Whiskey Park SoHo
|
|
Where: 720 S. Howard Ave., Tampa, (813) 259-9669 or whiskeyparksoho.com; second location at 11921 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa.
Hours: Open daily, 5 p.m. to 3 a.m.
Cover: None
Signature drink: There isn't one signature drink, but there are enough Cosmos going around to make Carrie from ''Sex and the City' proud.
What to wear: Just because the word whiskey is in the name doesn't mean you should dress like you're heading to the hills of Tennessee. You're better off sticking to the upscale style found at other SoHo nightspots. You can get away with jeans and T-shirts, but aim a little higher if you want to be noticed.
Bathroom break: The lines form at the back, behind the main bar in the center of the room. Both bathrooms, which are situated near the DJ booth, are well kept and equipped with attendants who offer a towel or fresh splash of cologne.
The scene: In keeping with the neighborhood, Whiskey Park caters to an upscale crowd of south Tampa locals, business travelers, club-hopping socializers and big shots trying to impress young talent. Pool tables, dart boards and more than 20 TVs give the joint a sports bar feel, but dark woods, assorted foliage and trendy regulars put Whiskey Park in the hipster rotation.
Specials: Whiskey Park offers a daily happy hour from 5 to 8 p.m., featuring $2 beers, $3 call brands, half-price appetizers and free pool. Thursday is ladies night, with half-price drinks and appetizers all night long. Sunday is dedicated to restaurant and bar workers, who get half off everything from open 'til close.
The scoop: Whiskey Park opened in October 2002 and has been a staple of the growing SoHo scene ever since. The menu offers a wide range of appetizers and sandwiches, but the place is known more for being one of the premier watering holes along the Howard Avenue strip. While the average customer is more interested in being seen than enjoying a drink, Whiskey Park knows how to make a libation.
The line to get in may put you closer to the door of Starbucks across the street, but there's plenty to do once you get inside. There are six pool tables, giveaways many nights of the week, and a DJ spinning music from the '80s through today. There's no dance floor, but that doesn't stop the movers and shakers.
Insider secret: Whiskey Park has a full bar outside that is usually twice as accessible as any of the bars inside.
By Doug Van Sant
|
