious Tampa Riverwalk Restaurants to Visit in 2025 - Exploring the Gulf

Hungry in Tampa? Enjoy the boldest flavors of the city by following our guide to the best Tampa Riverwalk Restaurants!

exploringthegulf.com

 

[storrsroars]

Cuban pork chunks. I don't care if you're not a foodie. It's not gourmet or full of spice and strip mall Cuban diners have it. It's how it's cooked that gives it a texture and flavor that's delicious.

If I were down there and Rays were playing, I'd love to see two MLB face off in a minor league stadium. In fact there's a strip mall kitty corner to Steinbrenner Field that has great pork chunks!

When I've been to Ybor, it's been for the Cuban food. Since I don't do cigars, I couldn't tell you what else is there beyond maybe old buildings.

If you have a chance to hang out with manatees, do it. My old boss has a place on Medeira Beach in St. Pete and I know they're in that inlet. Just really peaceful watching them do their thing.

 

[BullDawg]

if you’re into cigars, The American Cigar | Cigars Rolled in America | J.C. Newman

 

[Chin Diesel]

Yeah, you gotta get a legit Cuban sammich in Ybor.

 

[HuskyHawk]

Yeah, you gotta get a legit Cuban sammich in Ybor.

I hate mustard, but I'll look for Cuban pork chunks or whatever I can find. Probably hit the American Cigar @BullDawg how can a kid from Manchester pass up a cigar factory that uses tobacco from South Windsor. I have friends who worked those fields.

I'm planning to explore a bit. Haven't been to Tampa since I was about 14 and then it was just to go to Busch Gardens. So I want to get a feel for Tampa Bay area. I don't think I've ever dipped a toe in the Gulf of Mexico.

@dvegas our hotel is right next to Fergs so I'll hoist a beer to worst baseball stadium of all time. Looks like they have axe throwing? That pairs so well with alcohol.

 

[BullDawg]

I hate mustard, but I'll look for Cuban pork chunks or whatever I can find. Probably hit the American Cigar @BullDawg how can a kid from Manchester pass up a cigar factory that uses tobacco from South Windsor. I have friends who worked those fields.

I'm planning to explore a bit. Haven't been to Tampa since I was about 14 and then it was just to go to Busch Gardens. So I want to get a feel for Tampa Bay area. I don't think I've ever dipped a toe in the Gulf of Mexico.

@dvegas our hotel is right next to Fergs so I'll hoist a beer to worst baseball stadium of all time. Looks like they have axe throwing? That pairs so well with alcohol.

See if Gene Haines is there you when go. He’s the American Room Production Manager and a great guy to meet. We see him at USF MBB and WBB basketball games. Tell him Cynthia and Murray Cohen sent you there.

 

[dvegas]

Cuban pork chunks. I don't care if you're not a foodie. It's not gourmet or full of spice and strip mall Cuban diners have it. It's how it's cooked that gives it a texture and flavor that's delicious.

 

[Deepster]

Well despite the outstanding recommendations of a chicken sandwich chain and a strip bar (Google maps) for this nice getaway with my wife, I think I'll just stay in downtown St. Pete and visit Tampa & Ybor City during the day. Central Street St. Pete is probably what we are looking for on a Saturday night.

Let me clarify one thing here.

Mons Venus is not a strip bar. It is the strip bar. You will never look at strip bars the same. Thank god my ATM card had a daily withdrawal limit.

 

[HuskyHawk]

Let me clarify one thing here.

Mons Venus is not a strip bar. It is the strip bar. You will never look at strip bars the same. Thank god my ATM card had a daily withdrawal limit.

Surely it can't beat the memories I have of Hartford's finest establishments in the late 80s.

 

[Deepster]

Surely it can't beat the memories I have of Hartford's finest establishments in the late 80s.

It'll make those memories look like bingo night at St Mary's convent.

 

[HuskyHawk]

On the way to Cigar City Brewing and what do I see? @Deepster