Some of the lovely and friendly crew at Gaspar's Grotto
Ybor (E Bore) City is Tampa Florida’s Bourbon Street. Walking down the main drag, 7th Avenue, will put you in a New Orleans state of mind. As night falls wrought Iron Balcony’s look out over a mélange of weekend wildness as bar hoppers cruise in search of whatever it is they’re looking for.
Chances are good they’ll find it too. Music floods the street, pouring fromThe Honey Pot, The Ritz, Prana, The Green Iguana, and my personal favorite, Gaspar’s Grotto, among others. The pounding beat of Little Wayne washes into Gloria Estaphan’s melody which swirls over Flo Rida’s rap. Then suddenly, out of the twilight zone, at the James Joyce Pub, a bagpipe’s wail crashes through the cacophony. It’s a beautiful noise, this street rocks.
Turn a corner and you’ll find more fun. There are many more bars spread through the fifty two blocks that make up the Ybor Club district. All are within walking distance of each other. Along the way are eclectic shops, art galleries, tattoo parlors, cigar stores, and restaurants. A bright yellow street car passing may arouse your desire to hop aboard and head off to another destination, but it’s a better ride coming back or into the Ybor Station.
Gaspar’s Grotto is the only pirate bar in a city famous for its pirates. You may have heard of Gasparilla, the city’s annual homage to pirate heritage and decadence. They say it’s Gasparilla every day at Gaspar’s Grotto. The casual comfortable relaxed atmosphere of the bar puts it's patrons at immediate ease.
More often than not a four footed friend will be found in the pet friendly room. Tanker Ray is the resident irascible cat. He’s walked on a leash by the Captain, who is in fact an actual retired Merchant Marine heavy vessel Captain. Think supertankers on the high seas. Evidence of voyages to exotic ports of call covers the walls of Gaspar’s Grotto.
The Captain has accumulated one of the most extensive collections of fine Rums to be found anywhere. For those who know, this is the place to come for an outstanding cocktail. Beyond the Rum; the bar is stocked well. For those who don’t give a damn, there are inexpensive drink specials as well. Probably one of the few palaces you can get a shot and a beer, anytime, for two bucks. Classic Cocktails have recently been added to the drink specials list. Last time I looked “Hi Balls” were on the board for $2 too.
Past the bar is a huge beautiful tropical patio and outside bar. A fairly large stage on the patio sees performances by some of the best talent about. Over six hundred souls have room to party their hearts out and they often do. Fine food is a recent addition to Gaspar’s Grotto’s repertoire. It’s the only place in Ybor City that serves a Sunday Brunch.
See you next time from wonderful Ybor City with some kinky tales of “The Castle”.
For more info: www.gasparsgrotto.com
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