Local Resources
Best After Hours Place
Big Cat Rescue
12802 Easy St., Tampa
(813) 920-4130
Impress your date with your willingness to hand-feed a tiger. Better yet, embark on a night tour, or an up-close photo safari.
Sangria's
315 S. Howard Ave., Tampa
(813) 258-0393
Urbanites pack themselves into Sangrias until 2 a.m. on weekends. Great tapas; try the Fromage en Croute.
Best Cheap Date
Jimmy Macs
5000 W. Gandy Blvd., Tampa
(813) 839-3449
The expansive patio overlooks a harbor, and the sandwiches couldnt be better in this supremely casual restaurant. Sunsets and live music are complimentary.
Best Club
The Empire
1902 E. 7th Ave., Ybor City
(813) 247-2582
An of-the-moment techno and hip-hop club for the hardcore dancers, The Empire caters to a young, energetic crowd.
Best Creative Date
Yacht StarShip Dinner Cruise
603 Channleside Dr., Tampa
(813) 223-7999
Float across Tampa Bay while dining on scrumptiously prepared Asian Salmon, Veal Marsala and more. Live music and breathtaking views enhance your evening.
Best Place for a Laugh
Key West Comedy Club
2015 E. 7th Ave., Ybor City
(813) 248-2214
Tampa natives love this small and superb comedy club; no cover charge on Wednesdays & Thursdays.
Best Place for Coffee and Dessert
Blackhawk Coffee Cafe
1628 W. Snow Cir., Tampa
(813) 258-1600
Always open late, the Blackhawk in Hyde Park will satisfy your sweet tooth with everything from gourmet pies to Krispy Kremes.
Best Place To Buy a Gift
La France
1612 E. 7th Ave., Ybor City
(813) 248-1381
Packed with vintage finds from every era, La France also sells a selection of creative new jewelry certain to suit your ladys taste.
Best Restaurant for a Second Dinner Date
Catch 23
10103 Montague St.. Tampa
(813) 920-0045
Enjoy the mouth-watering Caribbean Jerk chicken on the patio of this northwest Tampa seafood house.
Best Restaurant for First Dinner Date
Bonefish Grill
3665 Henderson Blvd., Tampa
(813) 876-3535
The citys freshest fish, an extensive wine list, and the lively chatter that permeates this upscale but casual hotspot will ease your nerves and encourage conversation.
Best Restaurant for Lunch or Brunch First Date
Noodle Lounge
3324 W. Gandy Blvd., Tampa
(813) 835-1434
This fusion of Vietnamese, Japanese, and Thai cuisine draws a high-class lunch crowd. All the homemade noodles and the dark chocolate mousse are sure bets.
Best Special Occasion Restaurant
The Palm
205 Westshore Plaza Dr., Tampa
(813)-849-7256
Begin with valet service, sample wines from their cellar and then dine on tender steaks and oversized lobsters, or the highly recommended crab cakes.
TOP FIVE DATES
Avoid Moderation
615 Channelside Dr., Tampa
(813) 223-4250
An evening made special by options and excess: watch a Hollywood film on Muvicos massive IMAX flat screen, stop for dinner at Jacksons Bistro or Grille 29 and then head over to Stumps Supper Club for a retro dance party.
Big Cat Rescue
12802 Easy St., Tampa
(813) 920-4130
Impress your date with your willingness to hand-feed a tiger. Better yet, embark on a night tour, or an up-close photo safari.
CSI: Tampa
Adult Forensic Science Program: CSI: Tampa
Museum of Science and Industry, 4801 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa
(813) 987-6100
This hands-on exploration of actual and fictional case studies from your favorite TV shows lets you analyze clues from a crime scene CSI style. Analyze fingerprints, DNA patterns and more with your sweetheart. Youll certainly have lots to talk about afterwards.
Splitsville
615 Channelside Dr., Tampa
(813) 514-2695
This fancy bowling alley and retro lounge combination is sure to get you both laughing. Dress for a sock hop and munch the scrumptious white truffle pizza while youre there.
St. Pete Beach
Gulf Blvd, St. Pete Beach
Bask together in the sun or frolic in the surf at St. Petes white sand beach. Then, walk over to The Undertow tiki bar for some fruity spirits before catching an art flick at the Beach Theatre.
