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ANOTHER Downtown Tampa Bar Closes For Good

Author Babs and Jen Glorioso

This keeps happening. Unfortunately another popular Downtown Tampa Bar has closed down for good. At least this time, we get a goodbye message from the owners. The reason why hasn’t been confirmed, but Park & Rec was the subject of a contentious 2020 lawsuit. We think this is a big reason why they recently announced that they have closed for good.  The bar was operated by parent company Hunger Thirst Group, which also owns other Tampa Bay concepts like No Vacancy, Lost & Found, Avenue, Good Fortune, and others. 

Although we loved going there after a Lightning win, apparently the location was not ideal for Park & Rec. But that was one of the few Channelside bars that were open past 11p. According to Creative Loafing, Cofounder and CEO Stephen Schrutt took to social media late Thursday night to announce the closure. “I’m glad we gave the Tampa location a good run, but looking back, it wasn’t the right fit for the concept,” said Schrutt. 

The post goes on to say that the Downtown Tampa bar, at 290 S. Meridian St., is closed effective immediately, but the company’s six other concepts remain open. This includes the St. Pete Park & Rec location.

Park & Rec opened back in 2019 on the ground floor of a 30-story downtown Tampa condominium. But since their opening, they have been in a constant feud with their neighbors. There were constant complaints of loud music, outdoor lights and speakers, and other complaints.

Just earlier this month we talked about another staple Tampa bar closing its doors overnight. While we hate to see them go, we’ll cherish all of the memories we made and will still continue to support their other concepts.

Jen was born and raised in the Tampa Bay area. She’s been with Beasley Media Group since 2022. In her spare time, you can find her at Tampa Bay Lightning games, Tampa Bay breweries, or the beach. Catch up on Jen’s content about the highest-rated restaurants/bars in Tampa, things-to-do around the area, and upcoming concerts.

7 Places To Find The Best Old Fashioned In The Tampa Bay Area

  • Repeal 18

    Number one on our list and on Yelp is Repeal 18. This prohibition-style bar in Westchase is the perfect place to go for any bourbon lover. Our favorite is the Root Beer Old Fashioned.

    old fashioned cocktail

  • Copper Shaker

    Located in Ybor or St. Pete, Copper Shaker has some of the best cocktails in the Tampa Bay Area. They have over 200 whiskeys to choose from. Check out their menu here.

    old fashioned

    Getty Royalty Free

     

  • On Swann

    On Swann is one of the trendiest restaurants in Tampa right now. They have some amazing crafted cocktails. You NEED to try their Walnut Maple Old Fashioned, made with walnut infused maple syrup.

     

  • The Saint

    The Saint is a speakeasy hidden off Central Ave in Downtown St. Pete. If you want to try the best smoked old fashioned in Tampa Bay, head here.

    featured-images-old fashioned

  • Gigglewaters

    Head to Safety Harbor for some delicious adult beverages, then watch your favorite movie at Gigglewaters. They have 3 different old fashioned’s on their menu, one is a big batch for you to enjoy tableside, or take home! Be sure to try The Black Ship.

  • Craft Street Kitchen

    Craft Street Kitchen has a location in Trinity and Oldsmar, if you ever head there be sure to try the Guinness Old Fashioned. It’s soooo tasty and not as strong bourbon tasting as your average old fashioned. This is made with Benchmark Bourbon, Guiness Simple Syrup, Guiness Foam, Whiskey Barrel Bitters.

  • Rome + Fig

    Rome + Fig Global Bistro is one of our favorite brunch and cocktail spots. If you visit, you gotta try the Smoked Chai Old Fashioned made with house infused chai bourbon, montenergro amaro, orange bitters, maple, and then it’s smoked.

    @rome_and_fig

    Why have one happy hour when you can have two? 🥂✨ See hours below! ⏰: W - Sun 4 pm-6 pm, W & Thu 9 pm-11 pm, Fri & Sat 10 pm-12 am #happyhour #drinks #cocktails #girlsnight #tampa #tampafood #dinner #southtampa #travel #florida

    ♬ original sound - kardashianshulu

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Author Babs and Jen Glorioso
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