"Home Sweet Home" Ybor City by sarahjayn

Ybor City Travel Guide: 47 reviews and 69 photos

Ybor City

I've been kind of hanging out here my whole life. I sort of grew up here because there was (in my mind) nothing to do in the rest of Tampa.
Various parts of my family lived here, too, after immigrating to America, so there's some history there.
This city-within-a-city (it's part of Tampa) has been through some changes through the years, but I feel like its really becoming a community again. At least I hope it is.
I used to live here, but my apartments went condo. How sad is that? Answer: very sad.

Intro Updated Jan 16, 2006
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Reviews (22)

What corporate chain pizza is good for . . . - Ybor City

New York, New York - what can I cook for... Restaurants (6)

Usually things with the words "New York" in the title are anything but New Yorky, but this place is the real deal. It's... more travel advice

Lend me some sugar - I am your neighbor! - Ybor City

My Favourite Politically Active GLBT... Nightlife (4)

Normally, a place called 'Flirt' would totally make me wretch. I mean, usually that translates to snotty meat market.... more travel advice

Ahoy, matey! I be overly-cutesy! Yar! - Ybor City

takin' a theme as far as it will... Restaurants (6)

Gaspar's Grotto is a bar, but they do serve some food. The service is pretty good here, and it's a definite finalist for... more travel advice

a sad day for La Tropicana . . . - Ybor City

Cubans and Coffee Restaurants (6)

Open only until 3 p.m., La Tropicana is a good place to go and eat for not much money. I'm a teacher, and we got lunch... more travel advice

Shopping (2)
See All Not Just for Nerds . . .
Things to Do (6)
See All Marti Steps at Ybor Square

Hotels (3)
See All Very Homey
Transportation (1)
The Trolley

Travelogues (1)

Written Jun 2, 2005

6 photos

Social Clubs in Ybor

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Comments (22)

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TheAvonMan Mar 18, 2010 at 5:49 AM

I agree. The staff is sometimes overworked with too many tables to care for, but it's my favorite place in all of Tampa. Chicken Croquettes are awsome and hey...that 1905 Salad is amazing.
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Ewingjr98 Jul 13, 2009 at 7:09 PM

Thanks for the great tips from a local's perspective. I also laughed about the excessive pirate theme at Gaspar's last time I visited Tampa.
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Lhenne1 Jun 11, 2008 at 6:51 PM

I visited Ybor City for a drink last time I visited my brother in Tampa. Thanks for the tips - I'll have to go back and see more :)
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funnybeee Jan 17, 2006 at 5:18 PM

Now I am really getting excited: La France and Green Dragon Books. Are you kidding me? I read Tarot cards! Thanks for the hook up sarahjayn, right up my alley. Regards, FunnyBeee
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sue_stone Dec 7, 2005 at 6:01 AM

I had never heard of Ybor City till I came across your page - now I know all about it!!
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davequ Nov 8, 2005 at 11:42 PM

La Columbia looks really tasty. Thanks for stopping by and for sharing.
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Docu2001 Oct 19, 2005 at 1:59 AM

Your love your home town and it shows ... I had a terrific visit to Ybor last year ... great people.
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Barbie2138 Sep 30, 2005 at 8:00 PM

When I visited Columbia restaurant with a large group, the staff could not have been kinder. We got a tour including the wine cellar and those upstairs rooms. I loved the flamenco dancers!!!!
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BuickMackane Sep 3, 2005 at 9:46 AM

Wow, those restaurants sound yummy. I hope I can check 'em out next time I'm in the Tampa area!
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tpal Aug 14, 2005 at 8:17 AM

"...either old school skinny or new school chunky...Gwar...ska...GLBT" :-O I'm really out of it...I need a translator or just a youth transplant. Sounds like a real party town. BTW I have to agree, "a sad day for La Tropicana . . ." indeed. Thx...Tom