Top Dining Spots to Celebrate Gasparilla
Pirates will invade Tampa’s waterfront on Jan. 25, 2025, celebrating 121 years since the city first launched its now-famous Gasparilla festival back in 1904. Starting at Bay to Bay and Bayshore boulevards, pirates will parade through downtown until they reach Brorein Street and Ashley Drive. The famous Jose Gasparilla II, a ship built in 1954, leads the water invasion.
Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla keeps the tradition alive, which comes from stories of Spanish pirate Jose Gaspar. What began as a May celebration has evolved into Tampa’s biggest winter event.
Local restaurants are preparing for the crowds. The newest spot, Barcelona Wine Bar, offers 400 wines near the bay. Just steps from the festivities, Cru Cellars celebrates ten years of serving small plates. Water Street is hopping with new places like The Pearl and Small Giant. Big Ray’s Fish Camp runs two popular spots, one along the parade route and another on the Riverwalk.
Early risers can get coffee and breakfast at Little Tina’s from 8 a.m. Downtown, CW’s Gin Joint serves drinks and food while live music plays. See the invasion kick off near Counter Culture, or take in the scene from Sparkman Wharf’s outdoor food court. For some 1920s charm, The Dan inside Hotel Flor offers a perfect view of the celebration.