14 Best Nightlife Experiences in Tampa

Club Prana is where locals and visitors head to in Ybor City whenever their night requires a bit of shaking up. Here, you can dance to the thumping beats of reggae, house, and hip-hop on 5 separate levels – each with a different theme.

The 5 venues within this premier nightclub are The Lounge, where you can get down on the hardwood dancefloor or unwind on velvet couches; The Mezzanine with its special VIP area and exclusive bottle services; The Sanctuary which is pretty much ‘VVIP’; The Night Club, and The Sky Bar on the rooftop with its 2 bartending stations.

Gaspar’s Grotto brings the pirate spirit to life and patrons can let loose into the early hours of the morning in Tampa. Situated in the historic Ybor City District, the famous venue combines savoury Cuban dishes with 3 spacious bar areas. There’s nonstop entertainment and you’ll always find fun-filled events that create a festive atmosphere.

Local bands and DJs hit the stage every night and you’ll have plenty of space to bust a move. The bars are always packed but the friendly staff is efficient and attentive to everyone's needs. With nightly drink specials, karaoke and trivia nights, there’s never a dull moment at this pirate shindig.

The Ritz Ybor is Tampa’s premier venue for live music events and hosts some of the world’s biggest artists. World-renowned musicians such as Lady Gaga, Foo Fighters, Twenty One Pilots, and Kesha have all performed at the concert hall. The facility underwent a massive renovation project and now includes 3 opulent rooms, full-service bars, and a superb lighting system.

There’s no seating inside the amphitheatre, so prepare to be on your feet most of the night. The front row places you right beside the stage for a spectacular show in an intimate setting. Private events such as bridal showers and birthday parties are also hosted at The Ritz Ybor. 

Crowbar is one of Tampa’s most intimate live music venues, offering performances of every genre imaginable. Hear an eclectic mix of musical styles like rock, hip-hop, dubstep, and metal. The tight-knit setting lets you get up close and personal with the artists for an unforgettable night of music. Whether it’s a band or DJ, you can expect music 7 days a week at this beloved Ybor City venue.

The Crow’s Nest Beer Garden hosts all sorts of special events such as DaCypher Wednesdays and Bike Night. You can relax on the outdoor patio with a refreshing drink or show off your vocal skills at an open-mic night.

CW’s Gin Joint presents its speciality of classy evenings with soul, smooth jazz, and top-shelf drinks. The downtown Tampa establishment draws images of the Roaring Twenties when speakeasies were the norm in the USA. Stylish décor heightens the ambience as you sip one of its signature gin cocktails. Light music fills the airwaves and is just the right volume to converse with others at your table. 

The polite staff includes gin connoisseurs who know how to make the proper recommendation based on your preferences. Pair your cocktail with a choice of appetisers, seafood, sandwiches, and scrumptious desserts. The grilled octopus has built quite the buzz and is worth the try for adventurous eaters.

Cru Cellars has been voted as Tampa’s premier wine bar for 3 consecutive years. The staff’s wine obsession is obvious the moment you step inside, where there are over 45 selections to soothe your palate. Taste handmade and organic wines, wine flights, and craft beers and take your favourites to the private wine garden. Bring your friends and enjoy the laidback vibe while savouring your selection.

The food menu consists of delicious cheese, meat, and bread platters to pair with your drink. Try one of the Farmer’s Platters where you can include all your favourite cheeses and meats. Before you leave for the evening, stop by the onsite retail shop to take home a small-production wine.

GameTime Tampa is the place to be in Ybor City for unlimited sports, exciting arcade games, and mouthwatering bites. Tampa has 3 professional sports teams and you can catch all the action on GameTime’s flat-screen TVs. Pick a spot inside the restaurant if you’re with a large party or have your drink at the bar and chat with its friendly staff.

The menu includes a wide range of entrees and finger foods, including wings, ribs, pizzas, and burgers. Wander the massive 24,000-sq-ft Entertainment Centre to find dozens of addictive arcade games. Ask the management for any food and game combos, which give you full access to all of your favourite games.

Centro Ybor is a hub of nightly entertainment in Ybor City that has something incredible for all ages. The 2-floor shopping outlet has boutique shops and a versatile selection of restaurants and cafés. You can enjoy a meal outside to watch free-range chickens crossing the road. Hitch a ride on the trolley to rest your feet and enjoy a comfy ride to downtown Tampa.

Grab a bucket of popcorn and watch a Hollywood flick at the movie theatre, or head to the comedy club for some laughs. You can also pick out vintage clothing at the apparel shops or hit the main drag for excellent bars and cigar shops.

The Honey Pot is an LGBTQ club where locals head to if they're looking for a night of dancing and chatting with friendly bartenders. It’s one of the hotspots in Ybor City where you'll find a vibrant rainbow of scenes in the historic district.

The upscale nightclub sits right in the heart of ‘GaYbor’. It plays the best in top 40s dance music with high energy sound and lighting systems – all topped off with Vegas-style burlesque dancing. Its fabulous drag show with stunning queens is not to be missed, too.

King Corona Cigar Café has a coffee bar with its own local signature drinks such as the Coco-Corona, a hot cocoa with a kick of spice and caramel sauce. It also has a great food menu, beer, wine, and of course, a huge selection of local and imported cigars.

Opened in the 1930s, this café is owned by a family that used to make cigars for Spanish businessman Vicente Martinez Ybor. About a century ago, Mr. Ybor introduced cigars to the area in the 1880s, and Tampa quickly became the cigar production capital of the world. As a result, the factories in Ybor City later attracted Cuban, Spanish, and Italian migrant workers to this city.