When it comes to seeing your favorite team, the Tampa Bay Lightning, play at Amalie Arena, the experience is often enhanced by a delicious meal beforehand or during the event. The good news is that the area surrounding the arena is teeming with amazing dining options, as well as food concessions that cater to a diverse range of preferences and tastes. Amalie Arena is not just a venue for sports and concerts; it also offers a diverse range of food concessions that will elevate your experience. This guide will explore the best food concessions at Amalie Arena, as well as the top restaurants nearby, to ensure you have a memorable culinary experience.
Cur(ate) TPA
Cur(ate) TPA is a culinary initiative that showcases sustainable food options and local flavors. This program emphasizes the use of fresh ingredients, as well as a diverse range of menu options, making it popular among visitors. It is located at various concession stands throughout the arena, offering signature items such as barbecue brisket, tacos, and gourmet popcorn.
Market on Four
You will find Market on Four on the 4th floor, in section 201. It is a vibrant space that offers a unique dining experience with stunning views of downtown Tampa. It offers patrons a variety of menu items, ranging from oversized cookies and milkshakes to traditional Neapolitan pizza and pasta, as well as chicken sandwiches, prime rib sliders, and sushi burritos. This is an excellent option if you and your friends can’t decide on what you want to eat, but you also want to have your meal on the go.
Wicked Oak BBQ
When going to your favourite sports game at Amalie Arena, it’s difficult to turn down award-winning BBQ. Wicked Oak BBQ is a must-visit concession for BBQ lovers. Signature items included loaded Mac and cheese, pulled pork sandwiches, and melt-in-your-mouth brisket. It is located at section 124, serving up the kind of BBQ to keep even the fussiest barbecue connoisseur happy.
Bull Market
Another great option if you’re looking for a fusion of flavors is Bull Market. Bull Market serves up a fusion of Asian and American flavors, with signature items including spring rolls, rice bowls, and Asian-inspired sandwiches. The Bull Market is located at section 311.
Easy Sliders
Perhaps you want to find something that is easily shareable among your friends and won’t leave you so full that you can’t get out of your chair and cheer on your favorite team. Easy Sliders is a great option with a variety of signature menu items, including Nashville chicken sliders and cheeseburger sliders. You will find this popular food concession in section 119.
Columbia Café
Perhaps you and your friends are keen to get out of the venue for a little bit, and find somewhere to sit down and relax and share a meal altogether before you find your seats. If this is the case, Columbia Cafe is a beloved establishment, known for its delicious Cuban cuisine. Located at 801 Old Water St., popular menu items include their Cuban sandwiches and 1905 salad. This well-known cafe offers a casual dining experience with outdoor seating, overlooking the Tampa River Walk, making it an excellent place to relax with your friends before the game.
American Social
Perhaps you and your friends are looking for more of a bar vibe, where you can not only get a hearty meal before the game, but you can also share a pre-game drink. American Social is a vibrant sports bar that offers a lively atmosphere and a diverse menu. Popular menu items include their craft cocktails, burgers, and tacos. Located at 601 S. Harbor Island Blvd., American Social offers waterfront views and live entertainment, making it an ideal spot for a fun dining experience before heading to the venue.
Jackson’s Bistro
Sometimes, you need something a little bit more upscale. If this is the case, then Jason’s Bistro has you covered. Known for waterfront views and upscale dining, Jackson’s Bistro is an excellent choice for a more refined meal. Popular menu items include flat breads, sushi, and seafood dishes. Located at 601 S Harbour Island Blvd, Suite 100, this restaurant offers a relaxed atmosphere and is perfect for a leisurely dinner before an event.
Watervue Grille
As you might have guessed by the name, this popular restaurant offers stunning views of downtown Tampa and specializes in fresh seafood. Popular menu items include shrimp cocktails, grilled fish, and a selection of craft cocktails. Located at 700 Harbour Post Drive, the restaurant’s waterfront setting provides a picturesque backdrop for dining, making it a popular option for those looking to sit down and relax with friends before the game.
Driftlight
Driftlight is a restaurant located within the JW Marriott, offering a modern dining experience with a focus on fresh American cuisine. Popular menu items include artisanal sandwiches, seasonal salads, and craft beers. Located at 510 Water St., Driftlight offers floor-to-ceiling windows, providing a vibrant atmosphere that complements its delicious menu.
Other Notable Restaurants
Other notable restaurants worth checking out include Fabrica Pizza, known to locals for its unforgettable Neapolitan-style pizzas. Fabrica Pizza is located at 142 S Meridian Ave. If you’re more in the mood for Japanese, Noble Rice, located at 615 Channel Side Drive, is a modern Japanese restaurant offering sushi and ramen. Lastly, Gaspar’s Grotto is a pirate-themed eatery with a relaxed, casual vibe, located at 1805 E 7th Ave.
Conclusion
Whether you are keen to hit up as many food concessions within Amalie Arena as possible, or you and your friends have decided to step out and explore the local dining options, the good news is that you have plenty to choose from. You might be looking for something a bit more upscale, or you’d rather find the nearest casual bar experience with exceptional waterfront views. No matter what, there’s something to satisfy every palate. Be sure to arrive early enough to enjoy a meal before the game, and don’t forget to explore the vibrant dining scene that Tampa has to offer.