Welcome to the World
New World Brewery
1313 E Eighth Ave., Tampa; (813) 248-4969
New World Brewery owner Steve Bird is a path-of-least resistance guy, someone who doesn't force a concept because some guys in suits think it's a good idea.
In an interview last year, Bird told us that he runs his bar much like he cares for its patio garden. He carefully maintains it every day but does not try to control it.
He listens to his 21-to-40-something-old music- and beer-loving customers, gives them what they want and maintains high standards on how he operates his business. He keeps the place tidy, hires friendly and professional servers and knows his customers on a first-name basis.
He even allows bartenders and customers to contribute to the decor with personalized touches, trinkets, antiques and memorabilia - most noticeably, The Simpsons. In addition, the juke box is free and plays the kinds of bands people love but rarely get played on the radio.
New World's success can be measured by that great irony that makes any bar successful: It's the kind of place where you don't have to drink to feel comfy and relaxed. People bring their kids and pets, and folks who move away make New World a requisite visit during return visits. Just visit Thanksgiving and Christmas, and you'll see how mobbed the place is with nostalgic out-of-towners.
New World is just downright pleasant. There's fresh air; delicious pizza; a homey atmosphere; trickling fountain; flowing plants and palm trees; a multitude of beers, ales and stouts; some of the best emerging bands in rock music; and killer DJ nights.
Given the hectic landscape of Ybor's party zone and overall terrain of mass marketing, New World fills a void that's gaping in entertainment culture, whether by offering acts that challenge the status quo or encouraging community support through numerous fundraiser events. - Julie Garisto jgaristo@tampabay.com
Also recommended...
The Castle
2004 N 16th St., Ybor City; (813) 247-7547
Outside, the old social hall looks like a miniature Mediterranean castle. Inside, it's dark and dank, like Dracula's vacation home. The dance floor upstairs, depending on the night, features old wave, Goth, dance pop, industrial or techno. Couches around the room provide cozy breaks. The downstairs bar has a mellower vibe. It's supposed to have a moat going through the entire length of the marble counter, but it's gone dry recently. A plush upstairs lounge, detached from the dance floor area, is a great place to chill out and get away from the hubbub. The workers at The Castle are some of the nicest people in Ybor City, and the dancers engage in conversation on their breaks. This is one of those places where you can easily make friends - or greet a middle-aged dude in a negligee known lovingly by regulars as "The Senator."
Club Hedo
1510 E Seventh Ave., Tampa; (813) 248-4336
Hedo's the noisiest joint on Seventh, where all-out boisterous partying and nonstop booty-shaking goes down. It looks small on the outside but lays out like a big club inside, with nine bars, beer tubs throughout, a 6,500-square-foot main area and a 500-square-foot outdoor patio. The two tiers in each of the two rooms include VIP levels. Hedo also boasts two separate dance floors, with access to multiple raised dance platforms. The sound system delivers more than 10,000 watts of bass through more than 30 Electro Voice speakers throughout the club.
Green Iguana
1708 E Seventh Ave., Tampa; (813) 248-9555
Walk past this longtime hangout on any weekend night, and you'll have to dodge boozy revelers in the overflowing joint blaring hits of the 1970s-'90s. The sprawling, tropical-theme and wood-trimmed establishment offers outdoor tables, games, TVs and a jukebox. Like its other locations, the Green Iguana-Ybor maintains that undeniable Floribbean vibe folks love. The menu does too, with grouper tacos, mahi-mahi, fajitas, black beans and fusion-y wraps. What's more is that the prices are much less prohibitive than other Ybor joints.
The Boneyard
1823 E Seventh Ave., Tampa; (813) 248-6224
Don't be scared by the name. It's neither goth nor biker bar, just a relatively laid-back oasis amid the Seventh Avenue ruckus. Mind your head from the dangling strands of novelty lights, beer cans, chili peppers and fish flashers. A small dance floor and DJ area are next to tall painted tables; license plates only add to the festive atmosphere. Newcastle, Bass and Heineken are the cream of the spout; with the full liquor and cheap PBR a hit. The sign on door says "mean wings,'' and they mean it.
Czar
1420 E Seventh Ave., Tampa; (813) 247-2664
The modern, plush-decorated nightclub has set up headquarters in the El Goya building, where folks began shaking it to new wave before it became old wave. The decor is part Siberian love den, part Russian tea room. Though Czar can seem too cool, don't let the trappings dissuade you. The servers are as friendly and down to earth as the serfs. Walk past the black scrim of the entrance, through the chilling blue light of the lounge and take a swift right turn at the DJ booth, to shake it on the Czar's dance floor. Beer choices include Heineken, Newcastle and domestics. The cocktails are good and strong, too. Professional male and female bartenders make their money pouring sub-zero shots from the chilled liquor freezer in the middle of the bar.
Fuma Bella
1318 E Eighth Ave., Tampa; (813) 248-6130
The bar called "Pretty Smoke'' draws a loyal clientele with great single malt scotches and cigars. It holds no assumptions about crowd, fashion or music, just good drinks with a tight-knit group of regulars. Scenesters do trickle in, however. It's where they go to jumpstart their buzz from shows at New World Brewery. Fuma's tiny but it accommodates a healthy crowd for its size. Mahogany tall tables and sturdy chairs and an even sturdier tarpon, ridden by none other than a Pee-Wee Herman doll. Bass, Guinness are on tap, as well as liquor bottles turned upside down and ready to shoot.