Like peanut butter and jelly or the Lightning and winning, dinner and a show is a classic combination. Here are 10 spots within walking distance of Amalie Arena to get dinner before a hockey game, concert or live show.
Café Dufrain
707 Harbour Post Drive | cafedufrain.com
An awarding-winning, family owned and operated restaurant right on the Harbour Island waterfront, Café Dufrain offers a diverse palette of wine and craft beer selections, plus seasonal New American cuisine. Patrons can indulge in a full contemporary bar (with happy hour daily from 3 to 7 p.m.) as they spend an afternoon or evening at this spot just over the bridge from Amalie Arena.
Hattricks
107 S. Franklin St. | hattrickstavern.com
One of Tampa’s most popular sports bars and restaurants, this hockey-themed spot offers a huge variety of local and craft beer, as well as award-winning wings and burgers. The walls are covered with tons of sports memorabilia, as well as different HD televisions and a fun ambiance for a pregame.
Watervue Grille
700 Harbour Post Drive | watervuegrille.com
With great views of Downtown Tampa, this restaurant’s waterfront setting provides gorgeous sunset views. Watervue serves up fresh seafood sourced from the waters of Tampa Bay as well as the Gulf of Mexico. Watervue Grille also offers a full bar, with fresh handcrafted cocktails featuring selections from all over the globe, as well as craft beer taps from local breweries. Like Café Dufrain, Watervue Grille is just over the bridge from the arena.
Columbia Café at the Tampa Bay History Center
801 Old Water St. | columbiarestaurant.com
With covered outdoor seating overlooking the Tampa Riverwalk, this mini version of the iconic Columbia features a full bar and offers lunch and dinner daily, plus live music on the patio every Friday and Saturday night. An array of Columbia favorites are available as well, including Cuban sandwiches, the 1905 salad, and chicken and rice “Ybor.” The café is directly across the street from Amalie Arena.
Holy Hog BBQ
302 E. Kennedy Blvd. | holyhogbbq.com
Featuring a menu consisting of locally crafted beers, fresh barbecued meats and homestyle sides, this perfect lunch spot is a must-grab near the Amalie Arena. Sweets such as banana pudding and baked cookies are made fresh in-house daily, as well as huge variety of sides including an award-winning jalapeño mac ‘n cheese and loaded potato salad. Holy Hog is convenient to a number of city parking options.
Jackson’s Bistro
601 S. Harbour Island Blvd. | jacksonsbistro.com
This independently owned waterfront spot features an extensive dinner menu, including flatbreads, sushi, pasta and much more. Jackson’s also has a massive selection of over 500 wines and is located next to Amalie Arena on Harbour Island.
Eddie & Sam’s NY Pizza
203 E. Twiggs St. | eddieandsamspizza.com
Using dough made with real New York City tap water, this authentic pizza spot helps bring the taste of the big city to the people of Tampa Bay. Dig into a wide, foldable slice of flavorful crust and enjoy the sights and sounds. Other New York specialties are available as well, including cheese calzones and stuffed meat rolls, a few blocks from Amalie.
Firestick Grill
401 Channelside Drive | amaliearena.com
Located within Amalie Arena, Firestick Grill features open-fire “action stations” in a buffet-style environment. A Bacardi OakHeart Bar and Lounge also opens once each game or event begins. Available only during select events, this spot is super convenient if you’re checking out an event at the arena. The meal price is all-inclusive and can be pre-purchased on the Amalie Arena website. Other locations within the arena itself include Corona Cantina, the Big Storm Bar and many more.
Gaspar’s Grotto
1805 E. 7th Ave. | gasparsgrotto.com
Paying historical homage to the legendary (though mythical) pirate José Gaspar, this pirate-themed locale offers an array of appetizers, wings, tacos and more. This is the perfect spot to eat, relax and take the free trolley from Ybor City — where parking is much easier to come by — to Amalie Arena afterwards.
Dough Nation
505 N. Tampa St. | doughnation.com
Beginning at the Gasparilla Music Festival and evolving to its own storefront, this unique dessert spot has a menu consisting of cookie dough, ice creams and shakes. Classic flavors can be found for each menu item, including chocolate chip, dark chocolate and sugar. Dough Nation is open until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, making it a possible post-Lightning game stop.
