Tampa Chat Room is here (Clearwater: condo, to live in, club)

[poohcorner]

Can anyone give me some information on Gameworks in Ybor? My husband's office party will be there.

[Keeper]

What do you want to know? Dress, Area?

[poohcorner]

Yes, dress and how safe is the area at night? I'm hearing that Ybor City isn't that safe at night. My husband and I have only been here 2 months and we haven't made it down there yet.

[tampaguy03]

Originally Posted by poohcorner

Yes, dress and how safe is the area at night? I'm hearing that Ybor City isn't that safe at night. My husband and I have only been here 2 months and we haven't made it down there yet.

You will hear alot of different things regarding "safety" in Ybor City. It is an entertainment district in a National Historic Landmark(think mini French Quarter, New Orleans) that is bordered by some rough neighborhoods just to the East(east of 22nd Street), and just to the north(north of Interstate 4). Dont wander in those areas(I dont know why you would, there is nothing there, and its way off the beaten path), Park in the City owned garages or lots(You can Valet on 9th Avenue behind the movie theaters and have your valet parking validated at any of the Centro Ybor restaurants or shops which includes GameWorks). There are close to 40k people that check the place out each weekend night...and incidents do happen, but with the amount of people in the area, you would think there would be more violence, but things happen everywhere(who knew a guy would walk in a mall today and shoot it up?). As with anywhere be aware of your surroundings, and stay within the district.
There are LOTS of great restaurants, funky shops, the BEST movie theater in the area, IMPROV comedy club, and some very cool pubs and live music venues. But after 11pm, it can get a bit rowdy, Im getting a bit older(still in my 30's), but typically dont like to stay in the area past midnight, just not my "cup of tea" anymore.

[poohcorner]

Thanks for the info Tampaguy. I'm excited about seeing the area although I'm not sure if I'll like Gameworks much. My husband said his coworkers are all talking about getting trashed so that should be interesting. His boss mentioned that perhaps he should have gotten hotel rooms for everyone. Fun, no?....lol...At least I'll get to check out Ybor!

[tampaguy03]

Originally Posted by poohcorner

Thanks for the info Tampaguy. I'm excited about seeing the area although I'm not sure if I'll like Gameworks much. My husband said his coworkers are all talking about getting trashed so that should be interesting. His boss mentioned that perhaps he should have gotten hotel rooms for everyone. Fun, no?....lol...At least I'll get to check out Ybor!

Next door to GameWorks is a great place called International Baazar, with items from all over the world, international dance classes and theater and shows, it's a very interesting place. There is also a Victoria's Secret next to that....on 7th Ave if you feel like doing a bit more shopping or browsing while the guys play video games and get "trashed", there are some great funky shops along 7th avenue from 16th street west to 14th streets.

[poohcorner]

Thanks for the info. I do love to shop..lol...Is Ybor more alive at night or is it busy during the day as well? My parents are coming down in January to visit and I was wondering if it could be a place to go. I'm trying to come up with some ideas for day trips since they'll be staying a week!

[Keeper]

It is open during the day too. You can go down 7th ave and stop for cuban coffee and cuban toast in several restuarants or breakfast. You can go to the old cigar factory where there are shops and restaurant located now. You can also tour the Casitas (houses)that have been restored. There is also a walking tour. There is also an open market in the square during certain months. Small but there are a lot of different things to buy
You might want to check out the book 'cigar city mafia' about the mafia activites in Ybor years ago. There are underground tunnels under some of the older buildings

Here is a good link about Ybor
Ybor City Chamber of Commerce - Visitor Information

[tampaguy03]

Originally Posted by poohcorner

Thanks for the info. I do love to shop..lol...Is Ybor more alive at night or is it busy during the day as well? My parents are coming down in January to visit and I was wondering if it could be a place to go. I'm trying to come up with some ideas for day trips since they'll be staying a week!

Ybor has a Saturday Morning Market Fresh Market at Centennial Park every satiruda from 9-3. Columbia Restaurant for lunch, there is a Coffee and Tea Room next to the Market in an historic old house.

[tonynorie]

Originally Posted by tampaguy03

Next door to GameWorks is a great place called International Baazar, with items from all over the world, international dance classes and theater and shows, it's a very interesting place. There is also a Victoria's Secret next to that....on 7th Ave if you feel like doing a bit more shopping or browsing while the guys play video games and get "trashed", there are some great funky shops along 7th avenue from 16th street west to 14th streets.

My ex-girlfriend worked at that Victoria's Secret......when they fired her they gave her a pink slip......