IYKYK: Ybor City Secrets, Curated by Hotel Haya.
For us, Ybor City isn’t just a destination—it’s home. It’s a dynamic, architectural masterpiece where history is an active participant in everyday life.
To honor the cultural fabric of this storied district, we asked someone who knows its soul: Rachel Poole, our Director of Lifestyle and a third-generation Tampa resident. She’s curated an essential guide to experiencing Ybor like a true local.
Think of this as your access to the haunts, hideaways, and happenings that anchor the city’s evolving culture.
Culinary & Nightlife
Lara Apothecary Bar & Bizarre: A highly curated, multi-concept space. The ground level offers an inventive blending of cuisines alongside envelope-pushing cocktails, while upstairs you’ll find a mini-market highlighting local artists. Rent their private, speakeasy-style room for a singularly memorable night.
La Sétima Club: A plant-forward departure from the neighborhood norm. From rich "Buffalo chicken sliders" to the vegan Caesar, La Sétima proves 100% vegan tapas can surprise and satisfy. It’s all thoughtfully accompanied by natural wines and regular community events like trivia and maker markets.
Flor Fina: Located right inside Haya, this vibrant gathering point is our essential expression of Ybor’s heritage. The experiential, tapas-style dining is the perfect excuse to sample everything, and ever-evolving weekend brunch specials showcase the team’s unapologetic love for morning cuisine. Book a table for a themed Holiday Feast for a genuinely approachable and refreshingly affordable experience.
Sky Puppy Brewing: This community-minded brewery is housed in a character-rich space—the city’s original firehouse. Husband-and-wife owners serve up beers brewed onsite alongside natural wines. The taproom is adorned with dramatic bat sculptures that symbolize transition and the spirit of new beginnings in Ybor. Look for their two resident brewery cats and frequent drag shows, and be sure to ask for a behind-the-scenes tour.
Culture & Connection
Birdette’s Art Cafe: A welcoming space for personal expression. Birdette’s supplies all the necessary materials for drop-in crafting during open hours. Pop in for a creative date night, a relaxed girls' outing, or a solo evening dedicated to self-expression.
Chicken Yoga: Join us at Haya for a monthly gentle flow where abandoned chickens—rescued and protected by local effort The Ybor Misfits Microsanctuary—are brought in. The nominal class fee directly supports their vital work of caring for Ybor’s feathered friends.
Florida Museum of Photographic Arts (FMoPA): A dedicated stop for creative contemplation. Budget an hour or two to explore FMoPA’s curated exhibitions, and find an ideal, thoughtful retreat, especially on a rainy afternoon.
Ybor City Museum State Park: The best way to immerse yourself in the rich history of the neighborhood’s past. The museum is the gateway to exploring Centennial Park, which hosts the year-round Ybor City Saturday Market. It’s the perfect weekend stop for connecting with local makers and artisans.
Shopping
La France: A must-visit destination for those with an eye for vintage, eccentric fashion and unique finds. Since 1974, this gem of a shop has been a treasure trove for the discerning collector in the district
The Tijon Perfumery: In the market for a signature scent? Book an award-winning perfume-making class at this luxury fragrance lab. You'll receive step-by-step guidance to create a sensory artifact that is entirely your own.
