One of Tampa’s most popular waterfront hangouts just got a major facelift. The Sail Plaza at the Tampa Convention Center reopened at the end of the summer following a months-long renovation that added more shade, more restrooms, and — most notably — the second location of Big Ray’s Fish Camp. The Ballast Point seafood joint brings the local flavor the Tampa Convention Center was looking for when it put out a request for proposals for a new on-site restaurant concept a few years back, says Stephanie Stanton, the convention center’s business and administrative support manager.
Like its original location, Big Ray’s at the Sail is dishing up grouper sandwiches, its famous lobster corn dog and po’boys, alongside garlic Parmesan fries. Over at the bar, updated cocktail selections lean to the tropical side, with selections like the Island Therapy (spiced rum, pineapple, coconut and nutmeg) and Dockside Paloma (tequila, grapefruit and firewater bitters), plus a lineup of Channelside Crushes, all made with hand-pressed citrus juice and Florida cane sugar.
