Tampa’s annual Pirate Raid Gasparilla will be held this Saturday (January 25th) this year. And if you’re heading to Tampa’s waterfront to join in the festivities, there’s a good chance you’re looking for snacks and snacks while you’re out and about.
The main parade begins at Bay to Bay and Bayshore Boulevard and continues along downtown to Brolein Street before turning onto Ashley Drive. Here are 10 places along or near the route that are worth a stop.
counter culture
You can’t get any closer to the route than at Chef Jeannie Pierola’s contemporary, counter-themed restaurant, right near the start. Serving brunch and dinner (reservations required), this restaurant’s open, airy layout makes it the perfect place to people-watch while enjoying cream cheese-filled French toast and a glass or two of sparkling wine. .
More information: 2909 W. Bay to Bay Blvd., Suite 100, Tampa. 813-570-8660; cc-tampa.com
little tina
This new spot in downtown Tampa is a great morning stop on your way to the route. Opens at 8am daily. In addition to coffee and espresso drinks, we also offer light snacks such as pastries, bagels, and avocado toast. There’s also a bar serving cocktails if you want to stop by after your Gasparilla.
More information: 507 N. Tampa St., Tampa. 813-229-8462
barcelona wine bar
This new Spanish and Mediterranean restaurant boasts an extensive wine list of over 400 items and a perfect setting for social gatherings adjacent to the waterfront. The restaurant opened in November and is the latest effort by the Connecticut-based group, which has more than 20 Barcelona Wine Bar locations nationwide, including one in Miami’s Wynwood neighborhood.
More information: 2907 W. Bay to Bay Blvd. Suite A100, Tampa. 813-722-0202
Dan
Located in the historic Hotel Flor in downtown Tampa, The Dan opens in 2023 with a Roaring ’20s vibe and food and drink menu. It’s open most days, serving lunch and dinner daily.
More information: 905 N. Florida Ave., Tampa. 813-318-9719
water street
You could spend a day in Tampa’s Water Street development and likely not visit half the restaurants. Boulon offers French cuisine, Ash offers Italian-inspired cuisine, and Cava and Wagamama offer fast-casual cuisine. We love The Pearl (a gastropub with great cocktails) and Small Giant (a neighborhood bar with comfort food and pizza) for their casual yet upscale atmosphere. Both feel like good places to end this Saturday.
More information: waterstreettampa.com
Big Ray’s Fish Camp
This charming little restaurant on Interbay Boulevard, just south of Ballast Point Park and the Gasparilla Parade Route, serves solid grouper sandwiches, smoked fish dip, U-Peel ’em Shrimp, buffalo chicken wings, Known for its barbecue. , Thai chili or Old Bay variety. Another location near the Tampa Convention Center with a smaller menu is Big Ray’s Fish Camp on the Riverwalk. It’s located at 333 S. Franklin St. in Tampa.
More information: 6116 Interbay Blvd., Tampa; 813-605-3615; bigraysfishcamp.com
CW’s Gin Joint
Yes, it’s a hip downtown spot with plenty of gin and a fancy bar. The food menu is extensive, as well as live music and a lineup of fun desserts. Will tropical bananas grow after a day of festivities? oh yeah!
More information: 633 N. Franklin St., Tampa; 813-816-1446; cwginjoint.com
sparkman pier
If you want to grab a bite right by the waterfront while the Jose Gasparilla Pirate Ship sails through Garrison Strait, the expansive outdoor food hall is one of the best places to go. Enjoy food from vendors including Asian street food from Dang Dude, seafood from Edison’s Swigamajig, fruit-filled bowls from Fit Bowl Co., and desserts from Jeni’s Ice Creams.
More information: 615 Channelside Drive, Tampa; 813-618-5844, sparkmanwharf.com
Cru Cellars
For more than a decade, this small wine shop and restaurant on South MacDill Avenue has been serving up wine by the glass, seriously delicious small plates, and some of the best cheese and charcuterie platters in town. For a long day like Gasparilla, a platter full of cheese, meat, and condiments goes a long way.
More information: 2506 S. MacDill Ave., Tampa; 813-831-1117; crucellars.com
©2025 Tampa Bay Times. Visit tampabay.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
