Hyde Park Cafe has been setting the tone in the SoHo bar scene for over a decade now. With three distinct areas, all types of clientele come to dance, drink, or just hang out. The Velociti Room is your DJ-led dance party, spinning everything from salsa to hip-hop. Whatever music Velociti is spinning, chances are WB's Room is doing something completely different. On the other hand, if you just want to relax, there's a biergarten with over 60 varieties of brew along with bar food such as burgers, wings, and hot dogs. The VIP fills up quick, so reservations are recommended.
Recommended for Dance Clubs because: The Hyde Park Café in SoHo is one of Tampa's most popular and established dance clubs featuring a great mix of both people and music.
Scott's expert tip: The "Cafe" is a misnomer; however, there are burgers and hot dogs available in the Biergarten.
On the very northern edge of the SoHo neighborhood lies The Kennedy, an upscale dance lounge that caters to both the young professionals that frequent SoHo's bars and students from the nearby University of Tampa. The decor is sumptuous, featuring lots of red and black velvet lounge seating. They play everything from Latin flavors to house to pop, and are occasionally visited by nationally-recognized acts, such as Lady Gaga. As they are associated with the Hyde Park Cafe, any promotions or cards usually translate over to The Kennedy if you want to club-hop between the two.
Recommended for Dance Clubs because: Located in Tampa's trendy SoHo neighborhood, the Kennedy is a swank and upscale dance club favored by students and young professionals.
Scott's expert tip: The second entry on their dress code list is "No Sneakers", which tells you a lot about the atmosphere.
Whiskey North is one of the few dance clubs located in the northern part of the city. Over the last ten years the club has become a popular watering hole that enjoys a loyal following thanks to great happy hour specials and fun weekly events. Designed to provide guests with an Adirondack lodge atmosphere, decor features lots of mountain charm with real wood beams and rustic furniture. The dancing take place on two levels complete with a state-of-the-art sound and light system. Reservations can be made for VIP table service in one of many Adirondack-themed seating areas, perfect for special occasions.
Recommended for Dance Clubs because: Whiskey North has been providing great dance club experiences in Tampa's Carrollwood area for over ten years.
Scott's expert tip: Too much to drink? No problem - this club offers free cab rides home to prevent drunk driving.
The Ybor club scene sees its fair share of turnaround, but Club Prana has been around for more than a decade because it isn't afraid to reinvent itself on occasion. With five different levels this ultra-modern dance club features an eclectic mix of latin, hip-hop, reggae, and dance music. Most people clubbing in Ybor choose to at least make a stop here to check out the DJs and take advantage of the traffic drink specials. The sound and light system is unmatched in the area, making sure you lose your bearings by the end of the night.The exclusive rooftop bar is a great place to have a conversation or just look at the lights of downtown Tampa in the distance.
Recommended for Dance Clubs because: With multiple dance floors, celeb DJs and great drink specials, you can dance the night away at Ybor City's Club Prana.
Scott's expert tip: They fill the club from bottom to top, so on slow nights not all levels will be open.
Devoted to nurturing live musical acts, the Orpheum in Ybor City supports both local and national performers. The sound system is first-rate and, on nights when the DJs run things, there's a dance floor for those who feel inclined to move and groove. Drink specials are offered during the week, and there's a nice selection of draft beers as well. If you're curious about what Tampa's music scene can offer, drop in for the evening and check out the talent and the atmosphere. Among the name acts who have performed here are Juliana Hatfield, Make Up, and Michelle Malone.
Recommended for Dance Clubs because: For decades, the Orpheum has been the place to dance to the music of emerging local and national talent.
Local Expert tip: The best way to contact folks at this venue is via social media as the venue is not staffed when there is no event.
For those looking for more hip-hop flavor in their lives, might we suggest Club Skye. The best hip-hop and reggaeton DJs in the southeast make routine stops at this Ybor City club. You might even me surprised by a national MC giving a planned (or unplanned) performance from time to time. The club itself is two levels, a VIP balcony, and an exclusive private champagne room. Skye also features an outdoor tiki bar if you need to recuperate a little. Club Skye is an 18 and up club, so you may find that the clientele is pretty young.
Recommended for Dance Clubs because: Tampa's Club Skye is located in Ybor city and is a favorite among young hip-hop fans.
Scott's expert tip: The cover charge is reasonable, however there is a two drink minimum.
This poll-topping venue is hailed by many as the premier spot in Tampa, Florida for live music. Originally built in 1917, the Ritz underwent a $2 million renovation and now boasts three magnificent rooms, a grand foyer, multiple full-service bars and state-of-the-art sound and lighting. The venue is large enough to bring in top music industry names like Lady Gaga and Interpol but intimate enough to provide excellent sight-lines and electrifying musician-audience interaction. Ticket prices are reasonable and there is a good drink selection. General admission only and no seating in the concert area. So, get there early and wear comfortable shoes!
Recommended for Dance Clubs because: Located in the heart of Ybor City, the Ritz provides partygoers with the ultimate nightclub experience.
Skye's expert tip: Be prepared, drink prices are a little higher here than at some other venues.
Gaspar's Grotto is a popular bar and restaurant located in Tampa's Ybor City historic neighborhood. Perfect for visitor's who have not had the opportunity to experience the annual Gasparilla Celebration, Gaspar's celebrates the famous pirate invasion all year long and everyone gets to party like a pirate. Three large bar areas offer patrons options for seating and entertainment and there is always something going on. If you get hungry, Gaspar's offers some very decent bar grub from Tampa favorites like the Cuban sandwich and Devil Crab to the hottest hot wings in the city.
Recommended for Dance Clubs because: With both live music and DJs to get your groove on, Gaspar's Grotto offers pirate-themed fun every night of the week.
Skye's expert tip: Sunday brunch is fit for a hung-over pirate with a full buffet, unlimited mimosas and a Bloody Mary bar.
This massive, multi-level nightclub has served as Tampa's alternative mecca for over 25 years. There are frequent special events and different theme nights on the weekends, ranging from pop video night to goth or trance. Dressing up is half the fun at the Castle! There are 3 different areas for music, and 5 areas altogether to hang out. Each offers something a little different, and it's a good bet you'll leave having seen something completely new. Despite the alternative clientele, everyone in The Castle is friendly and welcoming. Because The Castle is so wide-ranging, it's a good idea to check their website before you go to see what you might be getting yourself into.
Recommended for Dance Clubs because: Popular with the alternative crowd, the Castle is one of Ybor City's most eclectic nightclubs.
Scott's expert tip: "Everyone is welcome, nothing is taboo" is the motto here.
Featuring rock, jazz, ska, dubstep, hip-hop, indie, metal, and reggae, Tampa's live music scene doesn't get more varied than this. The Crowbar, a local fave strung with Christmas lights, offers a clean, intimate space in which concertgoers can feel completely absorbed by the music. Bar service is consistently stellar, and if your eardrums need a break, you can pamper them on the quiet outdoor patio. Open mic nights and karaoke are also well-loved here. Cover varies from free to $10, so it's a very reasonable price to pay for enjoying live, original music.
Recommended for Dance Clubs because: Crowbar is an intimate venue in Ybor City that features a mix of live music and DJs open 7 days a week.
Skye's expert tip: Check out the popular Ol' Dirty Sundays party for a laid back afternoon of good music and free food.