AKA CIGAR CITY

YBOR CITY

Tampa Bay's historical and cultural roots lie in Ybor City. Many of the buildings echo the charming brick exteriors of converted cigar factories, in homage to the area's celebrated history as the Cigar Capital of the World. But cigar making is only a part of this multifaceted district's present and future, with independent cigar rollers keeping the tradition alive. The brick streets and iron balconies of 7th Avenue welcome revelers day and night.

MEET A CIGAR ROLLER 

Since 1910, J.C. Neman Cigar Co. has produced traditional hand-rolled cigars at El Reloj in Ybor City. Meet master cigar roller Luis Gonzalez, who has over 25 years of experience with hand rolling. Luis keeps the traditions alive through J.C. Newman’s new hand-rolling classes. Join Luis in honoring Tampeño culture by learning to hand roll a cigar!

CAN'T MISS

Hop on the TECO Line Streetcar and enjoy a free ride into historic Ybor City just over a mile from Downtown. Take your time browsing the local cigar shops like Tabanero Cigars, Sweetheart Cigars and J.C. Newman Cigar Co.—including the new on-site museum—to find the perfect accompaniment to your evening stroll through these treasured streets. Finish up the day with a picture-perfect photo from The Snap House.

Local Flavors

Tantalize your tastebuds with new flavors all around Ybor City. The oldest restaurant in Florida, Columbia Restaurant is a must, both for its cultural significance and for its incredible food. Get a taste of Italy at the new Casa Santo Stefano Sicilian restaurant and a coffee in a Cuban-inspired bistro at Café Quiquiriqui. Cigar City Cider & Mead lets you savor a different side of Tampa Bay's burgeoning craft-brewing scene. But if grain and hops are what you crave, Coppertail Brewing, Bastet Brewing and BarrieHaus Beer Co. have become local craft beer favorites. Finish the night with speciality drinks and a show at the high-energy dueling piano bar Showbar.

Meet My Abuela

Meet My Abuela features real-life romantic scenarios in which optimistic couples must follow Hispanic tradition to receive approval from their grandmother to make their relationship official. Set against the beautiful Tampa Bay backdrop, cast members experience Tampa Bay’s thriving culinary scene, sparkling waterfronts, and vibrant culture.

By Night

The transformation begins when the 7th Avenue nightclubs open--LGBT havens (Liquid, G Bar, The Honey Pot), hipster haunts (Orpheum), chic dance hideaways (Prana, Amphitheatre) and college zones (Coyote Ugly, Double Decker, Green Iguana) keep the party going. The Ritz Ybor plays host to national concert tours, while its resident nightclub Czar draws ample crowds with raging dance parties on Friday and Saturday nights. Those who prefer to be a spectator of Ybor's nighttime high-jinks can do it from two very different perches in Centro Ybor. Hamburger Mary's Bar & Grille is a friendly burger joint with a patio overlooking 7th Avenue, while on the ground floor across the way is Carne Chophouse. Try house specialty Pork Shoulder Pot Pie while gazing at the passersby.