ANOTHER Downtown Tampa Bar Closes For Good

This keeps happening. Unfortunately another popular Downtown Tampa Bar has closed down for good. At least this time, we get a goodbye message from the owners. The reason why hasn't been confirmed, but Park & Rec was the subject of a contentious 2020 lawsuit. We think this is a big reason why they recently announced that they have closed for good.  The bar was operated by parent company Hunger Thirst Group, which also owns other Tampa Bay concepts like No Vacancy, Lost & Found, Avenue, Good Fortune, and others. 

The post goes on to say that the Downtown Tampa bar, at 290 S. Meridian St., is closed effective immediately, but the company’s six other concepts remain open. This includes the St. Pete Park & Rec location.

Park & Rec opened back in 2019 on the ground floor of a 30-story downtown Tampa condominium. But since their opening, they have been in a constant feud with their neighbors. There were constant complaints of loud music, outdoor lights and speakers, and other complaints.

Just earlier this month we talked about another staple Tampa bar closing its doors overnight. While we hate to see them go, we'll cherish all of the memories we made and will still continue to support their other concepts.

Ahh the old-fashioned, probably the most popular and classic bourbon cocktail. There are plenty of ways to dress up an old fashioned. The most popular version of this cocktail is to try it "smoked." This means that the bartender will fill the glass with smoke before pouring the drink, leaving behind a smoky scent and taste. Yelp has a list of places in Tampa with the best old fashion, but we’ve gathered a list of places that take the drink above and beyond its usual flavors.

The old-fashioned is a pretty simple cocktail to make, but we've seen a lot of unusual ways to make it. This drink is made of 2 ounces of bourbon whiskey, a couple of dashes of Angostura bitters, and 1/4 ounces of simple syrup. After combining all the ingredients in a cocktail glass, you stir it and pour it over a big ice cube. Typically, the old-fashioned is garnished with an orange peel or Luxardo cherry. Many bourbon snobs will definitely judge if you serve them an old-fashioned with ice cubes rather than a sphere or big cube. The reason for this is so the ice doesn't melt down the drink as fast. The larger cube will take longer to melt, keeping the drink colder for longer periods.

The places mentioned in our list are known for taking this classic cocktail above and beyond. Whether it's making the drink more sweeter or using flavored smoke techniques. One honorary mention that we thought was too obvious to include in the list is Whiskey Cake in Tampa. Obviously, this whiskey bar is going to be a great option. They have a whole section to their menu dedicated to different styles of old fashion. Check out their menu, here.

Number one on our list and on Yelp is Repeal 18. This prohibition-style bar in Westchase is the perfect place to go for any bourbon lover. Our favorite is the Root Beer Old Fashioned.

Located in Ybor or St. Pete, Copper Shaker has some of the best cocktails in the Tampa Bay Area. They have over 200 whiskeys to choose from. Check out their menu here.

On Swann is one of the trendiest restaurants in Tampa right now. They have some amazing crafted cocktails. You NEED to try their Walnut Maple Old Fashioned, made with walnut infused maple syrup.

The Saint is a speakeasy hidden off Central Ave in Downtown St. Pete. If you want to try the best smoked old fashioned in Tampa Bay, head here.

Head to Safety Harbor for some delicious adult beverages, then watch your favorite movie at Gigglewaters. They have 3 different old fashioned's on their menu, one is a big batch for you to enjoy tableside, or take home! Be sure to try The Black Ship.

Craft Street Kitchen has a location in Trinity and Oldsmar, if you ever head there be sure to try the Guinness Old Fashioned. It's soooo tasty and not as strong bourbon tasting as your average old fashioned. This is made with Benchmark Bourbon, Guiness Simple Syrup, Guiness Foam, Whiskey Barrel Bitters.

Rome + Fig Global Bistro is one of our favorite brunch and cocktail spots. If you visit, you gotta try the Smoked Chai Old Fashioned made with house infused chai bourbon, montenergro amaro, orange bitters, maple, and then it's smoked.