The Dan, located in Downtown Tampa’s historic Floridan Palace is this summer’s hotly-anticipated newcomer to Tampa Bay’s thriving dining scene.
Formerly the site of the Sapphire Lounge, the team at the historic Floridan Palace have teamed up with New York City based foBT Hospitality to bring an exciting new concept to the heart of Tampa’s downtown.
The Dan offers a taste of the Gulf Coast heritage combined with a Roaring Twenties feel. All the charms of Bourbon Street are combined with the lively, sophisticated elegance of the jazz age.
Opening in May, it offers casual sophistication with cuisine inspired by traditional Gulf Coast restaurants and a new generation of Gulf Coast flavors. Contemporary and traditional will be balanced with a menu featuring raw oysters, steaks and local seafood complemented by Gulf Coast-inspired accents. The Dan will serve dinner seven days a week, weekday lunch, and weekend brunch.
“We aren’t forgetting the favorites, but The Dan’s menu is full of unexpected twists as well,” says Crystal Rivera, general manager at Floridan Palace. “Everything is flavorful and fun. It’s quirky but elevated.”
The Dan’s specialty libations include a cotton candy champagne signature drink and others that evoke the spirit of The Big Easy. The cocktail menu will also feature timeless cocktails like negronis, espresso martinis and sazerac.
This reimagined concept will be housed on-site of the former Sapphire Lounge, which enchanted guests of renown for decades.
“The Sapphire Lounge had a reputation far and wide. Locals and travelers frequented the bar and we’re excited to return that excitement to the space,” says Crystal Rivera, general manager at Floridan Palace. “The Dan is the first completely renovated space in the hotel, and we’re getting ready to renovate the entire hotel.”
Once visited by Elvis, Marilyn Monroe and Frank Sinatra – the newly renovated restaurant has not only been restored to its historic glory but has been furnished to the nines.
Dimly lit and set to the sounds of lively 1920s jazz, the historic space pays homage to the splendor of the 1920s era in which it was built, with some added flair. The decor features playful touches including wallpaper adorned with smoking and bourbon-drinking monkeys.
“There is an air of mystery around the property still. No other concept in Tampa has such a rich history,” shares Rivera. “We’re excited to share the hotel with locals, new neighbors that have recently moved to Tampa and visitors.”
With reservations open on May 20, The Dan is set to be one of Tampa’s hottest new restaurants.
Speaking of the Gulf Coast, check out these tips for a great Girls’ Getaway.
