Post by buckeyegirl on Mar 5, 2024 10:48:54 GMT -5
I'm going for a work convention in a couple weeks. I am staying right next to the Tampa Convention. Center My DH is tagging along. Is there anything we should try to do while we're there? We are typically pretty casual people; Beer and good food.
I'm not a beer drinker so no recommendations but there are plenty of places for good beer and food, especially in or near Downtown. For fun, I recommend the Pirate Taxi Tour. There is a port in front of the convention center where you can catch the boat. Have fun!
If the weather’s nice I would walk over the Platt St bridge to Bayshore Blvd. it’s the longest contiguous sidewalk in the world (I haven’t fact checked that recently but it used to be true).
Right by the convention center is Big Ray’s Fish Camp, more of a food truck setup but they’re known for their Grouper sandwiches.
The Water St area has been built up significantly the last few years, it’s a short walk from the convention center. Chill Bros for ice cream. The pastries at Boulon are good but I wasn’t overly impressed with their food otherwise. There is a Columbia Cafe, a smaller (outdoor) version of the Columbia restaurant in Ybor which is a Tampa landmark. There is a streetcar that goes to Ybor if you want to get over that way, more bars over there.
I haven’t been in years but remember liking Bavaro’s for Italian, it’s a little into downtown but still walkable. Also Gin Joint. I’m a beer girl but really liked their drinks. Sparkman Wharf has an outdoor beer garden, and lots of food stalls.
Also pending the weather check out the Pirate water taxi.
This was our favorite restaurant we went to when visiting my ILs in Tampa a few years ago: www.luvchildsoho.com/ It's not downtown but not too far away. Walking along the water downtown was nice, but we found most of the restaurants in that area just okay.
Post by Poeticxpassion on Mar 5, 2024 17:54:25 GMT -5
I recommend the Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City. It is worth the travel to get there and experience it.
Sparkman Wharf is close by. It has restaurants, which includes a beer garden. The walk on Bayshore is a good suggestion as well.
The Tampa Riverwalk and Channelside Drive are nice as well. The aquarium is near Channelside Drive, if you would like to do that kind of thing. It is a great aquarium.
I recommend the Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City. It is worth the travel to get there and experience it.
The 1905 salad at Columbia is one of my favorite things! I have a knock off recipe as I haven't been to Tampa in years, after many years of going to an annual conference there.
Post by cheeseplease on Mar 7, 2024 18:07:34 GMT -5
If you want to go to a landmark, The Hub has been in downtown Tampa since the 40s. Laid back, strong drinks. If you want to walk the complete riverwalk, near the end or on a boat taxi stop, is Ulele. Its a modern take on Florida Native food, great atmosphere. Right next to it is a food hall type of place called Armature Works. Nice to people watch, drink a beer or coffee and hang for a bit.