You'll love this blue feeling
Blue Martini
2223 N West Shore Blvd., in International Plaza; (813) 873-2583
One of Tampa's mainstream see-and-be-seen hot spots, the splashy bar wows with smoky red lighting and a wall backlit in icy cool blue. Cocktail tables and chairs and intimate semicircular booths give patrons comfortable ways to perch, for prime viewing as well as posing.
It's a modern lounge, with Floribbean flair.And it's a pickup spot for mid-life crisis candidates on the prowl meets pretentious 20-something bar scene. Though it could benefit from more musical variety, patrons seemed as content on the dance floor as hanging in booths, flirting with strangers or people-watching from the popular outdoor patio. A live band plays every night from 7:30 until midnight, when a DJ takes over. On Saturdays, expect to groove mostly to techno beats, with a few late-night offerings of hip-hop and reggae. Sundays draw mostly a young black professional crowd and the occasional Tampa Bay Buccaneer or hip-hop star. (LL Cool J made a VIP appearance.)
The club's entrance boasts a red carpet, velvet rope and a nearly 20-minute wait. Do bring your ID. The bouncers check everyone from the barely legal to the barely breathing.
The menu offers all tapas, all the time, ranging from $6 to $13. Open a tab at one bar and you're stuck there for the night. Save the hassle and pay as you go.
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Bamboo Club Asian Bistro
2223 North Shore Boulevard West, Tampa;(813) 353-0326
Bamboo Club decor recalls a swank hideaway off a Bangkok drag. Faded green and earth-tone murals of emperors and blossoms hang majestically on curved walls over wicker and bamboo furniture with black linens, all combining for a stunning complementary effect. High ceilings, banquettes and an open-view kitchen add to the upscale look. At two stories, it seats 250. Regular folks — couples, groups of friends, families — pile in by day and well-heeled yuppies cavort in the elegant mezzanine by night. For affordable food, visit at lunch, when you can get great entrees around $10. The signature and specialty cocktails can be a little pricey but are well worth the expense — and are the joint’s best draw. The cocktails come in vivid colors that recall emerald Pacific waters and Tahitian sunsets. Asian beers include Asahi, Kirin, Tsingtao and Sapporo.
Bar Louie
2223 N West Shore Blvd., Tampa; (813) 874-1919
While Bar Louis might seem like one more pretend upscale joint d/b/a something Inc., it nonetheless delivers when it comes to refinement, cleanliness and professionalism. The decor is gentleman’s club meets old-school lounge, with great art deco feng shui. Warm creams and beiges, round tables and booths complement cool black trim, sturdy hardwood chairs and stools, industrial ceiling fixtures, sleek lighting and large photographs and art prints. On the menu Southwestern, California-style and Mediterranean food dominate. Try oyster shooters, sirloin skewers and a mixed platter with mozzarella sticks, wings, jalapeno poppers, calamari, chicken tenders and bruschetta. Choose from 26 eclectic martinis, 40 bottled, draft and microbrewed beers and ales, and a great wine list.
