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It’s Friday and getting blacked out at Midtown during happy hour just doesn’t sound as appealing as usual.
Fear not, there’s a city just two hours away where you can take your drinking to the next level: Tampa Bay. Known for its cigar factories, Cuban bread and various other swanky establishments, Tampa is a thriving town where all your foodie (and drinkie) dreams will come true.
If you’re not a resident of the infamous Trampa and you’re not exactly sure how to tackle this mammoth of a city, look no further. And if you’re searching for somewhere to crash I’m almost 99 percent positive one of your friends is from Tampa. (This percentage is based solely on the fact that anytime I say I’m from Tampa, the response is “Ugh, everyone at UF is from Tampa.”)
Therefore, ask around, I’m sure your Tampa friend would love to show you the ropes. Now, let’s get started.
Arrival time: 6 p.m.
Friday Night
Bella’s
First things first it’s time to carbo-load, you’ve got a marathon of a weekend ahead of you. Create-your-own pasta, chopped salad (pasta included), calzones and pizza galore. It’s an Italian utopia, people, not sure what more you could want.
Soho
South Howard, also known as Soho, is definitely where you want to be. Open bar at MacDinton’s from 6-8 p.m. for $10 is slightly reminiscent of Gainesville except a cute young professional is hitting on you instead of a sloppy frat bro spilling drinks on you. Yard of Ale is also a hit with 20 beers on tap and 75 different bottled beers to choose from.
Taco Bus
When you’re inevitably hungry with the drunchies after the bars, Taco Bus is a perfect stop for some authentic Mexican street food.
Saturday
Daily Eats
So maybe you’re still a little tipsy from last night’s debauchery and had to Uber to get here, no biggie. Daily Eats will hook you up with the dankest brunch that will surely transport your mind and body to a place where hangovers don’t exist. I insist you get a side of sweet potato fries with whatever you order, you’ll thank me later.
Side note: Don’t forget to take a trendy insta in front of the “You Are Beautiful” wall.
International Mall
International Mall is an upscale retail utopia for all my hardcore shoppers out there. It features 200 specialty stores and 15 restaurants, making it the perfect place to impulse shop to your hearts content.
Bayshore Boulevard
Take a stroll down the picturesque walkway of Bayshore Blvd and reminisce on the many miles you walked here on Gasparilla. Claimed to be the longest continuous sidewalk in the world (at 4.5 mile long), it’s widely used for exercising, excessive Snapchatting and enjoying a beautiful view of the water.
Coppertail Brewing Co.
Most people have heard of Cigar City from Tampa, as it’s the most famous brewery in the area. It’s an awesome place to grab a few beers, but if you want to experience a lesser known side of the 813, head to Coppertail Brewing Co in the Ybor area. It’s a nautical, religious themed tap room (weird, but it totally works) with amazing beer and cool ambiance. Sit around and play Cards Against Humanity while you enjoy a flight of their Florida-inspired brews.
Saturday Night
Datz
Where your taste buds go on a journey and quite frankly, when they return, are never the same. All I can say is get the corn on the cob as a side and then follow your heart to the right entree. The heart wants what is wants (or be normal and ask the waiter).
*Splurge* Bern’s Steakhouse and Dessert Room
If you’re trying to ball out, Bern’s Steakhouse and Dessert Room should definitely be included in your trip. Defined as a “gastronomic adventure” this place has one of the largest wine collections in the world and the dessert room is internationally famous, not to mention the steak and French onion soup is outrageously delicious. Over the years, the almost 60-year-old restaurant has been named on “best of” lists all over. It’s earned the title of second best steakhouse in the country and the 28th best overall restaurant in the nation. You’ll need to plan ahead on this one with a reservation (and enough money in your bank account), but it’s worth it.
Fly Bar
Fly bar features vibrant art, great local music and a rooftop deck where you can sip your beverage of choice and watch the sunset over downtown Tampa’s historic district. This place is, you guessed it, pretty fly.
Sunday Funday
Extreme Juice
A smoothie and a shot of wheat grass will surely stop your head from spinning and cleanse your soul from the impurities twenty-something life inevitably brings. 9 out of 10 times I order Mango Madness and 100 percent of the time I am completely satisfied with my choice. Although no smoothie on this menu of fruit ecstasy will disappoint.
River Walk
Downtown’s river walk is a great place to go for a stroll or even hop on a water bike and experience the river from the aquatic perspective. You’ve been drinking and eating, and eating and drinking, give yourself a hug and break a teeny tiny sweat to combat that vicious cycle.
Ulele
Once you’ve had a chance to burn off at least a few of the weekend calories, head into Ulele, an eclectic restaurant with a “native” Tampa menu located right at the end (or start, depending on where you go from) of the river walk. You can nom on some crab mac & cheese or alligator hush puppies and wash them down with a cold beer from the attached brewery.
Oxford Exchange
The last stop on our list is Oxford Exchange. Whether you want an artful cappuccino, some locally-sourced eats or just visually pleasing experience, this place will go above and beyond to meet your needs. Between the sunroom dining and the exquisite gift shop, OE is, by far, the coolest spot in town. If you want the authentic experience, take an #atrsy Instagram of yourself at least once while you’re there.
~
It’s time to head back, but hopefully you’ve enjoyed your journey through one of the best cities in Florida. You’re always welcome back because the list of restaurants and cool things to do is endless. For now, you can start planning next weekend’s trip.
For next visit:
Fresh Kitchen, Green Lemon, Dough, Pane Rustica, Soho Sushi, Epicurean, Cine Bistro, Fruitwood, So Fresh, Bar Taco, Wright’s and Ciccio’s
Not feelin’ Tampa? Check out our Weekend Getaway Guides for Miami, Tallahassee, Boca Raton, St. Petersburg, Jacksonville and St. Augustine.
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