Ybor City - Off the Beaten Path
 Just off the beaten path and nestled in the heart of Tampa Bay lies a small city rich in history and culture; Tampa's National Historic landmark District, Ybor City (pronounced EE-bore). Tampa's Latin Quarter brings the essence of eras past to Tampa's present.
Brick lined sidewalks, time-honored architecture, legendary cigar factories and culture that captivates both young and old alike are the embodiment of Ybor City.
History
Don Vicente Martinez Ybor, an influential cigar manufacturer and Cuban  exile, moved his cigar business from Key West to Tampa in 1885. Other cigar factory owners quickly followed suit and before long "Mr. Ybor's City" was the "cigar capital of the world" populated by thousands of Cuban, Spanish, Italian and German immigrants. That reputation endured until the emergence of Fidel Castro and the embargo on Cuban tobacco and is now designated as one of three National Historic Landmark districts in Florida. Today, Ybor City is a fusion of Tampa's past and present where the majestic architecture of cigar factories, wrought iron balconies and brick-lined walkways, meet modern-day galleries, shops and restaurants to form a unique and extraordinary entertainment district.
Things to Do:
 Ybor City's entertainment district, with more than 60 restaurants, bars and nightclubs, draws up to 30,000 people on weekend nights but for a more intimate setting and elegant atmosphere, visit Bernini's. Unparalleled taste not only describes the delectable cuisine at Bernini's but the decadent ambience as well. This eclectic eatery provides exceptional service and a menu with an astounding array of culinary delights including one of Tampa's best selections of wines as well as fine premium cigars.
History is embedded throughout all of Ybor and the Columbia Restaurant is no exception. Since 1905 the Columbia restaurant has been a part of Ybor City's heritage. Today, as Florida's oldest restaurant and the World's Largest Spanish restaurant, the Columbia offers a taste of authentic Spanish cuisine in a fascinating, charismatic and classical setting. The Columbia was received the "Distinguished Restaurants of North America (DiRoNA) Award of Excellence" in 2005  and also earned a Golden Spoon award as "One of the Top 25 Restaurants in Florida" in 2005 from Florida Trend magazine. This restaurant and Tampa Bay landmark is a must-see on every itinerary!
Make sure you pay a visit to the Tampa Improv Comedy Theater and Restaurant. Enjoy the wit and wisdom of well-known comedians from around the globe or have a go at it yourself during the Improv's open mic night. Enjoy a few drinks, let out a few laughs and get ready for a stand up good time.
After the Improv, pay homage to one of Tampa's most famous bars, The Green Iguana. The Green Iguana is a little slice of paradise, nestled in the streets of Ybor City. The bar's tropical atmosphere, tantalizing tiki bars and $1 drink specials put a whole new meaning to the term concrete jungle. Let the lounge lizard in you loose and venture into Tampa Bay's Green Iguana.
Ybor City Festivals
All throughout the year Ybor City has a multitude of festivals for visitors to enjoy. From float-filled parades to independent films, Ybor City has got a festival to fit all your needs. Click the links below to find out more about these Ybor City festivals.
| Ybor City Chamber of Commerce |
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1800 East 9th Avenue
Tampa, FL 33605
Phone: (813) 248-3712
Fax: (813) 247-1764
Website: www.ybor.org |
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